The Outer Banks serves as it’s own giant playground, with miles of sandy beaches for fun in the sun, and numerous fun and exciting attractions. But when it’s time for a quiet afternoon or a little bit of rest and relaxation away from the surf and the crowds, the area has some wonderful parks and playgrounds to visit. Free of charge, these Outer Banks parks around the region are ideal spots to let the little ones exercise and burn up some energy. And for older kids, activities like biking, hiking or skateboarding are available as well.
Here are ten of the top playgrounds and Outer Banks parks perfect for your family to enjoy!
Duck Town Park & Boardwalk
This 11-Acre Park in the town of Duck features lots of green, open spaces and shaded walking trails. A mile-long boardwalk extends along Currituck Sound and allows visitors to bask in the scenic beauty of the area. During the season, there are magic shows, stories and live theatre for children in the mornings. At night, a concert series for all ages is presented. The park has a nice playground, picnic shelter, water fountains, and a gazebo.
•Restrooms: Yes
•Parking: Yes
•Pet-Friendly: Yes
•Address: 1100 Duck Rd, Duck, NC
•Hours Of Operation: 7 am to 8 pm daily
•Website: Duck Town Park & Boardwalk
David Paul Pruitt Jr. Multi Use Path and Park
Located in one of the Outer Banks most beautiful wooded areas, the David Paul Pruitt, Jr. Park is situated in a beautiful wooded area near the entrance to Kitty Hawk Woods. It’s a neighborhood park and playground that features swings, jungle gyms, slides, and a merry-go-round. There are picnic tables, and a two-mile multi-use path is available for walking, biking, or jogging.
•Restrooms: Yes
•Parking: Yes
•Pet-Friendly: Yes (pets are not allowed inside the fenced off playground area)
•Address: 5160 The Woods Road, Kitty Hawk, NC
•Hours Of Operation: 7 am to sunset, daily
•Website: David Paul Pruitt Jr. Multi-Use Path and Park
Dare County Family Recreation Park
Also referred to as simply “Rec Park,” Dare County Family Recreation Park is situated Kill Devil Hill and offers outdoor activities for the whole family. Two batting cages, four tennis courts, a baseball, and softball field, will keep the older members of the family busy. And a playground with slides, regular swings, infant swings, and a climbing wall will keep kids occupied. A covered picnic pavilion near the playground offers a relaxing shaded spot to stop and eat some lunch. There is also a concession stand on the property.
•Restrooms: Yes
•Parking: Yes
•Pet-Friendly: Yes
•Address:602 Mustian Street Kill Devil Hills, NC
•Hours Of Operation: 8:30 am to 5:00pm
•Website: Dare County Family Recreation Park
Currituck Sound Park
Currituck sound park is situated in Harbinger, right in the shores of Currituck Sound. The park features boat ramps and a boardwalk, walking trails and a 5000 square foot concrete elaborate skate park. There is a nice playground with covered picnic tables and grills, and it’s not unusual to see different species of wildlife in this area of scenic natural beauty.
Restrooms: Yes
Parking: Yes
Pet-Friendly: Yes
Address: 8955 Caratoke Highway, Harbinger, NC
Hours Of Operation: 8:00 am to Sunset every day
Website: Currituck Sound Park
Whalebone Park
Whalebone park is a small playground/park that is adjacent to Jennette’s Pier and Sam & Omie’s Restaurant. The park features a nautical themed playground that is ADA compliant and includes all kinds of fun and interesting equipment to keep the little ones occupied. There are Four covered picnic tables, an obstacle course, bocce ball, volleyball, and horseshoes. ( you need to bring your own equipment for these. )
•Restrooms: Yes
•Parking: Yes
•Pet-Friendly: Yes
•Location: 7300 S Virginia Dare Trail, Nags Head, NC 27959
•Hours Of Operation: 8:00 am to Sunset every day
•Website: Whalebone Park
Kitty Hawk Park
Kitty Hawk Park is one of the newest parks in Dare County and offers some great amenities like a covered picnic shelter, a half-mile walking trail, and a terrific playground. The park features a dog park for your furry friends to run, and the most popular feature is a 5000 square foot state-of-the-art skate park.
•Restrooms: Yes
•Parking: Yes
•Pet-Friendly: Yes
•Location: 900 West Kitty Hawk Road, Kitty Hawk, NC
•Hours Of Operation: 8:00 am to Sunset every day
•Website: Kitty Hawk Park
Sandy Run Park
Sandy Acre Park is situated on 16 acres of beautiful, protected land and is an ideal place to bring the family for observing wildlife, bird watching, canoeing, or kayaking. While the park has no playground, it features a raised walkway through the preserve, and bike paths that connect o Kill Devil Hills and the First Flight Wright Brothers Memorial. The park also has a covered pavilion, picnic areas, and grills for your convenience.
•Restrooms: Yes
•Parking: Yes
•Pet-Friendly: Yes
•Location: 4351 The Woods Rd, Kitty Hawk, NC
•Hours Of Operation: 8:00 am to Sunset every day
•Website: Sandy Run Park
Kinnakeet Village Playground
Kinnakeet Village Playground is located on Harbor Road in quaint and historical Kinnakeet Village. A fenced in, grassy area has a very nice playground that kids will love and consists of slides, tunnels, climbing bars and a swing set. The park has benches and a picnic pavilion with tables so you can bring a lunch for the whole family and relax for a bit.
•Restrooms: No
•Parking: Yes
•Pet-Friendly: Yes
•Location: 40184 Harbor Road Avon, NC
•Hours Of Operation: 8:00 am to Sunset every day
•Website: Kinnakeet Village Playground
Old Swimming Hole
Old Swimming Hole is a family-friendly park and an excellent place for swimming and picnicking. The park features a terrific sandy beach, a picnic shelter, volleyball court, grills, a playground, picnic tables, a volleyball court, and clean and modern restrooms. Its the perfect place to bring the kids for the day and enjoy some fun and relaxation. A lifeguard is on duty from the end of May through the beginning of September.
•Restrooms: Yes
•Parking: Yes
•Pet-Friendly: Yes
•Location: 410 Airport Rd, Manteo, NC
•Hours Of Operation: 8:00 am to Sunset every day
•Website: Old Swimming Hole
Cartwright Park
Situated among cypress trees, red maples, and tall pines, Cartwright Park is a fun and relaxing place to bring the family. Located on Sir Walter Raleigh Street, the park is the grounds of Andrew Cartwright’s first church which was built around 1865. The park has a nice playground, restrooms, a picnic shelter, and grills.
•Restrooms: Yes
•Parking: Yes
•Pet-Friendly: Yes
•Location: Sir Walter Raleigh Street, Manteo, NC
•Hours Of Operation: 8:00 am to Sunset every day
•Website: Cartwright Park