📷 Lawson Creek Park entrance sign. Photo: ncwetlands.org (NC Division of Water Resources), CC0 1.0, via source.📷 Path through Lawson Creek Park. Photo: ncwetlands.org (NC Division of Water Resources), CC0 1.0, via source.📷 River view at Lawson Creek Park. Photo: ncwetlands.org (NC Division of Water Resources), CC0 1.0, via source.
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📍 New Bern
Lawson Creek Park
🌳 Outdoor🆓 FreePark and playground
140-acre riverside park on the Trent River with a 0.8-mile trail, a playground and restrooms.
📷 Riverwalk drawbridge at Union Point Park. Photo: Drummike55, CC BY-SA 4.0, via source.📷 Sunset over the Riverwalk Bridge at Union Point Park. Photo: Drummike55, CC BY-SA 4.0, via source.
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📍 New Bern
Union Point Park
🌳 Outdoor🆓 FreePark and playground
Six-acre downtown park where the Neuse and Trent rivers meet, with a small playground, restrooms, picnic tables and fishing piers.
🎨 Example illustration, not a photo of this place. Tap “See on Google Maps” for real photos.
📍 New Bern
Martin Marietta Park
🌳 Outdoor🆓 FreePark, playground and nature trail
The city's biggest park, on an old quarry: an adventure playground, a StoryWalk trail with children's book pages, 7+ miles of soft-surface trails, fishing piers, a wildlife deck and restrooms.
Where
700 S Glenburnie Rd, New Bern, NC 28562
Ages
Not stated
Cost
Free
Hours
Daily, dawn to dusk
The playground and StoryWalk are next to Lake Shelter #2, which has restrooms. Fishing license needed for ages 16 and up. Wildlife lives here, so stay on the trails. New Bern Parks & Rec 252-639-2901.
⚠️ Not yet confirmed: Age range for the playground
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📍 New Bern
Creekside Park
🌳 Outdoor🆓 Free👶 Under 3Park and playground
Big county park with three playgrounds, including an inclusive one with separate areas for ages 2-5 and 6-11, a triple zip line, a musical play area and a wheelchair swing. Also a dock on Brice's Creek, walking trail and restrooms.
Where
1821 Old Airport Rd, New Bern, NC 28562
Ages
Inclusive playground has areas for ages 2-5 and 6-11
Cost
Free
Hours
Opens daily at 8 AM; gates generally close at dusk (later during scheduled games)
The inclusive playground is next to the Rotary Shelter by the soccer fields; the other two are by the youth ball fields and the waterfront. Closing time can vary with scheduled games. Craven County Recreation & Parks 252-636-6606.
📷 Boardwalk over the marsh at Latham-Whitehurst Nature Park. Photo: Fredlyfish4, CC BY-SA 4.0, via source.📷 Dock on Broad Creek at Latham-Whitehurst Nature Park. Photo: Fredlyfish4, CC BY-SA 4.0, via source.
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📍 New Bern
Latham-Whitehurst Nature Park
🌳 Outdoor🆓 FreeNature trail
133-acre county nature park near Fairfield Harbour with short color-coded trails (0.16-0.8 mile), a tree-ID trail and a 2,000-foot boardwalk and dock over Broad Creek.
Where
1095 Broad Creek Rd, New Bern, NC 28560
Ages
Not stated
Cost
Free
Hours
8 AM-8 PM daily (county facility listing)
Restrooms at the entrance and near the waterfront. Picnic tables along the trails. No playground. Craven County Recreation & Parks 252-636-6606.
⚠️ Not yet confirmed: Age fit; whether trails are stroller-friendly
📷 Island Creek in the Croatan National Forest. Photo: Fredlyfish4, CC BY 4.0, via source.
📍 Croatan National Forest (near Pollocksville) · New Bern area
Island Creek Forest Walk
🌳 Outdoor🆓 FreeNature trail
Easy half-mile self-guided forest walk in the Croatan National Forest, with numbered posts that match a pamphlet in the box at the trailhead.
