Posted by Taylor

Top 12 Family and Kid-Friendly Activities on the Outer Banks

Family adventures are everywhere on the Outer Banks. Beach days, wild horse tours, waterparks, and museums make it easy to keep every age entertained and every day full of fun on your OBX getaway.

The Outer Banks is famous for its wide beaches, coastal charm, and endless outdoor fun. But what if you're traveling with kids? No worries, the OBX is full of family-friendly spots where everyone in your vacation crew can have fun and make the most of their time by the sea.

Here's a little something to get you started:

Beach Days: Sun, surf, and sandcastle fun at some of the best beach access points across the OBX.
Jockey's Ridge State Park: Climb the tallest dunes on the East Coast, try hang gliding, or fly a kite.
NC Aquarium on Roanoke Island: Meet otters, sea turtles, and jellyfish up close in this family favorite.
Roanoke Island Festival Park: Step aboard a 16th-century ship and dive into hands-on activities.
Wright Brothers Memorial: Fly simulators, see full-scale gliders, and picnic where aviation began.
Elizabethan Gardens: Wander through colorful gardens and visit the Butterfly House
Wild Horse Tours: Spot Corolla's famous wild mustangs and learn about their centuries-old story.
Watersports Galore: Try kayaking, paddleboarding, or parasailing.
Mini Golf & Go-Karts: Pirate ships, dinosaurs, and glowing courses for family fun.
H2OBX Waterpark: Slides, wave pools, and splash zones for every age under the Carolina sun.
Jumpmasters: Indoor trampolines, ninja courses, and dodgeball courts for high-energy fun.
Dowdy Park: Playgrounds, markets, and summer events in the heart of Nags Head.

Dreaming of an OBX getaway? Village Realty has been matching beach lovers with the perfect vacation homes for over 25 years. We offer an extensive selection of Outer Banks vacation rentals tailored to meet every need and desire. From stunning oceanfront properties and cozy condos to pet-friendly and newly listed rentals, our diverse portfolio ensures you find the perfect home away from home.

Craving more insider tips? As experts in everything OBX, our destination blog is loaded with fishing tips, the best outdoor adventures, can't-miss foodie finds, and more.

In this blog post, I'm rounding up 12 awesome things to do with kids on the Outer Banks to help you have the best time in this North Carolina paradise.

Ready? Let's jump into the details!

1. Beach Days

Sun, salt, relaxation, plenty of laughter.

Beach days on the Outer Banks are made for sun, salt, and plenty of laughter. A little prep goes a long way, so pack the basics: sunscreen, big towels, and water to keep everyone cool. For the kids, throw in a stash of toys like buckets, shovels, boogie boards, and maybe a kite to chase the wind. A pop-up tent gives you shade for snack breaks or quick naps, and a small cooler stocked with juice boxes, fruit, and sandwiches keeps everyone happy. With a good playlist and a few beach games, you're all set for a day that's easy, carefree, and full of those moments everyone remembers.

Here is a list of some popular beach access locations on the Outer Banks:

Coquina Beach Access: Located within Cape Hatteras National Seashore, this access point offers ample parking and a lifeguarded beach area.
Nags Head Beach Access: Various public beach access points are scattered throughout Nags Head, including Bonnett Street Beach Access, Conch Street Beach Access, and many others.
Kill Devil Hills Beach Access: Kill Devil Hills has several public beach access points, such as Ocean Bay Boulevard Beach Access, Prospect Avenue Beach Access, and Hayman Street Beach Access.
Kitty Hawk Beach Access: Access points in Kitty Hawk include Kitty Hawk Beach Access, Kitty Hawk Regional Access, and Kitty Hawk Bathhouse Beach Access.
Duck Beach Access: Duck offers public beach access points like Duck Town Park & Boardwalk and Plover Drive Beach Access.
Corolla Beach Access: In Corolla, you can find access points such as Corolla Village Road Beach Access, Currituck County Beach Accesses, and Swan Beach Corolla Beach Access.
Southern Shores Beach Access: Southern Shores offers beach access points like Hillcrest Beach Access and Chicahauk Beach Access.

2. JOCKEY'S RIDGE STATE PARK

Hand gliding, sandboarding, hiking, kite flying, and more.

This must-visit attraction in Nags Head is all about adventure and wide-open fun. Kids and adults alike can climb the East Coast's largest sand dunes, try hang gliding or sandboarding, and watch colorful kites dance across the sky. For a slower pace, stroll the trails or stop by the visitor center to learn about the park's unique landscape and history.

3. NC Aquarium on Roanoke Island

Adventure, education, and unforgettable encounters with the ocean's inhabitants.

A hit with families, the North Carolina Aquarium on Roanoke Island offers a mix of discovery and fun. Kids can meet playful otters, sea turtles, and glowing jellyfish up close, or touch starfish and rays in hands-on exhibits. Daily programs and live shows make learning about marine life exciting, and the outdoor playground and picnic area are perfect for a relaxing family break.

4. Roanoke Island Festival Park

Engaging exhibits and immersive experiences.

Roanoke Island Festival Park in Manteo is a favorite for families, blending history with hands-on fun. Kids can climb aboard the Elizabeth II, a replica 16th-century sailing ship, and see what life was like for early explorers. Inside the Adventure Museum, they can play historical games, solve puzzles, and watch blacksmiths at work, turning the past into a real-life adventure.

5. Wright Brothers Memorial

Interactive exhibits, fascinating displays, hands-on experiences, full-scale replicas, and outdoor fun.

