We often get asked how our daughter, who lives 3,000 miles away from her grandparents, is so in love and connected with them. Our secret formula has been a combination of FaceTimes and trips together. Our most recent multigenerational (AKA Grandparent + granddaughter bonding time) trip was to Kure Beach, N.C. where we mixed relaxation with history, watersports, culinary adventures and some educational time, too.

On the itinerary: Traditional seafood and Italian cuisines, long walks on the beach and Civil War tours, sea turtle nesting and learning about sharks and morning kayak treks. We fit a lot into three days and yet still had one of the most relaxing trips of the year. Here’s how you too can plan a family trip that everyone will love.

Day 1:

Arrive in Kure Beach, about 17 miles from downtown Wilmington, N.C., for lunch at Jack Mackerel’s Island Grill. The kiddos can indulge in fried shrimp while the adults have shrimp and grits or one of the other Caribbean-inspired dishes. If the weather is nice, opt to sit on the second-floor rooftop deck, where you can have ocean views while you feast.

After lunch, walk off your meal either at Ocean Front Park, Kure Beach’s largest green space (the kids can play in the playground) or walk to the end of Kure Beach Fishing Pier. We split up time and let each couple of adults have some alone time- with me, opting to snag one of the ocean view swings and just take it all in.

After 3 p.m., check into your condo and stop by the island’s Food Lion to pick up any supplies you might need for your stay.

Spend the afternoon exploring Fort Fisher State Recreation Area. The 6-mile undeveloped beachfront area is ripe for exploring. Don’t leave before making your way to the other side of the island (a short walk, really) to watch the sunset over the Intracoastal. The windblown live oak trees make for dramatic photo opportunities.

Day 2:

Rise and shine with the sun to witness one of the most beautiful sunrises on North Carolina’s coast. (Kids can stay asleep as I’m pretty sure this moment is best enjoyed alone.) Grab a quick breakfast at Kure Beach Diner before heading back down to Fort Fisher State Recreation Area to meet Angela from Kayak Carolina, where you’ll take a three-hour kayak tour to Zeke’s Island. You’ll learn about local wildlife and work up a sweat.

Depending on whether or not you got wet, you could head back to your condo to change or just drive the short drive to North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher. There, you can grab a snack or full lunch at Shark Bites before exploring the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher. If you or your little ones love animal encounters, check out the website before you go to make sure you arrive in time for one of the animal feedings. The aquarium is split up with an indoor-outdoor area, featuring an albino alligator and a bald eagle. If you’ve never seen either, they are both amazing creatures, and the aquarium has staff on hand to tell you the ins and outs of each animal. Inside the aquarium, there is a touch pool and two-story glass aquarium for viewing of larger fish, sharks, manta rays and turtles. My 2 year old was really impressed and loved pointing out each fish as it swam by her.

Special events not to miss:

• The Butterfly Bungalow closes Sept. 28
• The outdoor playground is great for kids 2-10
• The interactive DINOSAURS! exhibit is fun for the whole family- especially the spitting dinos- closes Sept. 30

That afternoon head north for an Above the Scenes Tour at Fort Fisher. Here, you’ll learn about this two-day battle that the Confederacy eventually lost, leading ultimately to one of the last major battles of the American Civil War. Your tour guide will walk you around the dunes and you’ll see replicas of the 1865 cannons and bunkers.

Dinner that night could be in your condo if you’re too beat to go back out or at Freddie’s Italian Restaurant. (I’d even consider getting your food to go if you want to hang at the condo; the food is so good you don’t want to miss it.) Voted most romantic dining spot for several years, maybe leave the kiddo at home with the grandparents so you and your partner can enjoy a quiet, special night out. Their impressive wine list will make any vineyard-loving patron happy.

Day 3:

Before you head out of town, enjoy the beach one last time. Don’t make any plans – just build a sand castle, watch the surfers or take a long walk. The sea breeze can do wonders for the body and soul.

Where to Stay: Depending on the size of your party, rent a house or condo from Palm Air Reality. On their website you can choose how many bedrooms you need and where it’s located on the island to fit your needs perfectly.