YES, Carolina Beach is one of the most family-friendly beaches on the east coast! Carolina Beach, North Carolina, is a wonderful destination for families, offering a variety of activities that cater to all ages. Here’s a list of the top 20 family-friendly activities you can enjoy:
- Carolina Beach State Park: Hike the trails, go fishing, enjoy a picnic, go kayaking, explore the museum. Don’t miss the Flytrap Trail, where you can see local carnivorous plants, unique to our area and not found anywhere else. Our favorite hike is Sugarloaf, park here to start at the trailhead and hike along the Cape Fear River.
- Carolina Beach Boardwalk: Take a stroll along the boardwalk, enjoy rides, games, and grab some classic beachside treats. The vintage Boardwalk is one of just a few left in the nation. Here’s a great guide on where to park if you’re looking to visit during the summer when parking is limited.
- Beach Day: Spend the day on the sandy shores of Carolina Beach, building sandcastles, swimming, and sunbathing. Look for cool shells and walk the dog during with the whole family during sunset as these beaches. Park at your vacation rental near the Boardwalk and don’t worry about finding or paying for a parking spot.
- Kure Beach Fishing Pier: Cast a line off one of the oldest fishing piers on the Atlantic coast or walk to the very end past the waves breaking. George the Pelican is a local celebrity, and often snacks on bait and shrimp nearby. Tell him we said hello if you see him! Here are a few restaurants near the pier that are great options before or after sunset.
- Britt’s Donut Shop: Treat the family to world-famous donuts, a tradition since 1939.
- Freeman Park: Explore this beach area, perfect for camping, fishing, and four-wheel driving. Pets are allowed here all year long! Day or yearly passes are available for purchase to access Freeman Park 4X4 park.
- Fort Fisher State Recreation Area: Enjoy the beautiful beach, go shell hunting, or have a picnic under the live oak trees.
- Kayaking on the Intracoastal Waterway: Rent a kayak and paddle through the serene waters, great for all ages. Several guided tours are available. We recommend checking out to Mahanaim Adventures.
- Paddleboarding: Try stand-up paddleboarding along the calm waters of the Intracoastal Waterway. Don’t forget to wear a life jacket!
- Bike Rentals: Rent bikes and explore the island on two wheels, with many kid-friendly paths. Tony Silvagni Beach Bike Rentals are only 2 blocks away from the Carolina Clover cottage.
- NC Aquarium at Fort Fisher: Discover marine life, from sea turtles to sharks, and enjoy interactive exhibits. Especially great on a rainy day if you’re not able to visit the beach!
- Fort Fisher Historic Site: Explore the Civil War fort and learn about its history with educational displays. Hike to the Fort Fisher Hermit WWII Bunker, perfect for children of all ages.
- Snorkeling and Scuba Diving: Explore the underwater world off the coast, perfect for older kids and teens.
- Surf Lessons: Learn to surf with lessons tailored for beginners, including children. Tony Silvagni’s NC Surf School is your go-to for all things surfing on the island.
- Carolina Beach Lake Park: Rent paddle boats and explore the freshwater lake. The dock is located right on the north side of the lake. Walk, run, bike and take the whole family on the Carolina Beach Lake Loop Trail. It’s less than a mile long and a perfect way to exercise with your family all while holding ice cream cones from nearby Squiglies.
- Family Movie Night at the Lake: Watch a family-friendly movie under the stars at Carolina Beach Lake Park.
- Summer Fireworks at the Boardwalk: Enjoy weekly summer fireworks on the beach every Thursday @ 9PM from Memorial Day to Labor Day. We recommend picking up pizza or donuts (order them ahead of time) for the show!
- Live Music and Festivals: Attend various events, such as the Carolina Beach Music Festival, with family-friendly music and activities.
- Carolina Beach Arcade: Play classic and modern arcade games right on the boardwalk.
- Putt Putt Golf at Putter Pub: Enjoy a round of family-friendly mini-golf on the island.
- Amusement Park Rides: Visit the seasonal amusement park at the Carolina Beach Boardwalk, with rides available for everyone in the whole-family. Shop for special discounts during the off-season or mid-week and plan to have dinner on the Boardwalk since you will be right there.
- Federal Point History Center: Learn about the history of Carolina Beach, Kure Beach, and Fort Fisher through an array of exhibits and artifacts. Helpful volunteer staff are available to answer questions about our area’s history! Find their hours of operation here.
- Local Ice Cream Shops: Treat the kids to a cone or sundae from one of the local ice cream parlors. We recommend Squigley’s Ice Cream & Treats since its only a few houses away from The Sunrise Shack. Please note: Squigley’s is a local favorite, the line extends out to the street on most nights during the summer.
- Tiki Bars and Restaurants: Many offer outdoor seating with live music and space for kids to play while parents relax. We recommend Ocean Grill & Tiki Bar and Hurricane Alley’s on the Boardwalk. Both of these establishments are family-friendly, have oceanfront views, and frequent live-music.
- Shopping at the Boardwalk: Explore unique shops offering beachwear, toys, and souvenirs. These shops primarily consist of your classic touristy beach shops. But there are some local shops too, like the Carolina Surf Brand, located right on the Carolina Beach Boardwalk!
These activities offer a range of options for families visiting Carolina Beach, ensuring everyone from toddlers to grandparents can have a memorable and fun-filled experience!