Island Activities All Ages


Dutchman Dinghy Dash
Dutchman Dinghy Dash

Cardboard Boat Race

When: Saturday, August 2, 2025• 10:00 AM
Where: Dutchman Creek Park • 4750 Fish Factory Road

Helmets are required for youth 12 and under. 
Youth division must be two 12 and under person crew. 
If you have 1 adult and 1 youth you are in the adult division. 
All participants must bring their own life jacket!! 


Objective:

  To build a Dutchman Creek Worthy" vessel; using cardboard, duct tape, and glue that will successfully carry two passengers from a starting line at the kayak launch to the finish line at the end.

Entry Fee:
Donation of at least $10.00 in non-perishable goods (canned food, utensils, ect.), for use in future donation events. 

Schedule

Boat Registration                    10:00 AM - 10:30 AM

Boat Introductions                  10:30 AM - 10:45 AM

Boater safety briefing             10:45 AM - 11:00 AM

Youth Race                             11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Adult Race                              12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

Award Ceremony                      1:15 PM - 2:15 PM

Conclusion                                2:15 PM - 3:00 PM

Time could vary based on participants.



See The Link Below for the EVENT RULES and the participant information and waiver. You can print off the waiver and bring signed to the event. 

2025 Dutchman Dingy reg packet (2).pdf

Session Session Dates Days of Week Location(s) Grade/Age Filled  
Youth Dinghy Dash 08/02/2025
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T
F
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Dutchman Creek Park 5–12 Years 2/20
Register
Adult Dinghy Dash 08/02/2025
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T
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F
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Dutchman Creek Park 12+ Years 2/20
Register
Splashpad after hours 18 and older
Splashpad after hours 18 and older

Splash Pad After Hours 18 and Older

When: Saturday July 19, 2025

Time: 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM

Where: Middleton Park Complex

$5 Per- Person, Pre-Registration Required

Come join in the fun at the Splash Pad After Hours. You must pre-register for this Program. The Splash Pad will be open for Adults, with games. music and food trucks.

To register visit www.OakIslandNC.gov/PROGRAMS.

If you have any questions contact contact Emily Kincer or John Henry at ekincer@oakislandnc.gov or jhenry@oakislandnc.gov

Session Session Dates Days of Week Location(s) Grade/Age Filled  
Splashpad after hours 18 and older 07/19/2025
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T
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Middleton Park Complex 12/30
Register
Between The Lines: Book Club
Between The Lines: Book Club

Share your love of reading with other members of your community with Oak Island Recreation Department’s Book Club. “Between The Lines” will feature a new book each month for participants to dive into tantalizing discussion as we navigate through a variety of genres. Bring your book, a chair, and some snacks, as we meet at different areas throughout Oak Island, with the Ocean Education Center being our home base. Light refreshments will occasionally be served. Participants are responsible for purchasing their own copy of their book with pre-registration required. "Between the Lines" will meet monthly from 2:00 -3:00 PM at TBA locations. Spaces are limited to be sure to reserve your seat today, and if you have any issues with registration, please contact us!

With 2025 upon us, we are going to be introducing a new series of books after our January meeting. This series will be known as "Crafted in Carolina" collection. This set of books will contain stories that take place in North Carolina or were written by North Carolinian authors. We are looking forward to diving into this series as progress through the year!



Upcoming Meeting Dates:

 
  • Friday, February 21st, 2025 - "The Violin Conspiracy" by Brendan Slocumb
  • Friday, March 22nd, 2025 -  "The Cove" by Ron Hash
  • Friday, April 25th, 2025 - "Byrd" by Kim Church
  • Friday, May 31st, 2025 - "The Windsor Knot" Sharyn McCrumb
  • Friday, June 28th, 2025 - "206 Bones" by Kathy Reichs
  • Friday, July 26th, 2025 -  "Fifth Avenue Artists" by Joy Callaway
  • Friday, August 23rd, 2025 - "Unmaking of June Farrow" by Adrienne Young

For questions, please reach out to Jacob Hyle! (jhyle@oakislandnc.gov)

Session Session Dates Days of Week Location(s) Grade/Age Filled  
Between The Lines Book Club: March- "The Cove" 03/21/2025
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M
T
W
T
F
S
Middleton Park (Next To The Community Center) 18+ Years 10/24
Between The Lines Book Club: April - "Byrd" 04/25/2025
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M
T
W
T
F
S
Bill Smith Park 18+ Years 6/24
Between The Lines Book Club: May- "The Windsor Knot" 05/30/2025
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M
T
W
T
F
S
Veterans Park 18+ Years 5/24
Register
Between The Lines Book Club: June - "206 Bones" 06/27/2025
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M
T
W
T
F
S
Register Park 18+ Years 9/24
Between The Lines Book Club: July - "Fifth Avenue Artists" 07/25/2025
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M
T
W
T
F
S
Middleton Park / Next To Community Center 18+ Years 5/24
Register
Between The Lines Book Club: August - "Unmaking of June Farrow" 08/22/2025
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M
T
W
T
F
S
Register Park 18+ Years 2/24
Register
Surf Fishing Seminars with Ian Sands
Surf Fishing Seminars with Ian Sands

You'll learn everything you need to take a fish from the surf sand to the frying pan.  In this class, specifically designed for Oak Island anglers, we'll discuss the different fish in our surf and talk about the right rig and bait for the fish you want to catch.  

