10 Things You Can Do with Your Kids in the Outer Banks

Written by EJ Ray

November 26, 2021
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Going on a family vacation? Here are 10 things you can do with your kids in the Outer Banks of North Caroline, making it an ideal beach vacation for the entire family.

When planning a family vacation, it’s essential to pick a destination that offers something for everyone. Especially if you’re traveling with kids, the vacation spot should have plenty of activities to keep them occupied. And that’s why Outer Banks (known as OBX) in North Carolina is on the top of our list. Here is a list of 10 things you can do with your kids in the Outer Banks.

Enjoy a Beach Day

There is nothing like lounging on the beach with a book while the kids are busy making sandcastles. Luckily, Outer Banks has plenty of serene beaches perfect for recreation. Apart from sunbathing, your family can go swimming, surfing, kitesurfing, and participate in other water sports. You can also consider getting OBX rentals with beach access.

10 things you can do with your kids in the Outer Banks

Rent a cottage in the Outer Banks, and the kids will enjoy hanging out at the beach. Photo by Meinzahn via iStock by Getty Images

Visit North Carolina Aquariums

Aquariums are an excellent way to learn more about marine life, and visiting the North Carolina Aquariums is one of the 10 things you can do with your kids in the Outer Banks. It’s not only relaxing and fascinating but also educational. And aquariums are suitable for all age groups. Visit North Carolina Aquariums for river otters, stingrays, and sharks!

10 things you can do with your kids in the Outer Banks

Kids of all ages will love the sea life and river life at the North Carolina Aquariums. Photo by Marla Temple via iStock by Getty Images

Take Art Classes

As a parent, you are probably looking forward to kicking your feet up and enjoying this break. Unfortunately, that’s not always possible when you have little ones running around, even if you’re on vacation. We suggest signing up your kids for pottery painting, sand art, and other art workshops to keep them busy.

Beachcombing in the Outer Banks

Beachcombing is a popular and free activity you can try on OBX beaches. The entire family will enjoy “combing” the beach for seashells and other interesting natural treasures. While you can go beachcombing on any beach, we recommend heading to less crowded beaches such as Coquina Beach and Hatteras Island.

10 things you can do with your kids in the Outer Banks

Beachcombing is always great fun during a beach vacation. Photo by Andrew Black via iStock by Getty Images

Go Fishing

There’s plenty of fish in the sea, literally! If you like fishing, you can try surf fishing in Cape Point, Oregon Inlet, and Hatteras Inlet. On the other hand, if you don’t have the first clue about fishing, you can learn the basic skills at Avalon Fishing Pier. This is one of the items for your list of 10 things you can do with your kids in the Outer Banks—and if you’re lucky, you’ll have dinner!

10 things you can do with your kids in the Outer Banks

Avalon Pier is a popular place for fishing in the Outer Banks. Photo by zimmytws via iStock by Getty Images

Fly Kites at Jockey’s Ridge State Park

You can climb up to the highest living dune on the East Coast at Jockey’s Ridge State Park! In addition to scenic trails, you and your kids can run around with kites, making this a must-do on your list of 10 things you can do with your kids in the Outer Banks. Of course, the most adventurous can opt for Hang Gliding School and soar in the footsteps of the Wright Brothers. 

10 things you can do with your kids in the Outer Banks

Students learning to fly in the shadows of the Wright Brothers at the largest Hang Gliding School in the country, located in the dunes of Jockey’s Ridge State Park, Kitty Hawk, Outer Banks, North Carolina. Photo by Karen Foley Photography via iStock by Getty Images

Go Ghost Crab Watching

Most of us associate beach vacations with daytime activities. But OBX has a lot to offer even after the sun goes down. Make sure you pack flashlights and head to the beaches at night to watch ghost crabs. These tiny, almost iridescent little crabs skitter along the shore, coming out to hunt at night.

10 things you can do with your kids in the Outer Banks

Remember to watch the ghost crabs and don’t harm them. Photo by nymphoenix via iStock by Getty Images

Try to move quietly and slowly to avoid scaring them away. Also, remember the goal is not to harm the crabs.

Visit Museums

If you and your family are keen on learning more about the history of the place, there is no shortage of museums in the Outer Banks. While we count this as one thing on our list of 10 things you can do with your kids in the Outer Banks, there are enough museums to keep you busy.

10 things you can do with your kids in the Outer Banks

Climb all 220 stairs up to the top of Currituck Beach Lighthouse in the Outer Banks. Photo by Skylight Pictures via iStock by Getty Images

Check out Wright Brothers National Memorial, Currituck Beach Lighthouse, Whalehead in Historic Corolla, Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum, and Roanoke Island Festival Park.

Rent Bikes in the Outer Banks

Are you planning to indulge in the scrumptious delicacies in the Outer Banks? The good news is that OBX is a bike-friendly destination with plenty of bike paths so that you can work off all that great food. You can rent bikes and discover the place while getting some exercise. 

Spend an Afternoon Kayaking

There’s no doubt that swimming in the ocean is refreshing, but there is a lot more you can do on the water, including in the sounds and rivers. Kayaking, which is great for kids, is one excellent water activity.

10 things you can do with your kids in the Outer Banks

Kayaking in Corolla, NC, on the Outer Banks (OBX). Photo by Doug Hendricks via iStock by Getty Images

Many beaches provide water sports equipment for rent. You can also book water tours to go dolphin or bird watching.

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10 Things You Can Do with Your Kids in the Outer Banks on Your Family Vacation

Planning and packing up for a vacation can be pretty stressful, so ensuring the destination is worth all that effort is crucial. The Outer Banks in NC is a family-friendly destination. You won’t have trouble finding 10 things you can do with your kids in the Outer Banks. Hopefully, this list will help you put together an adventure-filled itinerary. Be sure to check out more ideas for things to do when you visit North Carolina, suggestions for more fantastic beach vacations, and other great family travel ideas on Wander

Going on a family vacation? Here are 10 things you can do with your kids in the Outer Banks of North Caroline, making it an ideal beach vacation for the entire family. 

10 Things You Can Do with Your Kids in the Outer Banks

Written by EJ Ray

EJ Ray is a traveler at heart. It is part of her soul and she loves to share her travels through her words. She has traveled the world, seeking great food, wine, and experiences. EJ was born in the Eastern US but has lived across the country and in Europe and Mexico. She also took to the road for a while, exploring from her RV. EJ always seeks the next great sip, bite, and adventure.

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