As the Summer season approaches clients visiting the Crystal Coast often ask, "What are some fun things to do with our kids while we're at the beach?" There are so many activities and fun things to do along the Crystal Coast. This year I've put a list of things together that I have enjoyed doing with my family and friends over the years while living in Morehead City.
Whether you're from the Crystal Coast or taking a much needed vacation, this list is sure to make a memorable Spring and Summer for your family on the Crystal Coast.
1. Fort Macon State Park
Fort Macon State Park is the site of a perfectly restored Civil War-era fort, a museum-quality coastal education center and a beautiful shoreline for swimming, surf fishing and beachcombing.
One great addition to the area this year is The Elliott Coues Nature Trail. It's a new 3 mile park hiking trail that connects the Fort area with the Swim Beach area. This is a must for the adventurer! {A favorite setting for photo sessions with Susan Yates Photography}
2. Stop for a splash at the Atlantic Beach Splash Pad.
3. Enjoy an Outdoor Movie
Movie showings begin at dusk in the Summer on Wednesday nights (approx. 8:30pm)
Located at the Pavilion on the Circle in Atlantic Beach.
115 Atlantic Blvd. FREE to the public.
4. Take a bike ride along the Morehead City waterfront and stop for a scoop of ice cream at the Morehead City Gulf Dock.
5. Take a Trolley Ride
Hop on The Mullet Line in Beaufort and travel along Front Street. If you look closely along the island, you may get a glimpse of the wild ponies.
6. Watch a baseball game.
Enjoy an evening watching the Morehead City Marlins Baseball Game at Big Rock Stadium.
7. Big Rock Fishing Tournament
Don't miss the weigh-ins on the Morehead City waterfront during the 58th Annual Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament starting June 10th. You may see a record breaking blue marlin.
8. The Beaufort Pirate Invasion
Beaufort will come alive with over 100 pirates invading the Beaufort waterfront on August 12th and August 13th.
9. Explore the North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores.
10. Take a scenic boat tour to the Cape Lookout Lighthouse.
Ferry services are available along the Morehead City and Beaufort waterfront.
11. Enjoy lunch from a Food Truck.
Two of my favorites are Forkful and Dank Burrito.
12. Get creative with Art Buzz Kids
Located on the Morehead waterfront, NC Art Buzz Kids offers family friendly painting and craft classes for children of all ages.
13. Have a water balloon fight.
14. Skip cooking and enjoy Family Night at Chick-fil-a. Enjoy an evening of fun activities at Chick-fil-a in Morehead City.
15. Art Camp at Blu Sail Pottery
Get crafty at the Kids Summertime Art Camp.
16. Go Cart Racing
Join the races at The Golfin' Dolphin in Cape Carteret
17. Core Sound Waterfowl Museum.
18. Tour the beautiful Beaufort Historic Site.
This two-acre site is located in the heart of the historic district of Beaufort, which depicts 18th and 19th century coastal Carolina. Explore the history of North Carolina's third oldest town. Open to the public. {A favorite setting for photo sessions with Susan Yates Photography}
19. Go out for frozen yogurt. Our favorite spot is Twisted Spoon in Morehead City.
20. Beaufort Maritime Museum. Visit the North Carolina Maritime Museum in Beaufort for a taste of coastal cultures and maritime history.
21. Visit one of our local firestations. You can usually stop by for a tour during the day. There's always a Morehead City firefighter that is happy to give a tour. The kids love it! Don't forget to take a photo in their fire hats.
22. Go Bowling. Enjoy a bite to eat and a game of bowling with your family at MacDaddy's in Cape Carteret.
23. Take a stroll down the Morehead City waterfront around 5pm during the Spring & Summer to see the catch of the day. The sportfishing charter boats pull in around 5pm and you're guaranteed to see BIG fish.
24. Schedule a workout. Drop the kids off at art camp in downtown Morehead City and get an hour workout at Downtown Barre. You're sure to feel renewed afterwards.
25. Visit The Webb Library downtown Morehead City. Check for scheduled storytimes and events.
26. Take a trip to the barn. Visit The Barnyard for special events and activities.
27. Visit the farm at Garner's Farm in Newport.
28. Historic Beaufort Double-Decker Bus Tour
Take a narrated tour of Beaufort's historic district. The bus departs from the Beaufort Historic Site.
29. Go flying!
Fly over the beautiful Crystal Coast with Crystal Coast Air Tours. Don't forget your camera.
30. Enjoy an outdoor concert. Alive at Five Outdoor Concert on the Morehead City waterfront.
Concerts take place throughout the summer at the Jaycee Park on the Morehead City Waterfront from 5-8 pm. Free to the public.
31. Experience camp on the sound at Camp Albemarle.
32. Go for a beach run. Dust off those running shoes and join the Parks & Rec for the beach run event in Atlantic Beach.
33. Watch a live play at Carteret Community Theatre.
34. Go horse-riding on the beach. Enjoy riding through the waves, island-hopping, the beautiful scenery, and wildlife with Outer Banks Riding Stables. No experience necessary.
35. Go on a picnic.
37. Stargaze while lying in the grass or on the beach.
38. Watch the sunset over the ocean.
39. Play a game of tennis at the Shevan's Park tennis courts.
40. Play frisbee.
41. Rainy day? Get outside and play in the rain!
42. Take a walk along the beach and collect beautiful seashells.
43. Have a backyard campfire. Don't have a fire pit? Just use the grill! Roast hot dogs and s'mores.
44. Go Fishing
There are many fishing opportunities along the Crystal Coast. You can pier fish (check local fishing license requirements) or book a full or half day fishing Charter. The Carolina Princess headboat in Morehead City is a great option for a day of fishing on the Crystal Coast. Be sure to stop at Chasin' Tails in Atlantic Beach for the best bait and tackle.
45. Build a sandcastle.
46. Go parasailing. Fly high over the Crystal Coast with Dragonfly Parasailing.
47. Play on a slip n' slide.
48. Feed the ducks. The beautiful ducks at the Crystal Coast Visitor's Center in Morehead City love bread!
49. Take a walk down a fishing pier. Atlantic Beach: Oceanana Fishing Pier // Emerald Isle: Bogue Inlet Fishing Pier {A favorite setting for photo sessions with Susan Yates Photography}
50. Go on a pirate treasure cruise. Pirate's, cannons & treasures...oh my! This is a trip you won't forget aboard the Revenge!
Don't miss out on what the Crystal Coast has to offer! Get out there and have an amazing summer.
Have suggestions of additional things to do around the Crystal Coast? Contact me here to add to the list.
#AtlanticBeachNCPhotographer #crystalcoast #photography #NorthCarolinaPhotographer #BeaufortHistoricSite #familyphotographer #AtlanticBeachNC #BeaufortNC #FortMaconStatePark #MoreheadCity #ThingstoDo #Fishing #ArtCamp #BikeRiding