Where
Trailhead on SR 1004, 7.5 miles from US 70, Croatan National Forest, Jones County, NC
Ages
Not stated
Cost
Free
Hours
Open year-round
No restrooms or drinking water. Dogs must be leashed. Forest Service directions: take US 70 south of New Bern, turn at Trent East Crossing shopping center, go left at the stop sign onto SR 1004 and drive 7.5 miles; the trailhead is on the right. Croatan Ranger District 252-638-5628.
⚠️ Not yet confirmed: Age fit; whether the trail is stroller-friendly
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📍 Oriental · New Bern area
Edward D. Lupton Park
🌳 Outdoor🆓 Free👶 Under 3Playground
Small, shady town park with playground equipment for young children and toddlers, a covered picnic pavilion with a grill, and a tennis/pickleball court.
Where
702 3rd Ave, Oriental, NC 28571
Ages
Young children and toddlers
Cost
Free
Hours
Court open daily, dawn to dusk (town page)
Two blocks inland from the river. Pickleball paddles and balls are kept on site. Oriental Town Hall 252-249-0555.
⚠️ Not yet confirmed: Playground hours (the town lists court hours); restrooms
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📍 Oriental · New Bern area
John Bond Town Beach
🌳 Outdoor🆓 FreeRiver beach
Small, sheltered sandy beach on the Neuse River where kids can dig in the sand and look for minnows, crabs and turtles. Covered picnic table for shade.
Where
Neuse Dr, just past Ragan Rd, Oriental, NC 28571
Ages
All ages (town page)
Cost
Free
Hours
Not posted
No lifeguards are mentioned. Oriental Town Hall 252-249-0555.
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📍 Havelock
Havelock Tourist & Event Center (aviation exhibits)
☔ Indoor🆓 FreeHistory museum (free)
Free exhibits: the Eastern Carolina Aviation Heritage exhibit follows Marine aviation from Kitty Hawk to the F-35B, with aircraft on display, plus a Havelock history exhibit with a Civil War-era fort diorama.
Where
201 Tourist Center Dr, Havelock, NC 28532
Ages
Not stated
Cost
Free (donations welcome)
Hours
Mon-Fri 8 AM-5 PM; Sat 10 AM-5 PM; Sun closed
Phone 252-444-4348. Local news (not the center) reports a free family Fly-In STEM night here in August.
⚠️ Not yet confirmed: Which aircraft are on display now and whether they are inside or outside; whether the August Fly-In night returns; age fit
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📍 Cherry Branch · Havelock area
Cherry Branch-Minnesott Beach Ferry
🌳 Outdoor🆓 FreeCar ferry (free)
Free state ferry across the wide Neuse River between Cherry Branch (near Havelock) and Minnesott Beach. About 20 minutes each way.
Where
Cherry Branch Ferry Terminal, Havelock, NC 28532
Ages
Not stated
Cost
Free
Hours
Year-round. From Cherry Branch: first boat 5:00 AM, last 10:00 PM. From Minnesott: first 5:25 AM, last 11:00 PM. Check the schedule for exact sailings.
Restrooms at the terminals and on the boats. Cherry Branch terminal 252-463-7001.
⚠️ Not yet confirmed: Terminal street address; whether you can ride on foot without a car; age fit
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📍 Havelock
Havelock Recreation Center
🌳 Outdoor🆓 FreePark and playground
City rec center with a gym, a small playground (climbers and six swings), a walking trail and picnic shelters. Home of city youth sports like basketball.
Where
1 Recreation Dr, Havelock, NC 28532
Ages
Not stated
Cost
Playground free. Gym day use 50¢ for ages 17 and under.
Hours
Mon-Sat 8 AM-8 PM; Sun noon-4 PM
Free Trunk or Treat here Fri Oct 30, 2026, 5-7:30 PM (city calendar). Youth basketball sign-ups open in October. Phone 252-444-6429.
