August 2003 - Day Trippin While "the family that plays together, stays together," sounds optimistic, what happens if by August the family announces that boredom has become an issue? Take heart. In and around Hilton Head, there are many things to do and places to go that cater specifically to families. While many families know they can spend an entire day (or vacation) at Adventure Cove Family Fun Center off Folly Field Road (a much-loved location because it has everything: miniature golf, driving range, batting cages, a virtual reality roller coaster, bumper cars, laser arena and the island's only 4-D motion theatre), there is more to explore. Take a few great field trips and some expertly guided tours within a day's travel distance from Hilton Head, and you could become a bona fide history enthusiast. For example, call 838-3185 for Rev's Step On Tours if a personalized Gullah tour in your car sounds intriguing. Or, to visit ten neighborhoods established during the Civil War, get aboard the Gullah Heritage Trail Tours. The bus stops and starts at the Gullah Flea Market on Wed., Fri., Sat. and Sun. The charm of Beaufort can be admired from a horse-drawn carriage; tours vary in content but guides always touch on area history in a delightful manner. Or, you can get to Beaufort by boat if you call Captain Wayne at 592-BITE. He and his crew will pick you up for a day of sightseeing on the Alysa Lynn, known to be a special day and a great trip with a USCG captain who knows the area and how to travel the waterways of the Lowcountry. For more Beaufort tour information, visit www.beaufort.com/tours. Ever wonder why Savannah is one the most romantic settings in the country? Take a tour. Savannah's rich history can be experienced by horse and buggy or on narrated walking tours. The Ghosts and Legends of Savannah's 90- minute tour was featured on CNN Travel as well as other programs. Other tours highlight Civil War, botanical, architecture, and literary interests. While visiting Savannah seems to be an outdoor experience with its exciting riverfront area, there are several historic houses and private residences to be toured, not to mention the Savannah History Museum at the Visitors Center, the Mighty 8th Air Force Heritage Museum off I-95, and the Ships of the Sea Maritime Museum on King Blvd. For a complete "What To Do in Charleston Day by Day Itinerary," visit www.charleston.com or email jeanette@charleston.com. She'll tell you where to eat, all about the historic sites, waterfront and amusement parks, South Carolina Aquarium, barrier island eco-tours, easy ways to get into and out of Charleston, downtown parking tips, and provide a full calendar of events. Highlights include eating at Aaron's Deli, Hyman's Seafood, and Captain Guild's Cafe. And for some, taking a bucket of fried chicken to a picnic at James Island County Park can be as fun as taking plantation tours at Middleton Place, Drayton Plantation, and Boone Hall Plantation. For a retreat a closer to home, check out Palm Key, "The Nature Getaway," on Knowles Island. Families enjoy nature-based activities at a cost of $35 per person a day that includes two meals. Cozy cottage rentals range from $140 to $190. See www.palmkey.com to view the cottages. 800-228-8420. Hunting Island State Park, another popular spot for camping and recreation, is open from 6 a.m.-9 pm. April through Sept., and to 6 pm Oct. through March. Be sure to hike the onemile trail to the lighthouse built in 1873, and bring binoculars. Over 125 species of birds have been reported here. The admission fee is nominal, but call ahead to reserve. 843-838-2011. Wherever you end up, have fun! Whether headed out to visit grandparents or Disney World, you can still love each other after the trip is over. Simply temper those backseat complaints with any of the following solutions. Nothing maintains calm in the car like the promise of: o A car ride treat (any snack that takes a long time to eat, isn't all that messy and something you don't usually eat at home). Individual cheese and crackers with red plastic stick for spreading, candy necklaces you can wear and eat, or cranberry nut mix (dried cranberries, shelled pistachios, and yogurtcovered raisins). o A good story on audiotape (see your local library or any Cracker Barrel restaurant). o A bag of surprises: Art Supplies - paper, washable markers, pens, Mad Libs. Colored Pipe Cleaners - small pair of scissors to cut pipe cleaners. Playing Cards - novelty or plain, magnetic if you can find them. Travel-Size Games - Yahtzee, Boggle, Pass the Pigs. o Fun Games 20 Questions: Pick a person, place or thing; answers must be "yes" or "no." Geography: Start with any place in the world - Kansas, for example. The next person has to name a place that begins with the last letter of Kansas. A is for Armadillo: Starting with A, be the first person to spot and name three items that begin with A, then choose the next letter. License Plate Lingo: Come up with a phrase using the letter on a car's plates. For example, LMT 325, the first person to call out a somewhat logical phrase such as "Love me tender" or "Lost my tooth" earns a point. Find It: Compete against each other or work as a team to spot items on a list (dog in a car, sign with "welcome" or "no" on it, crane, someone wearing a hat, cemetery). Silly Stories: Each person tells one line or paragraph of a made-up story. If all else fails, there's always thumb wrestling! If you can't get off island, here are just a few suggestions for other fun-filled family activities: o Harbour Town Cruises, 842-7933. o Family Kayak Excursions, 842-9763 or Broad Creek Kayaking Tours 342-3508. o Crabber J II at Shelter Cove, 842-7002. o Outside Hilton Head Kids Summer Adventures, 686-6996. o Charter Fishing/Shrimping on the Tammy Jane from the dock at Hudson's Seafood House, 384-733 or www.tammyjane.com o Four- or six-hour trips with Captain Joe Cox on the Bonnie Rae, 683-6060 or 706-2181. o Rent a limo and see the island in style, Low Country Adventures, Ltd. 681-8212. oWater Fun Park, South Forest Beach Drive. Toddler pool, three water slides, miniature golf. o Coastal Discovery Museum Summer Series, 689-6767 ext. 223. o Interactive Dinner Theatre: Port Royal Clubhouse, 681-1700. o Kid movies at Park Plaza Cinemas, $2 every Tuesday and Wednesday. o Island Cooking School, Kids in the Kitchen, Edible Pursuits, Port Royal Plaza, 681-3505.