Jumpmasters OBX offers tons of entertainment with a trampoline park, axe throwing, and an arcade. From open jump trampolines to the dodgeball court, 3-D climbing wall, a foam pit, an epic ninja obstacle course, and more, these fitness activities feature a safe environment for families and groups to make memories while getting their heart rate pumping! There is something for everyone! Outer Banks vacationers and locals alike are having a blast at the park! Get airborne at Jumpmasters! Now with Axe Throwing and arcade! Visit the Jumpmasters OBX website to book online.
The Outer Banks is considered one of the best family vacation destinations on the East Coast, and the wide-open natural setting of sand, surf and sun lends itself easily to fun activities for "kids" of all ages. While rival vacation destinations may have more diversions, bars, and beach boardwalks, it's easy for vacationing families to stay simply entertained on the Outer Banks, particularly the younger ones in the group.
In fact, many vacationers find that all they need to keep the little ones happy is a beach blanket, a bathing suit, and a large stretch of ocean and sand to play on. However, there are a number of attractions and activities on the Outer Banks both on and off the sand that are geared towards kids, and families can enjoy a variety of activities to keep the young (and young at heart) members of their family smiling and enchanted with an Outer Banks vacation.
On The Beach
Many Outer Banks vacationers find that they don't have to wander too far to find plenty of activities to keep kids entertained. The spacious, uncrowded beaches of the Outer Banks offer miles of entertainment for kids of all ages, from splashing in the waves to digging for coquinas and sand crabs. On the beach, there are plenty of diversions to keep children entertained while adults can spread out a beach blanket, relax, and enjoy the sun and sand as well.
Beach Games
One of the best ways for parents to bond with their kids at the beach is a good game of catch or a friendly team competition. Today, there are many casual beach games that are easy to transport, easy to set up, and easy to learn. Check out our picks for the best beach games.
Building a Sandcastle:
With all that sand to dig and shape and form, building a sandcastle is almost a prerequisite to any Outer Banks vacation. A number of local souvenir shops offer pail and sculpting kits to get you started, although in a pinch, a bucket and a shovel will do just fine. Kids can even borrow a kitchen utensil or two, like a spoon or a butter knife, to create castles with intricate doorways and windows, or take advantage of the local pieces of shells and sea glass that regularly wash up for decor.
While in the construction process, be sure and take plenty of photos: sand castles along the high tide line don't usually last too long.
For children with a true sandcastle building talent, there are several Outer Banks annual sandcastle contest events, at Jockey's Ridge State Park in Nags Head and on Ocracoke Island, generally held on the 4th of July. Even if your brood is not avid sand castle builders, these annual competitions and displays are ideal places to get inspired, with sand sculptures ranging from mammoth sea creatures to mermaids, and First Flight commemoratives to local lighthouses.
Fly a Kite
There's a very good reason why Orville and Wilbur Wright came to the Outer Banks to test out their 1902airplane- the wind conditions on the Outer Banks are second to none for flying machines. Bring your kite along or purchase one at your local souvenir shop for an afternoon of high flying. Several big name retailers also offer stunt kites for more intricate and challenging action on the sand. Have a blast while the wind is high, but just make sure it's not too high - kites can have trouble in 20-25 mph breezes, but on sunny days with a light wind, kite flying is literally a breeze.
Take to the Waves
Kids don't have to be a surfing expert with lots of expensive equipment to enjoy the Atlantic Ocean. Many local surf shops and souvenir stores offer body boards, skim board, and rafts, ideal for catching rides close to the beach. Body and boogie boarding is accessible for everyone, and even your youngest family members can enjoy a small but fun ride from the white breaking water onto the sand. Looking for lessons? Check here!
Before you start riding, keep an eye out for beaches with a gentle sandbar. These beaches have a gradual sloping beach, so that young riders can walk out into the ocean, and not have to traverse a steep drop-off. As a result, the waves break further offshore, and don't necessarily have a hard crash onto the sand, making ocean rides on a boogie or body board gentler and more easy-going.