⚠️ Not yet confirmed: Whether the playground and trail follow the building's hours; age fit
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📍 Havelock
Cherry Point nature trails (MCAS Cherry Point)
🌳 Outdoor🆓 Free🪪 On baseNature trail (on base)
Six level, mulched base trails, more than 4 miles in all, from the 0.15-mile Dog Beach trail to the 1.05-mile Madison trail. Trailhead signs have maps.
Where
Trailheads on MCAS Cherry Point (Jefferson Loop starts near Miller's Landing, Bldg 4843), NC 28533
Ages
Not stated
Cost
Free (no fee listed)
Hours
Not posted
🪪 On base: military ID / base access required. Visitors without an ID need a sponsor. See Cherry Point Pass & ID.
Opened July 2024. Lengths: Jefferson Loop 0.95 mi, Madison 1.05, Roosevelt 0.91, Wilson 0.68, Riverview 0.4, Dog Beach 0.15. Trail maintenance line 252-466-3482.
⚠️ Not yet confirmed: Hours; stroller access; exact trailhead locations; that there is no fee
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📍 Jacksonville
Northeast Creek Park
🌳 Outdoor🆓 FreeSplash pad and playground
Big city park with an inclusive playground next to a free splash pad, plus restrooms, picnic shelters, ball fields, a disc golf course, fishing and a boat and kayak launch.
Where
910 Corbin Rd, Jacksonville, NC 28546
Ages
All ages and abilities
Cost
Free
Hours
Splash pad: May 23-Sept 27, 2026, 10 AM-7 PM daily (closed for the season now). Park hours not posted.
Playground-side restrooms closed 9 PM-7 AM. The splash pad page lists it as 911 Corbin St; the park's own page gives 910 Corbin Rd. Jacksonville Recreation & Parks 910-938-5312.
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📍 Sneads Ferry · Jacksonville area
Stump Sound Park
🌳 Outdoor🆓 FreePark, playground and nature trail
52-acre county park with a playground and tot-lot, a 1,600-foot nature trail with 17 learning stations, a fitness trail, restrooms and picnic shelters.
Where
1771 NC Hwy 172, Sneads Ferry, NC 28460
Ages
Not stated
Cost
Free
Hours
Daily 8 AM-7 PM
Onslow County Parks & Recreation, 910-347-5332.
⚠️ Not yet confirmed: Whether hours change by season
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📍 Jacksonville
Jacksonville Winterfest
🌳 Outdoor🆓 FreeHoliday event
City holiday festival with children's games, Santa photos, Santa's Workshop, pony, hay and train rides, sledding on real snow, the tree lighting and a flotilla on the New River.
Where
Riverwalk Crossing Park, 421 Court St, Jacksonville, NC 28540
Ages
Not stated
Cost
Free
Hours
Sat Dec 5, 2026 (event times not posted yet)
City events are free to attend. Jacksonville Recreation & Parks, 910-938-5312.
⚠️ Not yet confirmed: Event times; which activities cost extra; activity list is the city's general Winterfest description, not a 2026 schedule
📷 Brick walls of Fort Macon. Photo: JessPeck88, CC BY-SA 3.0, via source.📷 Inside Fort Macon's walls, seen from the top of the fort. Photo: DrStew82, CC BY-SA 4.0, via source.📷 Cannon exhibit inside Fort Macon. Photo: DiscoA340, CC BY-SA 4.0, via source.
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📍 Atlantic Beach · Morehead City area
Fort Macon State Park
🌳 Outdoor🆓 FreeState park, fort and beach
Restored 1830s brick fort with daily guided tours and cannon and musket demonstrations, a visitor center with exhibits, a swim beach and 4 miles of trails.
Where
2303 E Fort Macon Rd, Atlantic Beach, NC 28512
Ages
Not stated
Cost
Free (no day-use fee)
Hours
Fort and visitor center 9 AM-5 PM daily; fort parking lot until 6 PM in October-March; closed Christmas Day
Lifeguards Memorial Day-Labor Day, 10 AM-5:45 PM. Seasonal bathhouse and concession stand. Visitor center 252-726-3775.
