Summer’s Over. Now What?

Now that the laziness of summer is accompanied by shorter days and open schools, Eastern North Carolina is the prime place to play. There are arcades, water slides, golf, boat tours, beaches, and much more. Additionally, the surrounding towns, cities, and counties offer government programs for all ages. You will have all the answers when your children say, “I’m bored,” and Eastern North Carolina is laden with activities to keep the children, adults, and seniors busy, outdoors and in.

Mac Daddy’s in Cape Carteret is a thrilling and fun place for kids and adults alike to release energy. The air-conditioned amusement center offers bowling, an extensive menu and sports bar, and the largest arcade on the Crystal Coast with a roller coaster simulator, a photobooth, and classics like pinball and Space Invaders. Visit the cool, colossal center for birthday parties, family gatherings, or just because. Next door you will find Golfin’ Dolphin which has go-karts, mini golf, and a state-of-the-art driving range highlighted by a PGA sanctioned practice facility. It also features a thrilling part ropes course, part roller coaster called the Sky Trail. Are you more into nature? Don’t fret; the area has tons of ways to enjoy all that Eastern NC has to offer.  

Jacksonville, NC is home to Northeast Creek Park where they have disc golf, pickleball, line dancing, and even yoga! The park, as well as the Jack Amyette Recreation Center in town, both boast a splash pad to keep you and yours cool. The city has programs galore for youth, seniors, and adults. Along with a movie theater and bowling in town, there are camps, walking trails, and special park events. Sturgeon City Environmental Education Center in Jacksonville offers environmental education programs like field trips, outreach, and camps. The city of Jacksonville is stacked with outdoor activities for your enjoyment, but they’re not the only ones.

Nearby in Newport, you can enjoy the youth and community theater by watching or even acting your heart away in a local play. They even offer a camp! Also in town is Fort Benjamin Park with play equipment for children and events such as an adult co-ed beach volley ball league, teen nights, and activities for veterans. Newport also boasts the Oyster Point Campground and the Neusiok Trail to hike, picnic, or simply breathe in the fresh air. There is also the Outer Banks Wildlife Shelter, a rehabilitation center with opportunities to volunteer for local wildlife, a lovely way for all ages to learn more about the area. Newport also offers places to kayak, trail walk, and float around in a rented boat.

Swansboro is the most delightful place for things-to-do, and the local waters are the main event. Check out Lady Swan Boat Tours and explore the waters. They offer private cruises, sunset rides, and they’ll even take you out on the marsh. Take a peek at Swansboro Paddleboarding and Kayaking to rent a paddleboard or pontoon, or sign up to take a jet ski or boat tour. Visit Hammocks Beach State Park and take a ferry to the pristine and beautiful Bear Island where you can walk the trail, spend the day on the white sands of the beach, or camp. Nearby Carteret County offers a GIS Kayak Trail App displaying the best places to explore the waters of the Core Sound and the Back Sound, only a few of the many places to kayak in ENC.

Rent a kayak from Makin Waves or Paddle NC in Sneads Ferry. The town also has the North Shore Golf Course, jet ski rentals, many cool shops, relaxing spas, and restaurants that serve delicious local cuisine. Sneads Ferry is also known for its incredible fishing spots, and businesses like Bad Habit Sportfishing or Reel Cranky Fishing Charters can be your local, experienced guide to assist you in reeling in some sea bass or spot for dinner. 

Whether you like fishing, arcades, or exploring nature, Eastern North Carolina is the place to be all year round. There are indoor and outdoor activities for all ages and abilities. ENC has some of the most beautiful beaches in the country, yes, but that’s not all. The local programs provided by the cities and towns don’t only cater to children, but adults and seniors as well. Don't wait to begin enjoying all that this area has to offer. Click on the links and start planning your next adventure in the most magnificent Eastern North Carolina.

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