Things To Do in Ocean Isle Beach With Kids

Planning a family beach trip is easy when the whole island feels built for it. With gentle waves, a hands-on museum, mini golf, and plenty of ice cream packed into a few walkable blocks, there is no shortage of things to do in Ocean Isle Beach, NC, with kids. The McClure Realty Vacations team rounded up the family favorites below, all just minutes from our Ocean Isle Beach vacation rentals. 

5 Favorite Things To Do in Ocean Isle Beach With Kids

1. Spend a Day on the Sand

The simplest of all the things to do in Ocean Isle Beach is still the best one. Named a Best Restored Beach award winner, the island offers gentle waves and warm waters that are perfect for little swimmers, and low tide turns the shoreline into a treasure hunt for shells and sand dollars. Many of our homes put you just steps from your own stretch of sand. Discover our many options for oceanfront condos and oceanfront homes! 

2. Explore the Museum of Coastal Carolina

Just a block from the beach, the Museum of Coastal Carolina is North Carolina's only natural history museum on a barrier island. Kids can hold sea stars and hermit crabs in the touch tank, dig for sharks' teeth in the fossil pit, and wander a life-sized ocean reef gallery. When clouds roll in, it is one of the best things to do in Ocean Isle Beach with kids indoors, and the playground next door helps burn off any leftover energy. 

3. Walk the Ocean Isle Beach Pier

The Ocean Isle Beach Pier is a classic family outing where kids can watch anglers reel in their catch, look for dolphins offshore, play arcade games, or cool down with a cup of Sunset Slush Italian ice. Little legs tire fast, so consider cruising over by golf cart for extra vacation fun. 

4. Play a Round of Mini Golf

Friendly competition ranks high among things to do in Ocean Isle Beach with kids, and River Country Mini Golf serves up putt-putt fun close to the heart of the island. It is an easy win for an afternoon activity or an after-dinner rematch.

5. Cool Off With Ice Cream

No family beach day is complete without a sweet scoop of ice cream. Local favorites like Pier One Ice Cream and Ocean Isle Creamery churn out soft serve, homemade flavors, milkshakes, and sundaes, and our guide to where to get ice cream in Ocean Isle Beach, NC, covers every sweet stop on the island. 

Book Your Family's Ocean Isle Beach Getaway

With so many things to do in Ocean Isle Beach with kids, the only decision left is where to stay. Our Ocean Isle Beach vacation home rentals range from cozy condos to spacious homes with private pools. Our pet-friendly options mean the family dog joins the fun, too.

Booking direct with our local experts unlocks exclusive specials on Ocean Isle Beach, NC, vacation rentals, so browse our full collection today and start making family memories that last!