Looking for a beach vacation that every age group in your family will enjoy? The beaches and towns of NC’s Brunswick Islands are home to plenty of kid-friendly adventures that are perfect for both children and adults. With exciting attractions like lighthouses and a Swamp Park, to adventurous activities like surf lessons and fishing excursions, you can guarantee that your child won’t be bored this summer! Check out these 5 family-friendly summer adventures that your child will love during your trip to the Brunswick Islands.
Fishing Charters
If your crew includes kids on the adventurous side, then consider taking them on the ultimate blue water adventure aboard a fishing charter.
Take your pick from larger boats navigating in waters as far out as the Gulf Stream, or smaller charters that offer inshore fishing adventures along marsh creeks and inlets. All charters are guided by our area’s experienced local captains, and you'll find plenty of options that fit your family’s schedule. From half-day to all-day excursions on private charters, to head boats that offer excursions where the kids can be part of a larger group.
Be sure to check out the full range of available charters in the Brunswick Islands so you can find and book one that offers the best services for your group. Children who want to go fishing but prefer to stay closer to land can opt to fish from one of our ocean piers, or spend the day casting into the surf from one of our pristine beaches.
Surfing Lessons
Are your children excited at the idea of trying something new while on vacation? If so, they'll be in for a real treat when you surprise them with a surfing lesson!
The Brunswick Islands are home to several local outfitters in the area who offer surfing lessons for people all ages and skill levels. This means surfing lessons are one of the best outdoor family activities to try this summer. Best of all, the beaches in North Carolina's Brunswick Islands have gentle slopes, relatively smaller waves, and warm waters, so it's perfect for beginner surfers who are ready to start catching and riding waves.
If your family prefers to stay dry while they paddle through the water, then consider treating them to a kayak excursion instead! There are several expert adventure outfitters in the area who provide equipment, training, and guide services. Kayaking trips are another way your family can have fun exploring our area's local creeks and rivers, salt marshes, and the Intracoastal Waterway.
Lighthouse Climbs
Children who love history and the thrill of heights can climb to the top of both the oldest and newest lighthouse in North Carolina, both located in the Brunswick Islands!
Climbing the Oak Island Lighthouse on Caswell Beach is one of the best free family activities in the Brunswick Islands. The lighthouse is free to climb with reservations made at least 2 weeks before your visit. Climbers nine years old and up can navigate up the unique series of ship ladders with 131 steps leading to the top where a breathtaking 360-degree view of the Atlantic Ocean awaits. You can book your guided tour through the Oak Island Lighthouse website.
Built in 1958, the Oak Island Lighthouse was the last lighthouse built in North Carolina. Prefer to climb the oldest lighthouse standing in the state? Your family can take the ferry over to Bald Head Island and climb to the top of Old Baldy.
Open to climbers of all ages, the view at the top rewards you and your kids with a special perspective of the island's undeveloped and natural beauty. Be sure to visit the Old Baldy Lighthouse & Museum website for current ticket pricing and hours of operation. Built in 1817, Old Baldy has maintained its original form and location for over 200 years, making it a can’t miss family activity while on the island.
Dolphin Cruises
An adventure cruise to spot dolphins is perfect for entertaining both children and adults!
Head over to Calabash and take your pick from the Calabash Fishing Fleet or the Hurricane Fleet for a daytime cruise. Families will depart from the Calabash waterfront and venture along the Intracoastal Waterway and out into the Atlantic Ocean. You'll typically ride right by the working shrimp boats where dolphins love to feast!
For a dolphin sunset cruise, head over to Sunset Beach for an eco-tour and dolphin cruise with Tideline Charters, or make your way to Southport and witness dolphins at play on a sunset cruise with Southport By Seaside Boat Tours or Southport Water Tours. No matter which route you take, nothing will compare to the joy of seeing dolphins flip around!
Zipline and ATV Tours at The Swamp Park
Looking for your family’s next outdoor adventure? There’s no better place than The Swamp Park.
Located on the mainland area of Ocean Isle Beach, this family-friendly outdoor adventure center offers excursions for all age groups to enjoy, including zipline, guided ATV, swamp boat eco-tours, plus an aerial adventure park and more!
Kids aged 10 and older can take a cypress canopy zipline tour with 10 zipline stations and 3 bridges to catch a bird's eye view of the Shallotte River Swamp and its wildlife. Older teens, ages 16 and up, with a valid driver’s license can also navigate through the swamp's pristine forest and through the mud on a guided ATV tour. Riders as young as 8 years old are also invited to get in on the fun!
After that, children as young as 4 years old can take on the ultimate challenge at the aerial adventure park with 53 different obstacles! The aerial park also includes an interactive "Kiddie Park" for its youngest visitors, and each ticket provides access to the mile-long nature walking trail and the Alligator Sanctuary. Before you book activities for your children, it's best to visit The Swamp Park's website to check the age or height requirements for each excursion.
Adventure in NC’s Brunswick Islands
Planning a beach trip that will satisfy everyone in your family is easy when you choose to vacation in North Carolina's Brunswick Islands.
Still in the process of planning your trip? Check out our blog post with helpful information and tips for planning ahead and preparing for your family’s beach vacation to the Brunswick Islands. You can also discover more things to do with kids here. Once you're ready to start looking and booking, visit www.ncbrunswick.com.