We’re dreaming of beach days and sand between our toes! 🏖️ The Outer Banks is over 3 hours away, but it’s a popular beach vacation destination for Raleigh locals. I’m always hearing people ask about where to take the kids while you’re there, and my family goes every year so I figured I could help! We visit with the kid’s cousins, which means we have six kids under the age of 8 to entertain for a week. Below is a list of our top favorite things to do in the Outer Banks with kids!
I have this handy guide separated by town along the outer banks. Keep in mind most people enter in at Roanoke Island and go either North or South from there. You could also enter from the South, but the only way to do that is to take a 2.5 hour long ferry from Cedar Island to Ocracoke, and then another 30 minute ferry to Hatteras. We did it that way before we had kids, but haven’t tried it since then. Entering at Nags Head is much faster and will save you a lot of time.
Either way, from Hatteras in the South to Corolla in the North, it can take over two hours to travel from the top to the bottom of the Outer Banks. In my opinion it’s easier to split it up and visit two separate times, although there’s a lot more to do in the Northern section!
Roanoke Island
If you want to avoid traveling by ferry, you will enter the outer banks through Roanoke Island. We usually visit a few things on our way in at the start of our trip and on our way out. It’s a great way to waste time before check in, or extend your fun before you head home! See below for fun spots to check out:
NC Aquarium on Roanoke Island
One of three NC aquariums located on the coast, the most unique and impressive experience at this aquarium is the sea turtle rescue center. You can see a real life sea turtle hospital in action and then head over to the sea turtle rescue pretend play area. The aquarium also has an outdoor walking area with more educational exhibits, like an outdoor obstacle course and music garden.
Fort Raleigh National Historic Site
We always make a little pitstop at the Fort Raleigh National Historic Site to waste time before our room check-in. The visitor center houses immersive exhibits on the the Roanoke Island Freedmen’s Colony, the Civil War Battle of Roanoke Island, and Reginald Fessenden. You can also explore the maritime forest, monuments, and earthwork along the 1.25 mile trail that ends with views of the Croatan Sound on the western edge of the park.
The Lost Colony
The Lost Colony is a theatrical production located inside Fort Raleigh. It tells the tale of the 117 English men, women, and children who came ashore on Roanoke Island in 1587 to establish a permanent English settlement in the New World. Just three years later in 1590, when English ships returned to bring supplies, they found the island deserted with no sign of the colonists. After nearly 450 years, the mystery of what happened to the colonists remains unsolved.
We haven’t actually attended the play with the kids, but we have walked around the theater. It’s completely outdoors and on the water, so I think it could be a fun experience. I’m not sure how well the show will keep the kids attention, but at least you’re outside!
National Wildlife Refuges Visitor Center
This was closed during our last visit so we didn’t get to explore, but the National Wildlife Refuge Center offers 35 acres of relatively wild land to explore, including 4 walking trails ranging from .12 to .66 mile. The center represents eleven national wildlife refuges and one national fish hatchery, offering an invitation to visit them all. Through interactive exhibits, audio-visual programs, and even a virtual airplane ride, visitors may experience a field trip to each refuge with hopes to entice them to visit these special places. 2021 Program schedule coming soon.
Elizabethan Gardens
Horticulturists, nature lovers and history buffs will find something unique to see each season at The Elizabethan Gardens. The garden also hosts lots of fun events for kids, like butterfly releases, scavenger hunts, and education programs.
Unfortunately, we have always found it a little too expensive for a garden so we haven’t gone inside the gate. Admission prices are as follows:
- Adult: ages 18 and older $10.00
- Youth between 6 to 17: $7.00
- Child between 2 to 5: $3.00
- Infant under 2: FREE
- Dog: $3.00
Roanoke Island Festival Park
This spot is on our list for this summer! This 25-acre historic site allows guests of all ages to experience first-hand what life was like for the first English settlers in 1585. Historic costumed interpreters are featured throughout the Settlement Site and the Elizabeth II ship to demonstrate how the first settlers lived, worked and played on Roanoke Island. For a hands-on history lesson, visit American Indian Town and the Adventure Museum that feature interactive exhibits that all ages will enjoy. Admission price includes climbing aboard the Elizabeth II sailing ship, living the life of a 16th century settler in the Settlement Site, and discovering the American Indian Town. The Museum Stores and boardwalks are free and open to the public.
