Make the Most of Your Outer Banks Family Trip With These 20 Things to Do

You’re about to embark on a vacation to the Outer Banks with your family, and you can’t wait to enjoy the beautiful beaches and delicious seafood. But what exactly should you do while you’re here? I’m here to help with a great list of things to do in Outer Banks, North Carolina that are sure to make this one of the best vacations ever.

The Outer Banks (OBX) is a great place for a family vacation along the East Coast. I should know! When we lived north of Wilmington for several years, we took quite a few trips north to the OBX. If you are looking for things to do in Outer Banks for active families, you’ve come to the right place.

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Best time to visit Outer Banks North Carolina?

There’s no bad time to visit the Outer Banks, but many people visit in the summer months. If you want to avoid the crowds, visit in the shoulder seasons (spring and fall). These are my favorite times to visit. The weather is typically milder during these times of the year, making it ideal for outdoor activities. Plus, the crowds are usually smaller, so you’ll have more opportunities to enjoy all the area has to offer.

Not To Miss Outer Banks Family Activities

We have put together this list of the best things to do in the Outer Banks so that you can make the most of your time here. With so many fun activities to choose from, you will have a hard time deciding what to do first.

Visit the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse at Cape Hatteras National Seashore

The Cape Hatteras Lighthouse is one of the most iconic landmarks on the Outer Banks. For a bird’s eye view of the Outer Banks, climb the spiral staircase to the top of the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse. At 208 feet tall, it is the tallest brick lighthouse in the United States. The views from the top are incredible, and you can see for miles in every direction.

Visit the Wright Brothers National Memorial

No trip to the Outer Banks would be complete without a visit to the Wright Brothers National Memorial. You can learn how aviation pioneers Wilbur and Orville Wright made history with their powered flight experiments in Kitty Hawk, North Carolina. The memorial also has a replica of the Wright brothers’ first airplane, and ranger-led tours are available.

Take a Hike Through Jockey’s Ridge State Park

Jockey’s Ridge State Park is home to the tallest active sand dune on the East Coast, and it’s a great place to take a hike and enjoy some stunning views. The dunes here are always changing, so no two hikes are ever the same.

Thrill Seeking in Jockey’s Ridge State Park

If you’re feeling adventurous, try your hand at sandboarding on the park’s many sand dunes. Sandboarding is a sport where you ride down a sand dune on a board. It’s like skiing or snowboarding, but on the sand!

If you want a high-flying adventure, this state park is renowned for hang gliding. You can take flight lessons or go on a tandem ride with an experienced instructor. There is also kiteboarding and windsurfing on the Roanoke Sound

All of these activities make Jockey’s Ridge State Park one of the most popular things to do in Outer Banks for thrill seekers.

Is Jockey’s Ridge State Park free?

Yes, it’s free to visit the park. No permits are required for sandboarding, but reservations are required for hang gliding.

Go Fishing at Oregon Inlet

The Oregon Inlet is one of the best spots to drop a line and go fishing in the area. It joins the Pamlico Sound and Atlantic Ocean. The inlet’s fishing center is one of the largest on the east coast. You can fish from the shore or a charter boat, and there’s no shortage of fish to be caught, including bluefish, striped bass, flounder, and more. There are also several charter companies that offer half-day and full-day fishing trips. These trips are great for those who want to go fishing but don’t have their own equipment.

Charter companies also offer other types of trips, such as dolphin watching and sightseeing tours.

Have Some Fun in the Sun at the Beach

The beaches here are world-renowned for their beauty, and there’s no better place to relax and soak up some vitamin D. With over 130 miles of coastline, you’re sure to find a perfect spot for your family. Take time to build a sandcastle, go for a swim, or just sit back and enjoy the stunning views.

Most Popular Beaches in the Outer Banks

Some of the most popular beaches on the Outer Banks ideal for families to visit include Kitty Hawk, Nags Head, Corolla Beach, and Coquina Beach.

If you’re looking for a less crowded beach experience, check out some of the beaches on the Cape Hatteras National Seashore or Ocracoke Island. These beaches are less crowded and offer a more natural experience.

Don’t forget to book beachfront rentals online before your trip.

