The sun shines brighter, and the Crystal Coast is ready to bloom! Spring Break is your chance to get an early taste of summer in Emerald Isle, North Carolina! Fun, adventure, and stunning views are ready for your family to experience.
Here at Emerald Isle Realty, we can’t wait to see visitors back on the beach, soaking up the fresh, coastal vibes. To make your spring getaway a breeze, we’ve put together a list of must-do activities for kids on North Carolina’s Crystal Coast. Let the planning begin!
Dive Into Adventure
The Crystal Coast is home to a vibrant and thriving ecosystem, and there’s no better way to explore it than with a visit to one of the area’s top family attractions, the NC Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores.
Dive into an educational adventure where you and your kids can discover fascinating marine animals, explore their habitats and learn about the natural, coastal habitat. It’s a fun and memorable way to connect with the incredible natural world located in our backyard!
From the mountains to the sea, the NC Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores brings North Carolina’s natural wonders to life, all without getting wet! Feel the mist of a mountain waterfall, watch playful river otters and experience engaging exhibits that will be a highlight of your spring vacation.
Step back in time with artifacts from Blackbeard’s infamous ship, the Queen Anne’s Revenge, explore the local ecosystem with the aquarium’s nature trail and meet a rare sea turtle. And if you’re feeling adventurous, nothing beats the thrill of looking a shark in the eye or dipping your hand in the water to touch a stingray gently.
Head outside the aquarium for great views of Bogue Sound and the maritime forest. From the marsh boardwalk, follow the trail to the Nature Play area featuring a treehouse, climbing net and more activities for kids to do outdoors. Be sure to check out the aquarium’s schedule of events. It’s great fun for the whole family, and you’re sure to create many memorable moments while you visit!
A Day at the Park
Spring brings some of the best afternoons. The sun is just right, and there’s still a refreshing coastal breeze blanketing the island, perfect for a day at the Senator Jean Preston Memorial Park.
The large playground is located on Emerald Drive, just across from the public boat ramp, ideal for a memorable family outing. The park is one of the most popular playscapes in town and boasts obstacles like a ladder, slides, bridges and a lot more! The top attraction is the AeroGlider, a fun ride that sways you back and forth.
The park begs everyone to have a good time and provides specialized playground equipment that allows children in wheelchairs to join in all the fun. The sound of the waves and children’s laughter will wash away the thoughts of school and replace them with memories from the best spring break ever!
Two-Wheeled Adventure
After speeding around tight corners and chasing the checkered flag, nothing beats a relaxing bike ride through Emerald Isle. Hop on two wheels and take in the sights along the Emerald Isle Bike Path, where quality family time meets fresh coastal air.
The 11-mile Emerald Path stretches from the charming community of Indian Beach to The Point. Pedal along County Road 58, where grassy areas and woodlands open up to some of the most picturesque views on the Crystal Coast. The path leads straight into downtown Emerald Isle, offering a variety of shopping and dining spots to explore.
Biking is the perfect way to soak up the spring weather, enjoy the great outdoors, and get a little exercise as a family. And if you didn’t bring your bikes, no worries, local shops have rentals ready to roll!
Own The Lanes
After exploring the wonders of the aquarium, keep the fun going at Mac Daddy’s Entertainment Center. This 4,000-square-foot arcade is packed with entertainment options and offers a perfect blend of excitement and flavor. Challenge the family on the bowling lanes, order up some delicious bites and cool off with refreshing drinks.
Mac Daddy’s provides your family with sixteen lanes to show off your pin-dropping skills. This classic bowling setup is perfect for all ages and features plenty of options for everyone to sit down and enjoy a meal or cold beverage from the in-house bar and grill. There’s even a VIP lounge if you’re searching for a private bowling experience.
The beach isn’t the only spot to tap into nostalgia. After racking up strikes, be sure to check out the arcade. Mac Daddy’s is the Crystal Coast’s largest gaming hub, and this entertainment venue has it all. From timeless arcade classics like Space Invaders to new school adventures like MINECRAFT, the whole family is sure to rack up points on any of these digital adventures. Get yourself a keepsake from the timeless experience, jump in the photo booth and grab a goofy snapshot with the family before you leave.
Putt-Putt, Race, and Fly
Take your Emerald Isle spring getaway to new heights at Golphin’ Dolphin! As Eastern North Carolina’s largest outdoor family park, the hot spot offers nonstop excitement. Take on the challenging mini-golf course, practice your swing at the driving range, race around the track in one of 24 of the Crystal Coast’s fastest go-karts, or step up to the plate in the batting cages. It’s the perfect spot for sports enthusiasts and thrill-seekers to make lasting spring memories!
