How long is the event?

The session runs about one hour from the beach start time.

Check-in is at 106 N Topsail Dr.; the group will then walk to Roland Avenue Access 18 on the beach.

Is this a drop-off event?

No — parents are encouraged to participate and supervise their children.

What is included in the price?

Pumpkin, painting and carving supplies, and a 3D-printed Mo keepsake are included.

What is the cancellation policy?

There is a 30-day cancellation policy for a refund to your card.

How many people can join?

Group size is limited to about 20 participants to keep the beach space manageable.

Beach Pumpkins and Aquarium Smiles: Decorating with Mo on Surf City's Shore

On a breezy October afternoon at Surf City's Roland Avenue beach access, Pumpkin Decorating on the beach with Mo! turns the edge of the Atlantic into a hands-on family studio. Meet at 106 N Topsail Dr. before a short walk to the sand, where adults and kids trade brushes and carving tools among windswept dunes. The event is hosted by Topsail Aquarium and centers on Mo, an aquarium resident who gets treats at the end of each session and stars on the event's 3D-printed keepsakes.

This one-hour gathering balances playful craft time with seaside atmosphere: pumpkins waiting to be painted or carved, all supplies provided, and staff on hand to help parents and children collaborate. The setting is a classic barrier-island shoreline—wide, pale sand, scattered sea oats, low maritime grasses, and the open horizon of the Atlantic. Nearby tidal creeks and salt marsh channels feed the local ecosystem, and you may hear ghost crabs scratching or watch shorebirds quarter the surf as you work.

What makes this event special for Surf City is its blending of aquarium programming with the open beach. It’s not a classroom or a parade; it’s a community moment where the aquarium brings a hands-on conservation message to a public space, letting families connect to coastal life while creating a seasonal keepsake. The 3D-printed Mo you take home links the craft to the creature, and the brief walk from 106 N Topsail Dr. to Roland Avenue Access 18 reminds visitors that public access and marine education share the shore.

Practicalities are family-friendly: group size tops out around 20, the session lasts about an hour, and the activity is not drop-off—parents are encouraged to participate. There’s a 30-day cancellation policy for refunds to your card. Rates are simple and equal for adults and children. Bring a windbreaker for exposed beach conditions and a bag for your finished pumpkin; pumpkins and tools are provided so you won’t need to transport bulky supplies.

This event is ideal for families, educators, and anyone who wants to mix a low-effort craft with shoreline time. It’s accessible to a wide age range and a useful primer for introducing kids to coastal habitats without requiring a long hike or boat trip. In short, if you’re staying in Surf City and want a lively, hands-on half hour by the sea that ends with a smile—and a Mo to take home—this is a local favorite worth booking. Check the seasonal schedule—the featured Pumpkin Decorating session often runs on October dates; for example, an October 24th session begins at 4pm at Roland Avenue Access 18. Book early to secure one of the twenty spots and arrive a few minutes before check-in at 106 N Topsail Dr.

About Topsail Aquarium

Topsail Aquarium in Surf City, North Carolina, is a community-focused marine education facility that offers hands-on experiences for families and visitors of all ages. The aquarium operates a variety of public programs, including Ghost Crab Hunts, Movie Night, Stingray Snack Time, and private Birthday Parties, plus a Personal experience option. Ghost Crab Hunts invite participants to join a research team for nighttime exploration, data collection, catch-and-release crabbing, and habitat measurement under guided supervision. Movie Night welcomes children ages 7–11 to explore aquarium exhibits before enjoying a family-friendly film with popcorn. Stingray Snack Time runs every Friday as a 15-minute feeding and interaction session designed to introduce guests to stingray behavior and basic facts. Birthday Parties provide a private one-hour celebration with exclusive access, guided tours, live animal encounters, and time for cake and gifts in a themed space. The Personal option is available for tailored visits.

Staff and guides at Topsail Aquarium focus on education, safe animal handling, and responsible wildlife interaction; programs include catch-and-release practices and live animal demonstrations. The facility emphasizes hands-on learning, local coastal ecology, and family-friendly programming suitable for visitors looking for interactive ways to learn about marine life on Topsail Island. Located in Surf City, Topsail Aquarium serves residents and tourists seeking accessible marine education, outdoor evening programs, and short interactive experiences that fit a beach visit schedule. Programs are scheduled throughout the year and accommodate small groups, families, school groups, and visitors interested in coastal conservation, field research participation, and hands-on animal education experiences.

Beach Pumpkins and Aquarium Smiles: Decorating with Mo on Surf City's Shore

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