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Go Surfing

While the location of the Brunswick County beaches produce moderate surf that is more suited for body boarding, some surfing can still be done in the area. Just north of Brunswick County, the Topsail Island beaches offer great surfing conditions and are just a short drive from Brunswick County. Before you head out for a day of surfing, be sure to check the local weather and tide reports, and be aware of local regulations. For more information on local regulations, as well as information about surfing lessons, you can contact the Wrightsville Beach Parks and Recreation Department at (910) 256-3925. To purchase surfing gear, you can reach Local Call Surf Shop of Oak Island at (910) 278-3306; while Beach Fun Rentals of Holden Beach at (888) 355-4446 offers equipment rentals.

Travel To Myrtle Beach To the Family Kingdom Amusement and Water Park

Located just a short distance from Brunswick County in Myrtle Beach, you will find the Family Kingdom Amusement and Water Park. Located at 300 South Ocean Boulevard, this family amusement park is the only oceanfront water park located on the Grand Strand of Myrtle Beach. The Swamp Fox, a rollercoaster made entirely of wood, is a popular ride at the park. The 33 rides found at the park are sure to include one of your favorites. The park also has a section called Kiddie Land, which has 18 rides for young children to safely enjoy. For more information, contact the Family Kingdom Amusement and Water Park at (843) 626-3447.

Visit the South of the Border Attraction

While you are in Brunswick County and so close to the border between North Carolina and South Carolina, you may want to stop off Interstate-95 and check out the South of the Border attraction. South of the Border has a campground and a motel, a miniature theme park, shops, restaurants, a nightclub and more. As you are traveling either on Interstate-95 or the intersecting U.S. Highway 301-501, you are sure to see numerous signs advertising this famous attraction. You may want to stop and check it out - you can feel like you are in Mexico without even leaving the Carolinas! For more information, call South of the Border (a.k.a. Pedroland) at (843) 774.2411.

Visit the Ev-Henwood Nature Preserve

Located in Town Creek east of Winnabow, the Ev-Henwood Nature Preserve consists of 174 acres and is enjoyed by many who enjoy hiking, photography, bird watching, and more. There are 15 hiking trails located at Ev-Henwood, and each trail displays the various plants and animals that are found in the preserve. The low land forest area along the Town Creek has been left undisturbed, and you will also enjoy viewing the various small creeks that are found in the preserve. For more information, call (910) 962-3107.

Join an Adult Soccer League

If you enjoy competitive sports and getting lots of exercise, you may enjoy participating in the adult soccer league of Oak Island. The Oak Island Recreation Department offers adults the opportunity to play in this soccer league, which is open to both men and women. Throughout the league season, ten matches are played, and the season ends with a single-elimination tournament. The location of the games is the Oak Island Soccer Field at Middleton Park. For more information, contact the Oak Island Recreation Department at (910) 278-4747.

Go Skateboarding at Oak Island State Park

The Oak Island Skate Park was designed with input from area youth, and offers a variety of challenges and trick opportunities for skaters who come to the park. Skaters must wear protective equipment while they are in the park, and spectators are welcome. Skaters on skateboards, inline skates and roller skates are allowed in the park. Regular open sessions are available, as well as sessions for specific age and skill level. For more information, contact the Oak Island Skate Park at (910) 278-4747.

Take an Art Class from the Associated Artists of Southport

The Associated Artists of Southport is a non-profit organization that is housed in the Franklin Square Gallery. The group educates and promotes original art within the community, and offers various workshops and competitions held throughout the year. Drawing and painting classes are held on Monday through Friday, and pottery classes are also held in the facility. Classes and other activities for children are also offered. For more information, contact the Associated Artists of Southport at (910) 278-5562.

Go Bicycling on Area Bike Paths

Brunswick County is a great place to ride your bicycle, as the roads are not as busy as they are in other coastal areas of North Carolina. A 32-mile bike route takes you from Southport to Orton Plantation and Brunswick Town Historic Site. Also, a recently built 3-mile paved shoulder bike path takes you from the state ferry dock to downtown Southport. Other bike trails can be found throughout the county. For more information, you can get a bicycle trail map from the Oak Island Recreation Center at (910) 278-5518. For information about state-funded bicycle trails, you can contact the North Carolina Division of Bicycle and Pedestrian Transportation at (919) 733-2804. For your bicycling adventure, you can rent bicycles in the area from Boomer's Rentals of Holden Beach at (910) 842-1400 or Julie's Rentals of Sunset Beach at (910) 579-1211. Also, there is a full-service bicycle shop in Southport, Southport Bicycles at (910) 457-1878.

Travel To Myrtle Beach For Some Fun at the Grand Prix Family Thrill Park

Just a short drive from Brunswick County, your family may enjoy spending an afternoon at the Myrtle Beach Grand Prix Family Thrill Park. This adventure park offers a variety of rides and go-carts. Some features of the park include junior racers, 2-seaters and bumper boats. The Myrtle Beach Grand Prix Family Thrill Park is located at 3900 Highway 17 South and can be reached at (843) 238-4783.

Go Boating

The Brunswick County area offers a variety of boating opportunities, whether you want to cruise in a small boat on the Cape Fear River or in a larger boat that can handle the waters of the Atlantic Ocean. Before you take your boating adventure, be sure you are familiar with area rules and regulations. The coast of North Carolina is known as the "Graveyard of the Atlantic" because of the numerous shipwrecks that have happened because of shallow water and treacherous shoals, so you will want to be familiar with area waters before taking your trip. The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary offers Safe Boating courses throughout the year and can be reached at (910) 458-9598.