Yay!! Your family has decided on a beach vacation in Ocean Isle Beach, North Carolina! What an awesome choice!! High five!
There are so many wonderful family-friendly things to do here in Ocean Isle Beach and our surrounding area…especially for those traveling as a family with children. Right from the comfort of your OIB vacation rental home, you can begin exploring all the awesome things that we love about our little slice of paradise!
Spend your days digging in the sand, uncovering the rich history of our region, or discovering the beauty of our diverse ecosystems. There is so much to learn, explore, and do!! Here are 10 of the best family things to do in Ocean Isle Beach and beyond!
Explore the Unique History of Eastern North Carolina
Listed as a North Carolina Historic Site, Brunswick Town/Fort Anderson was a major pre-Revolutionary port on North Carolina’s Cape Fear River. Brunswick was razed by British troops in 1776 and never rebuilt. During the Civil War, Fort Anderson was constructed atop the old village site, and served as part of the Cape Fear River defenses below Wilmington before the fall of the Confederacy. Colonial foundations dot the present-day tour trail, which crosses the earthworks of the Confederate fort.
The historic site is open Tuesday-Saturday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Closed Sunday and Monday. However, starting July 12 through Labor Day weekend, they will be open Sundays from noon to 5pm. Free Admission. 910-371-6613.
The last major stronghold of the Confederacy, Fort Fisher was the largest earthwork fortification in the south during the Civil War. It kept the port of Wilmington and the Cape Fear River open to Blockade-runners. The alert visitor may catch a glimpse of the ghost of Confederate General William Whiting who was imprisoned by the Union following his unsuccessful defense of the fort.
Fort Fisher is open Tuesday-Saturday, 9am-5pm. Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend, the fort is open on Sundays from 12pm-5pm.Free Admission. 910-458-5538.
Discover Tides, Turtles, Seashells, Sunsets, and More
Summer hours for the Museum begin on May 26th and run through September 4th, 2017. Summer hours are: Monday – Thursday 10-7, Friday 10-5, and Saturday 10-1:30.
Most events are free for Museum and dual Museum/Planetarium members. Non-member admission (includes NC sales tax): $9.50 adults, $8.50 seniors (62+), $7.50 children (3-12), free for age 2 & under.
Present your same-week Planetarium receipt at the Museum and receive $2 off your Museum admission. Questions? Call the Museum of Coastal Carolina at 910-579-1016.
Summer dates for the Ingram Planetarium are May 26 – September 4. Doors Open at 10:30 Monday – Friday & 12:30 on Saturday.
You can enjoy Sky Theater Shows, Laser Light & Music Shows, FREE Telescope Observations, and Special Events. If you have questions, call the Ingram Planetarium at 910-575-0033.
Indigo Farms features a barnyard to give the public a chance to get up close to and enjoy farm animals. They have a variety of animals ranging from chickens and peacocks, to goats, sheep and pigs. The Farm also has hayrides, blueberry, blackberry, peach, grape, asparagus, and strawberry fields, a greenhouse with several different plants both native and exotic, bee hives used to produce local honey and so much more.
And if that doesn’t entice you then you can wander over to the bakery for some homemade treats! They have everything from pies to peach pound cake. They’ve got éclairs, strawberry shortcake, fresh fruit smoothies, milkshakes, homemade cookies, cakes and fresh breads too. Not to mention they also have lots of homemade ice cream!
Indigo Farms is located at 1542 Hickman Road Northwest, Calabash, NC.
The Ocean Isle Beach Sea Turtle Protention Organization proudly presents Turtle Talks, during the summer months, twice a week…fromMay 30 through September 4.
On Mondays, Turtle Talks are at 3:30pm inside the Museum of Coastal Carolina in Ocean Isle Beach. The Turtle Talks are free with regular admission to the Museum.
Tuesday Turtle Talks begin at 7:00pm at the Ocean Isle Beach Community Center located at 44 E 1st on Ocean Isle. Please join in onthis free informative Turtle Talks each week.
Two Thumbs Up for Adventure and Fun in OIB
Take a majestic tour and explore the ecological benefits of this natural environment or indulge in one of their many action activities on hand. You can choose from one of three fun-filled activities, or maybe do them all! Experience the area with a guided Zipline tours, climb on the Aerial Adventure Park, or relax and enjoy the Shallotte River on the Swamp Boat Tour.
The Swamp Park & Outdoor Center is open year-round. Price varies. Check their website for current hours of operation.
Be sure to check out our blog post about The Swamp Park & Outdoor Center!
The Ocean Isle Beach Pier is located at1 W 1st St, Ocean Isle Beach, NC.For more information about the pier call 910-579-3095.
One of the favorite spots for vacationers and locals alike is the Ocean Isle Beach Pier. It’s filled with friendly smiling faces and a constant reminder that summer is here.The Ocean Isle Beach Fishing Pier is a great place to go have fun! From fishing, to ice cream, to the grill, to the arcade…the fun never ends!
If you are looking for some indoor fun, then head to Planet Fun for bowling, laser tag, arcade games, bounce house, karaoke, and much more. Be sure to check their calendar of events for specials activities. And if you are hungry, be sure to visit Starz Grill located inside of Planet Fun.
Planet Fun is located at349 Whiteville Rd. NW, Shallotte, NC.
Your family would love a day on the greens, whether they are avid golfers or beginners. All of our Ocean Isle Beach rentals sit within eight miles of TWENTY golf courses. With plenty of award-winning courses to choose from, your family could be swinging away in no time!
We have an entire page devoted to golf in the Ocean Isle Beach are. To see more, click here.
If you are looking for a base camp for all of these awesome family-friendly activities in Ocean Isle Beach, please click the link below to see all of Williamson Realty Vacation’s amazing beach vacation rental specials!! We have a place that is just the right size and price for your family!
