Whether you’re planning to travel to North Carolina’s Brunswick Islands for the first time or the fifth time, you’ll find there is no shortage of things to do for your teenager in NC’s Brunswick Islands. Check out our activity, restaurant, and places to stay recommendations below, and as you plan your trip make sure to involve your teens. Sending them this blog is a great start!

Activities for Teenagers in NC’s Brunswick Islands

For the Outdoor Types:

No beach trip is complete without some time in the sand. Whether laying back in a beach chair, walking the shore in search of seashells, or building a sandcastle with friends and family, the beach is full of endless ways to spend the day. Some of our other recommendations include:

  • Signing them up for a summer surfing camp. There are several camps organized across our islands, including on Ocean Isle Beach and Oak Island.
  • Play a game on the beach, whether it’s bocce, spike ball, or some other variety. Volleyball nets are available for use near the Monroe St. beach access on Ocean Isle Beach. Nets are also located near the Oak Island Pier on Oak Island.
  • Go swimming, boogie boarding, or skim boarding. Local beach stores are sure to carry the equipment needed to enjoy your afternoon by the ocean.

Outdoor fun for teenagers exists beyond the beaches of NC’s Brunswick Islands too. From the Intracoastal Waterway to the maze of marshes on the other side of our islands, a guided kayaking trip is a day’s worth of fun for your teen.

group of people kayaking

How about booking a fishing charter to take the family out for a scenic sunset cruise or an inshore fishing trip? Depending on the size of your group, you could even let the teens have a boat to themselves (under the guidance of our experienced boat captains, of course). 

For the Thrill Seekers:

You’ll never hear the words, “Mom, I’m bored,” while taking part in these thrilling activities.

Top of Oak Island Lighthouse on Caswell Beach

Go on a free guided climb of the Oak Island Lighthouse in Caswell Beach. Unlike other lighthouses, the Oak Island Lighthouse uses ships ladder steps to reach the upper balcony, which sits over 100 feet off the ground. Reservations for the Oak Island Lighthouse should be made at least 2 weeks in advance and up to 6 weeks ahead of summer visits.

Take on the adventures of The Swamp Park in Ocean Isle Beach. Choose from a zipline over the treetops of a swamp, an aerial adventure course, guided ATV trail ride, or do them all!

The Tiki Recreation Center and OIB Supertrack, also in Ocean Isle Beach, is where your teen can race head-to-head on a classic outdoor go-kart track.

The “Let’s Explore” Type:

With six beaches across five islands, there’s no end to the exploration across North Carolina’s Brunswick Islands. A great thing, if you’re teen is the type who can’t sit still.

Spend the afternoon scouting filming locations in Southport. This charming coastal town has been a favorite filming location for movie and television productions for decades. Locals are particularly proud of the town’s starring role in Safe Haven, but more recent projects include The Summer I Turned Pretty, The Waterfront, and the soon to premiere Outer Banks. Walking tour brochures are available downtown at the Fort Johnston Museum and Visitors Center.

Safe Haven filming location at the Southport Yacht Basin

Beyond the filming sights, Southport is also an excellent place to spend the afternoon window shopping, strolling the waterfront, and soaking in the history of coastal Carolina.

Across the Cape Fear River from Southport sits Bald Head Island, another great place to explore for a day. The island is accessible only by ferry and does not allow cars. Meaning, on Bald Head Island visitors and locals get around by golf cart, bikes, and by foot. A large portion of the island is dedicated to conservation and is overseen by the Bald Head Island Conservancy. In the summer, the Conservancy regularly hosts programming and summer camps to educate visitors about its work with sea turtles, shore birds, and other species.

For the Family Bookworm:

While you may not be able to convince your bookworm to get their nose out of a book while on vacation, you might be able to convince them to get their toes in the sand. Free community lending libraries are located across the Brunswick Islands. Check out our Little Libraries blog for more information.

Look out for these bookstores too:

Pair the book with a cozy drink from one of the many coffee shops in the Brunswick Islands.

Other Activities for Teens in NC’s Brunswick Islands:

Let them indulge in a bit of retail therapy while on vacation. Pop into a small business or stop by one of the many outdoor markets happening in the summer months. Make sure to visit our Events page for a list of seasonal events taking place closer to your visit. Popular summer activities include free outdoor concerts, turtle talks, festivals, and more.