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📍 Atlantic Beach · Morehead City area
Atlantic Beach Town Park
🌳 Outdoor🆓 FreeSplash pad, playground and mini golf
Town park with a playground, splash pad, 18-hole mini golf, skate park, gaga ball pit, picnic shelter and restrooms.
Where
915 W Fort Macon Rd, Atlantic Beach, NC 28512
Ages
Town says the splash pad suits children of all ages; mini golf free for ages 6 and under
Cost
Park, playground and splash pad free. Mini golf $6 per person (ages 6 and under free).
Hours
Park 6 AM-11 PM daily. Splash pad 10 AM-8 PM daily, mid-May to late September (closed for the season now). Mini golf open weekends in spring and fall, daily in summer.
Skate park riders under 10 need an adult. Town Hall 252-726-2121. The town's main beach access with restrooms and summer lifeguards is at “the Circle.”
📷 Front of the NC Maritime Museum on Front Street, Beaufort. Photo: Willthacheerleader18, CC0 1.0, via source.📷 “Echo” the sperm whale skeleton at the NC Maritime Museum. Photo: Willthacheerleader18, CC0 1.0, via source.
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📍 Beaufort · Morehead City area
North Carolina Maritime Museum at Beaufort
☔ Indoor🆓 Free👶 Under 3History museum (free)
State museum about coastal life: boats, lighthouses, a whale skeleton and artifacts from Blackbeard's ship, Queen Anne's Revenge. Free Kids' Cove play mornings for ages 0-5 about once a month.
Where
315 Front St, Beaufort, NC 28516
Ages
All ages; Kids' Cove is for ages 0-5
Cost
Free (donations welcome)
Hours
Tue-Sat 10 AM-5 PM; closed Sun, Mon and state holidays
Next Kids' Cove: Wed Nov 18 and Wed Dec 9, 9-11 AM (free). The boatbuilding Watercraft Center is across the street.
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📍 Morehead City
Shevans Park
🌳 Outdoor🆓 FreeSplash pad and playground
Large nautical-themed playground with a climbable lighthouse and accessible swings, plus a splash pad, two picnic shelters and a gazebo.
Where
1501 Evans St, Morehead City, NC 28557
Ages
Not stated
Cost
Free
Hours
Open dawn to dusk. Splash pad closed for the season now.
The city's July 2026 parks notice lists Shevans among its open playgrounds; its Parks & Rec page shows only the splash pad as closed (for the season). Morehead City Parks & Rec 252-726-5083.
⚠️ Not yet confirmed: Splash pad season dates; age fit
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📍 Morehead City
Morehead City Public Library
☔ Indoor🆓 Free👶 Under 3Library story time
City library with a children's room and a maker space with LEGO, puzzles and board games. Preschool Story Time (ages 2-6) and Tots at the Library free play (ages 1-4).
Where
202 S 8th St, Morehead City, NC 28557
Ages
Tots: ages 1-4; Story Time: ages 2-6
Cost
Free
Hours
Mon-Thu 9 AM-5:30 PM; Fri-Sat 9 AM-1 PM; Sun closed
Story Time Tue and Wed 11 AM, up to 8 kids per session, so call 252-726-3765 to register. Tots at the Library Mondays 10-11 AM.
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📍 Newport · Morehead City area
Garner Farms
🌳 Outdoor🆓 FreeFarm (seasonal events)
Family farm market with U-pick strawberries in spring, a U-pick pumpkin patch and corn maze in fall, and kids' events now and then. The fall festival (corn maze, hayrides, corn pit, slides and mini farm animals) is held at a separate field on US 70.
Where
173 Sam Garner Rd, Newport, NC 28570
Ages
Not stated
Cost
Market is free to visit; U-pick and festival tickets cost extra
Hours
Strawberries usually mid-April through May; fall festival usually late September through October. Check their Facebook page for current hours and events.
