Outer Banks Parks & Playgrounds

The Outer Banks is about more than sandy shores — there are plenty of parks, playgrounds, trails, and open spaces where kids can run off energy and families can explore together when a beach day calls for a break. From shaded picnic spots and playground structures to nature paths and soundside views, these local parks offer a fun alternative for active and relaxed days alike.

Outer Banks Parks & Playgrounds

Duck Board Walk

This 11-acre park along the Currituck Sound is a top pick for families. It features a playground, picnic shelters, water fountains, shaded nature trails, and nearly a mile of soundside boardwalk perfect for walks, biking, or watching sunsets. Kayak and canoe launches give adventurous visitors easy water access, and seasonal events and concerts often take place at the park. Outer Banks Vacations+1

Note: Southern Shores doesn’t have a large public town park like Duck, but there are nearby community green spaces and paths that connect to Duck’s recreation areas and multi-use trails that run through shaded neighborhoods.

David paul Pruitt jr. park

This park is located just .2 miles down The Woods Road in Kitty Hawk on the south side of Croatan Highway. A favorite in Kitty Hawk with swings, slides, and play structures perfect for younger kids. It is also the starting point of the Woods Road pedestrian walkway that goes for a few miles, so you can enjoy the wooded scenery on your walks.  

Sandy Run Park

Sandy Run Park leads its visitors through the heart of Kitty Hawk Woods Coastal Preserve, one of the largest maritime forests remaining in North Carolina. This centrally located park includes a boardwalk that winds through maritime forest and around a small pond, shaded picnic areas, a fishing spot, and a basketball court, making it ideal for both play and nature walks. Just after entering the park, and next to the ample parking area, you’ll find a covered picnic pavilion, a putting green, cookout grills, and a basketball half-court.

Aviation Park

Located on Kitty Hawk Road, this new park offers a street-style skate park as well as a dog park. The park is set back in the woods, which makes it the perfect place to go on windy days as the woods block a good portion of the wind. The park is a popular destination for local skateboarders and can be a great source of entertainment as they are quite interesting to watch!

Hayman Park

Hayman Park is a charming, circular neighborhood park situated at the north end of Kill Devil Hills, on the sound side of Highway 158. The park has a large open area often used for adult soccer practice and children’s soccer games, by golfers practicing chip shots, and owners exercising pets. It’s also great for Frisbee throwing, kite flying, and other activities, or just lying on a blanket in the sun. In the shaded area, benches, picnic tables, and a grill for cookouts are available. Nearby are sturdy swings suitable for all ages, as well as a jungle gym and slides for the kids. There are also plenty of live oak trees to climb or relax beneath with a good book.

Dare County Parks & Recreation

"Rec Park," as it is often referred to, is the northern beach's premier recreation area. Located at milepost 8, this massive park area has everything a great park could offer. "Rec Park" includes a full-size soccer/football field, an age 13+ baseball field, a softball field, a playground, a skate park, tennis courts, and an indoor recreation area. The indoor recreation area offers two full-size basketball courts with 6 goals per court. While parts of the park are usually being used for official practices, it is easy to find an area to enjoy whatever activity you enjoy the most at Dare County Recreation Park.

NAGS HEAD TOWN PARK AT BARNES STREET

Located at milepost 11 on Barnes St. next to ACE Hardware, Nags Head Town Park is a quaint little park that sits adjacent to Nags Head Woods. This park offers a large field for all activities as well as a playground. In addition to the park and playground, there are hiking trails that lead into Nags Head Woods from the park.

NAGS HEAD Soccer Complex & Dog Park

Located at milepost 10 on West Satterfield Landing then left on Lark Ave. This is a large complex containing soccer fields, covered picnic shelter, restrooms, and a dog park area. The is used for soccer in the fall and lacrosse in the spring.

Dowdy Park

Located at the corner of South Croatan Highway and Bonnett Street, it offers 5 acres of recreation for every age and every ability. A newer favorite in Nags Head, this spacious park offers an inclusive playground, walking trails, open fields for sports and picnicking, and event spaces. Look for seasonal activities like markets and outdoor fitness classes here.

Harvey Soundside Park

Harvey Soundside Park- Located at 6912 S. Croatan Highway (Mile Post 16), sits on the shores of the beautiful Roanoke Sound. The facility has a covered shelter, a bathroom, and a grill. Take in the beautiful sound views!

Whalebone Park

Constructed in 2013, this park is located at milepost 16.5 on the beach road directly across the street from Jennette's Pier in Nags Head. The park is equipped with a playground as well as a shaded picnic area.