Visit the Currituck Beach Lighthouse

The Currituck Beach Lighthouse is one of the most iconic landmarks on the Outer Banks. This 156-foot tall brick lighthouse was built in 1875 and is still operational today. You can take a tour of the lighthouse, and if you’re feeling adventurous, you can even climb to the top!

The Currituck Beach Lighthouse is located in Corolla, and tours are available from April to December.

Go for a Paddle in the Currituck Sound

The Currituck Sound is a large estuary that’s perfect for paddleboarding, kayaking, and canoeing. Several rental companies can help you get out on the water, and you’re sure to enjoy the peacefulness of paddling around this beautiful body of water.

I highly recommend exploring the Currituck Sound at your own pace. Rent a kayak or paddleboard and enjoy a day of exploring the many creeks and marshes that make up this estuary.

Related: Want an inflatable paddleboard or inflatable kayak you can take when you travel? Check these from BOTE.

Book a Wildlife Tour

One of the best things to do in the Outer Banks with kids is going on a wildlife tour. A guided tour is a great way to see some of the area’s wildlife, including dolphins, birds, and even wild horses. There are several different tour companies that offer these types of tours, and different departure towns.

Some of the most popular wildlife tours include:

Take a Hike on the Bodie Island Lighthouse Trail

The Bodie Island Lighthouse Trail is a 1.5-mile loop trail that takes you to the historic Bodie Island Lighthouse near the town of Nags Head. This trail is perfect for those who want to get a little exercise while taking in some stunning views of the coast.

The Bodie Island Lighthouse Trail is located on the Bodie Island National Wildlife Refuge, and entrance to the refuge is free. The best time of day to hike is in the early morning or late afternoon to avoid the heat of the day.

AllTrails is a free mobile app and website with detailed, hand-curated trail maps, along with crowd-sourced reviews and photos. With 300,000+ trails, users can filter to find the route that’s right for them.

Upgrade to the PRO version for offline maps and more.

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Visit the Elizabethan Gardens

The Elizabethan Gardens are a 10-acre public garden that’s modeled after English Renaissance gardens. This is a great place to take a stroll, have a picnic, or just relax and enjoy the beauty of nature.

The new John White Butterfly Center and Discovery Cove are two is must-see areas for visiting families. This new center features indoor and outdoor space designed for families to learn about and enjoy nature.

The Elizabethan Gardens are located in Manteo on the Fort Raleigh National Historic Site. Admission is $12 adults, $8 children ages 6 to 17, $4 children ages 3 to 5. Tickets are available online and onsite.

Shop ’til You Drop at Tanger Outlets

If you’re looking for some retail therapy, look no further than Tanger Outlets in Nags Head.

This outdoor shopping mall has over 60 stores, including Gap, Nike, Ann Taylor, and more. You’re sure to find something for everyone in your family.

Money saving tip: be sure to stop by the customer service desk to pick up a coupon book for even more savings.

See a Show at the Lost Colony

The Lost Colony is an outdoor drama that tells the story of the first English settlers on Roanoke Island. This historical drama has been performed every summer since 1937, making it the longest-running outdoor drama in the country. The Lost Colony is located on the Roanoke Island Festival Park in Manteo. Shows are held most every night at 8:30pm. On Friday and Saturday nights, there is also a Native pre-show presentation included in the ticket price. Ticket prices range from $15-$40 and discounts are available for children, military, seniors, and AAA.

Step Back in Time at Island Farm

Island Farm is a living history museum that’s located on Roanoke Island. This museum is a great way to learn about the Outer Banks’ history and culture. Visitors can experience what life was like in the island and take part in activities such as blacksmithing, candle making, and open-hearth cooking. Island Farm is open from April to November, Tuesday through Friday. Admission is $10 for ages 4 and up.

See the Wild Horses of Corolla Beach

The Outer Banks is home to a herd of wild Spanish mustangs that live on Corolla Beach. They have called this area home since the 1500s, and today there are about 100 horses in the herd. While you can’t ride them or get too close, it’s still fun to watch them roam freely on the beach.

What’s the best time to see the wild horses on Corolla Beach, NC?

The horses are most active in the early morning and late afternoon, so those are the best times to see them. However, they can be seen at any time of day.

