7 Outer Banks Stops Kids Will Be Excited About

By Danielle Taylor on Apr. 03, 2024

Whether or not you grew up in the East, The Outer Banks of North Carolina may already be familiar through Blackbeard, Nicholas Sparks, the Lost Colony of Roanoke, or the Wright Brothers. These scenic barrier islands are often known as a romantic getaway, thanks to mile after mile of pristine beach, but families will find plenty here for younger travelers as well. From state parks and national seashores to donuts served on a stick, these Outer Banks attractions offer experiences the whole family can enjoy.

1. Cape Hatteras National Seashore

This federally protected coastline runs for more than 70 miles along the island chain and is open at all times for families to explore. Its most recognizable landmark is the spiral-striped Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, a favorite climb for many repeat visitors to The Outer Banks. The Cape Hatteras Lighthouse is undergoing a restoration during 2024 and climbing is not permitted however.

There’s plenty happening along the beach and in the surf, too. Younger children can hunt for seashells and sea glass between building in the sand and splashing near shore. Older kids may be ready to try surfing, since the Outer Banks are widely considered the best place to surf in the East. Families can also book horseback rides on the beach, take shoreline kayak outings, or enjoy easygoing paddleboard trips, with rental gear readily available.

With a 4WD vehicle, families can reach more remote sections of the national seashore. To end a full day outside, consider a beach bonfire, which is allowed in different shoreline areas throughout the year. Permits are required for both fires and off-roading, and they can be obtained online or at one of the national seashore’s visitor centers, where exhibits also cover the history and ecology of the Outer Banks.

2. The North Carolina Aquarium on Roanoke Island + Jennette’s Pier

At The North Carolina Aquarium on Roanoke Island, families can get close to many marine animals found in the waters around the Outer Banks, including sharks, river otters, alligators, stingrays, turtles, and tons of other fish species. Visitors can attend shark and stingray feedings, move through a sunken ship, watch films about marine life, listen to shipwreck stories, and more.

One especially memorable option is available for groups of 12+ or those willing to cover the equivalent cost: an overnight slumber party beside the 285,000-gallon Graveyard of the Atlantic tank, where large and small fish swim past.

For an added outing, nearby Jennette’s Pier in Nags Head, also run by North Carolina Aquariums, lets families cast into the Atlantic and discover what’s moving through the water below.

3. Wright Brothers National Memorial

More than a century ago, Orville and Wilbur Wright made history on a tall sand dune in The Outer Banks by completing the world’s first successful heavier-than-air powered flight. Today, families can follow their path and learn how that innovation changed the world.

Kids can climb into a sculpture of the famous Wright Flyer and walk the route of the first flight. Interactive exhibits explain the science and history behind aviation, helping visitors leave with a deeper appreciation for this landmark achievement.

4. Donutz on a Stick & Ice Cream

Photo: David Williams for Donutz on a Stick

The Outer Banks has several fresh donut shops and ice cream stops, but Donutz on a Stick & Ice Cream earns attention for imaginative flavors, playful presentations, and endless topping combos. Once the kids finish their treats, they can take selfies with the six-foot duck and pick out mix-and-match candy. After all, it’s vacation.

5. Jockey’s Ridge State Park

Photo: Kitty Hawk Kites

Jockey’s Ridge State Park is the home of the tallest natural living sand dune on the East Coast, giving kids a wide range of ways to play outside. Throughout the year, families can book hang-gliding lessons or simply bring a kite, since the winds here tend to be ideal.

From October through March, kids and adults can try sandboarding down the dune slopes. In every season, the sound side of the park offers a calmer setting for wading or paddling, picnicking on the sand, or walking the mile-long nature trail.

6. Mini Golf and Adventure Parks

Photo: Paradise Fun Park

Across the Outer Banks, mini-golf courses and adventure parks offer bumper cars, go-karts, arcades, and even climbing obstacle courses. Kids can wander through pirate-themed putt-putt layouts with dark caves, a pirate ship, waterfalls, and other elaborate features. Between rounds, families can pause for ice cream, snacks, and drinks before moving on to the next activity.

7. Roanoke and Albemarle Sounds

For young visitors, the ocean’s scale can feel enormous, especially with big imaginations at work. A soundside dolphin-watching trip gives kids a way to experience that sense of wonder while staying comfortably within view of land.

Nags Head Dolphin Watch, Capt. Johnny’s Outer Banks Dolphin Tours, and Paradise Dolphin Cruises all offer memorable outings with nearly 100% sighting rates. That’s part of the beauty — and the guarantee — of a family vacation in The Outer Banks.

Categories and Tags

Category: Family Fun

Tags: Hatteras, Manteo, Kill Devil Hills, Duck, Kitty Hawk, Nags Head

About Danielle Taylor

Danielle Taylor is a freelance travel and outdoor adventure journalist, tourism marketing professional, editor, blogger, emerging photographer, and occasional wandering wifi hobo. Her work covers outdoor recreation, conservation, public lands, history, and travel, with special attention to America’s national parks.

After six years as a magazine editor in northern Virginia, she relocated in 2015 to a family homestead in rural western Pennsylvania, launched her full-time freelance writing business, moved into the back of her Subaru Outback, and spent two years on the road writing stories like this one to support her gas tank, her meals, and her postcard collection. At the moment, she is enjoying a slower pace as she puts down deeper roots. Readers interested in more of Danielle’s work and travels can visit her website and follow her on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. This article was originally posted on Matador Network.