15 Fun Activities in the Northern Outer Banks
I LOVE the Northern Outer Banks, North Carolina — but let’s be honest, there is not a ton for an adventurous family to do over a full week. Of course, that is part of the appeal: Stop. Relax. Walk on the beach. Soak up the rays (after applying sunblock!). Float in the water. Body surf. Pool. Repeat. However, if you are looking to do a little more than hang at the beach all day — read on!
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These outings primarily span the Outer Banks from Nags Head north to Corolla, North Carolina.
1 | Get out to Jockey Ridge State Park
Start at the Visitor Center to learn about the area. From there head out to hike the main attraction — THE DUNES. Get ready for a workout hiking up and down the dunes. Challenge your family to a race up one of the dunes! There are also a couple of hiking paths to explore. Go early if it is a hot day because there is no shade on the dunes. Or, head out later for an impressive sunset. There are no entrance fees for Jockey Ridge State Park.
Hang Gliding Lessons
Looking to get your adrenaline pumping? Take a Dune Hang Gliding Lesson with Kitty Hawk Kites. You start in a classroom adjacent to the Visitor Center and then hike out to the dunes for a series of rides. It was a bit expensive, but a very memorable experience that I highly recommend for the kids and parents!
2 | Explore the Wright Brothers National Memorial
It is pretty cool to be at the site of the Wright brothers’ first flight. Set a couple of hours aside because there is a lot to see and do at the Wright Brothers National Memorial. Like always, I recommend starting with the film at the Visitor Center. Check out the schedule for the film as well as any Ranger Talks. There are many exhibits to explore as well. Once you know more about the location and history take a walk out along the flight line, see the reconstructed buildings, and trek up to the monument. It is bigger than it looks from the distance. Also venture behind the memorial to see a great sculpture of the brothers’ plane — it is also a great photo opp!
FITZ BITS TIP: This Memorial is part of the National Park Service so get your Passport Book stamped while you are there. Also, use your America the Beautiful Annual Pass if you have one.
3 | Book a Wild Horse Tour in Corolla
We booked a tour with Wild Horse Adventure Tours. Our driver was great — he tracked down several groups of wild horses and gave folks plenty of time to take photos. While I liked the open-air vehicles, unfortunately, the speaker sound was bad for the people in the back few rows. Our group was split into two vehicles and while we departed at the same time the others didn’t see nearly as many groups of horses.
You can explore this area on your own but you need a 4 x 4 vehicle because the roads are the sandy beach. Literally! You need to know the times to go in and out and how to deflate your tires. For us, this tour was the most logical way to visit the area. We did the sunset tour and the beach was just magical at this time. It would be great to go back sometime and stay in this area.
4 | Look for bears at the Alligator River National Refuge
Head to Wildlife Drive to spot bears which is off of Route 64 and not at the Visitor Center in Manteo. While I do enjoy a good Visitor Center, this is one that you can skip. If you are there, grab a map. Or, there were maps at a kiosk at Milltail Road at the Creek Cut Wildlife Trail. We saw about 10 bears over three visits. There is no entrance fee for the refuge.
Where to see the bears? Well, they are wild, but they say the bears are easiest to see out in the fields. We saw some in the fields, but also alongside the road, and even crossing the road. However, a lot of the sightings were because one person in our group was better at spotting the bears in the first place. Keep your eyes focused because we knew they were there but did not see as many without our awesome spotter.
When to go? We were told that on warmer days the bears are most active in the morning and early evening. We timed our arrivals for 7 AM and drove around for well over an hour.
5 | Climb a lighthouse
Currituck Beach Lighthouse in Corolla or Bodie Island Lighthouse in Nags Head are both open for climbing and exploring.
6 | Save your appetite for Ducks Donuts
Duck Donuts has several Outer Banks locations so take your pick. Seriously delicious, and some quite unique, made-to-order donuts. And, yes it is worth the wait if there is a line. There are Ducks Donuts throughout the southeast and scattered elsewhere, but they originated right in Duck in the Outer Banks. There are no Duck Donuts in Chicago yet so this is always a treat!
7 | Rent a surfboard
Watch the waves, hopefully you will have a day or two with some good riders.
8 | Explore one of the piers
They all charge a small fee. There is more to see when the fisherman are out.
9 | Take a boat out on the Roanoke Sound
We have rented sailboats and jet skis from Kitty Hawk Water Sports in Nags Head. An hour or two is really all you need.
10 | Attend the Lost Colony outdoor drama show
My husband went to this show when he was a kid and it is still running! However, if the timing or cost doesn’t work for you to see the Lost Colony Show, you can still stop by the Fort Raleigh Visitor Center which is open all day. The Visitor Center has a nice movie explaining the Lost Colony and a couple walking trails behind the building. And, best of all there is no entrance fee!
11 | Visit the North Carolina Aquarium
The small North Carolina Aquarium on Roanoke Island is great for little tykes. Wear them out before nap time.
12 | Get wet at the H2OBX Water Park
The H2OBX Waterpark is a great break from saltwater. Look online for group prices and discounted later hours. The rides are great but the kids said the food wasn’t too good. Maybe they will improve it for next summer.
13 | Stroll the Duck town boardwalk
Take a walk out along the nice boardwalk after you get past all of the touristy shops. It was quite peaceful in the morning or go for the sunset.
14 | Eat fresh seafood
We ate a lot of our meals at our rental house. However, it is great to get out for fresh seafood a couple times, right? When we were in Corolla for the day we really liked the casual Fat Crabs Rib Company. Seafood and BBQ! And paper plates! Another time we got the most delicious crab legs at a restaurant next to the grocery store because we were caught in a rainstorm. And they were two-for-one!
Get out and explore to find your favorite place.
15 | Enjoy the classics: mini golf, go carts, laser tag
Look online for a coupon before you go.
Visited in August 2016 and August 2019