Ferry Ride to Ocracoke Island

Ocracoke Island is only accessible by ferry, and the ride itself is an adventure. The ferry takes about 1.5 hours, and during the trip you’ll have stunning views of the coast. Once you’re on the island, be sure to visit the Ocracoke Lighthouse, take a horse-drawn carriage ride, or relax on the beach.

Explore the Town of Duck

The town of Duck is a great place to explore, with shops, restaurants, and plenty of things to do. One of the most popular things to do in Duck is to rent bikes and ride around the town. You can also enjoy a leisurely stroll down the boardwalk, go kayaking or paddleboarding, or play a round of mini golf. While you’re there, be sure to stop for donuts at Duck Donuts – they’re delicious!

Stroll Through Manteo Waterfront

Manteo waterfront is the perfect place to take a leisurely stroll, enjoy some ice cream, or go for a swim. This area is also home to the Roanoke Island Maritime Museum, which is a great place to learn about the area’s history.

If you like ghost tours, get tickets for the Ghost Walking Tour in Manteo, known as the most haunted beach in America.

Visit the North Carolina Aquarium on Roanoke Island

The North Carolina Aquarium on Roanoke Island is a great place to learn about the state’s marine life. The aquarium has over 200 species of animals, including sharks, stingrays, and seahorses. There are also several interactive exhibits, such as a touch tank where you can pet stingrays.

It’s a great option if you need a rainy day activity in the Outer Banks. Advanced tickets and reservations can be made online and are required. Admission is $12.95 for adults and $10.95 for children ages 3-12. Also, be sure to check out their special activities like guided paddle trips, crabbing experiences, and more.

Where to stay with Family in Outer Banks?

There are many great places to stay with your family when you visit the Outer Banks. Some of our top picks include the Beachwoods by Diamond Resorts Kitty Hawk, the Hilton Garden Inn Outer Banks / Kitty Hawk, and the Days Inn by Wyndham Kill Devil Hills Oceanfront.

You can also find plenty of vacation rentals in the area if you’re looking for a more private experience. Whichever option you choose, you’re sure to have a great time on your Outer Banks vacation.

The Outer Banks is a great place for a family vacation, and there’s no shortage of things to do. With so many activities to choose from, you’re sure to find something for everyone in your family. So get out there and explore all the Outer Banks offers. You won’t be disappointed!

Taking a road trip soon? Don’t leave without first checking our travel tips here:

Ready to Start Planning Your Trip? Use These Helpful Links to Book Your Trip!

AIRFARE
- Find low fares with airfarewatchdog, Skyscanner, and WayAway.com.
- Get airfare deal alerts up to 90% off from Dollar Flight Club (free & paid membership options)
- Book your plane ticket with Expedia or Kayak
- Book your Airport Parking Reservations and save money.
ROAD TRIP/CAR RENTAL
- Take the scenic route and rent an RV from RVShare
- Get packed for an epic road trip and don’t forget the Road Trip Games to Play in the Car Need more space? Get a rental car thru Discovercars.com.
LODGING
- From hotels to private homes, find the perfect accommodation with Hotels.com or booking.com.
- For camping and RV campgrounds, find the ideal location with Campspot.
PACKING
- Travel in style with a suitcase, carry-on, backpack, or handbag from Away and Eagle Creek.
- For packing cubes, we love these from Eagle Creek and these reusable silicon bags for a 3-1-1 bag from Stasher.
TRAVEL PLANNING
- Looking to start travel hacking and want a place to keep track of it all? There’s the free TravelFreely site.
- For budgeting help, get our road trip budgeting tips here.
ATTRACTIONS/ACTIVITIES
- Save on tickets to attractions, sightseeing tours, and more with
  - Tiqets for cultural events, museums, Broadway shows, etc.
  - CityPASS for multi-day attraction passes at up to 55% off in select cities
  - Get Your Guide and Viator for guided tours/excursions, day trips, and activitties
  - Groupon for discounted local attractions and event tickets
  - Undercover Tourister for discounted theme park tickets
- Find guided outdoor activities led by local guides at 57Hours.
- Find information on local trails with the AllTrails App.
LEARN A FOREIGN LANGUAGE
- We use and recommend Rosetta Stone to learn a new language. We bought the $179 lifetime option with unlimited access to ALL 25 of their languages.
Need something else to plan your perfect trip? Visit my travel resources page for more trusted partners.

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