Sure the beach is nature’s playground, but anyone with kids will tell you that sometimes they need a change of scenery. When the kids have had enough beach time but are still full of energy, it’s time to head to the playground! Luckily Carolina Beach and Kure Beach have 5 great playground options for keeping your little ones running, climbing, swinging, and sliding.
5 Playgrounds on Pleasure Island
Brandy Myers Memorial Playground
Adjacent to Carolina Beach Lake, Brandy Myers Memorial Playground is the newest addition to the Pleasure Island playground scene.
The ocean-themed playground features a large stingray-shaped climbing net surrounded by a small swing, slide, rocker, and climbing poles. The rubber ground surface is mess-free and provides some cushion for short falls. Located next to the walking path surrounding the lake, families can enjoy watching the various marine birds, turtles, and jumping fish that call Carolina Beach home.
Key Features
Climbing Web
Free Parking
Public Restrooms
- Lake Views
Does Not Have
Fenced Enclosure
Much for older kids
- Shaded play area
Bill McDonald Park
Located at 308 Lumberton Ave in Carolina Beach, McDonald Park is a small, neighborhood spot. Featuring a recently upgraded playground and shady picnic shelter, the park spans the width of the block between Lumberton and Wilson Avenues.
The playground at McDonald Park is geared towards older children with a very tall spider web climbing structure and multi-story slide structure. Before the renovation, my favorite feature at this park was the old-school metal spinner. Rusted and too fast to be safe, they removed the old spinner during the 2020 remodel. You’ll find a smaller, slower spinner in its place these days.
Featuring a small, but unique, playground, McDonald Park is a great option if you’re looking to get off the beach and let the kids climb.
Key Features
3 Slides
Spinner
Swings
Climbing Web
Rock Wall
Monkey Bars
Picnic Shelter/Grill
Water Fountain
Does Not Have
Restrooms
Toddler Area
- Parking Lot
Mike Chappell Park
Pronounced “Chapel” and not “Sha-pell”, Mike Chappell Park is a large 10 acre park in Carolina Beach open seven days a week from dawn to 11 pm. Located at 501 S Dow Road between Sumter Avenue and Clarendon Boulevard, Chappell Park is much more than a neighborhood playground.
The large play area is easy to find along 8th Street. The large mulched area features a toddler structure on one end and a multi-story slide structure at the other. Between the two structures you’ll find swings for all ages and a see-saw.
If you’re looking to spend an hour or more at the playground, you’ll find everything your kids desire at Mike Chappell Park. To extend your adventure, take stroll along the Island Greenway. The Greenway starts just across the street from the playground’s parking lot.
Key Features
4 Slides
Swings
Toddler Structure
Rock Wall
Monkey Bars
Picnic Shelter
Water Fountain
Restrooms
Bonus Features
Tennis Courts
Basketball Court
Youth Basketball Area
Dog Park
Baseball Fields
Soccer Field
Skate Park
Joe Eakes Park
Located at the corner of K and 7th Avenue, Joe Eakes Park is the largest town park in Kure Beach. Open daily from sunrise to sunset, the sandy floored playground can accommodate running, climbing, swinging, and sliding.
Key Features
2 Slides
Swings
Rock Wall
Monkey Bars
Picnic Tables
Sand Floor
Bonus Features
Basketball Court
Baseball Field
Bocce Ball Courts
Tennis courts w/practice backboard
Pickleball courts
18-hole Disc Golf course
- Dog Park
Ocean Front Park
You’ll find Kure Beach’s Ocean Front Park on Atlantic Ave just steps from the beach and famous Kure Beach fishing pier. Geared towards younger children, the playground features a pirate ship play structure and small climbable turtle sculptures. If you’re exhausted from keeping your toddlers safe around the waves, this playground should allow you a moment’s rest.
Key Features
Toddler Structure
1 Slide
Rock Wall
Water Fountain
Restrooms
Paid Parking
Does Not Have
Free Parking
Swings
Fenced Play Area
Get Outside and Play!
You may be visiting Carolina Beach and Kure Beach for the ocean, but you’ve got two wonderful towns supporting your family off the beach as well. Your kids will enjoy running, swinging, and climbing on these 5 great island playgrounds. Which playground do your kids enjoy most?
