If you’re looking for a charming coastal getaway that’s perfect for families, Southport should absolutely be on your list. With walkable streets, waterfront views, free museums, and plenty of kid-friendly stops, it’s one of the most relaxing and easy beach towns to visit in North Carolina.

Whether you’re planning a weekend trip or adding it to a longer Brunswick Islands vacation, here’s how to make the most of your time in Southport with kids.

Why Southport Is Perfect for Families

Southport has that small-town coastal charm that makes traveling with kids feel easy. It’s the kind of place where you can slow down, explore, and actually enjoy your time together.

Walkable downtown
Not overcrowded like other more popular coastal destinations
Plenty of free things to do
Family-friendly shops and restaurants
Easy access to nearby beaches and activities

Movies and Shows in Southport

One of the things that makes Southport so special is that it truly feels like you’ve stepped onto a movie set—and that’s because you kind of have. This charming coastal town has been featured in several well-known films and TV shows, including:

Safe Haven
A Walk to Remember
The Secret Life of Bees
Under the Dome

As you walk through downtown, along the waterfront, or past the historic homes, it’s easy to see why filmmakers are drawn to this area. The scenery is naturally beautiful, relaxed, and full of character.

Don’t Miss: Southport Summer Concerts

Join the Summer festivities at Franklin Square Park for live music! Southport Summer Concerts are held every Thursday from May 29th to September 3rd from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM. The concerts are open to the public and attendees of all ages are welcome. Guests are encouraged to bring picnic blankets, chairs, and dancing shoes!

Bring a blanket or chairs and enjoy live music in a relaxed, family-friendly setting. Kids can run around while parents unwind—one of those simple vacation moments that ends up being a favorite.

Grab Ice Cream or a Treat (A Must with Kids)

No Southport trip is complete without ice cream.

Flava’s Ice Cream
Spike’s Dairy Bar
Port City Java – fun treat stop (hot cocoa year-round favorite)

Both are local favorites and perfect for a mid-day treat or evening stop after dinner.

Stroll Downtown Southport, NC

Best Kid-Friendly Shops in Southport

Downtown Southport is full of fun little boutiques, antique shops, and art galleries that kids will love exploring.

Southport Market

A great stop for snacks, drinks, and casual bites.

Bullfrog Corner

A toy store that’s always a hit with younger kids.

Unique toys and gifts
Old-fashioned toy store feel
Barrels of penny candy

The Christmas House

A fun and unique shop that feels magical year-round.

Free Things to Do in Southport

One of the best parts of visiting Southport is how many free activities there are.

Explore the Museums

Both of these free museums offer scavenger hunts for kids, which makes visiting even more fun and interactive. This is a great way to keep younger kids engaged while learning about local history.

North Carolina Maritime Museum at Southport

Completely free
Learn about local maritime history
Small but interesting and easy for kids

Fort Johnston Museum & Visitors Center

Free admission
Great for learning about the area’s history
Quick and easy stop with kids

Best Parks in Southport for Families

One of the things that makes Southport so family-friendly is the number of parks scattered throughout town. Whether you’re looking for a quick playground stop or a place to let kids run around, there’s something for every type of outing.

Keziah Park (Home of the Indian Trail Tree)

This small half-acre park is a hidden gem in downtown Southport and home to the historic Indian Trail Tree, which is estimated to be more than 800 years old.

Kids love climbing the tree’s large, sprawling branches, while parents can relax on nearby benches. It’s a great quick stop while walking through downtown.

Alvin C. Caviness Park

This small neighborhood park is perfect for a quick play break.

Playground equipment for younger kids
Half basketball court
Easy stop during a downtown outing

Even though it’s under an acre, it’s a great place to let kids burn off some energy.

Dutchman Creek Park

If you’re looking for a larger park where kids can really run and explore, this is a must-visit.

One of the biggest playgrounds in the area
Picnic tables and benches
Fishing spots and boat launch
Access to Dutchman Creek and the Intracoastal Waterway
Restrooms on site

This is a great place to spend a few hours, especially if your kids love open space and outdoor play.

Smithville District Park

This is one of the largest parks in Southport and a great option for active families.

All-inclusive playground
Soccer and football fields
Baseball and softball fields
Basketball and tennis courts
Picnic shelters

It’s a popular spot for local sports, but also a great place for families to play and explore.

Franklin Square Park

Located just a few blocks from the waterfront, this park is perfect for a quick stop while exploring downtown.

Small playground
Picnic tables and benches
Gazebo and stage

This is also where the summer concert series takes place, making it a great spot to visit in the evenings.

Lowe-White Memorial Park

This park offers a little bit of everything and is perfect if you want a mix of play and nature.

Playground equipment
Tennis and basketball courts
Picnic areas
Nature trails with scenic overlooks

It’s a great option if you want to mix in a short walk with playground time.

Take a Historic Southport Walking Tour

One of the best ways to experience Southport is by slowing down and exploring it on foot. A self-guided historic walking tour is an easy and engaging way to see the town’s charm up close. You can pick up a walking tour map at the Southport Visitors Center and explore at your own pace.

What You’ll See Along the Way

As you walk through this historic fishing village, you’ll come across:

Old Brunswick County Jail
Old Smithville Burial Grounds
Historic homes and churches dating back to the 1800s

The walk is scenic, educational, and easy to customize depending on how much time you have.

Relax Along the Waterfront

Waterfront Park

One of the best simple things to do in Southport is just slow down and enjoy the views.

Sit in the waterfront swings
Watch boats come in and out

This is one of those low-key activities that ends up being a favorite for families.

Southport Pier and Riverwalk

Southport Pier and Riverwalk is one of the best spots to soak in the coastal views while giving kids something fun to do. Located along the edge of Waterfront Park, this area is perfect for a relaxed stroll, watching boats on the Cape Fear River go out into the Atlantic Ocean, or just taking in the scenery.