For more information, call Recreation Programs Supervisor at (910) 278-4747 or email rgordon@oakislandnc.gov

Session Session Dates Days of Week Location(s) Grade/Age Filled  
Surf Fishing Seminars with Ian Sands - May 30 - 31 05/30/2025–05/31/2025
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S
Ocean Education Bldg. at 4700 E. Oak Island Dr., Caswell Beach 15/15
Surf Fishing Seminars with Ian Sands - June 13 -14 06/13/2025–06/14/2025
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M
T
W
T
F
S
Ocean Education Bldg. at 4700 E. Oak Island Dr., Caswell Beach 15/15
Surf Fishing Seminars with Ian Sands - September 12-13 09/12/2025–09/13/2025
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M
T
W
T
F
S
Ocean Education Bldg. at 4700 E. Oak Island Dr., Caswell Beach 8/15
Register
Surf Fishing Seminars with Ian Sands - October 10-11 10/10/2025–10/11/2025
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M
T
W
T
F
S
Ocean Education Bldg. at 4700 E. Oak Island Dr., Caswell Beach 0/15
Register
Explore The Davis Canal Kayak Tours
Explore The Davis Canal Kayak Tours

Enjoy Oak Island's beauty from the water!  Guided trips are available through the Oak Island Recreation Department.  Trips last approximately 2 hours and include kayak rentals, paddle, PFD and experienced guides.  Paddle difficulty is easy.


For more information, call Recreation Programs Supervisor, Ryan Gordon at (910) 278-4747 or email rgordon@oakislandnc.gov.
Session Session Dates Days of Week Location(s) Grade/Age Filled  
Explore The Davis Canal Kayak Tours - May 15, 2025 05/15/2025
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M
T
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T
F
S
Tidalwaves Kayak Launch (SE 31st Street) 18+ Years 10/10
Explore The Davis Canal Kayak Tours - May 29, 2025 05/29/2025
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M
T
W
T
F
S
Tidalwaves Kayak Launch (SE 31st Street) 18+ Years 8/8
Explore The Davis Canal Kayak Tours - June 12, 2025 06/12/2025
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M
T
W
T
F
S
Tidalwaves Kayak Launch (SE 31st Street) 18+ Years 10/10
Explore The Davis Canal Kayak Tours - June 26, 2025 06/26/2025
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M
T
W
T
F
S
Tidalwaves Kayak Launch (SE 31st Street) 18+ Years 10/10
Explore The Davis Canal Kayak Tours -July 10, 2025 07/10/2025
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T
W
T
F
S
Tidalwaves Kayak Launch (SE 31st Street) 18+ Years 10/10
Explore The Davis Canal Kayak Tours - July 24, 2025 07/24/2025
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T
F
S
Tidalwaves Kayak Launch (SE 31st Street) 18+ Years 9/10
Register
Explore The Davis Canal Kayak Tours - August 12, 2025 08/12/2025
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M
T
W
T
F
S
Tidalwaves Kayak Launch (SE 31st Street) 18+ Years 8/10
Register
Explore The Davis Canal Kayak Tours - August 26, 2025 08/26/2025
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M
T
W
T
F
S
Tidalwaves Kayak Launch (SE 31st Street) 18+ Years 10/10
Line Dancing Club
Line Dancing Club

Starting March 4, 2025

Get ready to move, groove, and have fun with the Oak Island Line Dancing Club! Whether you're a seasoned dancer or just starting out, this club is the perfect place to learn new steps, enjoy great music, and meet others who love to dance. Sessions will be Every Tuesday Beginner Session (4:00 PM - 4:30 PM): New to line dancing? No problem! This session is designed for beginners, featuring simple steps and easy-to-follow routines to help you get comfortable on the dance floor. (4:30 PM - 5:30 PM): Ready for a challenge? Join us for more advanced dances with exciting choreography and a faster pace!

No need to sign up, all you need is to show up in your dancing shoes!!!

No partner is needed—just bring your enthusiasm and comfortable shoes! Whether you’re here to learn, exercise, or just have fun, the Oak Island Line Dancing Club welcomes all.

Session Session Dates Days of Week Location(s) Grade/Age Filled  
Line Dancing Club 03/04/2025–10/28/2025
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Recreation Center 0/0
Crabbing to Cuisine
Crabbing to Cuisine

Join Steve's Crab Shack learning all about the Blue Crab! Discussions include methods of catching crabs, types of bait, local areas where crabbing is permitted, as well as how to prepare and steam your catch. Participants receive hands on practice in picking Blue Crab for a taste test that is sure to have your tastebuds screaming for more!

*Participants under age 16 must attend with a registered participant age 18 and up

Session Session Dates Days of Week Location(s) Grade/Age Filled  
Crabbing to Cuisine May 05/16/2025
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M
T
W
T
F
S
Recreation Center 15/20
Crabbing to Cuisine June 06/20/2025
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M
T
W
T
F
S
Recreation Center 12+ Years 7/20
Crabbing to Cuisine July 07/18/2025
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M
T
W
T
F
S
Recreation Center 12+ Years 2/20
Register
Crabbing to Cuisine August 08/15/2025
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M
T
W
T
F
S
Recreation Center 12+ Years 0/20
Register