Mike Chappel Park Playground

Just a short walk from the beach, this little park punches above its weight for families with younger kids. The climbing structure keeps toddlers and grade-schoolers busy without being so massive it feels overwhelming, and the swings are genuinely good — the kind kids don’t want to leave. Picnic tables make it easy to stretch out a snack break, and there are enough benches around that someone always has a place to sit. It’s nothing fancy, but Carolina Beach locals know it’s a solid stop, especially when you need to burn off some energy before or after hitting the shore.