Ultimate List of Rainy Day Activities in Ocean Isle Beach

Anyone who’s vacationed to the beach knows coastal weather can change on a dime. One minute, it’s sunny skies, and the next, a storm cloud has rolled in from the ocean. While these storms don’t tend to last very long, they can still occasionally derail your beach plans.

If you get caught in a rainstorm during your beach vacation, don’t worry! We’ve put together the ultimate list of rainy day activities in Ocean Isle Beach so you can still make the most of your stay! We’ve even included some Carolina Beach options! From family-friendly things the kids will love to wineries and axe throwing for the adults, it’s all here. Check it out below and keep these spots in your back pocket should you need them during your getaway.

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Rainy Day Activities in Ocean Isle Beach

Ingram Planetarium

From laser light shows to exciting science displays, the Ingram Planetarium in Ocean Isle Beach offers tons of rainy day fun the whole family will enjoy. Exhibits provide interactive opportunities to experience science in a real way.

You’ll also learn all about our nation’s technological journey, from the first flight to the first steps on the moon! Enjoy special events in the Sky Theater, where you can see everything from animated films to documentaries. Their events calendar is packed with exciting shows and experiences, so be sure to check what’s happening during your stay.

Museum of Coastal Carolina

After you visit the planetarium, head over to the Museum of Coastal Carolina, where you can experience a live touch tank filled with marine animals found in North Carolina. From horseshoe crabs to sea stars, this activity will awaken your sense of awe.

Additional museum highlights include virtual reality experiences, multiple themed natural history galleries, a shipwreck exhibit, and a telescope that lets you investigate the underwater world.

Pottery Playhouse

At the Pottery Playhouse, you can let your imagination run wild as you paint your own vacation keepsake. Choose from premade ceramic items like cups, bowls, animal figurines, teapots, and more. Then select your glazes and go to town painting a one-of-a-kind masterpiece! They also have themed workshops like vintage Christmas tree creation and mosaic art.

Keep in mind that you won’t be able to leave with your finished pottery pieces. They need to be fired in the kiln first. The typical turnaround is a few days, so make sure you factor that in before trying this rainy-day activity.  

Silver Coast Winery

For rainy day activities in Ocean Isle Beach that don’t involve kids, check out Silver Coast Winery! Their European-style award-winning wines are available for tasting every day from 1 PM to 6 PM, and you don’t need reservations if you’re visiting with fewer than eight people.

Sip on a glass of their American Oak Chardonnay or White Merlot as you browse their on-site gift shop or explore their art gallery, where you’ll see pieces from local artists. If you happen to visit on Wednesday, you can even participate in their weekly line-dancing event, which is sure to bring laughs even on a rainy day.

Rainy Day Activities in Carolina Beach

If you’re staying in Carolina Beach, here are some rainy day activities just for you!

Lazy Pirates

A favorite watering hole in Carolina Beach, the Lazy Pirate Sports Grill has a tasty menu, cold drinks, and even an axe-throwing area! Who needs darts when you can toss a sharpened blade against a wall?!

If the weather calms down while you’re here, you can enjoy volleyball or cornhole outside in their beach area. Or, if the storms keep rolling, their live music, fun gift shop, and signature cocktails are sure to keep you entertained.

Squigley’s Ice Cream

While we’re on the subject of food and fun, Squigley’s Ice Cream is the perfect solution to rainy day blues. They’ve been in business for almost 30 years, so you know they must be doing something right! Kids and adults will both love their signature squigley creations.

Choose from candy, fruit, and baked goods components to be “squiggled” into your base flavor and enjoy it in one of their delicious, fresh waffle cones. Not in the mood for a cone? With their sundaes, milkshakes, splits, and floats you’re sure to find the perfect thing to satisfy your craving.

Shipwreck Neon Mini Golf

Brand new as of the 2024 summer, Shipwreck Neon Mini Golf is Carolina Beach’s ultimate rainy day spot. They have two nine-hole blacklight courses filled with 3-D wonders and underwater-themed obstacles.

Putt your way through the Shipwreck or Undersea Wonderland courses, or try both for the full experience! They offer convenient free parking, too, which can be a lifesaver at the beach, especially in the rain.

North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher

Get up close to the thousands of marine creatures that call our waters home when you visit the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher. With touch experiences, shark exhibits, playful otters, alligators, turtles, and even a bald eagle, you’ll learn so much about our natural world when you visit.

For the ultimate rainy day activity in Carolina Beach, book a behind-the-scenes tour at the aquarium and explore spaces only the caretakers get to see. From animal holding, husbandry, and life support systems that keep the fish thriving, you’ll see it all and learn about what goes into keeping the aquarium a safe space for all the beautiful animals and fish. Affordable and fun for everyone, these tours are an excellent addition to your beach vacation itinerary rain or shine, so be sure to check them out during your visit!

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Featured Property: Once Upon a Tide 

Don’t let the occasional bout of bad weather keep you from making the most of your beach vacation. Whether you’re taking a day trip to a surrounding town or using this ultimate list of rainy day activities in Ocean Isle Beach, there are plenty of ways you can still enjoy your time on the coast.

After a full day of fun, come home to the epitome of comfort at your Luxury Lodging by Laura vacation rental. With beautiful private homes along the coast, you’ll find the perfect spot for your family to relax. 

Choose from homes with private pools and oceanfront views when you browse our available vacation rentals. When you find the perfect spot, remember to book directly with us for the best rate on your rental! We can’t wait to see you at the beach!