Whether you’re looking to unwind with classic beach activities or adventure together in nature’s playground, you’ll find childlike wonder and create new family memories in Kure Beach. Plan the perfect kid-friendly spring retreat and recharge together amid beautiful natural surroundings.
Eco-Exploration & Natural Wonders
Kick off your spring break with Kayak Carolina’s Zeke’s Island Family Adventure Tour for kayakers of all ages and experience levels. Board tandem kayaks and follow an expert guide through salt marshes and creeks to reach Zeke’s Island Reserve, an important coastal habitat only accessible by water. You’ll encounter dynamic intertidal landscapes, diverse shorebird species and coveted shark teeth.
Head to Fort Fisher State Recreation Area, a hidden sanctuary where you'll discover nearly six miles of tranquil paths and undeveloped shoreline. Curious kids can spot wildlife and hunt for seashells during a family stroll along the sandy shore. Pack a family picnic to enjoy lunch in the shade of Fort Fisher State Historic Site’s gnarled live oaks. Sneak in a mini history lesson with a tour of the historic site led by a costumed guide or discover history on your own by taking a self-guided tour of the fort’s remains along a pathway lined with stories and exhibit panels.
Visit the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher for an up-close look at aquatic wonders. Kids will be thrilled to meet a rare albino alligator, discover playful otter pups and feel the smooth skin of stingrays in the touch tank. To dive deeper into the aquarium, reserve tickets online for the Behind the Scenes Tour, which gives visitors ages eight and up special backstage access to exhibits and systems.
Family Fun in the Sun
Savor Kure Beach’s peaceful atmosphere and timeless family activities at a relaxed pace. Grab your crew and cruise around the island with rides from Pleasure Island Rentals, which offers equipment for the whole family, including full-size beach cruisers, trailing wheel kids’ bikes and baby buggies. Rent chairs and umbrellas from the outfitter, then stake out a beach spot to soak up the sun and build the ultimate sandcastle.
Cast a line off of the 711-foot Kure Beach Fishing Pier, where you can rent rods and reels of all sizes from its Bait Shop and Store. Just steps from the century-old pier, Ocean Front Park & Pavilion is the area’s largest public green space and features a pirate ship play area and boardwalk with ocean-facing porch swings. At Joe Eakes Park, younger kids can let their imaginations run wild on the playground while older kids play their favorite games on the courts and fields. The whole family can get competitive on the park’s PDGA-certified, 18-hole disc golf course.
Kid-Approved Cuisine
Located near the pier, Ocean View Restaurant serves homestyle breakfast options and a shareable breakfast charcuterie board with bite-sized pieces for the little ones. A local favorite, the seasonal Beach House Burgers offers kid-friendly choices from hot dogs and chicken nuggets to soft-serve ice cream and other sweet treats at its walk-up window.
Jack Mackerel’s Island Grill will satisfy even the pickiest of palates with a menu that includes chicken tenders, Calabash-style seafood and other tasty dishes. Gather on the ocean-view patio at Big Daddy’s Restaurant and dig into a wide selection of land and sea favorites. This casual restaurant serves lunch and dinner seasonally and accommodates families of all ages and sizes.
Comfortable Family Stays
With accommodations ranging from cozy beach cottages to spacious oceanfront homes, find your family’s perfect vacation rental in Kure Beach. Lounge by the pool at a Victory Beach Vacations rental, or include the family pup in your spring break pack with one of Bryant Real Estate’s pet-friendly options. Unwind with an invisible-service stay for up to six guests at Kure Lighthouse Inn, which offers relaxing ocean views and a fire pit perfect for sharing s’mores and family memories.
Nearby Kid-Friendly Fun
Head to neighboring Carolina Beach for an exciting family adventure along the Carolina Beach Boardwalk. Fill up on the famous donuts from the seasonal Britt’s Donut Shop or delicious ice cream from Celtic Creamery and experience classic seaside fun with the surrounding shops, arcade games, restaurants and seasonal amusement rides.
Surrounded by natural beauty, Kure Beach provides a welcoming, kid-friendly oasis for soaking up some sun and quality time together. It’s no wonder TripSavvy.com named Kure Beach one of the “Best Family Vacations in the Southeast.” Plan your family’s spring break getaway to nature’s playground.