When in doubt, take the youngest ones to the sound, where gently lapping waves still allow young riders to enjoy a boogie or body board ride, but with ankle deep water and little-to-no waves, keeps them protected from the larger Atlantic waters.
What's the best way to get introduced to the Outer Banks' vast wildlife? Start digging. In the shallow surf and along the low tide line, there is literally an ocean of critters to discover, from small but fascination sand crabs, or sand daggers, to the remarkably colorful coquina clams that routinely dig and submerge in the ocean wash, there are plenty of critters to discover just under the sand's surface. Bring a pail and shovel along for quick collecting and study, but be sure and leave all of your marine life at the shore at the end of the day. The critters that call the Outer Banks home are dependent on a rare combination that comprises their natural habitat, and they are not easily transferred to a home aquarium.
At night, hit the beach with a flashlight in hand and discover one of the Outer Banks' most elusive residents, the Ghost Crab. These nocturnal critters come out in abundant at night, and a moonlight walk will expose these crabs by the dozens, if not hundreds, as they scurry across the sand.
Upcoming Kid-Friendly Events
July 16th, 2025 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Join us on Wednesdays this summer for Mustang Mornings at the Farm. Beginning May 28, the Betsy Dowdy Equine Center will be open to the public from 10 am – 2 pm. Visit the farm on the mainland in Grandy and meet the rescued Banker horses currently in our care on the walking tour, where you can spend time with our staff. Attend a free movie screening of The Secret of Corolla, a 32-minute documentary on the Banker mustangs, the culture, and lifestyle of the island. There will be a Q&A directly after the screening with the CWHF staff.
July 17th, 2025 - July 19th, 2025
Surfing For Autism is an Autism Spectrum Disorder awareness event that uses the beauty of the Outer Banks to provide children with an amazing experience and an opportunity to ride the waves.
July 17th, 2025 2:00 PM
Visitors can take a step back in time and learn how the heroes of the original US Life-Saving Service performed their daring rescues and everyday duties through this special live demonstration that’s held on the grounds of the oceanside Chicamacomico Life-Saving Station.
July 18th, 2025 12:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Come join us for a day filled with fun, excitement, and competition in the 4X4 area of Carova Beach. Watch as our home-made sponsors' donkeys compete in the Donkey Derby and browse through unique handcrafted items at the Craft Fair. There will be delicious food, music, and plenty of activities for the whole family to enjoy. Plus you'll be supporting the Carova Beach Volunteer Fire & Rescue while having a great time with fans of The Northern Outerbanks. Mark your calendars and don't miss out on this unforgettable family event! The event is free to enter. Tickets for purchase of food, voting and door prizes are available online through the fire department t-shirt website or at the event - all proceeds go to the CBVF&R organization. Note, this is in the 4-wheel drive access portion of the beach. There is free parking at the Carova Fire Station for the event. There is no parking allowed on the beach without a permit.
July 25th, 2025 - July 27th, 2025
Spectators and active watersports fans alike are welcome to head out to the beach near Jennette’s Pier to catch a spectacular on-the-water show by some of the best skimboarders on the East Coast.
Outer Banks Watersports
The Outer Banks is the ideal locale for your outdoor-loving youngsters to try out a new sport or recreational activity on the water. The adventurous types will love the thrill of surfing, kiteboarding, and skimboarding, which combines balance and coordination with the ocean or sound waters for amazing rides. For an activity that's slightly easier and a little less adventurous, try windsurfing or Stand Up Paddle boarding. Both sports are relatively easy to pick up, and stick to the more calm waters of the sound, allowing kids to have fun on the water, but avoid the waves.
A number of locally owned businesses and larger regional franchises offer hourly lessons and even "camps" to allow your children to get a small taste of their newfound sport, or immerse themselves completely to radically increase their skill level. Surfing, kiteboarding, windsurfing and stand up paddle boarding lessons are all available for all age levels, and are can be booked well in advance or while you're on your Outer Banks vacation.
Young nature lovers in search of an excursion on the water can also sign up for kayak tours and cruises. These water excursions allow paddlers of all ages to explore the canals and open waters of the Pamlico, Currituck, Roanoke and Albemarle Sounds with an experienced guide who can both help younger riders get the hang of paddling, and point out the sites along the way. Perfect as a family outing, kayaking is a good way for young and old Outer Banks lovers to get their feet wet in the local watersport scene.
