Looking for a family-friendly outdoor experience in Surf City? Join the free Story Time program on select Tuesday mornings for engaging stories and creative activities perfect for children under 11.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
1 hour
Fitness Level
Suitable for children under 11 and adults of all fitness levels
Wildlife
History
Surf City has long been a quiet fishing village before developing into a family-friendly community focused on conservation and outdoor activities.
Conservation
The Story Time program supports local initiatives that promote outdoor education and environmental stewardship among youth in the community.
Ecological Marine Adventures
Ecological Marine Adventures is a Surf City, North Carolina business that offers hands-on marine education and outdoor experiences for children and families. Founded to connect kids with local coastal ecosystems, the organization runs a variety of programs including boat tours, single-day themed classes, multi-day camps, homeschool science sessions, toddler Sea School classes, and birthday parties. Programs listed include the Boat Tour: Island Adventure, Guppies Single Day classes such as Totally Tubular! and Sea Turtles 101, Sea Squirt multi-day classes, EMA Homeschool Science Classes, Sea School Program Spoonbill class, seasonal Fall Break and Winter classes, and a free community Story Time.
Activities focus on specimen collection, experiments, animal encounters, coastal exploration, and creative arts. Boat trips cruise the Intracoastal Waterway and emphasize shoreline ecology, with opportunities to spot dolphins, ospreys, and find shark teeth and shells. Toddler and preschool classes are tailored to ages three to five, while homeschool and single-day classes serve children ages five to twelve. Birthday party options include fishing, shark tooth hunting, and aquarium-based celebrations for groups up to thirty guests.
Instructors use hands-on, age-appropriate learning to build curiosity, observational skills, and environmental awareness in a safe, supervised setting. Sessions take place at local marshes, beaches, and a microscope lab when noted. A free Story Time program is offered on select Tuesday mornings at 10am for families with children under eleven. Ecological Marine Adventures emphasizes experiential learning rooted in local coastal ecology, making it a choice for families and educators seeking outdoor science activities in Surf City.
Location
Surf City, NC
Coastal North Carolina base
Age Range
Ages 3–12
Programs for toddlers to preteens
Tours Offered
11 experiences
Boat tours, camps, classes, parties
Free Program
Story Time
Select Tuesdays at 10am
Find boat tours, camps, classes, and birthday party options in Surf City — check availability and register for upcoming sessions.
Register for Materials in Advance
Ensure to sign up ahead to secure your child’s craft supplies and participation in activities.
Arrive Early
Come a few minutes before 10am to find a good spot and get settled before the program starts.
Dress for Outdoor Weather
Wear comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing and sun protection as sessions are held outside.
Bring a Water Bottle
Keep hydrated during the morning program, especially in the warmer months.
Sunhat
Protects your child and yourself from sun exposure during the outdoor session.
summer
Reusable Water Bottle
Staying hydrated is key when spending time outside with young children.
summer
Light Jacket or Sweater
Provides comfort during cooler spring mornings that can be breezy near the coast.
spring
Comfortable Footwear
Ideal for walking short distances to the venue and standing during the program.