Kure Beach with Kids: Best Family-Friendly Activities Within a 5-Hour Drive
- The West End Mom
- Apr 30, 2025
- 6 min read
If you're looking for a coastal gem for your next beach getaway, you need to check out Kure Beach in North Carolina.
Whether your family loves exploring the beach and learning about marine life or enjoying delicious treats by the sea, Kure Beach offers a variety of kid-approved activities. The town of Kure has a large, public beach, and the oldest fishing pier on the Atlantic Coast. You can also explore many barrier islands that are an easy boat ride away.
And you can get there in under 5 hours! Yep - this hidden gem on North Carolina's coast is less than 5 hours from Central Virginia. It's a part of my Virginia Family Travel series: "Drive Under 5: Getaways less than 5 hours from Richmond."
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Where is Kure Beach?
Kure Beach (pronounced CURE-EE) is located 18 miles from Wilmington, almost at the southeastern tip of North Carolina. It's on the coast of North Carolina, midway between New York and Florida.
It takes about 4 hours and 15 minutes to drive from Central Virginia to Kure Beach, and it takes about 30 minutes to drive from Wilmington to Kure Beach.
About Kure Beach: A hidden gem on North Carolina's Coast
Kure Beach is a naturally beautiful beach town on North Carolina's coast. From relaxing on the beach and exploring the protected wild-life areas to visiting historic sites, Kure's laid-back atmosphere has something for everyone.
It's home to historic Fort Fisher, the oldest fishing pier on the Atlantic Cost, and the NC Aquarium. This fall, the aquarium is undergoing a 3 year renovation. Make sure to visit this summer while you can!
You can also explore the Fort Fisher State Recreation Area. This recreation area is a hidden sanctuary with 6 miles of protected beach between the Cape Fear River and Atlantic Ocean.
Where is the best place to stay in Kure Beach with kids?
1.Rent a Beach House: There are plenty of beach houses you can rent for your family. Many are oceanfront or just a block from the beach. Kure has a public beach access throughout the town, and the beach is public.
2.Stay at The Seabird Motel: This pet-friendly boutique motel was just renovated, and you can pick from a variety of room layouts. Rates start at $89 per night, and they vary based on the season and room type. This motel provides complimentary parking to all guests, and it has a pool. The pool is usually open May-October. The beach is just a block away -- it's a very easy walk with kids!
*We stayed at The Seabird Motel during a media trip. Our room had a kitchenette, sitting area, bathroom and a separate room for sleeping with 2 queen beds.
Where to Eat with Kids at Kure Beach: Best Family Restaurants
Ocean View Restaurant – 101 K Ave., Kure Beach
This restaurant is located steps away from the pier and the beach. It serves up a home-style breakfast, and handhelds & legendary fried chicken for lunch!
Jack Mackerel's Island Grill – 113 K Ave., Kure Beach
Located just steps from the Kure Beach Fishing Pier, Jack Mackerel’s serves Caribbean-inspired cuisine and local favorites.Dine indoors or on the covered patio!
Things to Do with Kids in Kure Beach:
From tide pool adventures to seeing marine life up close at the aquarium, explore all that Kure Beach has to offer for families!
1.Surf the waves on the beach. Kure Beach is a public beach with no admission cost.
2.Play and Learn at Kure Beach Park. Located steps in front of the beach (and with ocean views!), children can play on the shaded playground and learn about Kure Beach, plus there are public bathrooms. They also host special events and programs for families. All events are free and open to the public.
2025 Weekly Events/Programming for Families in June-August:
Mondays: Learn about local nesting turtles with Pleasure Island Sea Turtle Project in"Turtle Talk" from 7-8pm. This is from June 2-August 18.
Tuesdays: Shop for local handcrafted goods at the "Kure Beach Market" from 8am-1pm (June 3-August 19).
Wednesdays: Join the princess and her fairytale friends for stories and photos in "Story Time By the Sea" from 10am-11 (June11-August 3).
Thursdays: Enjoy yard games, snacks, music and more at "Neighbor Night" from 6:30-7:30pm (June 12-August 14).
3.Listen to Live Music at Kure Beach Park. Boogie in the Park is on the 1st and 3rd Sunday from May to October between 5-7pm.
5/4: The Phantom Playboys (50s rock n' roll)
5/18: The Hatch Brothers (rock & variety)
6/1:Folkstone Stringband (bluegrass)
6/15: The Rhythm Bones (Americana, blues, funk, soul)
*no concert July 4 weekend!
7/20: Randy McQuay ( blues & roots)
8/3: Uptown Easy (dance party band)
8/17: Code Red (rock, pop, country)
9/7: Brown Dirt Cowboys (variety)
9/21: Blackwater Band (beach, blues, funk)
10/5: David Dixon (pop, rock, soul)
10/19: Mixed Signals (variety)
4.Visit the NC Aquarium at Fort Fisher. This aquarium has both inside and outside areas to explore plus a cafe. You can see sand sharks & bonnet head sharks, there's touch pools with marine life, and you can learn about protecting and conserving marine wildlife. The NC Aquarium has three other locations too: the N.C. Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores, the N.C. Aquarium on Roanoke Island, and Jennette's Pier in Nags Head.
5.Explore Fort Fisher Recreation Area: This recreation area offers 1 mile of hiking trails, paddling and swimming beaches plus you can drive on the beach! Since it's the only park system that allows 4-wheel-drive beach access, it's a popular spot for surf fishing. The hiking trails go through salt marsh, and it has an observation deck with views of Zeke's Island and the Cape Fear River.
In summer months, you can see loggerhead sea turtles - they nest along the park's beach!
6.Try a self-guided scavenger hunt at Fort Fisher State Recreation Area. Using the Beach & Marsh Scavenger Hunt: NC Science Trail App , you can explore exciting beach and marsh wildlife, plants and more. This scavenger hunt will take you through the state park with 6 miles of protect coast.
7.Visit historic Fort Fisher: This is the site of Civil War's largest amphibious (land and water) battle. You can explore the remaining portion of the gigantic Fort Fisher earthworks and wander the scenic trail around to the rear of the fort remains. It also has a separate walking trail and an oceanfront gazebo located across U.S. Highway 421.
8.Take a day trip to Carolina Beach. This drive takes about 10-15 minutes. You will find a boardwalk packed with places to eat and boutiques to shop! My full guide is coming soon!
9.Take a day trip to Wrightsville Beach. This drive takes about 25-30 minutes. My full guide is coming soon!
10.Take a day trip to Wilmington. This drive takes about 25-30 minutes. You will find The Cape Fear Museum of History and Science, the popular River Walk with restaurant and shops, and gorgeous views of The Cape Fear River and boats coming in to port. You can also tour Battleship North Carolina! My full guide is coming soon!
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