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When traveling with the whole family, it can be challenging to find activities that everyone can enjoy. However, there are more than enough things to do for families on Atlantic Beach to ensure that everyone has a positive experience. Here are a few of the top family activities to try during your stay in one of our rentals in Atlantic Beach.
North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores
A sure family favorite, the North Carolina Aquarium is a must-see for any visitors to the area. Not only is it one of the best things to see near Atlantic Beach, but it’s rated one of the top attractions in all of North Carolina!
The aquarium boasts more than 4,000 sea creatures and more than 50 exhibits, each representing a different ecosystem tracing from the sea to the mountains. There are many interactive exhibits, for example, where you are allowed to touch stingrays or meet loggerhead turtle hatchlings.
The Living Shipwreck is an aquarium highlight. It is a 306,000-gallon saltwater ocean habitat that features a replica of the U-352 German submarine sunk off the coast of North Carolina during World War II. This exhibit is home to fish, sharks, and even a green sea turtle. It’s an impressive recreation of the ecosystem now making the sunken submarine its home off the shores of North Carolina!
To visit the aquarium, purchase your advance tickets online. Animal encounters, feedings, and other activities are included in the price of admission. The aquarium can be visited at 1 Roosevelt Drive, Pine Knoll Shores. Call 252-247-4003 for more information.
Fort Macon State Park
Anyone with a passion for history will love Fort Macon State Park. This fort once protected Beaufort Harbor against pirates and hostile nations. Later, it became a base for Confederate soldiers before being won back by the Union in 1862. It has since served as a prison and garrison during the Spanish-American War.
Today, it is owned and managed by the state of North Carolina. It has been transformed into a popular tourist destination with guided tours to showcase the restored bunks, cannons, rations storage room, Civil War artifacts, and more. A Civil War reenactment takes place daily, and it’s a spectacle worth being around to see! The fort is open daily from 9 am to 5 pm, and entry is free to the public.
AB Town Park
Located at 915 W Fort Macon Road, the AB Town Park has a little bit of everything. Here you’ll find a splash pad, 18-hole mini-golf course, half-court basketball court, playground, large skatepark, and picnic shelter.
The mini-golf course has an adjacent concession stand and restroom facilities. They are open daily during the summer, and a round on the golf green only costs $5 per person, with anyone six and under being free. The mini-golf and concession amenities are closed during the off-season but reopen in the spring.
The splash pad is an interactive water play fountain designed for children of all ages. It is open during the summer season, seven days a week. After Labor Day, the splash pad is available only during the weekends. Playing in the splash pad is completely free!
Cape Lookout National Seashore
Just a three-mile boat ride from the mainland brings you directly to the barrier islands of Cape Lookout National Seashore. You can spend a day exploring the islands or make a longer trip of it. If you have just a few hours, you can still see quite a bit!
You can visit the Harkers Island Visitor Center and see the exhibits, watch the park film, and explore the nature trails. Then, head to the local lighthouse, where you can climb to the very top and try to spot the shoreline! You can also tour the keeper’s quarters or take a dip in the nearby ocean.
With more time to explore, go shelling, fishing, birdwatching, camping, or tour the local historic villages. Just remember to bring food and water when you visit the island!
On your next vacation to Atlantic Beach, consider booking with us. We offer a wide array of Atlantic Beach rentals to meet your budget and needs. Additionally, our rental properties are very close to many bike rental shops, allowing you to travel to and from local destinations easily. Contact us today to make a booking!
