Top 10 Things to Do on the Outer Banks with Kids in 2025
Planning a family vacation to the Outer Banks in 2025? You’re heading to one of the East Coast’s premier family destinations, known for its wide beaches, historic sites, and outdoor adventures. Families love the Outer Banks for its mix of educational attractions, thrilling activities, and laid-back seaside fun.
This guide offers a curated list of the top 10 kid-friendly activities to ensure a memorable experience for all ages. From beach days to aquarium visits and historic parks, you’ll discover how to make the most of your Outer Banks getaway. With a handy guide like this, it’s easy to plan a trip that keeps both kids and parents happy while exploring the best of what the Outer Banks has to offer.
1. Beach Day Adventures
A day at the beach in the Outer Banks offers endless fun for families. Kids can spend hours building sandcastles, collecting seashells, and splashing in the gentle waves. Popular family-friendly beaches like Corolla and Duck provide the perfect backdrop for a memorable day by the sea with their wide sands and calm surf.
For a safe and fun beach day, be sure to pack plenty of sunscreen, hats, and water. Many Outer Banks beaches have lifeguards on duty during the summer, so consider setting up near a guarded area for peace of mind. Always keep an eye on little ones in the water and be mindful of currents while everyone enjoys the surf and sand.
2. Visit the North Carolina Aquarium on Roanoke Island
The North Carolina Aquarium on Roanoke Island is a must-visit for families. Kids can explore interactive exhibits, touch stingrays, and marvel at sharks, sea turtles, and colorful fish. This educational attraction offers a captivating glimpse into the underwater world, making it a highlight of any Outer Banks trip.
In addition to hands-on touch pools, the aquarium features the Sea Turtle Assistance and Rehabilitation (STAR) Center where visitors can see rescued sea turtles up close. Lively programs, such as watching the playful river otters or attending live animal feeding sessions, keep children engaged and learning. A trip to this aquarium is both fun and enlightening, sparking curiosity about marine life in kids of all ages.
3. Explore Jockey’s Ridge State Park
Jockey’s Ridge State Park is a giant natural sandbox and a playground for adventurous families. Here, kids can climb the tallest sand dunes on the Atlantic coast and enjoy kite flying against a stunning blue sky backdrop. The park’s ever-shifting dunes create a unique outdoor experience perfect for creating lasting family memories in the Outer Banks.
Be sure to bring water and plan your visit for morning or late afternoon, as the sand can get very hot under the midday sun. Kite flying is a favorite activity at Jockey’s Ridge thanks to steady coastal breezes, and adventurous older kids might even try a tandem hang-gliding lesson offered by local instructors on the dunes. Whether you’re climbing, flying a kite, or watching a gorgeous sunset from the ridge, this park offers an unforgettable adventure.
4. Discover the Wright Brothers National Memorial
The Wright Brothers National Memorial offers an inspiring journey into aviation history. Kids can explore interactive exhibits in the visitor center and learn about the first powered flight, making it a fascinating stop for families. This historical site is a testament to innovation and adventure, showing visitors how two brothers on the Outer Banks achieved a world-changing dream.
Inside the visitor center, children will find a full-scale replica of the 1903 Wright Flyer and hands-on displays that bring the story of the Wright brothers to life. Outside, families can walk along the exact field at Kill Devil Hills where the first flights took off, with markers showing each flight’s distance – a fun way for kids to literally follow in the Wrights’ footsteps. A short climb up Big Kill Devil Hill to the monument yields a panoramic view of the area and a deeper appreciation for this landmark moment in history.
5. Roanoke Island Festival Park
Roanoke Island Festival Park immerses families in colonial history with interactive exhibits and a replica ship. Kids can learn about the first English settlement in America (Roanoke Colony) in an engaging, hands-on way. From the moment you arrive, this park proves to be a treasure trove of history in the Outer Banks.
For a truly immersive experience, children can board the Elizabeth II, a replica 16th-century sailing ship, to see how explorers traveled across the ocean. The park’s living history area features a recreated settlement site where costumed interpreters demonstrate daily life in the 1580s — from blacksmiths forging tools to soldiers preparing meals. With its blend of fun activities and educational value, Roanoke Island Festival Park brings early American history to life for young visitors.
6. Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge
Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge offers a serene escape for nature-loving families. Located on Hatteras Island, this preserved stretch of wetlands and dunes is perfect for bird watching and leisurely nature walks. The refuge’s scenic trails and observation platforms provide a peaceful retreat in the Outer Banks, making it a haven for wildlife enthusiasts and a great family outing.
Bring along binoculars, as migratory birds flock to Pea Island’s ponds and marshes throughout the year. Kids will enjoy spotting herons, egrets, ducks, and other coastal birds, and they might even see turtles or butterflies along the trails. The visitor center often has kid-friendly displays about local wildlife and conservation, adding an educational touch to this outdoor adventure.
