CoastalGuide.com logo

2026 Kid Friendly Activities Guide

Ferry Landing Park

Ferry Landing Park, nestled at the end of Shallotte Boulevard in Ocean Isle Beach, is a peaceful waterfront destination that offers visitors a glimpse of the area’s natural beauty and laid-back coastal charm. Located along the Intracoastal...

Colonial Park

Visitors to Edenton's Colonial Park will find a veritable world of local attractions and gorgeously scenic landscapes just minutes away from the expansive parking area. A postcard-perfect place to picnic, paddle, or just take off for a leisurely...

James Island County Park

The expansive James Island County Park has a unique distinction as being one of the most entertaining and diverse destination in the Lowcountry. Able to accommodate a world of interests, from camping and fishing to splashing around in a seasonal...

Dixieland Speedway

Summertime Friday nights are hot in Elizabeth City, thanks mainly to the Dixieland Speedway, a 3/8th mile dirt track that attracts stock car, go-kart and motorcycle racers from all across the eastern North Carolina region. An exciting spot with a...

Isle of Palms County Park

Isle of Palms County Park is a welcoming and well-maintained coastal destination that offers everything visitors need for a perfect day at the beach. Managed by Charleston County Parks and Recreation, this popular beachfront park combines natural...

Myrtle Beach Skywheel

It's impossible for oceanfront beach-goers to miss Myrtle Beaches' literal top attraction, the Myrtle Beach Skywheel. The nearly 190' tall Ferris wheel is a relatively new beachside attraction, but is easily one of the Grand Strand's biggest and...

Apache Pier is one of the most iconic and well-loved fishing piers on the Grand Strand. Known for being the longest wooden pier on the East Coast, it stretches far out over the Atlantic Ocean, offering visitors a classic coastal experience steeped...

Mount Pleasant Pier and Waterfront Park offer a stunning and serene escape that blends Lowcountry beauty with inviting public space and panoramic views of the Charleston Harbor. Located beneath the iconic Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge, this picturesque...

Join us on an entertaining, 90-minute action packed adventure through one of America's largest living film sets! See 100’s of actual film locations, props and set pieces, & hear behind the scenes stories from hits like: One Tree Hill ...

Thomson Park is a peaceful, historically significant waterfront space that offers visitors a quiet place to relax while reflecting on the island’s rich past. Tucked away near the western end of the island, this small but meaningful park sits...

The North Carolina Aquarium on Roanoke Island has become a beloved attraction for Outer Banks vacationers and an annual outing for seasoned visitors who are young and young at heart. The 68,000-square-foot complex covers all aspects of Outer Banks...

Climb Aboard the Crystal Dawn Head Boat and Enjoy an Awesome Day of Head Boat Fishing or an Amazing Sunset Cruise! Bring the Whole Family! Fish for a variety of species, including spot, croaker, flounder, grey trout, speckled trout...

Walk, Run, Just Have Fun! From Corolla to Avon, family-friendly, weekly 5k racing on the Outer Banks. Everyone gets a t-shirt, medal, light snacks and refreshments at our post race party. A veteran owned business, The OBX Running Company brings...

Happy Days scenic tours allows you to view everything the Beaufort waterfront has to offer! This includes everything from fishing vessels, historic landmarks, local shops, salt marshes and a variety of wildlife - including the famous wild horses!

  HWY 12 Amusements in Rodanthe offers family‑friendly fun beyond the beach, with laser tag, a full arcade, bowling, and a striking outdoor climbing wall. Conveniently located on NC Highway 12, it’s a go‑to spot for rainy days...

Pier 14 is a beloved oceanfront destination that blends the classic charm of a fishing pier with the vibrant energy of the Grand Strand. Stretching gracefully over the Atlantic Ocean just off North Ocean Boulevard, this scenic pier offers a variety...

Corolla Adventure Golf is Corolla’s newest attraction! The 27-hole Corolla-themed mni-golf course offers challenging play for all ages. The Bumper Cars put a smile on everyone’s face whether you are watching from the side lines or...

Located just South of Salvo proper, the Salvo Day Use Area provides a peaceful haven for families, beachgoers, and watersports lovers. This park offers the perfect backdrop for taking in the Outer Banks' rich history and natural beauty. Everyone may...

Come check out Battle Works for a fun and entertaining experiences including axe throwing, laser tag, and nerf wars!

Located on the southern end of Emerald Isle, and easy to reach for visitors staying throughout the Crystal Coast, Mac Daddy’s is the destination of choice for countless fun-seeking vacationers of all ages who want a big dose of entertainment...

Destination Fun continues to be a high‑energy favorite for indoor entertainment in Kill Devil Hills, offering a lively break from the beach that appeals to all ages. Located along South Croatan Highway, the longtime Outer Banks attraction has...

Game on Escape Rooms offers physical adventure games in which players solve a series of puzzles and riddles using clues, hints and strategy to complete the objectives at hand. These experiences are great for ages 10 and up. Two different escape...

The 2nd Avenue Pier is a historic and beloved oceanfront landmark that offers a quintessential slice of coastal life right in the heart of the city. Stretching out into the Atlantic Ocean from the south end of the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk, this...

