By Wednesday, they are whining, “I’m bored. There’s nothing to do.”
Oh, there are plenty of things to do in Pender County, Children.
Here’s a survival guide for parents. In Pender County you can entertain the children and not go bankrupt. Here’s a list of four free things to do outdoors and four things to do indoors.
Outdoor activities
Go to the south end of Topsail Island to Serenity Point and go shelling. Look for sharks teeth too. Parking is free in Topsail Beach. Go to the furthest beach access and walk 3 miles around Serenity Point. If the children are too small to do the entire 3 miles, explore the Atlantic side for a mile one day. On another day, explore the Intracoastal Waterway side. The point is made up of windswept dunes, no homes, and sea shell treasures to be found.
Dust off the fishing gear and go fishing. Pender County has a plethora of fishing holes – ocean, waterway, two rivers and countless streams. This just may be the perfect time to explore Miller’s Pond, off 117 in Rocky Point. This park is being developed by the county and offers great fishing spots.
Visit Moores Creek National Battlefield. Admission is free. Located just minutes from Burgaw, Moores Creek is the only national park in Southeastern North Carolina. If the children aren’t interested in history, the 1 mile path is paved and perfect for a walk. Along the way, view the bridge where the first Patriots’ victory occurred. See the only Revolutionary War memorial to women and the only memorial to Loyalists. Inside the visitors’ center are exhibits. Make certain to watch the 11 minute video about the historical significance of Moores Creek.
Run off steam at any of our wonderful parks. The Town of Burgaw has a beautiful walking path and parks with playgrounds. Or explore the boardwalk at Soundside Park in Surf City. Be sure to select a good vantage point on the hour to watch the iconic Swing Bridge open. It won’t be with us forever. Kiwanis Park in Hampstead features a walking path and age appropriate playgrounds. Pick one you haven’t frequented in the past and explore!
Indoor activities
Visit Missiles and More Museum. The children will love the pirate lore, the hands on beach and wildlife display, and the missiles on display. Call ahead and verify hours of operation for the Missiles and More Museum. There’s no admission fee.
Hot Mess Studio in Hampstead is a creative place for children and adults. Each day the staff has some sort of craft or activity. Visit their Facebook page or give them a call. There will be some small fee involved, but the children can make gifts and decorations that will be treasured for many years to come.
Pender County is blessed with two libraries. Yes, pundits said the Internet would kill libraries. Well, the pundits are dead, but libraries are thriving. Often there are story time and special activities. Find the schedules online. Be sure to take a book bag or tote and load up on books. If there isn’t a library card in the family, this is a perfect time to sign up everyone. The computers in the library are fun too, featuring educational games.
Visit the Pender County Museum. This museum is jammed packed with maps, toys, old gowns, and more. Take the children to the medical exhibit. They will quickly appreciate today’s healthcare. Visit on a Saturday when the museum volunteers are giving blacksmithing demonstrations. Or, if you’ve visited Pender County Museum, go to Penderlea and see what life was like on the original Penderlea Homestead.
These are just a few suggestions that are free or almost free. With children, every day is an adventure. In Pender County, we have a lot of adventures to experience.
For more information and updates visit our Facebook pages at Visit Pender or Pender County Tourism.
