Kid-Friendly Things To Do Outer Banks NC
Hey parents, this one's for you!
We've rounded up some of the best family-friendly attractions and things to do during your next trip to North Carolina’s Outer Banks.
Beach time reigns supreme, but here are some other ideas for quality time together during your stay on the OBX. They are all kid-tested and kid-approved!
It should also be no surprise that the Outer Banks has been named the Best Family Beach Destination in America by U.S. News & World Report. There is so much to do and see on these barrier islands.
Not to mention the stunning natural beauty found on the North Carolina coastline. It's the whole package. So, let's get back to the kid-approved favorites every parent should know - here are our top picks!
Kid-Friendly Outer Banks Attractions
You can't go wrong with any Outer Banks attractions as they offer many fun and learning opportunities. But, we've chosen some of our extra unique OBX attractions that cater to the young and young-at-heart.
Put them on your beach vacation itinerary. You'll be glad you did!
North Carolina Aquarium on Roanoke Island
Located three miles north of downtown Manteo, the NC Aquarium on Roanoke Island offers visitors a world of wonder and is a family favorite for all ages. The waters of the Outer Banks are waiting to be discovered.
Marvel at the most extensive collection of sharks in the state. Interact with the scuba divers in the massive tanks, see an alligator, and touch the stingrays. Wonder at the playful river otters. Witness the conservation efforts in the Sea Turtle Assistance and Rehabilitation (STAR) Center. And that's just the beginning of your aquarium experience.
Enjoy their kid-friendly special events, behind-the-scenes tours, and outdoor programs.
Outer Banks Center for Wildlife Education
Located in Corolla next to the Currituck Lighthouse and Whalehead Club, the Outer Banks Center for Wildlife Education focuses on the natural beauty of North Carolina's coast. Life by Water’s Rhythms is the theme of this educational facility dedicated to exploring coastal North Carolina’s wildlife, natural history, and heritage.
Part of the NC Wildlife Resources Commission, the center is located in Corolla at Currituck Heritage Park. There are indoor and outdoor attractions for visitors, including beautiful grounds, kid-friendly exhibits, interactive talks, video clips, and friendly, knowledgeable staff.
Cape Hatteras National Seashore Junior Ranger Program
Geared for ages 5-13, the Junior Ranger Program at Cape Hatteras National Seashore is a highlight for the young and adventurous ones among you. The Junior Ranger Program is fun to learn more about the park and how you can help protect it - just like the park rangers!
Suppose you're visiting during the summer season from mid-June through Labor Day. In that case, you can become Junior Ranger by attending two ranger programs at the park and completing the Junior Ranger booklet for your age group. Then, if you visit the park at any other time, you can complete the handout to attain Junior Ranger status.
Junior Ranger booklets are available in the Visitor Center.
See also: 18 Facts About Cape Hatteras Lighthouse
Kid-Friendly OBX Activities
The beach is the prime family-friendly activity during your stay, of course. But when you want to find some off-the-beach adventures for the kids on the OBX, you'll find many options available.
Here are some of our favorite kid-friendly things to do on the Outer Banks of North Carolina.
OBX Bowling
The OBX Bowling Center is located in Nags Head at milepost 10, 200 West Satterfield Landing Road. It's the only bowling facility in the Outer Banks, but you won't need any other.
From late-night rock n' bowl to league tournaments and even parties for the little ones, a lot is going on every night of the week there. Make time for the arcade and the cafe stocked with everyone's favorite - pizza!
See also: 28 Things To Do Nags Head NC
OBX Mini Golf
It wouldn't be a beach vacation without taking the family for a little putt-putt adventure. So whether you golf with pirates, test your skills across streams and near waterfalls, or golf in a Jurassic Period setting with a T-Rex looking over your shoulder, the scene will be charged for a great family day out.
Most OBX mini golf courses offer concessions and extended evening hours during the summer season. Also, peruse our Outer Banks mini-golf courses right here.
OBX Go-Karts & Speedways
Check out the local go-kart tracks and speedways throughout the Outer Banks if you need speed. There's something for kids and kids-at-heart at each location. So check out these Outer Banks Go-Karts and Speedway adventures.
Outer Banks Skate Parks
Surfing isn't the only boarding you'll find on the Outer Banks. Did you know that there are many skateboarding parks in the OBX? There are!
In Corolla, skaters can head to the Island Revolution Skate Park at the Corolla Light Town Center, which offers an all-concrete 5,000 square-foot skate park with a street course, half pipes, and dual bowls.
The skate park at the YMCA in Nags Head features a 15,000-square-foot facility with a 10ft-deep concrete bowl and a comprehensive street course.
Kitty Hawk Skate Park is a great little park nestled in the woods right off Kitty Hawk Road and has an open, street-type area with an adjoining mini-bowl in one corner.
Aviation Skate Park is located a stone’s throw from the Wright Brothers National Memorial and has a lot packed into a small area with an elongated flow-bowl design with some hips, extensions, and a few street elements.
The skate park in Manteo offers a smooth concrete skatepark with a small, narrow profile with a street-type setup, but it has quarter pipes across each end and some other surprises.
At the Fessenden Center Skate Park in Buxton on Hatteras Island, there are also some tiny, prefabricated quarter pipes and banks. It's a skateboarder's paradise. Who knew?
OBX Playgrounds
The biggest and best playground of all on the Outer Banks is the beach. But if you're looking to head off the coast for a while, make your way to these fun-filled OBX playgrounds that guarantee to bring big smiles to those little faces.
No matter which town you're vacationing in on the Outer Banks, there's sure to be a park and playground nearby from Carova to Hatteras and everything in between. Check out these OBX playgrounds, parks, and amenities to find the perfect spot for you and your family.
We hope this kid-friendly guide to the Outer Banks gives you the insight you need for your next family vacation.
Let us know in our comment section below what your favorite kid-friendly spot on the OBX is; we’d like to hear from you!