Trying to find the perfect place for your next family vacation? Look no further than Oak Island, NC!
Oak Island is a hidden gem on North Carolina’s coast, with sandy beaches, friendly locals, and an endless assortment of family-friendly activities to keep kids of all ages occupied. Read on to learn more about the family-friendly activities you need to know on Oak Island!
Hit the Beach
Settle into the sandy shores at The Point, located at the far western end of West Beach Drive (near Kings Lynn Drive). Gentle surf and tide pools invite families to splash and explore. This south-facing shoreline offers prime spots for shelling and building sandcastles while enjoying panoramic views across the inlet toward Holden Beach.
Go Shelling and Look for Shark Teeth
Make your way to The Point (Kings Lynn Drive) or nearby holdings after low tide, where morning strolls offer a treasure trove of shells like olive, whelk, Atlantic cockles and even fossilized shark teeth. The rhythmic surf and shifting sands often reveal hidden gems to collect.
Planet Fun Family Entertainment Center
Planet Fun Family Entertainment Center was designed with the whole family in mind! They weren’t kidding around when they named it Planet Fun—you and your kids will have a blast here! Constellation Alley offers 32 bowling lanes at affordable prices, perfect for some friendly competition. But the fun doesn't stop there!
Check out Space Quest Laser Tag for an adrenaline-pumping adventure, and explore the entire arcade packed with games for all ages. Whether it's a rainy day or you need a break from the beach, Planet Fun is the ultimate destination for endless entertainment and family-friendly excitement. With so much to do under one roof, it’s no wonder Planet Fun is a favorite among locals and visitors alike!
Ride Bikes Along Scenic Routes
Tour Oak Island’s charming streets by bike, cruising along Yacht Drive and the Davis Canal floating docks (SE 9th or 20th Street crossovers), where winding pathways hug tranquil marshes and waterways. For a scenic loop, pedal from Yacht Drive through Yaupon Beach toward the Oak Island Lighthouse area—flat, easy terrain with lots of local color.
Treasure Scavenger Hunt
Your kiddos are sure to love this! Black Sails Adventure Co. has developed a family-friendly activity to keep everybody occupied with their treasure scavenger hunt.
Work together with your family to find buried treasure! This hunt is filled with adventure, puzzle solving, exploration, teamwork, and a big reward for those who find the treasure.
Once you book your adventure online and pick a day and time, you’ll receive your first email clue on the day of the hunt! Kids of all ages love this exciting vacation activity.
Visit Oak Island Nature Center
Nestled at 5202 E. Yacht Drive (near NE 52nd St), the Oak Island Nature Center offers free seasonal admission. Kids and adults can explore the Talking Trees Trail, interactive fossil displays, a touch tank, and a floating dock over the Intracoastal Waterway.
Fishing at Oak Island Pier
Head to the iconic Oak Island Pier at 705 Ocean Drive, open daily from 6 am–10 pm. At 880 feet long and 27 feet above water—North Carolina’s tallest pier—families can fish from one of 30 king-fishing stations, purchase day or seasonal passes, and grab snacks.
Shallotte River Swamp Park
To add a sense of adventure to your itinerary, head over to Shallotte River Swamp Park! This park offers an endless variety of activities for your kids to enjoy. Get your adrenaline pumping as you zoom through the forest on one of their exhilarating zipline tours or navigate the treetops in the aerial adventure park.
If you'd prefer to keep your feet on the ground, take a guided ATV tour for an exciting ride through the park! For a more relaxed experience, join an eco-swamp tour to explore the area’s unique wildlife and natural beauty by water. Shallotte River Swamp Park has something for everyone, whether you want to explore by land, air, or water. It’s the perfect spot for an unforgettable family adventure!
Oak Island Lighthouse
Climb to the top of the Oak Island Lighthouse and see miles of the Carolina shoreline! You can take two exciting tours at this historical landmark: open house and “top tours.” Children under nine are not allowed to the top, so you’ll want to stick to an open-house tour if you have little ones!
If you do choose to climb to the top, you’re in for a workout! You’ll climb up 131 steps to reach the highest point. The views up there are breathtaking, so it’s well worth the climb if you’re able.
Oak Island Splash Pad at Middleton Park
Looking for a way to cool down with your little ones? The Oak Island Splash Pad is a perfect solution.
All summer, the splash pad is open daily from 10 AM to 6 PM. It’s a playground with built-in water features that will keep your kiddos laughing for hours while they play. It’s the perfect budget-friendly activity!
Throw Bax Axe House & Board Game Lounge
Throw Bax is the perfect place to hang out on a rainy day. It is full of activities to keep everyone busy.
Gather with friends to play board games, try your hand at axe-throwing, or even get involved in karaoke night at this fun neighborhood hang! It’s a great place to let off some steam or settle down with a good board game and enjoy quality family time.
Plan Your Next Oak Island Family Vacation
Now that you know all the best places to take your family, it’s time to book your Oak Island Vacation rental! Here at Margarett Rudd & Associates Inc., we have everything you want to have an unforgettable beach vacation.
Whether you’re looking for rentals by the ocean or Oak Island long-term rentals or want to stay in a specific area on the island, we’re here to help you find what you need! Browse our collection of Oak Island vacation rentals now and book your vacation directly with Margaret Rudd & Associates Inc.
