Exciting Outer Banks Activities for the Whole Family

If you’re trying to plan a North Carolina vacation that you can enjoy even during the pandemic, come see us on the Outer Banks! This destination truly has something for everyone, whether you want to spend time on the beach, learn some local history, eat some delicious seafood, or satisfy that craving for adrenaline.

When you’re traveling with kids, it might be challenging to find activities that they will like but that are also enjoyable for you. Thankfully, there are tons of amazing things to do for families on the Outer Banks! Here are a few of our favorite exciting activities located near our Outer Banks vacation rentals.

North Carolina Aquarium at Roanoke Island

Two children learning to play with one another near our outer banks vacation rentals

To get up close and personal with marine life, both local and exotic, make your way to the North Carolina Aquarium at Roanoke Island. You and your family can touch stingrays, get face to face with an alligator, and check out the incredible sea turtles that the aquarium is working to rehabilitate. Not only will you be able to see these animals, but you can also learn about them from the knowledgeable and friendly staff. This can be a great activity on a hot or rainy day!

The North Carolina Aquarium at Roanoke Island is located at 374 Airport Road in Manteo. They are open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Island Farm

Interested in learning about the history of the Outer Banks? Bring your family to Island Farm, an incredible attraction that brings history to life! Here, you can learn all about the citizens that lived here in the 1850s and how they experienced the Civil War and other major historical events. Since this destination is quite interactive, it’s often more enjoyable for kids than a traditional museum with exhibits and artifacts. With unique programs going on every single day, Island Farm always has something new to discover! If you still need more to do for the kids, check out Roanoke Island Festival Park!

Island Farm is located at 1140 N US Highway 64 on Roanoke Island. They are open April through November, Tuesday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

First Flight Adventure Park

Of all the great Outer Banks family activities, a trip to First Flight Adventure Park can be one of the most exhilarating. This destination allows you to get a bird’s eye view of the area as you climb through the ropes and zip line across the terrain. Keep in mind that this destination is best for families with older kids since participants have to be at least six years old. And if you’ve never done anything like this before, don’t worry; they have multiple courses for all skill levels!

First Flight Adventure Park Is located at 6716 S Croatan Highway in Nags Head. Hours are subject to change.

Gearworks Laser Tag and Fun Center

Laser tag is one of the quintessential family activities, and on the Outer Banks, Gearworks is the best place to go! This destination allows you and your family to get competitive and see who can make the most shots. If you’re not interested in laser tag or want something to do after your game, you can try your hand at air hockey or any of the numerous video games here. There’s no better way to keep your family entertained!

Gearworks Laser Tag and Fun Center Is located at 2420 South Croatan Highway in Nags Head. They are open Wednesday through Friday from 3 p.m. to midnight, Saturday from 10 a.m. to midnight, and Sunday from noon to 8 p.m.

Children @ Play

If you have younger kids, they’re sure to enjoy a day at Children @ Play. Here, your kids will be encouraged to work with others and explore their natural creativity through hands-on games, learning activities, and museum exhibits. This facility is incredibly inclusive and accessible to all, and if you have teenagers, they are welcome to come in and volunteer to work with the young ones!

Children @ Play Is located at 3810 North Croatan Highway, Suite K in Kitty Hawk. 

Elizabeth II

Many of the best activities for kids on the Outer Banks have to do with being near the water, and the Elizabeth II is a great example. This 16th century sailing vessel is moored at the Roanoke Island Festival Park. It is perfect for those who want to learn a bit of history. Climb onboard and explore this incredible ship, all the while thinking about what it might have been like to take this boat to settle in America. If you have any questions, just ask one of the helpful staff members!

Elizabeth II is located at the Roanoke Island Festival Park, 1 Festival Park in Manteo. It is accessible Tuesday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Professor Hacker’s Lost Treasure Golf

What could be a better way to spend the day with your family than with a fun game of mini golf? Professor Hacker’s Lost Treasure Golf is the perfect place to go! You can experience two 18-hole courses here and travel between them on the mining train! As you work your way throughout the course, you’ll learn about Professor Duffer A. Hacker, who led two expeditions to the area in the late 1920s. This atmospheric and exciting destination is one your family is sure to enjoy!

Professor Hacker’s Lost Treasure Golf Is located at 1600 North Croatan Highway in Kill Devil Hills. They are open daily from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m.

Full Throttle Speedway

Do you need speed? Full Throttle Speedway lets you get in touch with your inner racecar driver with their exciting gas-powered Indy-style go-karts! There are two tracks here to accommodate racers of all ages and skill levels: the Super Sea Track and the Figure 8 Track. Either way, you can zip around, race your family, and get an amazing view of the terrain. After, head over to the concession stand to fuel up!

Full Throttle Speedway is located at 6504 South Croatan Highway in Nags Head. They are open Thursday through Saturday from noon to 6 p.m.

Jennette’s Pier

Fishing at Jennette’s Pier has been a local tradition for nearly 100 years, and it’s something that you and your family definitely won’t want to miss out on! But fishing isn’t the only thing you can do here. You can also look in the aquarium to get a closer view of the native fish species down in the water, or you can check out the interactive science exhibits that teach you in your family more about renewable energy. Best of all, this is quite an affordable destination, as you can purchase a fishing pass or a walk-on pass that’s good for the entire day!

Jennette’s Pier is located at 7223 South Virginia Dare Trail in Nags Head. Hours vary by season.

No matter what you and your family are interested in doing during your summer vacation, you can find plenty of amazing activities near our Outer Banks oceanfront rentals! Whether you choose to settle in one of our spacious Nags Head vacation rentals or a property in another town, there will be plenty of room for everyone and a whole host of convenient amenities. Ready to plan your vacation to the shores of the Outer Banks? Contact us today to get started!


Contact

Cola Vaughan Realty
PO Box 1375
Nags Head, NC 27959

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