Outer Banks Mini Golf
There's no shortage of mini-golf courses on the Outer Banks, and every community on the coast seems to have at least one course for kids to explore. From the Golf Links in Corolla to the more elaborate courses of Kitty Hawk, Kill Devil Hills and Nags Head featuring Blackbeard, lost treasures, and out-of-this-world galaxies, the northern Outer Banks has a healthy handful of mini golf-courses that are open seasonally to summer vacationers. On Hatteras Island, vacationers can play putt-putt pier side at the Avon Pier course, enjoy a frozen custard with their 19 holes in Buxton, or play golf under natural Live Oaks and Cedars in Frisco.
During the summer months, most mini-golf courses stay open until 8:00 p.m. or 9:00 p.m. for day or evening putting, and the majority of Outer Banks mini-golf courses offer concessions on site, including ice cream, drinks, snacks, and even game rooms.
It should be noted that summer mini-golfers should bring bug spray and plenty of sunscreen - the sun off the Atlantic Ocean and sound waters can cause a painful sunburn if not properly protected.
Outer Banks Go-karts and Speedways
If your family has the need for speed, then check out the local speedways and go-kart tracks that are scattered throughout the Outer Banks. Most Go-kart tracks and speedways are open daily seasonally, from spring until the fall. Rates very, and many request that young riders are accompanied by a parent or guardian at all times.
Outer Banks Skate Parks
With the allure of surfing a decades old draw for young locals and visitors, it's no surprise that skating became popular on the Outer Banks as an alternative for days without waves. In fact, even in the 1960s and 1970s, when visitors were still relatively scarce, the Outer Banks still had a strong local skating scene and a skate park for locals and visitors alike to catch a thrill off the ocean.
Today, there are four skate parks scattered along the Outer Banks for skateboarders of all ages to check out. In Corolla, vacationers can head to the Island Revolution Skate Park at the Corolla Light Town Center, and all-concrete 5,000 square foot skate park with a street course, half pipes and dual bowls. In Nags Head, the Outer Banks' newest skate park is at the YMCA, a ~15,000 square foot facility with a 10ft deep concrete bowl and an expansive street course. Finally, on Hatteras Island, vacationers can head to the little-known Frisco half-pipe, which is tucked behind a small brick plaza in the heart of Frisco Village.
For skateboarders who want to stick to the roads, most villages offer bike and pedestrian paths that are safely off the highway, including Duck and Southern Shores in the Northern Outer Banks, and Buxton along the Buxton back road on Hatteras Island. No matter where you roll, encourage the young family members to bring their boards along, as the Outer Banks is clearly skater friendly.
Outer Banks Hang-outs
One of the most popular hang-outs is clearly the beach, as on most areas the Outer Banks shoreline bonfires are legal and vacationers of all ages can enjoy an evening on the beach, talking, listening to music, chasing ghost crabs, and catching up with the family. If you choose to have a family beach bonfire, be mindful of local noise ordinances, make sure you fire is below the high tide line and is completely extinguished when you leave, and leave the fireworks at home, as they are illegal in North Carolina.
Off the beach, there are a handful of local Outer Banks establishments that are designed with teens in mind, so that the older kids in your group can go out and explore the Outer Banks scene.
One of the most popular teen destinations is The Pit, a combination surf shop, restaurant and club in Kill Devil Hills hosts a weekly Teen Night designated for patrons who are 18 years and younger. On teen night, a strict no alcohol policy is enforced, and teens are invited to hang out and dance the night away to local DJs and bands. There is a small cover charge, and non-alcoholic drinks and food is available.
There are also a number of combination pizza places and game rooms throughout the Outer Banks that are ideal for the teens in your group to enjoy a night out. On Hatteras Island, Angelo's Pizza in Buxton has an extensive arcade and game room with air hockey, pool tables and Foosball that's adjacent to their pizza parlor and Burger Burger for good grub and a little fun.
