Family Spring Break "Staycation" Ideas for Oak Island, North Carolina

Every year months before spring break, families attempt to find affordable ways to spend time together. In Oak Island, North Carolina, staycation ideas will inevitably include traveling to and from the beach, but there are plenty of other options for families to spend time together without breaking the bank.

North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher - Located just minutes from Oak Island, North Carolina is the Fort Fisher ferry. The ferry takes cars from Southport, North Carolina to the peninsula known as Fort Fisher. The ride takes about 15 to 20 minutes and offers families a chance to feed the seagulls and enjoy passing boats both small and extremely large. Ferry tolls are $5 one way so $10 round trip. After the ride is complete, it takes only a few minutes to drive to the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher. There is a small entrance fee to the aquarium, but families can pay for a yearly pass for $50. The pass allows families to visit a long list of museums, zoos and aquariums across the United States for free.

There are also various state parks and beach access near the North Carolina Aquarium. Carolina Beach State Park offers camping for a fraction of the cost of a hotel stay. Campsites for tents with water, restrooms and showers cost $20 per day. Primitive camping is also available with picnic tables, fire pits and pit toilets for $13 per day. There are only two primitive campsites so reservations are suggested.

Living near the beach and on the beach are two totally different things. At times, Oak Island, North Carolina residents want to move a little closer to the ocean for a night or several. Freeman Park offers an inexpensive staycation opportunity. The cost of an annual membership purchased after March 31 is $100. The fee pays for a decal placed on a 4WD vehicle. The $100 covers beach access from April 1 to December 31 of the same year. Freeman Park offers free camping on the beach for all permit holders. Fishing is also permitted with the purchase of a North Carolina fishing license. The in state fee for a fishing license is $15. Out of state licenses cost $30. Children under the age of 16 do not need a fishing license when fishing with a parent.

Budgets are tight, but people still want to have a great spring break vacation despite having less money. Staycation ideas for Oak Island, North Carolina and the surrounding area include state parks, ferry rides, campsites and ocean-side camping on 4WD only beaches. A little cash goes a long way in Oak Island, North Carolina.

More Savings and Vacation Articles from Summer Cavalier-Banks

Creative Ways to Save Money

Top "Manly" Vacation Spots in May

Saint Paul, Minnesota - Vacation Outside the Box