Just for Kids
The Outer Banks is made for family vacations. Between days spent playing in the ocean, exploring local attractions, trying something new and relaxing together at your vacation home, there are plenty of ways to keep kids of all ages entertained.
Whether you're visiting the Outer Banks with toddlers, teenagers or a mix of ages, a little planning can make your family getaway even better. From choosing the right vacation rental to filling your itinerary with kid-friendly adventures, we've gathered some of our favorite resources for families visiting the OBX.
The beach may be the main attraction, but it's only the beginning of the family fun you'll find on the Outer Banks.
Spend the day building sandcastles and playing in the waves, then venture beyond the beach to discover everything else the area has to offer. Families can see Corolla's famous wild horses, search for dolphins on the sound, paddle through local waterways on a kayak tour or take on a ropes course and zipline adventure.
Kids who love the water can try activities like surfing and parasailing, while a round of mini golf offers an easy activity the whole family can enjoy together.
There are plenty of opportunities to sneak a little learning into vacation, too. Explore local history at the Whalehead Club or The Lost Colony, discover marine life at the North Carolina Aquarium on Roanoke Island, or trade the beach for waterslides and a wave pool at H2OBX Waterpark.
Looking for more ideas? Read our complete guide to Super-Cool Kids' Activities on the Outer Banks to start building your family's vacation itinerary.
Where you stay can be just as important as what you do during your vacation. The right vacation home gives kids plenty of ways to have fun between beach trips while giving the entire family space to relax.
When searching for an Outer Banks rental, think about the features that matter most to your family. Bunk rooms and flexible sleeping arrangements can make sharing a home easier for larger groups, while game rooms, game tables, arcade games and outdoor activities give kids something to do during downtime or rainy afternoons.
A private pool is another family favorite, especially when everyone wants to keep swimming after returning from the beach. Depending on your crew, you may also want to look for outdoor play areas, basketball hoops, board games or a dog-friendly property so your four-legged family members can come along.
Find the right fit for your crew: Check out our Top 11 Kid-Friendly Features to Look for in Your NC Outer Banks Rental before choosing your vacation home.
For many families, an Outer Banks vacation starts with a road trip. Instead of spending the entire drive answering "Are we there yet?", make getting here part of the experience.
Bring along a few simple activities to keep everyone occupied. Kids can keep a vacation journal, track the states they spot on license plates, follow your progress on a map, play travel-sized games or start a family read-aloud. You can even have everyone make predictions about what they'll see and do once they reach the Outer Banks.
A few activities packed ahead of time can make those highway miles pass a little faster—and build excitement for the vacation ahead.
Some of the best family memories happen at the beach: learning to catch your first wave, spotting a dolphin together, competing over mini golf or simply ending a long beach day back at your vacation home.
Outer Banks Blue offers vacation rentals throughout the Outer Banks with options for families of all sizes. Search for the location, space and amenities that work for your crew, then start planning all the adventures you'll have once you arrive.
