Group-friendly adventures, beach days, and rainy-day fun for the whole crew
Planning a big family getaway to Emerald Isle, North Carolina? Whether you’re reuniting with grandparents, traveling with a pack of cousins, or just juggling kids of all ages, the Crystal Coast is the perfect place to create memories together. With its beautiful beaches, family-friendly attractions, and easygoing charm, Emerald Isle makes group travel feel simple—and a whole lot of fun.
Here are 20 of our favorite things to do in Emerald Isle with big families, from beach games to boat rides and everything in between.
Beach Activities & Water Fun
There’s no better place for family fun than the beach! From games on the sand to paddling through calm waters, these activities are perfect for big groups who love sunshine and splashing around.
1. Group Beach Games
Classic beach games like frisbee, paddleball, volleyball, and beach tag are a great way to get the entire group moving. These easy-to-learn activities bring out the competitive spirit and keep the energy high, whether you’re diving for a catch or racing across the sand to avoid being tagged. With just a few simple items—or none at all—you can turn the beach into your family’s favorite playground.
You don’t need much to enjoy a fun-filled beach day with the whole family. Search for seashells along the shoreline, cool off with a swim, or build sandcastles together with just a few buckets and plenty of imagination. These simple, no-gear beach activities are perfect for all ages and make it easy to relax, play, and enjoy each other’s company. Sometimes, the best vacation memories come from the easiest moments spent by the sea.
2. Surfing Lessons
The waves are always calling in Emerald Isle, and it’s the perfect place for families to learn to surf together. Whether you’re brand new or looking to sharpen your skills, local surf schools make it easy to get started. Hot Wax Surf & Paddle Sports offers group lessons, private instruction, and camps for all ages—so everyone from curious kids to adventurous adults can ride their first wave with confidence.
3. Kayaking & Paddleboarding
Looking for a peaceful, scenic way to enjoy the water together? Kayaking and paddleboarding are perfect for big families who want a shared outdoor experience that’s equal parts fun and relaxing. The calm waters of Bogue Sound are ideal for beginners and younger paddlers, while the surrounding marshes offer quiet exploration, wildlife spotting, and incredible views—especially at sunset.
For families without gear, Beaufort Paddle makes it easy. They offer single and tandem kayak rentals, stand-up paddleboards, and life jackets for all ages and sizes. If your group prefers a little extra guidance, opt for one of their guided eco-tours, which explore the Rachel Carson Reserve, Taylor’s Creek, and other protected waters where you might spot dolphins, wild horses, or seabirds in their natural habitats.
Boat Tours & Fishing Charters
For families that love to get out on the water, Emerald Isle has plenty of options—from guided eco-tours to fishing charters and do-it-yourself boat days.
4. Private Boat Rentals
Boating on the ocean can be exhilarating, and it’s a great activity for less active family members. If you don’t have a boat, plenty of places will rent one to you, along with all the gear you need for a fun, safe day of boating. If your group is on the smaller side, you may get away with a pontoon (a smaller kind of boat) rental. For larger families, you’ll probably want a more spacious deck boat. The Intracoastal Waterway and Bogue Sound are both great places to go boating. Waterway Watersports rents pontoons and other watercraft for half-day and full-day excursions, ideal for larger families who want to explore on their own schedule.
5. Group Fishing Charter
Emerald Isle is famous for its year-round fishing scene, and many families bring their kids there to learn about deep-sea fishing. Whether you’re a seasoned angler or entirely new to fishing, local fishing charters come with experienced guides, gear, and the chance to reel in something memorable. From the thrill of the first catch to the stories told back at the dinner table, it’s an adventure that brings families together in the best way.
6. Eco & Dolphin Tours
Slow things down with a relaxing, nature-filled adventure the whole family will love. Hop aboard a guided tour with Capt. Ron’s Island Tours or set out on with Crystal Coast Ecotours, where you’ll cruise along the coastline in search of dolphins, wild horses, and hidden shell-covered beaches. These tours are perfect for all ages—no experience needed, just curiosity and a love of the outdoors. It’s the kind of outing where discovery meets wonder, and every moment feels like part of a story your family will talk about long after the ride is over.
