Visiting the Outer Banks with Kids

Lisa R:  The Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge, at the northern edge of the Outer Banks, contains one of the most fascinating ecosystems in the region. Separated from the ocean by just 1000 ft of sand, this natural marsh serves as a refuge for thousands of species, from tundra swans to sea turtles. The refuge itself contains eight miles of trails and a visitor center that offers periodic hikes and interpretive programs. However, your best bet at seeing wildlife up close is a small group guided kayak tour. Tours last 2 hrs. No experience necessary.

Age: Elementary +

Cost: $55/adult, $25 child

Lisa R:  These 1.5-2 hour introductory lessons make it easy to squeeze some surfing into a packed Outer Banks vacation. Lessons are offered at four Outer Banks location and include surfboards and leashes- no need to pack your own. All classes begin by going over important safety information and exercises on the beach before hitting the wave.

Age: 7 yrs +

Cost: Group lessons $69 per person. Max 5 students per instructor.

Lisa R:  Seeing the herd of wild horses in their protected habitat in Northern Corolla is a must for any horse lover visiting the Outer Banks. Originally brought to the area by Spanish sailors 400 years ago, the horses now roam freely throughout Corolla, but stick mostly to areas of the beach that can only be accessed by four wheel drive vehicles. For those who don't want to rent and drive their own four wheel vehicle, Kitty Hawk Kites offers guided 2 hr tours in 10 passenger vehicles where you'll see horses running on the beach and playing in the surf.

Age: No restriction

Cost: $50/adult, $25/12 & under

Lisa R:  This historic lighthouse is open seasonally when the weather permits to families who want to explore the grounds and climb 220 steps to the top. It is the most modern of the Outer Banks lighthouses. The climb includes displays about the history of lighthouses, shipwrecks, Fresnel lenses & more. The top boasts 360° views of Currituck Sound, the Atlantic Ocean and the Currituck Outer Banks. A gift shop is located in the former keeper's house. Children 12 and under must climb with an adult.

Age: No Restriction

Cost: Free entry to the grounds. $10 admission the lighthouse. Free for kids 7 and under.

Lisa R:  This 22,000 square foot museum is the perfect gateway for learning about the area's history and wildlife. Kids love exploring the varied exhibits, which include an 8,000 gallon aquarium and many interactive displays. Check the museum's calendar during the summer months for additional programming just for kids.

Age: All

Cost: Free admission

Lisa R:  Come learn about the birth of flight right where it happened. The museum here houses artifacts from the lives of Wilbur and Orville Wright, parts of their original 1903 flyer, and reproductions of their 1903 flyer and 1902 glider. Outside in the park, you'll find markers designating where their first flight started and landed and reconstructed camp buildings that bring their journey to life. The site is located close to public beach access, shops and restaurants.

Age: All

Cost: $10/adult, free for children 15 and under.

Lisa R:  This 10.5 acre botanical garden is dedicated to the memory of the lost Roanoke colony, which was founded nearby in 1585. The gardens are designed to resemble Elizabethan style gardens that were popular at the time of the colony's disappearance and include a Live Oak tree thought to be living in 1585, and a rose bush donated by Queen Elizabeth II. A list of other highlights can be found here. Check the schedule for seasonal events, such as holiday lights, an Easter Egg Hunt and Harvest Festival.

Age: All

Cost: $9/adults, $6/youth 6-17yrs, $2/children 5 and under.

Lisa R:  This National park sits on the site of one of the first European colonies in the United States and was also home to a colony of freed slaves during the Civil War. The park contains a visitor center where families can view historical artifacts and learn more about the history of the area, archeological sites, and several short hiking trails. Admission is free, however the visitors' center is only open seasonally when the play The Lost Colony is running.

Age: All

Cost: Free

Lisa R:  Billed as the United State's "longest-running outdoor symphonic drama" this massive play tells of the disappearance of the 117 English men and women left on Roanoke Island in 1587. Held on a huge outdoor stage at twilight, the play left a lasting impression on me when I saw it as a young child and sparked a deeper interest in the history of the area. Aim to visit on a Monday, when kid tickets are free and kid-friendly games, demonstrations and other activities are offered before the show.

Age: No restrictions

Cost: $20/adult, $10/ages 6-12, Free 5 and under. All kids free on Monday nights.

Lisa R:  While several Outer Banks piers offer fishing, Jenette's makes it particularly easy to bring the kids and leave everything else at home. An on-site shop rents equipment and sells everything you need to stay fueled all day, as well as an assortment of gifts. When you're ready for a break, their pier house gallery includes a 3,000 gallon aquarium and kid-friendly exhibits on renewable energy, sustainability and local ecology. A blanket fishing license covers all fishing on the pier, no need to apply for one separately.

Age: All

Cost: All-day Fishing $14/adult, $7 child; Walk-on Fees $2/adult, $1/child

Lisa R:  Updated in 2016, this aquarium includes numerous educational exhibits on topics ranging from sea turtle conservation to the history of the U.S.S. Monitor. The aquarium houses sharks, fish, river otters, alligators and turtles and includes a touch tank with stingrays and invertebrates. Check the daily program to catch free films, animal interactions, story times, and more.

Age: All

Cost: $10.95/kids 3-12 yrs, $12.95/13 yrs+, $11.95/62 yrs+. Free 2 yrs and younger.

Lisa R:  This LEED certified building contains exhibits that cover the full breadth of history and ecology in this special part of the world. Through interactive exhibits, kids can learn how the Outer Banks will change as sea-levels rise, take a virtual airplane ride, dress up as a fire fighter and peek into a red wolf den. The center is surrounded by 35 acres of parkland full of trails and experiences, such as guided tram and canoe tours, kayaking, a preschool naturalist program, bird walks, fishing contests and more.

Age: All

Cost: Free!

Lisa R:  Tucked away in a scenic part of the Cape Hatteras National Park, close to a wildlife observation deck, Bodie lighthouse makes for a peaceful destination. The former keeper's house is now a visitor's center, where guests can learn more about its history and purchase tickets to make the 200 step climb to the top April-Oct. Climbers must be 42" tall, under 260lbs and capable of climbing independently. Kids 11 and under must climb with an adult.

Age: 42"+ (~5yrs)

Cost: Free park admission. Climbing $10 for adults, $5 kids under 12 yrs and seniors

Lisa R:  Located in the Cape Hatteras National Seashore, this distinctive white building is the second oldest operating lighthouse in the US. It was built in 1823 along with the nearby keeper's house to replace an older structure. Unlike the nearby Cape Hatteras and Bodie lighthouses, Ocracoke is not open for climbing, but can be viewed for free from the outside any day of the year and is a short walk from the numerous restaurants and beaches in the town of Ocracoke.

Age: All

Cost: Free

Lisa R:  Come learn why this treacherous spit of land was once called the "Graveyard of the Atlantic" at this comprehensive maritime museum. Events here include daily, family-friendly scavenger hunts, weekly maritime crafts, and a wide variety of demonstrations and special presentations. The museum is located steps form the beach and there is no cost for admission or special activities.

Age: All

Cost: Free!