Southport Magazine

Looking to get out and have some fun this fall, but would love to share your fun with a group? Maybe letting someone else do the driving appeals you, too. The Town of Oak Island has you covered with its Destination Adventures series of road trips. The trips are open to anyone over 18 years old and pre-registration online at www.oakislandnc.gov/RecDesk is required. Act fast — registration is open now and spots are expected to go quickly! For more information, reach out to Recreation Center Supervisor, Carrie Winkler, at reccenter@OakIslandNC.gov or 910-278-5518.

Oak Island Adventures (Listed By Date) 

Bowling at Planet Fun: Let The Good Times Bowl

• Monday, Nov. 6, 2023 • 10:30 am – 2 pm
• Destination: Shallotte
• Cost: $35 Town of Oak Island Residents/ $45 Island Visitors & Non Residents
• About: Hit the lanes in Shallotte, NC as Oak Island Recreation Department takes a trip to Planet Fun. Let’s head on back to the good ol’ days of friendly competition as coastal residents go bowling with friends and neighbors. While not included in fee pricing, Planet Fun also boasts billiards, arcade, and a lunch counter for the perfect afternoon of fun.

Exploring Wonderworks: Where Education and Entertainment Collide

• Monday, Nov. 13, 2023 • 8 am – 4:30 pm
• Destination: Myrtle Beach, SC
• Cost: $55 Town of Oak Island Residents/ $65 Island Visitors & Non Residents 
• About: Don’t let the kiddos have all the fun! Flex your inner child throughout 41,000 square feet of “edu-tainment” as Oak Island Recreation Department heads south to Myrtle Beach, SC. Participants visiting the amusement park will get hands on with exhibits that are sure to enthrall the senses and challenge minds of all walks of life. Lunch is not included in fees but will be available for purchase on site. 

Throw Baxe: Hit The Mark With Axe Throwing

• Monday, Nov. 20, 2023 • 1:30-4:30 pm
• Destination: Southport
• Cost: $35 Town of Oak Island Residents/ $45 Island Visitors & Non Residents
• About: Test your aim with axe throwing during an afternoon adventure to Southport’s Throw Baxe! This trendy sensation is the perfect outing to spend with family, friends, and members of your social circles. Snacks and drinks are available for purchase, but not included in pricing, .

Shopping Tanger Outlets: Just In Time For The Holidays

• Monday, Nov. 27, 2023 • 9 am – 3 pm
• Destination: Myrtle Beach, SC
• Cost: $20 Town of Oak Island Residents/ $30 Island Visitors & Non Residents
• About: Holiday sales have never looked better as Oak Island Recreation Department takes the day to shop the sales at Tanger Outlets in Myrtle Beach, SC. The perfect outing for friends, participants will have ample opportunity to discover that ever elusive gift, or simply enjoy quick road trip before the holiday madness sets in. Restaurants are available on site, but are not included in registration fees.

Christmas At The Cotton Exchange: Featuring more than 30 shops and restaurants

• Monday, Dec. 11, 2023 • 9 am – 3 pm
• Destination: Wilmington
• Cost: $20 Town of Oak Island Residents/ $30 Island Visitors & Non Residents
• About: Check out the Christmas magic along Wilmington’s Riverwalk as Oak Island’s Twelve Days of Christmas takes a shopping excursion to The Cotton Exchange. Brimming with unique shops and boutiques, travelers can find an array of items just in time for the holidays. For those not looking for gifts, the Cotton Exchange boasts a coffee shop, salon and more — perfect for a self-care day before the holiday madness. Lunch is not included in registration fees but will be held at the Marina Grill.

Skating At The Ice House: An Enticing Ice Skating Adventure

• Wednesday, Dec. 13, 2023 • 12:30-4:30 pm
• Destination: Wilmington, NC
• Cost: $20 Town of Oak Island Residents/ $30 Island Visitors & Non Residents
• About: Try something new this holiday season as Oak Island’s Twelve Days of Christmas travels to The Ice House in Wilmington for an afternoon of ice skating. Whether rekindling a favorite pastime, or making new memories, this community adventure is perfect for your next winter outing. A little unsteady? The Ice House even has skating walkers available for rent!

Top Golf: Feel On Top Of The World

• Monday, Jan. 8, 2024 • 9 am – 1 pm
• Destination: Myrtle Beach, SC
• Cost: $40 Town of Oak Island Residents/ $50 Island Visitors & Non Residents
• About: Spend time with friends and neighbors as Oak Island’s adult field trips kick off 2024 with a day trip to Myrtle Beach to play Top Golf. Practice your swing, connect with friends, and more! Lunch is not included in pricing, however there is a lunch counter available on site.