Budding stars in your group might enjoy showing their stuff at Karaoke, and a number of local restaurants feature evening Karaoke, generally during dinner hours, with young singers in mind. For example, the Froggy Dog in Avon allows Karaoke singers of all ages before 10 p.m. when it becomes adults only. For teens and youngsters, there are plenty of places on the Outer Banks to hang out and make new friends, both on and off the beach.
Outer Banks Playgrounds
If your little ones need an afternoon off the beach, there are a number of playgrounds on the Outer Banks for a full afternoon of play.
Northern Outer Banks
Corolla has a small playground on Schoolhouse Lane, just a short walk from the Currituck Beach Lighthouse. On the mainland, vacationers can head about 4 miles north over the bridge to the Currituck Sound Park, which features a playground, baseball field, soccer field, and tennis courts, as well as walking and bike paths. This expansive park also features grilling and picnic areas, as well as a boat ramp and pier for boating access.
Central Outer Banks
Kitty Hawk has two shady playgrounds and parks to explore: the David Paul Pruitt, Jr. Playground and the Sandy Run Park. The David Paul Pruitt, Jr. Playground is perfect for the youngest family members with a swing set, slide, merry-go-round and jungle gyms. The Sandy Run Park is a collection of wooden and natural walkways for scenic nature walks, as well as picnic areas, skate areas, and a full playground with benches and picnic areas.
In Kill Devil Hills, visitors have a number of playgrounds to choose from, including Hayman Street Park, Meekins Park, and Rec Park. All of the parks in Kill Devil Hills feature picnic and sitting areas, full playgrounds, and fields for baseball, soccer, and just general running around.
In Nags Head, the Nags Head Town Park features a nice playground as well as a picnic area and nature trail that leads to a quiet soundside beach, ideal for little ones. In Manteo, the Waterfront Park in historic downtown allows visitors to stroll the harbor's edge while watching the boats, wildlife, kites, and all the scenic daily activity that Historic Manteo has to offer.
Southern Outer Banks
Hatteras Island's newest playground is located in Avon, across the street from the Avon Fire House. A community project and endeavor, the small playground features slides, swings, a jungle gym, and picnic tables and benches.
In Avon, visitors can also visit the Oceanfront Club Koru for a kids' pool and spacious play area, or The Club Hatteras at Hatteras Realty for a playground, small putt-putt area, and Hatteras Island's largest pool.
The Cape Hatteras Elementary School's playground in Buxton, (home of the "Tropical Storms"), is also open to visitors, and just south in Hatteras Village, the Hatteras Landing complex at the Hatteras - Ocracoke ferry docks also features a playground for the young ones, adjacent to a number of shops and restaurants.
North Carolina Aquarium
The North Carolina Aquarium in Manteo on Roanoke Island is one of the Outer Banks' most treasured kid-friendly attractions. From toddlers to teens, children of all ages love exploring the tanks of alligators, sharks, sea turtles, sea otters, and countless other maritime species that are represented in abundance at the aquarium.
Little ones, (and older ones too), will love the touch tank exhibits that allow aquarium visitors to touch and feel a number of local Outer Banks inhabitants including hermit crabs, giant horseshoe crabs, and even gliding Manta Rays. In an adjacent exhibit, young marine biologists can get a taste of the business by "caring" for replicas of injured wildlife and eventually sending them back into their natural habitat. Real life marine hospitals also show the care and procedures involved in helping marine species get back on their flippers again.
Children's programs, from daily talks and activities to seasonal events, like the Trick or Treat Under the Sea Event on Halloween, are also regularly available to the aquarium's young guests, and visitors and locals alike are welcome to attend.
The aquarium is open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., all year long, and offers special rates for children. There is also a fantastic gift shop so kids can bring home a reminder of their North Carolina Aquarium discoveries.
As one of the nation's highest ranked family friendly beaches, it's clear that there's no shortage of kids' activities to enjoy on and off the sand. Whether kids are digging and playing in the sand to exploring the Outer Banks' newest Kid-friendly museums and attractions, there's plenty to do for kids of all ages - even the long time Outer Banks lovers who never grew up.