Jumpmasters Trampoline Park
A lot like Sky Zone in Raleigh, Jumpmasters is an indoor trampoline park with dodgeball, a battle beam, air bag, and ninja warrior course. It’s a great rainy day activity when you can’t be out on the beach!
Paradise Dolphin Cruise
Here’s another activity that has always been too expensive for our family, but I know the kids would love it! Take a boat cruise out on the water while you search for dolphins, osprey, and view the Bodie Lighthouse and Roanoke Marshes Lighthouse from a different vantage point.
Shallowbag Bay Sail About at Roanoke Island Maritime Museum
On Tuesday evenings, weather permitting; the public is invited to the Roanoke Island Maritime Museum for a short sail on Shallowbag Bay in traditional watercraft. This is a great way to see Manteo’s waterfront and experience sailing traditional watercraft. A $5.00 donation per-person is encouraged. This program will be run by volunteers serving as crew for the boat.
Pioneer Theatre
Need another rainy day activity? The historic Pioneer Theater looks like the cutest place to watch a movie! Built in 1918, it has been owned and operated by same family ever since. Tickets are $7 and concessions are $2. Check showtimes on Facebook.
Island Farm
Step back in time at Island Farm! Staff tells the real story of the life of the first Roanoke Islanders, from after the Lost Colony and before the Civil War and Wright Brothers first flight. Here you’ll find live demonstrations and hands-on activities including everything from traditional agricultural, blacksmithing, food preparation, hearth cooking, weaving and spinning wool, feeding the animals, and so much more!
Roanoke Marshes Lighthouse
The least impressive lighthouse on the Outer Banks, stretching out 40 yards and tucked into Shallowbag Bay you will find the Roanoke Marshes Lighthouse. Definitely not what you envision for a lighthouse, it reminds you more of a small coastal cottage with its white exterior accented with black shutters and a brick-red roof. Stroll down the weathered deck boards and visit the lighthouse to enjoy its never-ending views of the beautiful Roanoke Sound. Operated by the Roanoke Island Maritime Museum, the interior of the lighthouse is open to visitors Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Call (252)475-1750 for more information.
Nags Head, Kill Devil Hills, & Kitty Hawk
I think of Nags Head, Kill Devil Hills, and Kitty Hawk as more of the heart of the Outer Banks. These towns are centrally located and have more of the commercial feel. We stayed in Nags Head one year but we had to cross the road to get to the beach and it was too busy to cross safely with kids. We decided we wanted to stay in a slower paced area, but we still spend a lot of time here for all of the fun activities!
Splash Pad at Meekins Park
Visit the first splash pad in Dare County! The splash pad at Meekins Field Park is available to all residents and visitors. It is open daily from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day, from 10:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. (weather dependent).
Jeanette’s Pier
If you have a NC Aquarium Membership, Jeanette’s Pier is included at no cost. Otherwise, there is a small fee to walk out on their pier and/or go fishing. We visited during the pandemic so the exhibits were closed inside, but there is a large fish tank that was pretty entertaining. Walking out on the pier was pretty entertaining for my kids. We talked with some of the fishermen and were able to see their catch of the day. It was also kind of neat to walk out so far over the water. I’d say if you have a membership and can go for free, it’s worth a short visit. Otherwise, it’s okay if you skip this one.
First Flight Adventure Park
Similar to Treerunner in Raleigh, First Flight is an aerial ropes course. You’ll climb through 14 Ziplines and 50 Obstacles hundreds of feet above the ground. New in 2019, they added two low ropes course so kids can join in on the fun. Participants must be at least 6 years old AND weigh less than 250 pounds. All participants must be at least 3’9″ tall, and each participant less than 5′ tall must be accompanied by another participant who is at least 5′ tall. We haven’t tried this one yet since the kids aren’t quite old enough, but I can’t wait to take them when they’re older!
