The Outer Banks is a group of barrier islands off the coast of North Carolina. Hundreds of thousands of people visit each year to experience the wonderful island life that is filled with fun, laughter, and lots of sunshine. There are several different areas on the island such as Corolla, Duck, Southern Shores, Kitty Hawk, Kill Devil Hills, Nags Head, Manteo, Rodanthe, Waves, Salvo, Avon Buxton, Frisco, Ocracoke, and Hatteras Island. Deciding where to visit and what to do can be difficult. However, some areas have more to offer for kids than others. A crowd favorite to visit when traveling with kids is Nags Head. WE have put together a list of our favorite things to do with kids in Nags Head.
Bodie Island Lighthouse
The Bodie Island Light Stations is located at the northern end of Cape Hatteras National Seashore. The lighthouse is tucked away between tall pine trees and freshwater marshland making it anything but a normal lighthouse location. You can take a tour and even walk all the way to the top where you can see for miles. This family-friendly activity is perfect for everyone in the family. You can even see the Atlantic ocean from the lighthouse and even a national park too.
Address: 8210 Bodie Island Lighthouse Road Nags Head, North Carolina 27959
Coquina Beach
Coquina Beach is located along the Cape Hatteras National Seashore and is the perfect place to stop and enjoy a sunny afternoon on the beach. Parking is plentiful and they also have on-site showers and restrooms. This is a great feature for those who have small children and may need a changing room and station. You can pack a picnic lunch, and after lunch check out the Laura Barnes Shipwreck.
Mutiny Bay Golf & Full Throttle Speedway
This mini-golf and full-throttle speedway is conveniently located right next to each other. The miniature golf course is an 18- hole course that is full of fun. After you finish your round of golf, head to the speedway to ride go-karts. These are the perfect places to visit for those who have little adrenaline junkies in the family. The whole family can participate in each experience or you can sit back and relax as the kiddos have the time of their life.
Address: 5805 South Virginia Dare Trail, Nags Head, 27959, NC, OBX, N.C.
Jockey’s Ridge State Park
A day at Jockey Ridge State Park is a perfect way for the family to sit back and relax, but also be a part of watersports and even a little learning too. The state park features the tallest natural sand dunes formation on the East Coast. While it may seem like a simple detail of the area, it may be your kid’s favorite thing to play on, especially if they roll down them. The dunes never blow away because the competing Northwest and Southwest winds keep them in place. Aside from the dunes, they offer small group clinics that take part in kayaking, crabbing, kite-flying, and nature walks. Kayaks are available to rent within the park.
Address: Milepost 12 on US 158 bypass in Nags Head, Nags Head, Outer Banks, 27959, NC, Outer Banks, N.C.
Jennette’s Pier
Operated by the North Carolina Aquariums, the pier features educational programs, live animal exhibits, and much more. It is the perfect place to be for sightseeing, where you can get an up-close look at alligators, sea turtles, kiteboarding, historic sites, anglers, and even parasailing. For those who are wanting to try their hand in fishing, this is the perfect place to do it.
Address: 7723 South Virginia Dare Trail, Nags Head, NC, Outer Banks, N.C.
OBXtreme Magic
There is nothing that gets kids excited like a magic show. At OBXtrem Magic, they offer magic shows filled with comedy and of course, audience participation. The best part is, the magic show is free, but you must obtain your tickets at the amphitheater before the show. Show dates and times are subject to change so call ahead if you are interested.
Address: Nags Head, 27959, NC, Outer Banks, N.C.
Outer Banks Family YMCA
For those who are involved in learning the community and culture, the YMCA is the perfect place to do it. You can purchase a weekly flex pass to the YMCA which provides you full access to the Y facilities and any activities they may have going on. This kid-friendly gym is equipped with three swimming pools, a skate park and a full fitness center, and much more.
Address: 3000 South Croatan Hwy., Nags Head, NC
Nags Head Dolphin Watch
Embark on a journey of a lifetime as you board a boat run by scientists who are researching these beloved aquatic animals. The passengers of this event will be able to witness first hand how the researchers with the Outer Banks Center for Dolphin Research, conduct their research and hear about some of the discoveries they have made. All while spending time with the friendly dolphins in their natural habitat.
No matter what you choose to do there is something that is kid-friendly in every town. Whether it is bumper cars, visiting the Elizabethan Gardens, viewing wild horses, or even trying out hang gliding, there is never a dull moment in the Outer Banks. This beach vacation is one that you will never forget. We hope to see you soon in Dare County.