The Best Things to Do With Kids on Topsail
Beyond the sand. Sea turtles, mini golf, pier fishing, and a retro roller rink. How families fill a Topsail day.
- 01
Go to the beach
Island-wide · calmest water at Serenity Point
Honestly? The beach is the whole point. Any access on the island delivers, but if you want the calmest, near-waveless water for little ones, drive to the southern tip and check out Serenity Point in Topsail Beach. Just know there are no lifeguards down there, so keep the kids close.
- 02
Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Rescue & Rehabilitation Center
Surf City
The island's signature family outing. Walk the observation ramp past rescued sea turtles recovering in their sick-bay tanks before release. A few dollars to get in, and it sticks with kids long after the trip home.
- 03
Patio Playground
Topsail Beach
Mini golf, an arcade, and an ice cream window all in one spot. Dancing on Friday nights. The go-to when you need to get off the sand for an afternoon.
- 04
Pier fishing
Jolly Roger (Topsail Beach) & SeaView (North Topsail)
Walk out over the Atlantic for a couple of dollars and watch what the anglers haul up. Low-cost, all-ages, and about as 'island' as it gets. Bring a rod or just spectate.
- 05
Topsail Skating Rink
Topsail Beach
A retro roller rink above the post office. Hardwood floors, 45-RPM records, snacks at the counter. Pure nostalgia, and the perfect rainy-day burn-off.
✱ Vote in the community
Have a pick? Help decidenext week's ranking.
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Methodology
This is our editor's first take. A starting point, not the final word. The real ranking gets voted through the Best of Topsail Island Facebook group, where we poll the community weekly and publish the results every Friday. Think we got it wrong? Join the group and set us straight. Star ratings are pulled from public review sites as of June 2026 and will shift over time.