If you’re seeking a thrill, the Sky Trail offers a unique blend of ropes course challenges and roller-coaster excitement, delivering an unforgettable coastal adventure. Navigate the aerial jungle gym with adrenaline-pumping obstacles like the lily pad, rolling log and zip line! With so much to do at Golphin’ Dolphin, you can do something new each time you come or try to do as much as you can in a fun-filled day with the family.
Create Your Fishing Story
There’s a spot in Emerald Isle that’s calling your family’s name. Whether you’re chasing an adventurous fishing story or capturing that perfect vacation snapshot, Bogue Inlet Pier is the place to be.
Generations of families have made memories here, teaching kids to fish, reeling in the big one and sharing in the joy of a first catch. The pier offers a unique chance to fish deeper waters without a boat, plus its elevated view is perfect for birdwatching or simply unwinding with an endless ocean breeze. It’s a special place to connect with loved ones and enjoy classic coastal fun. And with the pier house offering snacks, drinks and beach essentials, you’ll have everything you need for a perfect day by the sea.
Bogue Sound is also an excellent place to go fishing, offering calm waters and plenty of opportunities to reel in a great catch. Stick around for a stunning sunset as Emerald Isle transforms under the night sky! Whether you’re casting from a pier, dropping a line from a boat or wading into the surf, every spot along the Crystal Coast delivers a unique fishing experience.
Coastal Treasures of Shackleford Banks
The beach is the perfect spot for shelling, soaking up the sun or enjoying a friendly game of frisbee with the kids. But if you want to make your spring getaway to the Crystal Coast truly unforgettable, set aside a day to explore Shackleford Banks.
This secluded barrier island, nestled between Beaufort Inlet and Cape Lookout, is only accessible by boat, adding a touch of adventure to your trip. Shackleford Banks offers nine miles of pristine shoreline, subtle hiking terrain and a chance to encounter diverse marine life. It’s a natural paradise where the entire family can create lasting memories surrounded by breathtaking coastal beauty.
As you wander along the sun-kissed shoreline, the soothing sounds of seabirds and crashing waves create the perfect coastal symphony. While the natural beauty and endless beach activities make Shackleford Banks a must-visit, its wild residents, the legendary Banker horses, are the real showstoppers. Kids have always found joy in seeing these majestic animals roam free.
For years, wild Spanish mustangs have roamed North Carolina’s Outer Banks, and today nearly a hundred still call Shackleford Banks home. Seeing these iconic animals, whether grazing in the cool morning light or wandering freely along the dunes, is an unforgettable experience for the whole family, even the youngest aspiring equestrians. Half the adventure lies in the journey, so be sure to book your ferry ride in advance. Shackleford Banks offers a rare chance to connect with nature and create memories that will last long after you’ve left the island.
Uncover Stories of the Past
Checking out local history and culture adds a whole new layer to any vacation, and Fort Macon State Park offers an incredible way for the family to do that. This iconic landmark draws over a million visitors annually, giving visitors a chance to explore a cherished piece of American history right here on the Crystal Coast.
Fort Macon’s restored war fort now doubles as a museum and the backdrop for lively war reenactments during the summer. Wander through historic bunks, marvel at cannons, explore a restored rations room and get an up-close look at fascinating artifacts that bring history to life.
The park’s pavilions make for a perfect picnic spot, offering picturesque views and easy access to restrooms. And don’t forget your swimwear, the lifeguard-protected beach is ideal for cooling off with a splash in the waves. At Fort Macon State Park, history, nature and family fun come together to create a truly memorable day.
Ride the Rails
Sure, surfing the waves is a favorite for locals and visitors alike, but there is another way to glide through the Crystal Coast’s ocean breeze. Just down the road from Emerald Isle is the equally charming beach community of Atlantic Beach. A hot spot for fun outdoor entertainment is the Atlantic Beach Town Park. A dreamy ocean-filled landscape serves as the backdrop for a putt-putt course, playground, basketball court and skatepark.
The Atlantic Beach Skatepark, one of the largest in Eastern North Carolina, is the ultimate spot for skaters of all skill levels. Let the kids drop into the bowl or try their hand at pro-level tricks on the rails. When it’s time to switch gears, head to the playground for more fun, then cool off at the Splashpad’s refreshing water fountain. And don’t miss the 18-hole miniature golf course. A fun spot complete with tricky obstacles, a waterfall, and sparkling fountains perfect for a little friendly competition the whole family will love!
Break Away
With so many exciting attractions and activities waiting for you, planning your spring getaway to the Crystal Coast is a breeze. All that’s left to do is choose the perfect vacation rental!
Emerald Isle Realty boasts more than 700 vacation rentals, each packed with desirable amenities and plenty of space for your family to spread out and relax. Spring is right around the corner, and we can’t wait to welcome you. Book your Spring Break getaway today and start making memories that will last a lifetime.
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