Picnics, Parks & Outdoor Recreation
When you need a break from the beach but still want fresh air and wide-open space, these local parks offer everything from hiking trails to picnic spots.
7. Emerald Isle Woods Park
Tucked beneath a canopy of coastal trees, Emerald Isle Woods Park is a peaceful escape where families can slow down and enjoy nature together. Wander shaded trails with views of Bogue Sound, cast a line from the floating dock, or challenge each other to a friendly round of disc golf on the nine-hole course. With wide-open picnic areas and plenty of room to explore, it’s the perfect spot for an afternoon of connection, fresh air, and unhurried fun.
8. Explore the Theodore Roosevelt Natural Area
For large families looking to enjoy the natural beauty of the Crystal Coast without the crowds, the Theodore Roosevelt Natural Area offers a peaceful, scenic escape. This preserved maritime forest surrounds the North Carolina Aquarium in Pine Knoll Shores, one of the area’s most popular family attractions. Choose from one of two trails, perfect for leisurely strolls along shaded trails, where kids can spot birds, crabs, and other coastal wildlife. Pack a picnic and enjoy quality time surrounded by nature—no beach gear or complicated logistics required. It’s a great way to connect, explore, and unwind together.
9. Senator Jean Preston Memorial Park
A favorite for families with little ones, Senator Jean Preston Memorial Park is more than just a playground—it’s a place where kids can run, climb, and imagine freely. This fully accessible space features fun, inclusive equipment like the AeroGlider, making it easy for everyone to join in. Located just steps from both the sound and the beach, it’s the perfect spot to bounce between playtime and waterfront exploring without ever skipping a beat.
Group Biking & Exploring
Get the whole crew moving and see more of the island! Biking is one of the easiest (and most fun) ways for families to explore Emerald Isle at their own pace.
10. Emerald Path
Stretching for 11 scenic miles, the Emerald Path is a family-friendly greenway that invites you to see the island at your own pace. Whether you’re riding bikes, pushing strollers, or just going for a walk, the path winds past beach access points, local parks, and favorite spots to stop for a snack or photo. It’s an easy, active way to explore with kids and teens—and the perfect backdrop for spontaneous detours, nature sightings, and everyday vacation magic.
11. Bike Rentals
With bike rentals available by the hour, day, or week, it’s easy to gear up the whole crew for a breezy island adventure. Choose from e-bikes for a little extra boost or classic beach cruisers for a laid-back ride. Whether you’re pedaling to the ice cream shop, cruising along the coast, or just enjoying the fresh air together, biking makes every outing feel like part of the vacation.
Family Friendly Attractions
When you’re ready for a break from the beach, Emerald Isle and nearby communities have plenty of fun attractions to keep the whole family entertained, from action-packed arcades to hands-on museums and classic mini-golf adventures.
12. Mac Daddy’s and Golfin’ Dolphin in Cape Carteret
Mac Daddy’s is a one-stop indoor adventure zone for families, packed with bowling, arcade games, go-karts, and more—all under one roof. Whether you’re chasing high scores, zooming around the track, or battling it out in a friendly bowling match, there’s something here for every age. When you’re ready to switch things up, head next door to Golfin’ Dolphin, where you can tackle the mini golf course or let the kids burn off energy on the outdoor obstacle course. The fun never skips a beat.
13. Mini-Golf at Emerald Forest
No beach vacation is complete without a little friendly competition—and Professor Hacker’s Lost Treasure Golf & Raceway delivers just that. With 18 imaginative, adventure-themed holes, this mini-golf course is a hit with kids, teens, and grown-ups alike. Whether you’re sinking a hole-in-one or chasing a runaway ball, it’s all about the laughs, the light-hearted rivalry, and the joy of playing together. It’s a must-do family tradition that’s as fun the tenth time as it is the first.