Phone 252-223-5283. A festival listing gives the 2026 fall festival as 10 AM-6 PM at 5878 US 70 W, Newport, with general admission $13 for ages 4 and up.
💬 Local parent tip: Holds kids' events now and then. Check their page for what's coming up.
⚠️ Not yet confirmed: Market hours; 2026 fall festival dates, hours and price (from a festival listing, not the farm's own site); other kids' event dates
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📍 Newport · Morehead City area
Fort Benjamin Park
🌳 Outdoor🆓 Free👶 Under 3Park and playground
County park with a large playground for ages 2-12, a band shell, picnic shelters and grills, a walking trail with fitness stations, and a rec center game room with billiards and ping pong.
Where
100 McQueen Ave, Newport, NC 28570
Ages
Playground: ages 2-12
Cost
Free
Hours
Open all day, every day (park)
Free Freaky Friday movie night (Hocus Pocus 2) Fri Oct 30, movie at 5 PM, with refreshments and a costume prize; register at ccpr.recdesk.com (from the county parks home page). Rec center phone 252-222-5858.
⚠️ Not yet confirmed: Rec center opening hours; restroom hours
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📍 Morehead City
Swinson Park
🌳 Outdoor🆓 FreePark and playground
Carteret County park with a playground by Picnic Shelter 2, plus ball fields and picnic shelters.
Where
145 Swinson Park Rd, Morehead City, NC 28557
Ages
Not stated
Cost
Free
Hours
Open all day, every day
Carteret County Parks & Recreation, 252-808-3301.
⚠️ Not yet confirmed: Restrooms; playground age range; accessible play features (a playground maker's site describes an inclusive playground here, but the county doesn't say so)
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📍 Morehead City
Radio Island Beach Access
🌳 Outdoor🆓 FreeBeach access
Carteret County beach access on Radio Island, between Morehead City and Beaufort.
Where
501 Marine Dr, Morehead City, NC 28557
Ages
Not stated
Cost
Free
Hours
Daily 8 AM-5 PM
Carteret County Parks & Recreation, 252-808-3301.
⚠️ Not yet confirmed: Restrooms and outdoor showers (listed in a 2020 county parks listing, not on the current county pages); parking details; whether there are lifeguards
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📍 Pine Knoll Shores · Morehead City area
Salter Path Beach Access
🌳 Outdoor🆓 FreeBeach access
Carteret County ocean beach access on Bogue Banks.
Where
1025 Salter Path Rd, Pine Knoll Shores, NC 28512
Ages
Not stated
Cost
Free
Hours
Daily 8 AM-5 PM
Carteret County Parks & Recreation, 252-808-3301.
⚠️ Not yet confirmed: Restrooms, grills and outdoor showers (listed in a 2020 county parks listing, not on the current county pages); parking details; whether there are lifeguards; ZIP code (the county lists 28575); town (the county lists Pine Knoll Shores, map data puts this address in Indian Beach)
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📍 Morehead City
Morehead City Christmas Parade
🌳 Outdoor🆓 FreeHoliday event
Free community Christmas parade along Arendell Street.
Where
Arendell St, between S 17th St and S 6th St, Morehead City, NC 28557
Ages
Not stated
Cost
Free
Hours
Sat Dec 12, 2026, starts 11 AM
Watch from the south side of Arendell Street between S. 17th and S. 6th streets. Downtown Morehead City, Inc. also lists a free tree lighting with Santa on Thu Dec 3, 5:30-7 PM, at Katherine Davis Park, 601 Arendell St.
⚠️ Not yet confirmed: Tree lighting details (from Downtown Morehead City, Inc., not the city); parking and road closures
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📍 Morehead City and Beaufort · Morehead City area
Friends Holiday Flotilla
🌳 Outdoor🆓 FreeHoliday boat parade
Boats decorated with holiday lights parade along the Morehead City waterfront, around Radio Island and into Beaufort's Taylor's Creek.
