Kure Beach is the perfect getaway for families looking to slow down and enjoy the simple rhythms of beach life. If you’re traveling with younger kiddos, you can discover coastal playgrounds, hunt for seashells and join interactive events like Turtle Talks and Story Time by the Sea. Families with older kids have plenty to explore, too, from fishing and kayaking to racking up tickets at the arcade. With a mix of year-round and seasonal activities – plus kid-approved restaurants and sweet treats – this island town has something for everyone.
1. Activities for Little Kids
From playgrounds and shoreline strolls to seasonal events, these activities are perfect for toddlers and early elementary-aged kids:
Play at local parks
The playground at Joe Eakes Park feels extra “beachy” for a reason – the ground is sand! Little ones can slide, swing and climb while parents relax nearby.
Kids can also play on the brand-new, inclusive playground at Ocean Front Park & Pavilion. Designed with an ocean theme, it features slides, interactive games and smooth rubber flooring. The location (right by the pier and peaceful oceanfront bench swings) means you can easily bounce between playground and beach time.
Look for seashells, fossils and shark teeth
Kure Beach’s shoreline is perfect for slow strolls and mini scavenger hunts. Bring a small bucket and let the kiddos hunt for seashells and shark teeth.
Plan around seasonal events
Check out Turtle Talks in the summer, hosted by the Pleasure Island Sea Turtle Project. Every Monday from early June to mid-August, volunteers share their passion for sea turtle conservation and guide kids through fun, educational activities at Ocean Front Park and Carolina Beach Lake Park.
Story Time by the Sea (mid-June to mid-August) runs on Wednesday mornings at 10 a.m. at Ocean Front Park. Gather around for storytime and photo ops with a princess (such as Ariel from “The Little Mermaid” or Belle from “Beauty and the Beast”) from Fairytales and Dreams by the Sea. Don’t forget your camera to capture the magic!
Insider tip: Story Time by the Sea often returns for special holiday events later in the year – check out the Town of Kure Beach website for more details.
2. Activities for Big Kids
Older kids can stretch their independence and curiosity while exploring Kure Beach’s history and outdoor adventures:
Step back in time at Fort Fisher State Historic Site
History comes alive at Fort Fisher State Historic Site, where the Second Battle of Fort Fisher – the largest amphibious battle of the Civil War – took place. Explore the tunnel that runs beneath the fort, as well as walking paths featuring fascinating cannon replicas, underground bunkers and sprawling live oaks shaped by coastal winds. Or, head straight to the visitor center to get tickets ($10 each) for the 90-minute Above the Scenes Tour, which takes you along the site’s outdoor trails and includes an exclusive climb to the top of the fort’s earthenworks.
Hike the Basin Trail at Fort Fisher State Recreation Area
This easy 2.2-mile out-and-back trail passes a World War II bunker (once home to the legendary Fort Fisher Hermit) and ends at an observation deck overlooking Zeke’s Island Reserve and the Cape Fear River. Insider tip: Bring a pair of binoculars, and keep an eye out for ospreys, bald eagles and other native wildlife.
Play sports at Joe Eakes Park
Bring your own equipment for basketball, bocce ball, tennis, pickleball or disc golf, and get the whole family playing. The tennis courts even have a practice backboard if your kid wants to get in some solo reps.
Cast a line at Kure Beach Fishing Pier (seasonal)
Open seasonally from April to the Sunday after Thanksgiving, this family-friendly pier stretches 711 feet into the ocean and offers sweeping views. Kids can walk the pier, watch anglers reel in catches or try fishing themselves – no separate license required, as the pier’s small fishing admission fee includes a blanket license. There’s also a bait and tackle shop, seasonal concessions and fun souvenirs.
Win prizes at Hi-Tech Arcade
Located by the pier, this arcade is packed with classics like skee-ball and frog hop. Challenge each other to a friendly competition, relive a favorite game or two from your own childhood and cash in your tickets for awesome prizes.
Join Kayak Carolina for a Zeke’s Island Family Adventure Tour
Paddle out to Zeke’s Island Reserve, a protected coastal habitat where kids can spot shorebirds and walk along the quiet beach. The three-hour tour is beginner-friendly and moves at a relaxed pace, with plenty of stops to explore on foot. Insider tip: For the calmest waters, book your adventure in the morning or evening.
Learn to paddleboard or surf with Odysea Surf School
Get ready to make a splash! Based in nearby Carolina Beach, Odysea Surf School offers year-round stand-up paddleboard (SUP) and surf lessons by appointment in Kure Beach. Lessons last two hours and include all equipment. SUP lessons can take place in the surf or flat water, depending on your kiddo’s experience level and preference. Good to know: Odysea Surf School is partnered with Ocean Cure, a local nonprofit that improves beach accessibility by providing beach wheelchairs, adaptive surfboards, accessible flooring and free lessons for people who might otherwise think surfing isn’t possible for them.
Plan around seasonal events
Get groovy at Boogie in the Park, held on the first and third Sundays from May through October (excluding holiday weekends) at Ocean Front Park. Bring a blanket or lawn chair for free, family-friendly performances spanning funk, rock, pop and soul.
Keep the party going at the Blakeslee Air Force Recreation Concert Series, held at Blakeslee Air Force Recreation Area on the second and fourth Fridays of July, August and September. These free lawn concerts feature food trucks like Michael’s Seafood Express and Jeremiah’s Italian Ice, making it an easy dinner-and-music (with a treat) night for the whole family.
3. Kid-Friendly Dining and Treats
Kure Beach has several spots where families can grab a bite and enjoy kid-approved favorites:
From omelets to chicken and waffles, you’ll find classic, homestyle breakfasts that appeal to kids and parents alike. Insider tip: The homemade beignets are especially delicious.
Serving Italian and American favorites since 1995, Freddie’s offers a cozy Irish pub-style vibe. Kids love the “create-your-own-pasta” option, while adults rave about the famous pork chops. After your meal, enjoy a relaxing family stroll along the nearby beach.
This Caribbean-inspired spot has been a local favorite since 2007, serving fresh catch with bold island flavors. The “For the Little Macks” menu (kids 12 and under) includes crowd-pleasers like grilled cheese, chicken tenders, shrimp plates, pasta and burgers.
Kids love the smoothies and frozen hot chocolate, while adults can try Coffee on the Rocks (made with coffee ice cubes) or channel their inner mermaid with the signature Mermaid Magic cold brew. Insider tip: You can also find cute gifts, T-shirts and beachy souvenirs here.
For more kid-friendly dining options in Kure Beach, check out this page.