Jumpmasters OBX offers tons of entertainment with a trampoline park, axe throwing, and an arcade. From open jump trampolines to the dodgeball court, 3-D climbing wall, a foam pit, an epic ninja obstacle course, and more, these fitness activities feature a safe environment for families and groups to make memories while getting their heart rate pumping! There is something for everyone! Outer Banks vacationers and locals alike are having a blast at the park! Get airborne at Jumpmasters! Now with Axe Throwing and arcade! Visit the Jumpmasters OBX website to book online.
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Avon Farmers Market
July 15th, 2025 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM -
Mustang Mornings at the Farm
July 16th, 2025 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM -
Surfing For Autism
July 17th, 2025 - July 19th, 2025
Duck Town Park provides a playground for all seasons and more. Its 11 acres consist of a mix of Maritime Forest, willow swamp, open lawn with amphitheatre and picnic shelters, all sitting next to the lovely shallow waters of scenic Currituck Sound. Situated in the heart of Duck, the Park is also central to most of the town’s public activities. During the season, the smoke-free Park offers live theatre, stories and magic shows for children in the mornings and a concert series for all ages in the early evenings. All during the day, every day from dawn ‘til dusk, visitors and locals can take advantage of the park’s picnic shelter, walking trails through the woods, canoe and kayak access and playground with gazebo. Fantastic free Town Park events like the Fourth of July celebration, with parade and after-party, and October’s Duck Jazz Festival, featuring national and local jazz artists, have become favorite annual OBX traditions.The latest addition to the Park is access to the town’s new boardwalk, which is open from dawn until 1 a.m. and offers breathtaking soundside views, peaceful sunsets and a connection to solitude and nature, as well to the bustle of Duck’s many visitors shopping and dining during the season. Duck Town Park provides two parking areas where visitors and locals can leave their cars and enjoy any or all Park activities, or they can choose to access the boardwalk and take in all it has to offer.The Town of Duck sums up its Park as a place for family fun, sound side activities, natural beauty, awesome music and stunning sunsets.
Vacationers adore the Outer Banks for its unspoiled stretches of undeveloped shoreline, and some may not initially realize that this sporadic lack of development is completely intentional, and is the result of decades of careful environmental planning. While tourism flourished on the beaches, for generations, locals and visitors alike made inquiries and partnerships with government branches to ensure that certain areas of the Outer Banks would always remain pristine, unspoiled, and open to everyone.
Celebrating 36 years of service in Outer Banks vacation rental property management, Resort Realty is a company that operates locally with in-house feet on the ground; meaning impeccable care for your home with constant communication from our staff. As a family owned business, we manage your home personally, and we have the marketing and advertising skills to ensure solid bookings for your ultimate success.
While several of the Outer Banks' most popular sports seemingly flew onto the scene in the past decade or two, like kiteboarding or stand up paddle boarding (SUP), windsurfing has been drawing water sports lovers to the North Carolina coast for nearly fifty years. In essence, windsurfing can pride itself as being the Outer Bank's oldest, and one of its most beloved sound-based sports, and everyone from seasoned riders to windsurfing newcomers can catch an exceptional ride.
Experience more adventure, fun, and style with Kitty Hawk Surf Company. As the trusted Outer Banks retailer for all top surf and lifestyle brands, including, Hurley, Billabong, RVCA, The North Face, Patagonia, Salt Life, Salty Crew, Volcom, O’Neill, Roxy, Ray-Ban, Oakley, Hobie, Catch Surf, Under Armour, Reef, Rainbow and more, you will always find the latest fashions and trends available in store. Our unmatched quality and service makes us a favorite for locals and visitors alike, and our easy to shop layout allows you to find your next purchase a breeze.
The Outer Banks offers plenty of opportunities for a healthy, family fun vacation. Visitors can spread out over more than 100 miles of pristine shoreline. Local restaurants and eateries are providing abundant take-out and delivery options. Kids are distance learning from the beach! Also, there’s no risk of boredom with our list of social-distancing compatible activities! It’s no wonder that vacationers are turning to the Outer Banks for a fun, relaxing, and safe vacation during the COVID-19 global pandemic. Here are our picks for outdoor attractions, parks and activities where it’s easy to maintain social distancing guidelines while having 100% of the fun.