Located on the edge of the Bulkhead Channel which leads to the Back Sound, the Radio Island Beach Access is a unique and wonderfully convenient beach destination for both Morehead City and Beaufort visitors.

The North Carolina History Center, which is part of the extensive Tryon Palace, is a new 65 million dollar complex which transports visitors back in time to explore New Bern’s more than 300 years of local history.

Foliage fans and gardening enthusiasts from all over the country will love a day trip to the Elizabethan Gardens. Tucked away in Manteo within the Fort Raleigh National Historic Site, this 10 acre Roanoke soundfront locale is home to hundreds of...

Jennette’s Pier in Nags Head offers fishing and fun for the entire family! Go fishing, take a family fishing class or simply walk out to the end of this 1,000-foot-long, concrete ocean pier.

Just across the Cape Fear River from Wilmington, the town of Belville has quietly cultivated one of the region's finest hidden gems for nature lovers and community gatherings. Situated directly opposite the western banks of Eagles Island on the...

One of Kure Beach’s newest pubic parks is already becoming one of its most popular, thanks to a prime location along the oceanfront, and a host of concerts, shows, and special events that have all been held within its borders. The Kure Beach...

An Italian and American restaurant with a huge recreation room including pool tables. 

Arrowhead Park is a fun destination for Wilmington locals and visitors alike to take a break from the waves, and dive into a little outdoor entertainment outside the waterfront realm. Located just south of the heart of the Wilmington, and easy to...

Atlantic Dance has been teaching kids dance on the Outer Banks since 1995. Atlantic Dance offers classes in tap, jazz, hip hop and lyrical with a primary concentration in classical ballet. At Atlantic Dance, little girls learn grace and achieve...

Avalon Fishing Pier offers everything you need for a long, enjoyable day (or night!) of fishing. First built in 1958, Avalon Fishing Pier is about 700 feet long, stretching out to the Atlantic Ocean over 12 to 15 feet of water.  Located at...

Aviation Park in Kill Devil Hills offers a fun, active retreat from the beach for everyone in the family. The town park offers a playground, ball field, frog pond, fitness trail, roller hockey rink and the very popular Aviation Skatepark.

Commune with nature and take photos of the pristine Outer Banks!

The Bald Head Island Club is an elite introduction to all the finer things that this small island community has to offer. Comprising of a championship 18-hole golf course, fine dining options, tennis and fitness facilities, and a relaxed atmosphere...

There's a reason why the wild terrain of Bald Head Island and its surrounding islands remains distinctively wild, and the primary responsibility of retaining this native nature is in the hands of the local Bald Head Island Conservancy. Overseeing a...

There's a reason why Beaufort earned the title of the "Coolest Small Town in the USA" by national publication Budget Travel Magazine, and one of the driving forces behind this honor is Beaufort's dedicated preservation of its history, orchestrated...

Blue Life Charters stands out as your premier provider of private boat tours in Charleston, SC, blending family ownership with expert operation. We take immense pride in delivering a luxury yacht experience without the accompanying luxury price tag.

Quaint and quiet with a lovely outdoor feel to it, Kathy and Anna feel they have accomplished what they set out to do, create a place where people can Sip, Relax and Enjoy Life for A While. Come visit us at The Calabash Garden Tea Room & Gift...

Fish or go a pirating on board the Cap'N Clam

Cape Fearless Extreme is a family-friendly aerial adventure course set on 25 acres of forest just 20 miles west of Wilmington, North Carolina. The courses contain a mixture of obstacles and challenges ranging from ziplines, Tarzan swings, hanging...

The Children's Museum of Wilmington, located in historic Downtown Wilmington on Orange Street, is an ideal destination for adventurous kids who want a day full of imagination exploring the world of art, science, and even pirates! Designed...

Club Hatteras is available free to all guests who vacation with Hatteras Realty. The Club has the largest swimming pool on the island, along with a 6-hole putting green, a kids’ playground and two regulation tennis courts.It offers early...

Coastal Creamery OBX sells a wide variety of frozen treats: hard scooped ice cream, soft serve frozen yogurts, sorbet, and custard, and our dairy free selection of Italian Ices. They serve in cones or cups with all of the toppings available and...

Enjoy nature and adventure by kayak, horse or boat!

Have fun golfing and enjoying a host of watersports!

A fll service surf shop offering lessons, new equipment, clothing and rentals. 

Corolla Water Sports is the original, most comprehensive, and best water sports location on the Northern Outer Banks. We have been providing a first class facility for many years, and have had thousands of happy customers over this time. We are...

Creekside Park is the largest park in the town of New Bern, and it’s situated close to the local airport, just off of US Highway 70. The park extends for 11 acres and since opening in 1997, is one of the most popular destinations for a myriad...

Fun, family-oriented and professional fishing and maritime trips. 

Dare County Family Recreation Park, or Rec Park, serves as the county’s focal point for youth and adult activities. The park features tennis courts, baseball and soccer fields and a playground. Swings, slides, a climbing wall and a covered...