Where
Morehead City and Beaufort waterfronts, NC
Ages
Not stated
Cost
Free
Hours
Sat Dec 5, 2026: starts in Morehead City about 5:30 PM; reaches Beaufort about 6:30 PM
Free to watch from public waterfront areas in both towns. The separate viewing party is members-only and ticketed. Run by the Friends of the NC Maritime Museum, 252-728-2762.
⚠️ Not yet confirmed: Best public viewing spots; parking; times are approximate
📷 Beach on Bear Island, Hammocks Beach State Park. Photo: DiscoA340, CC BY-SA 4.0, via source.📷 Boardwalk to the Bear Island bathhouse. Photo: DiscoA340, CC BY-SA 4.0, via source.📷 Ferry dock at Hammocks Beach State Park. Photo: DiscoA340, CC BY-SA 4.0, via source.
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📍 Swansboro
Hammocks Beach State Park
🌳 Outdoor🆓 FreeState park and beach
Mainland visitor center, trails and paddling, plus a passenger ferry to Bear Island, a 4-mile undeveloped beach with a bathhouse.
Where
1572 Hammocks Beach Rd, Swansboro, NC 28584
Ages
Not stated
Cost
Free day use. Bear Island ferry (round trip): adults 13-61 $10, kids 3-12 $5, seniors 62+ $5, 2 and under free (but every passenger needs a ticket).
Hours
Park 8 AM-8 PM in October, 8 AM-6 PM November-February. Visitor center 8 AM-5 PM (until 6 PM June-August). Ferry runs April-October; this year's last ferry weekend is Oct 23-25 (Fri-Sun).
The park's phones are down right now; email [email protected]. No lifeguards on Bear Island this time of year. Strollers are allowed on the ferry; wagons only if collapsible. Ferry tickets are sold same day, first come, first served.
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📍 Swansboro
Swansboro Municipal Park
🌳 Outdoor🆓 FreeSplash pad and playground
18-acre town park with a playground, a free accessible splash pad with shaded seating, a skate park, courts, a 0.66-mile fitness and nature trail, and restrooms, next to the town recreation center.
Where
830 Main Street Ext, Swansboro, NC 28584
Ages
Not stated
Cost
Free
Hours
Picnic shelters bookable 6 AM-8 PM daily (town listing). Splash pad is seasonal and closed now. Rec center front desk Mon-Fri 9 AM-5 PM, Sat 8 AM-noon.
Swansboro Parks & Rec 910-326-2600.
⚠️ Not yet confirmed: Splash pad hours and season dates; general park hours (the town lists shelter hours); age fit
📷 Boardwalk over the salt marsh on the Tideland Trail. Photo: US Forest Service - Southern Region, CC BY-SA 2.0, via source.
📍 Cedar Point · Swansboro area
Cedar Point Tideland Trail
🌳 Outdoor🆓 FreeNature trail
Croatan National Forest trail with boardwalks over the salt marsh at the mouth of the White Oak River. Look for fiddler crabs, herons and egrets. Short and long loops.
Where
Cedar Point Recreation Area, off VFW Rd (FR 153A), Cedar Point, NC 28584
Ages
Not stated
Cost
Free (fees are only for camping)
Hours
Sunrise to sunset, year-round
No restrooms or drinking water at the trail. Croatan Ranger District 252-638-5628.
⚠️ Not yet confirmed: Loop lengths and stroller access (from trail listings, not this Forest Service page); age fit
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📍 Emerald Isle
Western Ocean Regional Access (WORA)
🌳 Outdoor🆓 FreeBeach access
Emerald Isle's big public beach access with restrooms, outdoor showers, a covered picnic pavilion, grills and volleyball courts.
Where
9803 Louise Ave, Emerald Isle, NC 28594
Ages
Not stated
Cost
Beach is free. Paid parking April 1-Sept 30, 8 AM-6 PM daily: $5 an hour, max $25 a day (town's paid parking page); free the rest of the year and outside those hours.
