Carolina Beach State Park has classic family attractions like camping, hiking and fishing. What makes it unique, however, is the carnivorous Venus flytrap that grows there. Kids are generally thrilled to inspect a plant that eats insects; just don't get too close!
At the park, hike the six miles of trails. Stop first at the visitor's center, where you can learn about the other plants and animals you might see along the way. You can push a stroller along the flat trail. If you get a fishing permit, you can fish for flounder and striped bass.
Rent a kayak to paddle alone, or take a kayak tour in the salt marsh from Carolina Coastal Adventure. The guided nature tours focus on the birds, marine animals and ecology of the marshes. Beginners get a lesson in how to kayak, and two- or three-hour tours are designed so even young children can participate. You can also rent a surfboard or take a surfing lesson. The company runs sightseeing boat tours and charter fishing boats as well.
Explore Carolina Beach on land with a bicycle or family-sized surrey. Wheel Fun Rentals has surreys that can hold eight people, along with adult bikes, children's bicycles and tag-alongs, which turn adult bikes into a tandem with a child riding in back. There is a nice two-and-a-half-mile loop around a lake, with a playground so kids can tire out their legs even more. You can try out the unusual low-to-the-ground chopper bikes, which are like Big Wheels for big kids.
Wheel Fun also rents surfboards and boogie boards; older kids can enjoy these at the beach while you fly a kite or play ball with younger children.
When you need a break from water activities, try miniature golf with a jungle theme at Carolina Beach Jungle Mini Golf & Batting Cages. The 18-hole putt-putt also has batting cages, making for hours of fun for the whole family.