Brindley Beach Vacations offers premier real estate and property management services on the entire Outer Banks. Representing more than 600 vacation rental homes, Brindley Beach caters to all regions from the south beaches of Hatteras Island, Frisco, Buxton, Avon, Rodanthe, Waves, Salvo, to Nags Head, Kill Devil Hills, Kitty Hawk and north to Southern Shores, Duck, and Corolla, as well as the 4WD area of Carova Beach. As a result, vacationers will find a wide range of homes or lots to choose from, from sunny condos with a host of amenities to massive sandcastles on the edge of the beach.
The Roanoke Marshes lighthouse is often one of the most overlooked of the Outer Banks lighthouses, simply because of its small stature, limited visibility and remote location tucked away at the quiet east end of the Manteo waterfront.
Southern Shores Realty offers over 350 Outer Banks rentals from Corolla to S. Nags Head. We've been an Outer Banks tradition since 1947, providing families just like yours with memories that last a lifetime. Take a moment to search through our extensive selection of Outer Banks rentals, choose your favorite, and book online today!
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. Completed in two phases, the park now encompasses 1600 acres of marshland, waterways and maritime forest. The park features a wooden boardwalk, two gazebos, a fishing and many more amenities for the enjoyment of the area's natural beauty and wildlife. On a stroll through the park you will likely run into many of the area's indigenous creatures and plants.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. Below the pavilion is a canoe and kayak access deck. Beyond this recreation and picnic area is a half-mile loop, mostly boardwalk, that will take you on a scenic and educational tour of a large section of the Preserve, where wildlife and plants are identified by plaques placed along the route. At the first gazebo stop is another kayak and canoe access where you’re sure to see many yellow-bellied slider turtles swimming all around and an Osprey family nesting above. Other creatures you may get a glimpse of include deer, otter, egrets, raccoons and even a nutria. Also along the boardwalk you’ll find an observation deck and a pier for fishing (license required). The fishing pond is stocked with several varieties of fish, including brim and bass..Sandy Run Park is open from sunrise to sunset. Although the cost is free, the natural serenity and beauty it offers is priceless.
Owned by Garry Oliver, the proprietor of the Outer Banks Fishing Pier, this small wooden aqua blue-colored store on the Nags Head-Manteo causeway has been serving the needs of fishermen for decades. A full line of tackle is available for all types of fishing --- surf, pier, inshore and offshore --- with fishing rods stored on the ceiling as well as along the walls. The store is an authorized dealer for major tackle brands, including Fish Bites, Daiwa and Gulp, and has a large selection of fresh, frozen and live bait. In addition, it stocks crabbing supplies, and sells sunglasses, jackets, hoodies, T-shirts and hats. The store also rents outboard and pontoon boats for sound fishing, and is an authorized outlet to purchase state-required recreational fishing licenses. We also offer Dolphin Watching Tours!
Many newcomers to the Outer Banks who are browsing the local restaurants, shops and area attractions online or in the local guide books notice an interesting addition to the standard address. Besides the typical business name, street name, street number and town, many local businesses also include a Milepost number. This may initially appear to be an odd notation to include, but on the Outer Banks, this is incredibly helpful to new visitors on the lookout for a specific restaurant or shop.
Corolla Wild Horse Tours knowledgeable guides will ensure you and your family have a great wild horse tour! Along the way the guides will stop and point out interesting sites and local history and details of the Corolla Wild Horses history. Be sure to ask them lots of questions and keep them honest! Call or book today and come see our living history!
The Chicamacomico Lifesaving Station is one of Rodanthe's greatest treasures. This historical lifesaving station has been a popular attraction for Hatteras Island visitors for decades, and stands on the very edge of the small town of Rodanthe. Over the years, this station has been battered by hurricanes, ocean and soundside flooding, and ferocious gusts of winds, and yet it is still standing, and serves as a proud reminder of Hatteras Island and the Outer Banks' rich lifesaving history.