So, you’ve decided on an Ocean Isle Beach family vacation! Hooray! What an excellent choice! We’re sure you’ll have a fantastic, memory-filled getaway.
There are so many fantastic family-friendly things to do here in Ocean Isle Beach that will help you all have a blast during your stay. Whether you 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.
Keep reading for the best family activities on OIB and get ready to relax, make beautiful memories, and have the best time ever!
Family Activities In Ocean Isle Beach
Brunswick Town/Fort Anderson State Historical Site
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 on the site of the old village and served as part of the Cape Fear River defenses below Wilmington before the Confederacy’s fall. Colonial foundations dot the present-day tour trail, which crosses the earthworks of the Confederate fort.
Fort Fisher
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. Visitors may catch a glimpse of the ghost of Confederate General William Whiting, who the Union imprisoned following his unsuccessful defense of the fort.
Museum of Coastal Carolina
Who says vacations can’t be educational and fun? Explore live animal exhibits, touch tanks, a wave machine, Civil War items, and so much more at the Museum of Coastal Carolina.
Ingram Planetarium
Learn all about our galaxy’s stars, planets, and beyond at the Ingram Planetarium! Experience real-time NASA data, fascinating exhibits, a hurricane simulator, and more. Don’t miss the nightly laser shows, set to various pop-culture bands and television shows.
Indigo Farms
Enjoy a variety of animals ranging from chickens and peacocks to goats, sheep, and pigs. The Farm also offers hayrides and a variety of fresh produce, including blueberries, blackberries, peaches, grapes, asparagus, and strawberries. Additionally, the greenhouse features a variety of plants, both native and exotic, as well as bee hives used to produce local honey. You can also wander over to the bakery for some yummy homemade treats! They have everything from pies to peach pound cake, milkshakes, and homemade cookies.
The Swamp Park – Outdoor Adventure Center
Take a fabulous tour and explore the ecological benefits of this natural environment, or indulge in one of their many fun activities. Be thrilled with a guided Zipline tour, climb on the Aerial Adventure Park, or relax on a Shallotte River Swamp Boat Tour. Be sure to check out our blog post about The Swamp Park & Outdoor Center!
Ocean Isle Beach Pier
A favorite spot for vacationers and locals alike is the Ocean Isle Beach Pier. The pier is a great place to spend time with your family. You can go fishing, get an ice cream, play arcade games, and of course, enjoy beautiful views of the ocean.
Planet Fun
If you’re looking for indoor fun, head on over to Planet Fun for bowling, laser tag, arcade games, a bounce house, and karaoke. Be sure to check their calendar of events for special activities. They also serve up tasty snacks at the Starz Grill!
Enjoy A Game Day or Night at Your Ocean Isle Beach Vacation Rental
Board & Yard Games
Nothing says family bonding quite like old-fashioned, friendly competition! Bring a few board and card games with you from home to your vacation rental and let the good times roll. You could even bring cornhole boards or other fun outdoor games. Get everyone involved in the planning by taking a trip to the store and buying a new game or two to play during Ocean Isle Beach family vacation.
Haven’t booked your vacation rental yet? Explore our extensive selection of fantastic rentals and find one that is right for your family getaway.
Beach Games
1) Water Balloon & Beach Towel Toss
Materials Needed: Water Balloons, Beach Towels (two per team)
How to Play: Form groups of four, having one person on the short side of each towel. Place a water balloon in the middle of a towel, holding the towel taut and flat. Have both sets of towels and players standing side by side. When ready, use the towel to toss the balloon to your partners, who will try to catch the balloon in their towels. If you have enough people, you can play in teams. For each successful toss, have the receiving partners take a step away. If your balloon bursts, start over again, side by side.
Tip: Fill your water balloons at your vacation rental before heading to the beach and transport them in a cooler or a large plastic container. Be sure to pick up all broken balloons.
2) Beach Bucket Fill-Up Race
Materials Needed: One identical beach bucket per team, one identical water scoop per team (sand shovel or cup)
How to Play: This game is played as a relay race. One team member sits above the tide mark and places the bucket on their head. The rest of the team lines up at the water’s edge. When ready, the first runner will scoop up as much water as possible and run to the bucket, trying not to spill any of it. They will then pour the water into the bucket before running back to pass on the scoop to the next runner. Teams continue until a bucket is full or a predetermined time has elapsed. The first team to fill the bucket, or fill it the most, wins!
Tip: Choose your buckets and scoops based on the age and skill levels of players.
3) Water Balloon Buddy Burst
Materials Needed: Three or more 10-inch balloons (regular balloons, not water balloons) filled with water per team of 2
How to Play: Teams of two will stand back to back and link arms, having placed a balloon (filled with water) between their backs. When ready, each team will attempt to pop their balloon using the weight of their bodies. The first team to pop three balloons WINS! You could also play against a timer.
Tip: Fill your water balloons at your vacation rental before heading to the beach and transport them in a cooler or large plastic container. Be sure to pick up all balloons and trash.
4) Do You Want to Build a Sandman?
Materials Needed: Rocks, shells, sticks, scarf, Santa hat, sunglasses, etc.
How to Play: Build a snowman in the sand and decorate him with summer or winter accessories.
Tips: This is a great time to take your family Christmas photo!
Book Your OIB Vacation Rental
There are so many great ways to have a blast during your Ocean Isle Beach family vacation. We hope we’ve inspired you to create an itinerary full of fun! If you need a home base for your next beach vacation, our vacation rentals make the perfect home away from home. Here’s to good times, a gorgeous rental home, and fun in the sun! Whether you are looking for an oceanfront condo or a large private home, we have you covered.