7. Lost Treasure Golf and Raceway
Lost Treasure Golf and Raceway promises classic family fun with a dash of adventure. This attraction features themed mini-golf courses that take you on a treasure hunt through caves and waterfalls, plus a thrilling go-kart racing track. Located in the heart of the Outer Banks (Kill Devil Hills), it’s a hit with kids and offers excitement for all ages.
For added fun, the mini-golf course has a whimsical story theme (inspired by a legendary treasure-seeking professor) and even includes a small mining train ride to kick off your game. After sinking putts amid pirate ships and jungles, you can head over to the go-kart track where older kids (and parents) can race each other in a safe, controlled setting. Lost Treasure Golf and Raceway is an ideal option for an evening outing or a rainy-day activity, guaranteeing smiles and a bit of friendly competition.
8. Corolla Wild Horse Tours
Corolla Wild Horse Tours offer a unique adventure that will thrill the whole family. On these guided excursions, you’ll ride in a safari-style 4×4 vehicle to see wild horses roaming freely on the northern Outer Banks beaches. This unforgettable experience gives kids a glimpse into the wild beauty of the area as they spot the legendary Colonial Spanish mustangs trotting along the dunes and surf.
Knowledgeable guides share fascinating stories about the horses’ history — these mustangs have lived on the Outer Banks for centuries, descended from Spanish explorers’ horses. The tour is as educational as it is exciting, teaching children about wildlife preservation and respecting these animals in their natural habitat. Because the horses are truly wild, tours maintain a safe distance, but everyone still gets fantastic views and photo opportunities of these magnificent creatures in their beachside home.
9. Paradise Golf & Arcade
Paradise Golf & Arcade (often known as Paradise Fun Park) is a family-friendly entertainment hub packed with activities. All ages love exploring the park’s two pirate-themed mini-golf courses, each filled with fun obstacles like caves, ships, and waterfalls. After a round of mini-golf, families can race around on the electric go-kart track or spin and bump on the bumper cars for some high-energy fun.
Indoors, a bright and busy arcade offers classic and modern games where kids can win tickets and pick out prizes. With so many options in one place, Paradise Golf & Arcade guarantees a day (or night) filled with laughter and excitement. It’s an excellent choice for when your family wants a break from the beach or an evening of lighthearted competition.
10. Avon Farmers Market
The Avon Farmers Market is a vibrant weekly event that makes for a delightful family outing on Hatteras Island. Every week in summer, families can stroll through dozens of stalls offering fresh local produce, homemade treats, and unique crafts. It’s a great opportunity to introduce kids to regional fruits and vegetables (perhaps let them pick out a new fruit to try) and support local vendors.
Children will love sampling goodies like ice cream, cookies, or kettle corn as they wander the market. There are often local artisans selling beach-inspired art, jewelry, and toys, so everyone might find a special souvenir. The market’s festive atmosphere sometimes includes live music or face-painting, making the experience even more enjoyable. Visiting the Avon Farmers Market not only entertains the whole family for a morning but also provides a warm, community feeling as you mingle with locals and fellow travelers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there any free activities for kids on the Outer Banks?
Yes – the Outer Banks offers plenty of free activities for kids. All the public beaches are free to access, so your family can spend the day building sandcastles and swimming without spending a dime. You can also explore natural spots like Jockey’s Ridge State Park or Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge free of charge, and in summer there are often free events such as outdoor concerts and community festivals that families can enjoy.
What are the best things to do with children in the Outer Banks?
Some of the best things to do with children in the Outer Banks include a mix of beach time, educational sites, and fun attractions. Families love spending sunny days on the beach, visiting the North Carolina Aquarium on Roanoke Island to see marine life, and exploring historical spots like the Wright Brothers National Memorial or Roanoke Island Festival Park. Outdoor adventures are also top picks – climbing the dunes at Jockey’s Ridge State Park, taking a wild horse tour in Corolla, or enjoying mini-golf and go-karts at local fun parks are all kid-favorite activities.
What age is appropriate for visiting the Outer Banks with kids?
The Outer Banks is suitable for children of all ages, from infants and toddlers to teenagers. There are gentle activities ideal for very young kid-friendly outings (like a morning at the beach or a quick aquarium visit) with downtime for naps, so young children don’t get overtired. It’s also wise to bring along or ren kid-friendly outi kid-friendly outings (like a morning at the beach or a quick aquarium visit) with downtime for naps, so young children don’t get overtired. It’s also wise to bring along or rent essential baby and toddler gear (strollers, travel cribs, beach shade) and pack plenty of snacks, water, and sun protection to keep the kids comfortable.