Nags Head Hammocks
If you like to do a little shopping, head on over to Nags Head Hammocks to try out these awesome swings! We have one at our beach house and it’s everyone’s favorite place to sit!
Dowdy Park
This large 5 acre park in Nags Head is a great free spot to let the kids run wild! It’s got a great rubber surface and unique play structures, but not a lot of shade. The most stand-out feature is the large hill in the middle of the park. We enjoyed running to the top and playing King of the Hill! I’d almost compare it to the Sassafras All Children’s Playground in Raleigh, albeit much less crowded so you can keep up with your kids way more easily!
Jockey’s Ridge Sand Dune
Where else can you trudge over the tallest living sand dune on the East coast?! Jockey’s Ridge is a unique experience you won’t forget. You’ll feel like you’re in the desert with sand as far as you can see. It’s a premier location for kites, sightseeing and sunsets, with a view arcing from the ocean to Roanoke Sound. A visitor center with museum and 360-foot boardwalk with exhibits explain the dune’s ecology and are a gradual entry to the massive dune field. Hang gliding lessons are available through a vendor in the park.
Wright Brother’s Monument
Wright Brothers National Memorial encompasses the spot where Wilbur and Orville made their world-changing first flights, the historic sand dune where they did most of their gliding, and the location they lived while they were experimenting in the Outer Banks. The site includes a museum with historic artifacts and a monument commemorating the first flight. There’s a lot of open space outside to run around, but kids may lose interest in the history pretty fast. I think it’s a historic site everyone should visit once, though!
We haven’t actually visited since we had so many kids, because this place has been expensive in the past. It used to be $7 per person, including kids, but I hear they no longer charge for kids under 16 so we might try it out this year!
Luckily, they have 6 entrance fee-free days each year during the following holidays:
- Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
- First Day of National Park Week/National Junior Ranger Day in April
- National Park Service Birthday on August 25th
- National Public Lands Day in September
- Veterans Day
- Anniversary of the Wright brothers’ first flight on December 17th
Paradise Fun Park
Paradise Fun Park has an arcade, mini golf, spin zone, and go-karts. Think Galaxy Fun Park at the beach! I feel like mini golf is just a thing you have to do while at the beach, so if you need a break from the sand and surf head on over to check it out!
Lost Treasure Mini Golf
More mini golf fun! Professor Hacker’s Lost Treasure mini golf features Two 18 Hole Miniature Golf Courses with a Mining Train that will take you to the first holes1
Hours: Open Daily 10am – 6pm (weather permitting)
Group Price: $8 per person, for groups of 12 or more
H2OBX Waterpark
You’ll have to take a little detour over to Powell’s Point to visit the newest waterpark on the Outer Banks, but it’s only about 20 minutes from the Wright Brother’s Memorial. With over 30 rides, slides, and attractions, there’s plenty of thrill for the whole family. Or if relaxation is more your speed, cozy up in a cabana and enjoy the resort-style amenities, including the lazy river, gift shop, and snack bar.
Duck
I might be a little impartial to Duck since it’s where we always vacation, but it’s such a cute town and I LOVE the slower pace here.
Walk the Boardwalk
The quaint boardwalk in Duck stretches along the sound between shopping centers and a small park, and it’s a great place to walk and grab some ice cream! We love stopping in the quaint shops, and there’s also duck food vending machines along the way to feed our fine feathered friends. Nearby you’ll find live music in the summer and watersports vendors to take you out on the water!
Duck Town Park
Along the boardwalk you will find a small playground, perfect for the younger kids. It’s back in the trees so you’ll get some shade and a cool place to play.
Duck Donuts
This isn’t just any old Duck Donuts! This is the first and original location and how the business got it’s name. The shop is split into two parts. On one side you place your order, then cross over the boardwalk to where you can watch them make your donuts. There are tables outside for you to enjoy your treats!
Ghost Crab Hunting
This nighttime activity is a family favorite! Once the sun goes down the real fun starts. Grab a flashlight and head to the beach. As you watch the sand you’ll find crabs scurrying all around you! I always shriek like a little girl! Pro tip: we go crab hunting the first night of our vacation because the kids are too excited to go to bed at a decent time anyway!