Located in Kitty Hawk, the Wright Brothers National Memorial brings history to life for kids and adults alike. Inside the Visitor Center, young aviation fans can test flight simulators, see full-scale replicas of the Wrights' gliders, and learn how their first flight changed the world. Outside, the open memorial grounds are perfect for running, playing, and picnicking with a view of the dunes and the Atlantic.

6. Elizabethan Gardens

Colorful flower beds, a Butterfly House, and seasonal events.

The Elizabethan Gardens are a peaceful, family-friendly escape where kids can explore, learn, and play. Stroll through colorful flower beds, breathe in the scent of herbs, and stop by the Butterfly House to watch bright wings flutter up close. Seasonal events, story times, and scavenger hunts make each visit fresh and fun. Pack a picnic or sketchbook and enjoy a calm afternoon surrounded by nature's beauty.

7. Wild Horse Tours

Witness nature in its purest form and teach kids about the importance of wildlife conservation.

Watching the wild horses in Corolla is a truly enchanting experience, especially when shared with kids. As you drive along the pristine shores of the northern Outer Banks, the anticipation builds, and suddenly, there they are, the majestic Corolla wild horses, descendants of Spanish mustangs that have roamed this area for centuries.

Children are often captivated by the sight of these graceful creatures roaming freely on the beach or in the dunes. It's a chance to witness nature in its purest form and to teach kids about the importance of wildlife conservation and preservation.

8. Watersports Galore

Kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, boogie boarding, jet skiing, parasailing, and much more.

The Outer Banks is packed with water adventures for kids and families. Calm sounds and estuaries are perfect for kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding, while gentle surf spots make boogie boarding and beginner surfing easy and fun. Older kids can try jet skiing, parasailing, or even kiteboarding with lessons from local outfitters. For something slower, go fishing, crabbing, or beachcombing along the shore. Need gear? You'll find plenty of rental shops in towns like Nags Head, Kitty Hawk, Kill Devil Hills, and Corolla, offering everything from boards and kayaks to beach chairs and umbrellas, often with delivery right to your doorstep.

Here are some of the most popular rental services for convenient water activities:

9. Mini Golf & Go-Karts

Tee off on unique mini-golf courses or hit the go-kart tracks for friendly competition.

Families can tee off on creative mini-golf courses or hit the go-kart tracks for friendly competition and nonstop laughs. Here are some great options in the area:

Mutiny Bay Adventure Golf – Nags Head: This pirate-themed course features waterfalls, ships, and clever obstacles that turn every hole into a mini adventure. It's fun for all ages and perfect for an afternoon of family bonding.
Professor Hacker's Lost Treasure Golf – Kill Devil Hills: Inspired by a daring explorer, this lush, story-driven course winds through gardens, bridges, and waterfalls. Kids love the treasure-hunting theme and imaginative challenges at every turn.
Paradise Fun Park – Kitty Hawk: Home to mini golf, go-karts, batting cages, and an arcade, this all-in-one spot promises hours of family fun, rain or shine.
Galaxy Golf - Nags Head: Navigate through an imaginative and beautifully landscaped course, and encounter playful obstacles, intriguing cosmic-themed decor, and glow-in-the-dark elements that add an extra layer of fun to your game.
Jurassic Putt – Nags Head: This dinosaur-themed attraction brings the past to life with its imaginative and intricately designed holes, featuring life-sized dinosaur replicas and challenging obstacles.

10. H2OBX Waterpark

Thrilling water slides, serene lazy rivers, and splash zones for the little ones.

This sprawling water park in Powell's Point is home to a wide range of attractions, ranging from thrilling water slides that send riders racing through twists and turns to serene lazy rivers perfect for relaxation. You can enjoy wave pools, exhilarating tube rides, and splash zones with the little ones. The park's tropical-themed setting, complete with palm trees and cabanas, adds to the vacation vibe, making it a refreshing escape from the summer heat.

11. Jumpmasters

Famous for its wall-to-wall trampolines, foam pits, and dodgeball courts.

Jumpmasters in Manteo is well-known for their wall-to-wall trampolines that allow you to bounce to your heart's content and foam pits for practicing gravity-defying flips. Additionally, the park offers dodgeball courts, basketball slam dunk lanes, and even a ninja course for those looking to challenge their agility and coordination. With its commitment to safety and cleanliness, this family-friendly playground ensures a worry-free experience, making it a perfect escape on a rainy day or a fun addition to your OBX itinerary.

12. Dowdy Park

Community space where locals and visitors come together to relax, play, and enjoy the outdoors.

Located in Nags Head, Dowdy Park is a lively community space where locals and visitors come together to relax, play, and enjoy the outdoors. Families love the modern playgrounds, shady picnic spots, and splash pad for hot summer days. The park also hosts live music, markets, and community events that capture the spirit of the Outer Banks. It's a welcoming spot to unwind, meet people, and soak up the local vibe.

Experience the best of the obx

The secret to a great OBX getaway? Finding the perfect place to stay. With Village Realty OBX, you'll have your pick of vacation rentals that keep you close to the beach, the fun, and everything in between.

Our rentals range from oceanfront homes with stunning views to cozy cottages perfect for families or couples. Many properties include amenities like private pools, hot tubs, and fully equipped kitchens, ensuring your stay is as relaxing as it is adventurous.

Booking with Village Realty means you can focus on enjoying everything this North Carolina treasure has to offer while resting easy in a home tailored to your needs. Start your journey by choosing the perfect rental for your outdoor getaway today!