Family-Friendly Attractions in Kure Beach, NC
Take a nostalgic trip back to the vacations you enjoyed as a child by immersing yourself in life's simple pleasures. Here, kids can be kids and all ages can reconnect with a sense of childlike wonder. Recognized as one of the “Best Family Vacations in the Southeast” by TripSavvy, Kure Beach offers kid-friendly attractions that captivate young minds and keep families coming back to this coastal gem year after year.
A Water Wonderland Perfect for Kids
The North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher features engaging exhibits, events and activities designed to delight kids. Visit the Otters on the Edge freshwater habitat and wave hello to a family of Asian small-clawed otters. Feel a live bamboo shark in the touch tank, snap a family picture at the Megalodon photo opportunity and meet Luna, the beloved albino alligator. Reserve behind-the-scenes tour tickets to gain backstage access to areas typically closed to the public, including life support systems, animal holding and exhibit spaces. Kids can let their imaginations run wild at Adventure Reef, an outdoor interactive play area.
Play at Ocean Front Park
Kure Beach is home to Ocean Front Park, a public seaside green space with a boardwalk, playground, oceanfront bench swings and restrooms. Younger kids will want to check out the playground’s giant pirate ship, fish and turtle. The park also hosts free summer programming, including events like Turtle Talks, Story Time by the Sea and the Boogie in the Park concert series.
Where the Young Appreciate the Old
The 711-foot Kure Beach Fishing Pier may be one of the oldest piers on the Atlantic coast, but it still appeals to the younger crowd. Built in 1923, this no-alcohol-allowed pier features some of the area’s best fishing and allows children to see miles of coastline without having to perch atop their parents’ shoulders. After the pier, treat the little ones to ice cream and take a break from the sun with a game of skeeball or car racing at the nearby Hi-Tech Arcade.
Sun and Fun at the Fort
Fort Fisher State Recreation Area offers miles of unspoiled beach, perfect for kids to search for shells, sea urchins, fossils and starfish in a beautiful natural setting. When the time comes to cool off in the waves, children can splash and play in the designated swimming area, which is supervised by lifeguards from Memorial Day through Labor Day.
Adjacent to the recreation area is Fort Fisher State Historic Site, where the largest land-sea battle of the Civil War took place. While exploring the South’s largest earthen fort, stroll along the site’s walking path, which sparks curiosity with its seacoast cannon replica, restored palisade fence, underground bunkers and gnarled live oaks. Families with older kids can take a dive charter to The Condor, North Carolina’s first Heritage Dive Site, located near the fort.
Par for the Kids
Kure Beach’s 18-hole disc golf course allows kids to engage in active and friendly competition without having to lug around clubs or beg parents to pay a greens fee. The course is located within Joe Eakes Park, which is also home to basketball courts, tennis courts and bocce ball courts. Little ones can also swing, slide and play at the park’s playground.