Corolla
Corolla is located just a few miles north of Duck. We love the quaint shops around the Whalehead club area, and see below for lots more fun places to visit:
Currituck Lighthouse
Currituck Beach Lighthouse towers above the northern Outer Banks in the historic Corolla Village. The last brick and mortar lighthouse built in North Carolina, its unpainted red brick served distinguishes it from other coastal lighthouses. Climbing the Currituck Beach Lighthouse can be a little nerve-wracking with kids in tow, but it’s rewarding. At the top, you’re greeted with expansive views of the Currituck Sound, Atlantic Ocean, and the northern Outer Banks, although I spent most of my time keeping my kids away from the edge. If you’re scared of heights, or scared of your kids around tall drop offs, you might want to wait on this one. Cost is $10 to climb the lighthouse, however children ages 7 and under can climb for free, provided they are accompanied by an adult.
Corolla Wild Horse Tour
We just did the wild horse tour for the first time last year, and it was such a fun experience! We rode in an open air wagon and traveled all the way to Carova Beach to find the wild horses. The ride is extremely bumpy and you will get jostled around a LOT. Kids must ride in carseats, and adults will want to strap in tight! There were a few times that my head almost hit the roof! Most of the kids enjoyed it, but a couple got sick of the constant bumping by the end. It was a two hour tour, which was a little long for the younger kids. Bring lots of water and snacks! And make sure you use Corolla Wild Horse Tours and not another vendor because they are the closest to Carova Beach. With all of the other tour vendors you are adding time and distance before and after you ever make it to the horses.
Outer Banks Center for Wildlife Education
The Outer Banks Center for Wildlife Education is an awesome FREE educational resource that young and old alike will enjoy. The center is located in beautiful Historic Corolla Park, where you can stroll the grounds enjoy a picnic by the water. Inside the center you will find many educational exhibits about sportsmanship in coastal NC, plus they host many educational programs tailored for kids. We attended a class where we learned all about the body parts of a dragonfly and learned how to safely catch them. We also went fishing in the sound with fishing poles provided by the center. Unfortunately it was pretty hot and we didn’t catch anything, so fishing was not one of our favorite activities. But my kids still talk about the dragonflies and my 6 year old is a pro at getting them to perch on her finger!
Carova Beach
Another unique experience you won’t want to miss, Carova Beach is only accessible by taking a 4-wheel drive vehicle out on the sand. The wild horses roam freely from the ocean to the small residential neighborhoods There are no paved roads leading to this vacation spot, just miles of sand tracks that border the Atlantic Ocean. It’s such a weird feeling drive on the beach and seeing cars parked near the surf. Take the family out and enjoy the quiet seclusion!
Corolla Adventure Park
Corolla Adventure Park is a giant jungle gym in the sky offering fun and challenge for the whole family! There is no minimum age however the recommendation is 4 years and up. Restrictions are based on the height of climbers. The course is 4 levels, each with 3 loops of obstacles and 2 ziplines. Participants must be a minimum of 40” to qualify for the first level, and must participate with someone who is at least 4′ tall. Once climbers are 4’ they can do the first level on their own or venture to higher levels if accompanied by a climbing buddy 5’ or taller. Climbers 5’ and up can choose any pass they wish. This ropes course is cheaper than First Flight Adventure Park in Nags Head, and it appears that younger kids can do a bit more.
Southern Outer Banks
For our purposes, the southern outer banks includes everything between Nags Head and Ocracoke island.
Cape Hatteras Lighthouse
The Cape Hatteras Lighthouse is the tallest lighthouse on the outer banks. At the base of the tower there’s a museum about all of the ships it has saved, plus the process of moving it to it’s current location in 1999 due to sand erosion. The Cape Hatteras Lighthouse has 257 steps from the ground to the balcony level, equal to climbing a 12-story building. The narrow stairs have a handrail only on one side, two-way traffic, and a landing every 31 steps.
Due to an interior paint removal project, the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse will not be available to climb until at least this summer. An announcement on the status of climbing will be made in May 2021.
Bodie Island Lighthouse
Cape Hatteras Lighthouse may be the tallest on the outer banks, but the Bodie Island Lighthouse is worth a climb too! At the top you’ll find a wonderful view, as long as you’re not too scared of heights!
