The Outer Banks in North Carolina is the name given to a string of barrier islands located along its border. It was also here that the Wright brother had their first flight. Apart from its rich history, the area attracts tourists yearly who visit its pristine beaches and partake in many fun outdoor activities. The Outer Banks area is particularly visited by families who want to enjoy their vacations with their kids.
If you are visiting the Outer Banks with kids this summer, here are the top activities you should explore with your kids during your visit:
Take The Family To The North Carolina Aquarium
The North Carolina Aquariums are a set of three public aquariums located at Kure Beach, Roanoke Island, and Pine Knoll Shores. These aquariums are open for the public to visit, where they can view exhibits on freshwater and marine life featuring sharks, rays, eels, sea turtles, and more. The set of aquariums also serves as a popular conservatory committed to taking care of the natural aquatic wildlife of North Carolina. It is one of the top Outer Banks activities for families.
See The Graveyard of The Atlantic Museum
The Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum is a popularly frequented maritime museum at Hatteras, Outer Banks. This museum focuses on the shipping history around the Outer Banks and is filled with the remains of countless ships that were sunk due to piracy, war, or poor weather conditions over the years. Also, head to the museum with your kids, where you can see exhibits of shop models and learn about the history of sailors who lost their lives at sea.
Go Horseback Riding on The Beach With OBX Horseback
OBX Horseback offers guided horseback riding trips through the pristine beaches of the Outer Banks. You can bring along kids to join you if they are at least six. OBX Horseback will match you based on your experience and comfort level. You are further given introductory lessons to horseback riding before you set off for the beach. You can also request professional photography shots of your ride during your visit.
Take A Long Drive on Outer Banks Scenic Byway
For some outdoor fun and adventure, you should take your kids on a long drive for the day. The Outer Banks National Scenic Byway is indeed one of the most stunning coastal landscapes in the area, traversing over 21 coastal villages along its borders. The byway stretches to over 138 miles along the outer Banks, beginning in the north at the Whalebone Junction.
The route includes two 25-mile ferry rides between the Hatteras and Ocracoke Islands and the Ocracoke Islands to Down Easts Cedar Island.
Have Fun at OB-Xscape Rooms
To enjoy an interactive adventure game with your loved ones, visit the OB-Xscape Rooms at the Southern Shores of the Outer Banks. You must use your teamwork, communication, and problem-solving skills to leave the escape room quickly.
They have seven themed escape rooms where you must solve a series of puzzles, figure out hidden clues and use logic to make your escape. Hence, It is one of the top-adventurous things to do in the Outer Banks.
Head to The Outer Banks Center for Wildlife Education
If you want to spend the day exploring North Carolina wildlife, natural history, and cultural heritage with your family, head to The Outer Banks Center For Wildlife Education located at the Currituck Heritage Park. The center opened in 2006 and covers over 22,000 square feet.
You and your kids can explore the history and diverse wildlife this state boasts here. In addition, the center houses a diverse collection of exhibits and displays depicting the region’s natural wonders.
Buy Tickets for the Harbor Star Dolphin Tours
Dolphins are one of the most intriguing coastal creatures, and you will find plenty of those in the waters surrounding the Outer Banks if you know where to go. The best place to start would be grabbing tickets for The Harbor Star Dolphin Tours. This two-hour dolphin tour carries you around the Outer Banks, where you can spot the wild Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphins swimming and playing in their natural habitat. So, it is one of the most fun things to do in Outer Banks with kids.
Take A Sunset Cruise With OBX Adventures
The Outer Banks will allow you to witness the most colorful, vivid sunsets on a cruise. OBX Adventures (Outer Banks Adventures) is one of the most trusted choices for sunset cruises in the evening. You can take your loved ones to join you as you experience the serenity of an Outer Banks sunset.
Visit The Elizabethan Gardens
The Elizabethan Gardens at the Fort Raleigh National Historic Site are open year-round for visitors to come and explore the natural beauty. As the name suggests, these gardens were originally designed to entertain Queen Elizabeth I during her reign. Covering 10 acres of botanical delights, these feature an array of flowering plants, shrubs, trees, and sculptures.
The administration also hosts several seasonal events and programs throughout the year.
Get Adventurous Together by Hang Gliding at Jockey’s Ridge
Jockeys Ridge at Nags Head in the Outer Banks is home to the tallest dune system on the Atlantic Coast. Besides offering stunning sunset sights, it is a popular location for hand gliders. Here you will find many companies hosting their hand-gliding lessons as well. If you are new to this outdoor activity, you can join them. The tall dune systems of the Jockey Ridge serve as the perfect take-off spot for new and experienced hand gliders. For that reason, it is one of the most-recommended things to do in the Outer Banks with kids.