Great views of the river and passing boats
Easy, stroller-friendly walk
A fun place for kids to explore

If you have fishing poles, bring them along. This is a popular spot for fishing, and kids especially love dropping a line off the pier. One of the best parts for families: in North Carolina, kids under 16 do not need a saltwater fishing license, making this an easy and free activity to try. This is one of those simple stops that doesn’t take much planning but ends up being a highlight of the trip.

Southport Marsh Walk

Southport Marsh Walk is a hidden gem right near downtown and a great quick stop for families. This short boardwalk trail is only about 0.2 miles out and back, making it perfect for younger kids who may not want to do a longer walk.

Easy, stroller-friendly path
Great views of the marsh
Quick stop that doesn’t require much time

One of the highlights for kids is looking down into the water to spot wildlife. You’ll often see small crabs, fish, and other coastal creatures right below the walkway, which makes it feel like a mini nature adventure.

It’s simple, peaceful, and a great way to mix in a little nature without a big time commitment.

Get on the Water: Boat Tours

One of the best ways to experience the area is from the water.

Southport Water Tours

Scenic boat cruises
Great chance to spot dolphins
Relaxing activity for the whole family

Take the Fort Fisher Ferry

Fort Fisher Ferry is one of the most fun and unique experiences you can add to your Southport trip. This ferry connects Southport to Fort Fisher near Kure Beach and offers a scenic ride across the Cape Fear River.

Fares are inexpensive and range from ~$1 – $15. See more about fares here.
Runs daily with a set schedule
Takes about 30–35 minutes each way
You can bring your car or walk on

What to Know Before You Go

Arrive early, especially during busy seasons
It’s first come, first served
Check the schedule ahead of time
Great to pair with a visit to nearby beaches or the aquarium

Make It a Mini Adventure

Once you arrive on the other side, you’re close to:

Take a Southport Trolley Tour

A trolley or streetcar tour is a fun way to explore the area without a lot of walking.

Great overview of the town
Easy for younger kids
Learn local history along the way

Catch a Show at The Amuzu Theatre

Amuzu Theater in Southport, NC — Photo Credit: VisitNC.com

The Amuzu Theatre is one of Southport’s most unique hidden gems and a fun way to mix in a little entertainment during your trip. This historic theater has been part of the community for decades and still hosts movies, live performances, and special events throughout the year.

Classic small-town theater experience
Affordable shows and family-friendly events
A great indoor option on hot or rainy days

Take a Lantern-Led Ghost Walk with Old South Tour Company

Old South Tour Company offers one of the most unique experiences in Southport. A lantern-led ghost walk tour that’s been a local favorite since 2004. This 60-minute guided walking tour blends history with storytelling for a fun, slightly spooky way to explore the town after dark. For more places to enjoy ghost tours check out Best Ghost Tours in North Carolina

What to Expect

A 60-minute guided walking tour through historic Southport
Lantern-lit atmosphere that adds to the experience
Stories of local legends, hauntings, and historical events
A mix of factual history and folklore passed down through generations

You’ll hear chilling tales of spirits and uncover lesser-known stories about Southport’s past, all while walking through the same streets you explored during the day.

Is It Kid-Friendly

Yes, this tour is designed to be family-friendly, making it a great option if you have older kids who enjoy a little bit of spooky fun. It’s not overly scary, but just enough to feel exciting and memorable.

More Fun Stops Kids Will Love

Carolina Kite Company – perfect for beach days
Old Brunswick County Jail – quick historic stop

Nearby Activities Worth Adding to Your Trip

Southport is just the beginning—there are so many family-friendly activities nearby.

Oak Island

Oak Island Nature Center (opens Memorial Day weekend)
Splashpad at Middleton Park (perfect for hot days)
Oak Island is the closest beach to the town of Southport
Oak Island Lighthouse
Go Crabbing
- Heron Lookout – SE 40th Street at Davis Creek
- 78th Street Crab Dock – NE 78th Street at Yacht Drive

Ocean Isle Beach

Museum of Coastal Carolina
The Swamp Park (eco-boat tours, alligators, aerial adventure)

Sunset Beach

Ingram Planetarium – A great option for an indoor, educational experience.

Easy Day Trip: Wilmington

Wilmington is just a short drive away. Don’t miss the Battleship North Carolina.

Bald Head Island, NC

Bald Head Island offers a slower pace that makes every trip feel magical. Explore this unique, car-free island by cruising around on a bike, boat, or golf cart. You’ll uncover a stunning mix of natural beauty. From sand dunes, dense maritime forests, and lively salt marshes filled with wildlife.

Where to Eat with Kids

Food From Frying Pan Restaurant in Southport, NC — Photo Credit: VisitNC.com

Southport and the surrounding Brunswick Islands are full of family-friendly dining options. From fresh seafood spots to laid-back cafés, there’s something for everyone.

The Provision Company (waterfront dining)
Frying Pan (great views)
Edgewater 122
Southport Cheese Shoppe
Burney’s Bakery

You can explore more options here:

Family-friendly dining in Brunswick Islands

Tips for Visiting Southport with Kids

Bring comfortable shoes for walking downtown
Plan for ice cream stops (you’ll want more than one)
Mix in free museums with outdoor time
Check event calendars before your trip
Pair Southport with nearby beach towns for variety

Why Southport Is Worth the Trip

Southport is one of those places that feels simple in the best way. It’s not about big attractions or packed schedules—it’s about:

Ice cream after dinner
Live music in the park
Letting kids explore and play
Slowing down and enjoying the moment

And honestly, that’s what makes it such a great family destination.