The Bodie Island Lighthouse has just over 200 steps from the ground to the top, equal to climbing a 10-story building. The narrow stairs have a handrail only on one side and 9 landings. There is no air conditioning and no elevator in either lighthouse. It may be noisy, humid, hot and dim inside the lighthouses. Each climber must be at least 42″ (107 cm) tall and capable of climbing all steps on his or her own. Children 11 years of age or younger must be accompanied by an adult who is 16 years of age or older. No person may be lifted or carried.
Climbing tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for senior citizens (62 or older), children 11 years of age and under, and the disabled. Climb tickets are available on a first come, first served basis and can only be purchased in-person at the site the day of the climb. There are no advance ticket sales for regular climbs.Ticket sales begin at 9 am, with climb times running every 20 minutes with a limit of eight visitors per climb. The last climb takes place at 4:30 pm. Ticket holders should arrive at the base of the lighthouse five minutes prior to their ticketed climb time.
Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge
Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1938 to provide nesting, resting, and wintering habitat for migratory birds. Don’t miss the Visitor Center to view displays on local wildlife. Then, try out one of the scopes trained on North Pond to view various species of birds found there seasonally. There are two short, universally accessible wildlife trails on Pea Island, one that leads to a tower with views of the surrounding ponds. During the summer, join refuge staff for programs on topics ranging from sea turtles to life in the sound to bird adaptations. The refuge also offers guided canoe tours around the sound during the summer months.
Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum
The Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum offers programming year round for people of all ages. Daily offerings include a family- and youth-friendly scavenger hunt that has visitors searching for objects throughout the museum and receiving a special surprise for their efforts. The museum also introduces a new exhibit annually. Admission to the museum and all programming is completely free, but donations are always appreciated.
Ocracoke Island
Looking for slower-paced island living? Look no further than Ocracoke Island with it’s 16 miles of undeveloped coastline and uncrowded beaches for you to enjoy.
Ferry Ride to Ocracoke
Have you ever driven your car onto a boat and gone on a cruise? Well I hadn’t either until I got on the Ocracoke ferry! It’s the only way to get onto Ocracoke Island, either from Hatteras to the North or Cedar Island from the South. The trip from Hatteras only takes about an hour, but if you cross from Cedar Island you’re in for over a 2 hour trip. Either way it’s a pretty cool experience since you can get out of your car and walk around and enjoy the cruise. There’s an indoor viewing area and restroom if needed, but bring lots of snacks for the kids!
Ocracoke Lighthouse
Ocracoke Lighthouse is more impressive than the Roanoke Marshes lighthouse, but it’s the smallest tower lighthouse on the outer banks. You cannot climb it, but it makes for a good photo op!
Ocracoke Pony Pen
Unlike in Corolla, the Ocracoke Wild Ponies are kept in a separate fenced in area so they do not come into contact with island visitors. You can catch a glimpse of the Ponies with a visit to the borders of the fenced in area, which is referred to as the Ocracoke Pony Pen. Driving along NC Highway 12, you will spot a brown sign indicating the Pony Pen, as well as a small parking area. Simply pull over, step outside the vehicle, and look for any horses that are passing through. Several informative displays are set up around the fence’s borders, explaining the history and local legends of the Ocracoke Wild Ponies.
Fly a Kite
The wide open beaches of Ocracoke Island are perfect for flying kites. You’ll find plenty of kites for sale at local souvenir shops and the specialty store Kitty Hawk Kites, which is located adjacent to Silver Lake Harbor.
Ocracoke Campground
We actually did this activity before having kids, but if you’re a camping family try staying at the Ocracoke Campground. You can walk out and build a bonfire on the beach and do a little ghost crabbing before hitting the hay in your tent or RV. The campground is right on the sand dune, so don’t forget big spray to keep the sand fleas at bay!
No matter what you end up doing on the Outer Banks, make sure you spend lots of time on the beach! Every kid loves playing in the sand and surf and it’s completely free!
If you’re looking for activities a little closer to home, check out our Raleigh Tot Spots map!