Located in one of the Outer Banks most beautiful wooded areas, the David Paul Pruitt, Jr. Park is a small recreation area just off the Bypass near the entrance of Kitty Hawk Woods. It’s a family-oriented neighborhood playground that has play...

As everyone can see just walking past this store, many of the mild-weather recreational activities that can be done outdoors are covered here. Racks in front of the store are filled with fat tire beach cruisers, kayaks and surfboards. Inside, surf...

The Town of Duck held it’s first Yuletide Celebration in 2011, and its popularity established it as an annual event.Taking place on the first Friday and Saturday in December, the Celebration begins with local merchants keeping their doors open...

Visitors who take advantage of the exceptional fishing along the Albemarle Sound or Edenton Bay, or who notice the abundance of maritime wildlife along the local creeks and rivers of the Inner Banks, can send their thanks for this ecological...

Epic Excursions specializes in captained boat tours, sunset cruises, paddleboarding, island dining experiences & more in Wrightsville Beach, NC! All adventures are customized for one-of-a-kind experiences, and our team is dedicated to...

Shelling, Snorkeling, Paddle Boarding, Eco Tours & Light Fishing. Guided family adventure trips on Hatteras Island, NC. We take your group to multiple tidal islands along the Cape Hatteras seaside. These islands are constantly changing and...

Night climbing starts in June of 2019! FFAP is an Aerial Adventure Park overlooking the beautiful Albemarle Sound. Platforms range from 12 feet to 50 feet high. Climbers take the action into their own hands by choosing to go on the easiest of the...

Discover the Thrill of Fishing with Murrells Inlet’s best fishing charter experience! Nestled in the heart of the Myrtle Beach Areas quaint fishing community of Murrells Inlet, SC, our fishing charter service stands as one of the...

Experience unmatchable sportfishing on the Outer Banks! The Outer Banks, also referred as ‘the Billfish Capital of the World’, offers some of the world’s finest OBX sportfishing and the most preferred game fish. Treat yourself...

Located just east of the heart of the downtown region, Fort Totten Park is a small public park in a primarily residential area that has a healthy helping of things to do for visitors of all varieties.

Serving as a regional hub for the North Carolina Coastal Federation, the Fred and Alice Stanback Coastal Education Center is a unique destination in the heart of Wrightsville Beach that offers a wealth of events and activities to appeal to coastal...

A campground, convenince store and watersport site rolled into one. 

Start Your Engines! Full Throttle offers gas powered go karts on two exciting tracks for the entire family. Drivers must be at least 51 inches tall to drive. Double seat karts are available for adult drivers with passengers at least 2 years old and...

WHEN IT'S HOT, OUR WATER MISTERS WILL COOL YOU OFF SO YOU WILL ENJOY PLAYING! This is a fun, inexpensive miniature golf course located right across the street from a large beach access—so you can spend all day at the beach, rinse off and go...

Ghost Crab Quest is an ecotourism company based on the Outer Banks. Amazed by the beauty of these fragile barrier islands, Ghost Crab Quest is committed to sharing and exploring its wonders day and night. While the star of the show is the mighty...

Glenburnie Park is a scenic public park that’s located just northeast of the heart of Downtown New Bern. Tucked along the Neuse River in a primarily residential section of town, the park is a popular destination for visitors and locals alike...

Embark on an adventure that you and your crew will never forget with a fun Hatteras Island expedition that is commandeered by Godspeed Charters. This Hatteras village-based charter business features a wide range of activities for families of all...

Get ready to catch the “big” one and make your charter boat experience a memorable one at Good Times Sportsfishing. Captain Andy and his crew will take you fishing in the Gulf Stream on the 47-foot custom made Carolina boat built on...

More than 2,000 shipwrecks sunk off the Coast of North Carolina in what’s called the Graveyard of the Atlantic. With all that history floating around, it was only natural to build a museum to honor and preserve the maritime culture of the...

No Outer Banks family vacation is ever complete without a Harbor Star dolphin tour. What could possibly be more exciting than watching the wild Atlantic bottlenose dolphin jump and frolic right in front of you? This trip is guaranteed to be a great...

The Harbor Star's Wild Dolphin Tours depart three times daily plus a Sunset Cruise (weather permitting) This 2 hour cruise includes an entertaining tour and an opportunity to spot wild dolphins aboard the all new 40-foot Pontoon boat. Tickets must...

Enjoy recreational watersports and guided tours. 

A beautiful and recreational stop for watersport fun. 

Hayman Park is a charming, circular neighborhood park located at the north end of Kill Devil Hills and on the sound side of Highway 158 (the Bypass).The park has a large open area often used for adult soccer practice and children’s soccer...

Resembling a cross between a train depot and a mariner's port, The History Place is certainly an excellent first stop for anyone who wants to learn a little more about the fascinating inland and barrier island history that is found in abundance...

iEscape Rooms offers an immersive and interactive experience that puts you in the middle of a real-life adventure that you'll never forget. Imagine you and your friends, family, or colleagues are trapped in a highly realistic, themed series of...