Embrace the Area’s History at Frisco Native American Museum
The Frisco Native American Museum & Natural History Center is one of the leading museums in North Carolina. Here you can explore one of the largest nationally recognized collections of North American artifacts and artworks sourced from tribes and the original inhabitants of Hatteras Island. This is the perfect place to go if you want to teach your kids about the invaluable history and information available on Native Americans across the US.
Take A Tour of the Wright Brothers National Memorial in Nags Head
Wright Brothers National Memorial is considered one of the tallest artificial landmarks on the Outer Banks, standing at 60 ft above ground level. This memorial symbolizes the first few successful airplane flights by the Wright brothers, Wilbur and Orville Wright. Their perseverance, exceptional talent, and application of the scientific process have changed the way we travel. You should visit the memorial to have your kids learn about the history of aviation. It is one of the top things to do in Outer Banks with kids.
Visit SeaWorthy Gallery in Hatteras
The SeaWorthy Gallery is one of the premier art galleries in the Hatteras Village in the Outer Banks NC. It houses a diverse collection of local and regional eclectic artworks ranging from painting and photography to sculptures, pottery, jewelry, and home decor. Many unique items here are available for sale, perfect for artisan souvenirs or gifts.
Moreover, if your kids enjoy looking at intriguing artwork, this is the perfect place to visit.
Go Bowling at OBX Bowling Center
The OBX Bowling Center is a bowling alley at Nags Head, Outer Banks. It is one of the best hotspots to visit if you want to enjoy indoor gaming with your kids, especially when the weather outside isn’t welcoming. It is also one of the only bowling alleys in the Outer Banks.
Apart from bowling, it has an impressive set of arcade games and various foods and drinks on its menu.
Shop at Nags Head’s Outlets
Head to Nag Head’s Outlets for your next shopping spree with the kids. The Outlets at Nags Head, Outer Banks, is a collection of several leading brands that sell their merchandise directly. The mall is open for shopping every day from 10 am to 7 pm. Here you can find top picks from leading brands, including Gap Factory Store, J.Crew, Polo Ralph Lauren, Talbots, Banana Republic Factory Store, Carter’s, Nautica Factory Store, Sunglass Hut, and many more.
Cozy Up To Some Donuts at Duck Donut
If you are craving something sweet, decadent, and tasty, you should head to Duck Donuts, one of the most popular donut shops in Nags Head, Outer Banks. The shop features a charming collection of donuts to which you can treat your kids. Besides warm fresh donuts, they also serve decadent breakfast sandwiches, ice cream, coffee, espresso, frappes, and other delights.
See A Movie At OBX Movie Theatre
Your vacation isn’t complete without having a drop-by at the theater. Catch a movie at the OBC Movie Theatre with your loved ones during your visit to the Outer Banks. Several movie theaters scattered around the barrier islands showcase the latest family-friendly movies you can enjoy with your kids.
Get Ice Cream At Avon Pier
The Avon Fishing Pier is one of the most popular fishing spots around the Outer Banks and is known as a world-class fishing destination. You don’t need to be a fisherman to explore the Pier; many tourists flock to the Avon Pier to glimpse its marine activity. More popular is the ice cream you can get at the Pier. Several ice cream parlors around the area offer you cooling and delicious ice cream to enjoy during your visit.
Spend The Day At The Beach
The Outer Banks isn’t known as one of the top coastal destinations for no reason. It has the best family beaches in North Carolina. It houses over 100 miles of beaches for exploration. We particularly recommend the Nags Head, Kill Devil Hills, and Kitty Hawk beaches if you want to spend the day out with your kids. You can enjoy great outdoor waterfront activities at the beach with Kitty Hawk Kites, including surfing lessons, fishing charters, hang-gliding, and more.
Take The Family To Children At Play Museum in Kitty Hawk
The Outer Banks Children at Play Museum is an interactive children’s museum at Kitty Hawk. Here young children can boost their physical fitness, health, and creativity using hands-on learning activities. The museum features several exhibits that promote concepts related to the sciences, mathematics, and arts. It allows children to learn as they play and will keep young minds engaged and entertained for hours! It is one of the most exciting things to do in Outer Banks with kids.
Final Thoughts
The Outer Banks is one of the most popular tourist destinations in North Carolina. Its rich history, the abundance of outdoor activities, and places to explore make it well worth the visit. It is also considered the perfect spot to take your kids for a memorable vacation!
