Don't let a rainy day ruin your beach vacation
You’ve waited months for your beach vacation, and it’s finally here. And it’s raining. Luckily there’s still plenty to do during a rainy day on Pleasure Island. Here are the top indoor activities in Carolina Beach and Kure Beach, North Carolina.
North Carolina Aquarium
Ft. Fisher
Located at the far end of Kure Beach, the Ft. Fisher Aquarium provides rain-free fun for adults and children alike. The aquarium is open from 9 am to 5 pm daily, and advance ticket reservations are required. Stroll through multiple levels of exhibits to explore habitats featuring a variety of fish, tree frogs, otters, sharks, eels, sting rays, and Luna the albino alligator. A popular touch tank gives visitors a chance to pet horseshoe crabs, rays, sea stars, pencil urchins, sea anemone, and more.
- The otters are typically on exhibit from 9 am – 3:45 pm. If you visit later in the day, you’ll miss them.
- If you see rain in the forecast, book your tickets online in advance. If you wait until it starts raining, tickets may already be sold out.
Shipwreck Neon
Mini Golf
Your entire family can avoid the rain at Shipwreck Mini Golf’s two indoor putt-putt courses. Whether you choose the Under the Sea course or the Shipwreck pirate-themed course, you’re bound to stay dry and experience a slice of Carolina Beach family fun.
Located at 1204 N Lake Park Blvd, Shipwreck Neon Mini Golf offers free parking and relief from both the summer heat and rainy days. Wheelchair accessible, black lights make these neon courses come to life. Two 9-hole courses offer aquarium-like views with a video screen of marine life and a 17 1/2 foot galleon with pirates and a sea battle. Enjoy beverages and popcorn before or after golfing, and peruse their on-site souvenir shop for a CB keepsake.
iEscape Rooms
A dreary day at the beach can transform into an exciting group adventure at iEscape Rooms in Carolina Beach.
Pick your challenge from a list of current theme rooms and attempt to escape using problem-solving skills, effective communication, and great teamwork. If you’ve never done an escape room before, the premise is simple. Find clues and solve puzzles to escape the room in 60 minutes or less. In order to help you choose the perfect theme for your group, iEscape Rooms provides recommended ages for each theme and discloses important details such as dim lighting, adult content, challenge difficulty, and whether live actors are involved. All 60 minute escapes are private, so reserve your group’s spot before the day fills up.
Dinner & Drinks
(and a free shuttle)
Avoid the raindrops with an all-inclusive outing away from the crowded main drag. During the summer season Michael’s Seafood offers complimentary shuttle service to the shopping plaza near Snow’s Cut Bridge. While you may not have considered exploring this side of the island during your stay, here you’ll find a handful of top Carolina Beach businesses that locals enjoy year round.
Start your evening with drinks at Island Beverage. Island Beverage features 18 rotating taps, wine by the glass or bottle, and a wide variety of bottled craft beer. Kid and dog friendly, Island Beverage has a well-stocked game shelf to keep you entertained on a rainy day. Next, head next door for dinner at Michael’s Seafood. Known for their award-winning seafood chowder, their menu features surf and turf options that please even the pickiest eaters.
The new Shipwreck Neon Mini Golf is also located in the vicinity making it easy to extend your rainy-day outing.
Don't let the rain spoil your fun
These top indoor activities in Carolina Beach should keep the good times rolling rain or shine. If you are looking for more ideas or are experiencing multiple days on rain during your trip, I’ll be posting more ideas for those of you willing to travel OTB. While rain at the beach may be a disappointment, enjoying a local indoor activity is an opportunity to bond with your group and make more memories. What’s your favorite thing to do when it rains in Carolina Beach and Kure Beach?
