
When you think of vacationing in the Outer Banks the first thing that comes to mind is probably beach related activities. What you may not realize is the Outer Banks is consistently ranked one of the best family destinations and offers some super-cool kid activities not found elsewhere.
Happy Birthday Marines!: Memory Monday November 10, 2014.
Super-Cool Kids’ Activities on the Outer Banks
See Wild Horses
There is no place else in the United States that you can view wild Spanish Mustangs in their natural habitat except Corolla, NC. Bring your camera, rent a Jeep and take off down the beach for an off-road wild horse adventure. These amazing creatures have roamed free in this area for half a century. Kids and teens who are animal lovers will be amazed at the beauty, power and grace these horses display.
Become a Junior Ranger
The Cape Hatteras National Seashore offers a Junior Ranger program for kids ages 5-13. Running mid-June through Labor Day, the program gives kids the chance to learn about marine life through fun activities.
Visit The Pit
Teens want to be with others their own age and now they have three chances a week (during summer months) to do just that. The Pit hosts Teen Night on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays with the hottest music, a huge dance floor, dance contests, games and more. The best part (for parents) is the “friendly but firm” security that patrols the party, making sure everyone is safe. Teens and young adults ages 13-21 are welcome.
Hang at the Children @ Play Museum
From Science Thursdays with hands-on activities to the Teddy Bear Wellness Center where children get to play doctor, Children @ Play Museum has so much for kids to explore and learn. Your little ones get the thrill of discovering the first flight of the Wright Brothers, the joys of fishing and more that make for a fun afternoon while developing skill sets. They’ll want to return again and again.
Climb Historic Lighthouses
From Bodie Island to Cape Hatteras and more, let your young ones burn off some pent-up energy climbing the steps to the top of Outer Banks lighthouses. With 257 stairs, the Cape Hatteras lighthouse gives a bird’s eye view of the water and also houses a gift shop, picnic area and nature trail. The Bodie Island lighthouse has 214 steps and is surrounded by a mixture of marshlands, maritime forest and saltwater ponds: a great recipe for attracting birds and other wildlife. Be sure to bring your camera!
Become a Pirate
At Pirate Adventures of the OBX, your kids can come aboard and experience a bit of the pirate life. They’ll learn the rules of the sea as they go in search of Pirate Pete and the map they need to find the sunken treasure. It’s an experience designed to educate, expand their imaginations and enlighten their minds.
Hang Out with Dolphins
You won’t find dolphins in every ocean in the world. They are partial to the Atlantic Ocean for its temperature and food sources. While you can often see dolphins swimming by from the shore, there are ways you can get closer to these extremely smart and friendly creatures. Booking a dolphin tour is educational and fun and isn’t as expensive as you might think. Join the
Nags Head Dolphin Watch