COASTAL SPRING: 10 Family Activities in Brunswick County This Weekend

From festivals to nature trails, here is your guide to local family-friendly events from April 17 to April 19

​BRUNSWICK COUNTY, NC — The third weekend of April brings a surge of community activity across the region. For families looking to explore the coast, here are 10 top-rated activities and events spanning from Southport to the South Carolina border.

​Community Festivals

• ​Southport Spring Festival: The marquee event takes place Saturday (10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.) at Franklin Square Park. Expect 150+ vendors and a dedicated “Kid’s Corner.” Arrive by 9:30 a.m. for the best street parking on Howe or Moore Streets.
• ​Race for the Planet: Head to the Fort Fisher Aquarium on Sunday for an Earth Day 5K and a One-Mile Fun Run designed specifically for children.

​Educational & Indoor Fun

• ​Touch Tank Feedings: The Museum of Coastal Carolina in Ocean Isle Beach offers a hands-on marine life feeding session this Friday at 11:00 a.m.
• ​Laser Dome Shows: Ingram Planetarium features “Cosmic Colors” for younger audiences and high-energy laser music shows on Friday evening.
• ​Master Gardener Plant Sale: Running through Sunday, this event at the Arboretum is a great way to introduce children to coastal gardening and pollinator habitats.

​Outdoor & Nature Exploration

• ​Brunswick Nature Park: Located in Winnabow, this 900-acre site offers easy biking trails and a quiet kayak launch for families seeking to avoid festival crowds.
• ​Green Swamp Preserve: A prime time for spotting rare Venus flytraps along the boardwalks before the peak of summer humidity and insects.
• ​Ocean Isle Beach Pier: A classic stop for coastal views, fishing observation, and a visit to the on-site arcade.
• ​Town Center Park Splash Pad: With temperatures warming up, the splash pad and playground in Ocean Isle Beach provide a central spot for kids to cool off.
• ​Waterfront Live Music: Afternoon outdoor performances in nearby North Myrtle Beach offer a relaxed, all-ages environment to wrap up the weekend.

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