Holden Beach is one of the best-kept secrets on the Carolina coast — and if you’re planning a family vacation, it deserves a spot at the top of your list. Wide, uncrowded beaches, calm waters, and a laid-back small-town atmosphere make it a natural fit for families with kids of any age.

Whether you’re staying for a long weekend or a full week, here are 10 things to do at Holden Beach with kids that will keep everyone happy — from toddlers to teenagers.

1. Build Sandcastles on the Beach

Holden Beach is known for its wide, flat shoreline — ideal sandcastle territory. Bring buckets and shovels, stake out a stretch of sand, and let the kids go to work. The beach rarely feels crowded, so you’ll have plenty of room to spread out without fighting for space.

2. Collect Shells at Low Tide

Holden Beach is a shelling hotspot. Early mornings at low tide are the best time to find sand dollars, whelks, and conchs along the waterline. Make it a competition — whoever finds the biggest or most unusual shell wins bragging rights for the trip.

3. Fish From the Shore or a Kayak

Fishing is a natural fit at Holden Beach. Kids can try surf fishing right from the beach, or rent a kayak and paddle the calmer waters of the Intracoastal Waterway for a different kind of adventure. No boat required — just a rod, some bait, and patience.

4. Explore the Intracoastal Waterway

The Intracoastal Waterway runs along the mainland side of Holden Beach and is full of life. Rent a kayak, paddleboard, or join a guided boat tour to get out on the water. It’s a completely different perspective on the area — and kids love being on the water in any form.

5. Watch for Dolphins and Shorebirds

Wildlife sightings are one of those unexpected highlights of a Holden Beach trip. Dolphins can be spotted in the area, particularly in calmer weather near the waterway and ocean inlets. Brown pelicans, egrets, and blue herons are common along the shoreline and a reliable source of excitement for younger kids. Bring binoculars if you have them.

6. Visit the Holden Beach Turtle Watch Program

From May through October, the Holden Beach Turtle Watch Program monitors loggerhead sea turtle nests along the beach. Kids are fascinated by it. Keep an eye out for nest markers during beach walks, and check the program’s schedule for any public education events during your stay — it’s a memorable experience that sticks with kids long after the trip.

7. Day Trip to Southport

Southport is about 20 minutes from Holden Beach and one of the most charming small towns on the North Carolina coast. Walk the waterfront, browse local shops, grab ice cream, and let the kids explore the old cannon at the waterfront park. An easy, low-key half-day outing that always delivers.

8. Explore Ocean Isle Beach

Ocean Isle Beach is the closest neighboring beach town to Holden Beach and a great option for a change of scenery. It’s a slightly larger island with a classic beach-town feel — mini golf, casual dining, and a boardwalk area that kids enjoy. Close enough to make it a quick afternoon trip without burning half the day in the car.

9. Day Trip to Myrtle Beach

When the kids need more stimulation than the beach can offer, Myrtle Beach is about 45 minutes south. Go-karts, arcades, mini golf, the SkyWheel, live entertainment, and endless dining options — it’s a full day of family entertainment. The best part: you get all the energy of Myrtle Beach, then come back to the quiet of Holden Beach to decompress. Best of both worlds.

10. End Every Day on the Porch

This one sounds simple, but it might be the best part of a Holden Beach vacation. After a full day of sun, sand, and activity, coming back to a comfortable home — cold drinks in hand, kids winding down — is exactly what a family beach trip should feel like.

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Looking for a home base for your Holden Beach family vacation? Old Ferry Coastal Retreat is a 3-bedroom, family-friendly vacation home just minutes from the island. Sleeps 6 comfortably, no 7-night minimum, and priced below on-island rentals. Check availability here.