14. Museums for Curious Kids
For a quieter adventure that still sparks excitement, take the family to one of the Crystal Coast’s hidden gems. The Core Sound Waterfowl Museum offers hands-on exhibits about local heritage and wildlife, while the Bonehenge Whale Center explores the fascinating world of marine mammals. These small, thoughtfully curated museums are perfect for curious kids and adults alike—inviting your whole crew to explore, ask questions, and walk away with a deeper connection to the coastal world around them.
Day Trips & Sightseeing
If your family’s up for a little adventure, there’s a lot to discover just beyond Emerald Isle. These nearby spots are perfect for a fun and easy day trip.
15. Cape Lookout National Seashore
Adventure awaits just across the water at Cape Lookout National Seashore, a protected barrier island that feels like your own private slice of paradise. Hop on a ferry with the family and spend the day discovering wild horses, collecting seashells along untouched beaches, or climbing the iconic lighthouse for sweeping coastal views. With no restaurants or shops on the island, it’s a true off-the-grid experience—so pack a cooler, bring plenty of sunscreen, and get ready for a day filled with wonder, exploration, and wide-open space.
16. Fort Macon State Park
Step into the past and enjoy the outdoors all in one place at Fort Macon State Park. This beautifully preserved Civil War fort offers hands-on exhibits, live demonstrations, and sweeping views of the coast. After exploring the stone corridors and cannon-lined walls, head out to the nearby nature trails or relax on the quiet shoreline. Pack a picnic and take your time—this spot invites families to slow down, learn something new, and soak up a little North Carolina history along the way.
17. Downtown Beaufort
Just a short drive from Emerald Isle, Downtown Beaufort offers a charming mix of history, shopping, and coastal flavor that’s perfect for a relaxed family outing. Stroll past historic homes draped in Spanish moss, pop into local boutiques and bookstores, or take a guided walking tour to learn the town’s pirate-laced past. When it’s time to eat, grab a table by the harbor and enjoy fresh seafood with a view. It’s a peaceful day trip full of small-town charm and simple pleasures.
Shop, Stroll & Savor Local Flavor
Looking for a low-key way to spend the day? These shopping and foodie experiences are ideal for families who want to take it easy and still have fun.
18. Emerald Plantation Shopping Center
For a laid-back afternoon that’s easy on the itinerary, head to the Emerald Plantation Shopping Center. This local hub has a little something for everyone—browse beachy boutiques and souvenir shops, catch a movie at the Emerald Plantation Cinema, or cool off with an ice cream cone as you window shop. It’s a great way to unwind after a beach day or enjoy a relaxed outing with the whole family, all within walking distance and full of coastal charm.
19. Farmers Markets
Add a local touch to your family meals with a visit to one of Emerald Isle’s nearby farmers markets. Browse stalls filled with fresh coastal produce, homemade jams, baked goods, and locally caught seafood. It’s a fun way to support small businesses and let everyone in the family get involved—have each person pick an ingredient, then head back to your rental and cook up a group dinner together. It’s part outing, part tradition, and all heart.
20. EJW Outdoors or Elly’s Gifts
Whether you’re stocking up for a day on the water or hunting for that perfect souvenir, EJW Outdoors and Elly’s Gifts have you covered. At EJW, you’ll find everything from fishing tackle to beachwear—perfect for gearing up the whole family. Then swing by Elly’s for unique keepsakes, coastal décor, and fun mementos to remember your trip by. It’s a great way to spend a laid-back hour together and bring a little piece of Emerald Isle home with you.
Ready to Plan Your Family Trip?
When it comes to family vacations, where you stay matters just as much as what you do. Our large family vacation rentals are designed with big families and groups in mind—offering plenty of bedrooms, spacious common areas, and locations just minutes from the beach, shops, and all your favorite activities.
So, gather the crew, start mapping out your must-do list, and get ready to make lasting memories. Once you experience Emerald Isle together, you’ll want to come back year after year.
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