Activities for Kids

The Outer Banks is one of the East Coast’s most beloved family vacation destinations — and it’s easy to see why. Beyond long days on the beach, the OBX offers a variety of activities that kids and parents alike will enjoy, from nature play and wildlife encounters to interactive attractions and outdoor adventures. Whether you’re planning for rainy weather or just want to give your crew a break from the sand, there’s plenty to explore.

Mini golf is a staple in the Outer Banks and a great way to keep kids entertained on vacation. Courses across the OBX feature fun themes — from pirates and dinosaurs to waterfalls and bridges — and many offer concessions, arcade games, and family atmospheres that make mini golf an easy choice for any afternoon or evening.

Thrill seekers in your family will love OBX Fun Park and other go-kart tracks found throughout the Outer Banks. These parks often combine bumper boats, race tracks, arcades, and other attractions that keep older kids engaged.

The North Carolina Aquarium on Roanoke Island is one of the OBX’s iconic family attractions. Kids can explore exhibits filled with sharks, sea turtles, otters, and more. Interactive touch tanks and educational displays make this a perfect option for rainy days or a break from the sun.

Whether your kids are into scooters, bikes, or skateboards, there are skateboard parks and multi-use paths around the OBX that make it fun to burn energy off the beach too. Corolla Light’s skate park, the YMCA skate park in Nags Head, and others around the islands offer safe spaces for riders.

Jockey’s Ridge State Park is a must for families. As the tallest natural sand dune on the East Coast, it offers endless opportunities to run, fly kites, and take in wide open views. Sandboarding and nature trails make this a great spot for kids of all ages.

Cruises and soundside tours offer kids the chance to see dolphins in the wild — often close enough to watch them swim and play near your boat. These tours are both educational and exciting for younger travelers.

In addition to beaches, there are parks with playgrounds and trails where kids can run, explore, and picnic:

• Duck Town Park & Boardwalk – Playground, picnic spots, soundside boardwalk. 

• Dowdy Park (Nags Head) – Open fields and play areas with room to roam. 

• David Paul Pruitt Jr. Playground & Sandy Run Park (Kitty Hawk/Kill Devil Hills) – Great spots to stretch legs and let kids play. 

• Cartwright Park & Manteo Waterfront Playground – Peaceful spots after exploring historic downtown or the aquarium.

The Outer Banks has more than beaches — older kids may enjoy:

• Kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding in calm sounds and soundside marshes. 

• Biking scenic multi-use paths throughout OBX towns. 

• Nature trails in Kitty Hawk Woods Preserve and other coastal forests. 

• Ghost crab hunting on the beach after sunset for a fun, free activity.

The Outer Banks hosts kid-friendly events throughout the year, such as:

• Annual kite festivals at Jockey’s Ridge. 

• Community summer concerts, farmer’s markets, and special kids’ programs at local parks and venues.