What’s a beach vacation without a friendly game of mini golf? You’ll find courses throughout the Brunswick Islands:

  • Ocean Isle Mini Golf – Ocean Isle Beach
  • River Country Mini Golf - Ocean Isle Beach
  • Flamingo Snowballs and Mini Golf – Holden Beach
  • Fantasy Isle Ice Cream and Mini Golf – Holden Beach
  • Treasure Island Miniature Golf – Holden Beach
  • Oak Island Jungle Golf – Oak Island
  • The Golf Barn – Winnabow
  • Tropical Adventure Mini Golf – Calabash

Bowling in Shallotte at Planet Fun

The fun won’t stop on a rainy day. Visit the Ingram Planetarium in Sunset Beach, the Museum of Coastal Carolina on Ocean Isle Beach, or play a game of bowling or laser tag at the Planet Fun Center in Shallotte.

For even more activity suggestions including museums, nature preserves, golf, and more check out our Things to Do page.

Restaurants: Let Them Pick a Favorite:

You’ll find fresh local seafood prepared just the way you like it in NC’s Brunswick Islands, but that doesn’t mean you won’t also find your family’s familiar go-to’s. Before you start planning your group’s meals, how about asking your teen what sounds good from the list of restaurants below. And visit our 10 Top Places for Breakfast in North Carolina’s Brunswick Islands for breakfast, or let’s face it, brunch suggestions. For dessert, check out our selection of ice cream shops.

a handcrafted pizza with pepperoni, sausage, and onions

Pizza Places in NC’s Brunswick Islands

Burger Joints in NC’s Brunswick Islands

a meal of fries and shrimp tacos with a view of a canal on Ocean Isle Beach

Generational Favorites

Calabash-Style Seafood

Family Fine Dining

Depending on the size of your group, don’t hesitate to ask about a reservation for your party.

a girl sitting on a rocking chair on a deck of a vacation rental house on the beach

Booking Accommodation: A Little Extra Room for Everyone

Booking accommodation that allows family to come together while also retreating into their own space after the day is done is especially valuable while on vacation. That’s why booking a vacation rental home is a popular choice for many families. Whether you prioritize a beautiful view, a fully equipped kitchen, or a pool to gather around, you’ll find there’s room for everyone in a vacation rental. For smaller groups, hotels, inns, and bed & breakfasts are a great option too.

When it comes to location, staying beachfront means convenience and freedom for your teen to enjoy walks on the beach with easy accessibility.

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Are the Brunswick Islands a good place to bring teenagers on vacation?

Yes! For decades, generations of families have returned to North Carolina’s Brunswick Islands because there are things to do for every age group in the area. Check out the “Activities for Teenagers” section of this blog for recommendations and visit our Things to Do page for more suggestions.

  1. Are the Brunswick Islands beaches safe for teens?

Our miles of uncrowded and pristine beaches make them a great place to spend time as a family. Our beaches are not monitored by lifeguards, but select beach accesses on Ocean Isle Beach, Sunset Beach, Holden Beach, Oak Island, and Bald Head Island are equipped with flotation device stations throughout the summer season. Visit our Beach Safety page for safety tips.

  1. Which Brunswick Island is the best for teens?

With 6 beaches across 5 islands there are a couple of Brunswick Islands to pick from, and each has its own unique character.

  • Oak Island: numerous beach accesses, a skate park, two public ocean piers, a nature center, and lots of local shops
  • Caswell Beach: near the activity of Oak Island but much quieter and home to the Oak Island Lighthouse
  • Holden Beach: a quiet beach great for shelling, kayaking, and biking
  • Ocean Isle Beach: a family favorite thanks to its ocean pier complex (with an arcade), a museum, and lots of dining options
  • Sunset Beach: the place for a quiet escape, outdoor activities like kayaking and hiking to the Kindred Spirit Mailbox are especially popular, home to a planetarium off the island
  • Bald Head Island: a true escape, outdoor activities like kayaking and biking are especially popular, other activities at the Bald Head Conservancy and Bald Head Island Club

Ready to start planning your family’s trip to North Carolina’s Brunswick Islands? Visit www.ncbrunswick.com to get started.