If you’re looking for your next vacation destination that offers something for every member of the family, look no further than Wrightsville Beach. Now is the perfect time to plan a trip, and our island is home to lodging options, activities and plenty of local flavors suitable for kids of all ages.
No matter what ages your children are, find plenty of family-friendly things to see and do in Wrightsville Beach:
Toddlers & Preschoolers
With oceanfront rooms and first-class amenities, our full-service hotels and resorts are the ideal option for families with little ones. The Lumina on Wrightsville Beach, a Holiday Inn Resort offers both harbor and oceanfront rooms along with amenities like indoor and outdoor pools and a large playground. Relax in a suite at Shell Island Resort, and enjoy private beach access with beach chair and umbrella rentals to skip the hassle of having to pack the kids up for a day in the sand.
Spend the day enjoying our island’s pristine beach and crystal-blue waters or opt for some on-land activity at Wrightsville Beach Park. Stroll along The Loop, a 2.5-mile paved walking and running path, to get to the park and let the kids have fun on the playground, equipped with a climbing tunnel, swings, spin cups, a wacky log and more. While at the park, visit Harbor Way Gardens, a one-acre oasis filled with native plants and flowers. Kids will love running through the garden’s Children’s Fountain.
Even the pickiest of eaters will find delicious options in Wrightsville Beach. Make a pit stop at The Trolly Stop’s flagship location for walk-up only fresh hotdogs and hamburgers alongside historic charm. Let the kids’ creative juices flow as they choose from five different types of hotdogs, 13 toppings and more than 1,000 different tasty combinations. Or, fuel up with a snack or sweet treat from Kohl’s Frozen Custard, offering gourmet frozen custard, milkshakes and other made-to-order options like burgers, hot dogs and signature breakfast biscuits. Children will love overlooking the scenic Banks Channel on the outdoor patio while dining off the kids’ menu at South Beach Grill. From kids’ quesadillas and shrimp to daily chalkboard specials for the adults, the whole family will find something to enjoy.
Elementary Schoolers
Perfect for elementary-aged kids, our hotels and motels provide plenty of space to spread out while still offering a variety of amenities. Blockade Runner Beach Resort, the only resort with surf-to-sound amenities, offers spacious oceanfront rooms with a variety of watersports and activities at your fingertips. Kids ages six to 12 can join the Sandcampers Kids’ Camp, a half-day adventure camp for exploring the island, playing games, learning about wildlife and more. Perfect for large families or family reunions, The Cottage on resort grounds offers room for up to 26 guests, a second-floor sun deck, wraparound porches and more. Conveniently located within walking distance to both the harbor and ocean, Summer Sands Suites provides adjoining suites with kitchenettes for larger families, as well as a sundeck and private saltwater outdoor pool.
From world-class watersports to nature reserves, Wrightsville Beach is home to hands-on adventures and outdoor activities perfect for letting the kids explore this summer. Learn to surf during a half-day surf camp at Indo Jax Surf School, whether you’re a Minnow (ages four to six) or a Grom (ages seven to 11). Or, kick it up a notch with a wakeboarding and wake surfing camp with Shred the Gnar for ages five and up. Ideal for both kids and parents, embark on a Pirate Island Treasure Hunt with Wrightsville Beach Scenic Tours, where you’ll visit Masonboro Island Reserve with a costumed pirate guide to dig for forgotten treasure.
Start your day with organic breakfast items at Adapt Kitchen & Juice Bar. Enjoy superfood smoothies, healthy breakfast bowls, artisan-style toasts and more. Known for its spectacular ocean views and live music on the pier during the summer, The Oceanic Restaurant is sure to satisfy kids and adults alike. Find a variety of coastal-inspired lunch, brunch and dinner options for the whole family from salads to seafood entrees, as well as a kids’ menu with offerings like a popcorn shrimp platter and chicken finger basket.
Tweens & Teens
Find the perfect vacation rental for any occasion, with options for any size family and budget. Give the older kids some independence in a spacious house or beachfront condo while staying like a local.
Tweens and teens will find plenty of unique ways to spend their vacation time. Hang ten in the birthplace of surfing in North Carolina during a teen surf camp at WB Surf Camp. Learn the fundamentals of surfing while enjoying some fun in the sun. Try your hand at stand up paddleboarding (SUP) with a lesson from Cape Fear Paddleboarding or Wrightsville SUP. Or, if you’re more experienced, get active during a SUP fitness or SUP yoga class.
Experience unique and trendy food options in Wrightsville Beach’s thriving foodie scene. Ideal for breakfast, lunch or a midday energy boost, stop by Surfberry for health-focused meal and snack choices like acai and pitaya bowls, superfood smoothies, organic juices, frozen yogurt and more. Fuel your spirit of adventure at local favorite Tower 7. Savor island-inspired international eats from fish burritos and wraps to fajitas and beach barbecue. Watch the boats cruise by and enjoy seasonal live music every Sunday while dining on the patio at Bluewater Waterfront Grill. Relax in the restaurant’s casual environment as you enjoy a wide selection of seafood-focused American favorites. Or, check out all of the island’s al fresco dining options to enjoy scenic waterfront views.
Get away to Wrightsville Beach with the whole family this summer to explore attractions and activities for kids of all ages.