Hours
Sunrise to sunset, year-round
Lifeguards 10 AM-5:30 PM, April-September. Parking payment questions: 800-291-6111 (Towne Mobile app or card at the kiosk). Emerald Isle Parks & Rec 252-354-6350.
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📍 Emerald Isle
Emerald Isle Woods Park
🌳 Outdoor🆓 FreeNature trail
41-acre wooded park on Bogue Sound with trails on the NC Birding Trail, a pier and floating dock, a 9-hole disc golf course, a picnic pavilion with grills, and restrooms. Accessible.
Where
9404 Coast Guard Rd, Emerald Isle, NC 28594
Ages
Not stated
Cost
Free
Hours
Sunrise to sunset
Borrow disc golf sets at the Community Center (leave a driver's license as a deposit). Emerald Isle Parks & Rec 252-354-6350.
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📍 Emerald Isle
Eastern Ocean Regional Access (EORA)
🌳 Outdoor🆓 FreeBeach access
Public beach access with a picnic pavilion, restrooms, outdoor showers, grills and 167 parking spaces. Accessible; leashed pets allowed.
Where
2701 Emerald Dr, Emerald Isle, NC 28594
Ages
Not stated
Cost
Beach is free. Paid parking April 1-Sept 30, 8 AM-6 PM daily: $5 an hour, max $25 a day (town's paid parking page); free the rest of the year and outside those hours.
Hours
Sunrise to sunset, year-round
Lifeguards 10 AM-5:30 PM, April-September. Emerald Isle Parks & Rec 252-354-6350. Parking payment questions: 800-291-6111 (Towne Mobile app or card at the kiosk).
📷 Patsy Pond seen from the nature trail, Croatan National Forest. Photo: ncwetlands.org (NC Division of Water Resources), CC BY 2.0, via source.📷 Water lilies on Patsy Pond. Photo: ncwetlands.org (NC Division of Water Resources), CC BY 2.0, via source.
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📍 Ocean · Swansboro area
Patsy Pond Nature Trail
🌳 Outdoor🆓 FreeNature trail
Easy, flat Croatan National Forest walk through longleaf pines past several ponds. Numbered signs match a trail guide; look for sundews, woodpeckers and frogs. Loops from 0.75 to 1.9 miles.
Where
NC Hwy 24 across from the NC Coastal Federation office, Ocean (Newport), NC 28570
Ages
Not stated
Cost
Free
Hours
Dawn to dusk, year-round
Foot traffic only. Restrooms at the Coastal Federation office across the road, Mon-Fri 8:30 AM-5 PM. Wear bright orange in hunting seasons (Oct-Feb and Apr-May). Trail lengths per the Coastal Federation: Green 0.75 mi, Blue 1.75 mi, Orange 1.9 mi.
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📍 Swansboro
Bicentennial Park (Swansboro waterfront)
🌳 Outdoor🆓 FreeWaterfront park
Small downtown park on the White Oak River with a boardwalk, a fishing dock, picnic spots, history signs and restrooms, a short walk from Front Street shops.
Where
101 Front St, Swansboro, NC 28584
Ages
Not stated
Cost
Free
Hours
Listed as open all day
Christmas Flotilla Fri Nov 27, 2026, 5-8 PM: lighted boats on the river, and Santa arrives by boat to greet kids at Pugliese Pavilion. Shuttle from the Ward Farm fields. Swansboro Parks & Rec 910-326-2600.
⚠️ Not yet confirmed: Kayak launch (from the visitor site); age fit
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📍 Hubert · Swansboro area
Hubert By-Pass Park
🌳 Outdoor🆓 FreePark, playground and nature trail
41-acre county park with a playground and tot-lot pavilion, a half-mile nature trail with 27 learning stations, a 3/4-mile fitness trail, picnic pavilions, and fields and courts.
Where
220 Hubert Blvd, Hubert, NC 28539
Ages
Not stated
Cost
Free
Hours
Daily 8 AM-5 PM
Onslow County Parks & Rec.
⚠️ Not yet confirmed: Restrooms; whether hours change by season; age fit
