Justin Lappin is a South Carolina father who enjoys hunting, fishing, camping and outdoor life with his family. In the following article, Justin Lappin discusses the best family friendly outdoor activities in the state. Those who live for playing outdoors can find their mecca in South Carolina. It’s a state without outdoor boundaries, from romantic isolated beaches to the winding trails of the Appalachian Mountains. And it’s a place where every member of the family can find an outdoor adventure that seems tailor-made for them.

Justin Lappin on Kayaking on the Edisto

Justin Lappin says that the Edisto River offers an unforgettable tour of South Carolina’s low country, midlands, and coastal plain. While there are numerous ways to explore it, kayaking and canoeing is the way to go to get the best views of the state’s vast array of wildlife. And along the way, adventurers can park kayaks in front of a treehouse built for visitors to spend the night.

Picking Fruit at Fisher’s Peach Orchard

The small town of Greer is home to this popular orchard that lets visitors pick peaches throughout the summer. Justin Lappin says that one hasn’t fully lived until trying a South Carolina peach, and Fisher’s Peach Orchard offers 26 different varieties of them. Family-owned, Fisher’s planted its first trees in the 1930s, and many of them are kid-friendly sizes.

Getting Up in the Air at Hilton Head

Hilton Head has been a beach destination for decades. But for a more adventurous visit, try Aerial Adventure Hilton Head or Zipline Hilton Head for a boost of excitement. Justin Lappin says that the attractions overlook Broad Creek with treetops covering 15 acres, and with 50 different activities available, all experience levels are welcome. Be sure to check out the unforgettable canopy tour that takes visitors over three sky bridges and seven ziplines.

Exploring the Swamp Rabbit Trail

Downtown Greenville is surprisingly fun and artsy, according to Justin Lappin, but families who love the outdoors together should head straight to the Swamp Rabbit Trail. This 22-mile greenway is perfect for leisurely walks or a long bike ride. Any approach to the trail will be rewarded with scenic country views and journeys through quaint towns like Traveler’s Rest. It’s the perfect way to experience Greenville, especially for first-time visitors. Before embarking on the trail Justin Lappin says to consider exploring Falls Park on the Reedy smack dab in the middle of downtown Greenville. It’s a park unlike any other, replete with waterfalls, walking trails, and the unique Liberty Bridge.

Viewing Sea Life on Isle of Palms

Just outside of South Carolina’s busier coastal destinations is Capers Island Preserve, a barrier island close to Isle of Palms. Here, family-friendly ecotours offer dolphin, bald eagle, and heron sightings. If that’s not remarkable enough, Justin Lappin reports that private charters offer options for all-day crabbing, fishing, and exploration of South Carolina’s iconic salt marches. And at the end of the day, the family can relax during beach cookouts, complete with s’mores. What's better than that?

Going Speedboating on Charles Harbor

Why go boating in South Carolina when you can go speedboating? The Charleston Harbor Speedboat Adventure will impress even the most angsty teenager with this fast-paced aquatic tour, taking riders from downtown Charleston to the famous Battery and taking in all the wildlife around the way. Though the tour is geared toward those 15 years old and up, it is safe for children as young as 3.

Camping at Paris Mountain State Park

Go a little beat off the beaten path in Greenville at this rustic retreat featuring 40 campsites and additional trailside campsites on its north Loop. Paris Mountain includes not just 15 miles of biking and hiking trails but four lakes to appease the canoeing and paddle boating lovers in the family.

Rafting on the Chattooga

Justin Lappin says that a rafting trip on Oconee County’s popular Chattooga River is life-changing, with white water rapids that churn and tumble like no other. It’s a challenging journey over 80 kilometers that feature descents about 15 meters a kilometer all along the way. But it’s a journey that’s definitely well worth it.

Relaxing at Beachwalker County Park

Kiawah Island’s somewhat hidden public park is also home to a hidden gem of a beach. Recently named one of the very best county parks in America, Beachwalker’s tidal inlets are great for all-day kayaking and canoeing for the entire family explains Justin Lappin. As a bonus, it’s far less crowded than other South Carolina beaches and parks, even in the thick of summer.