All Ages
Getting out and exploring the Outer Banks wildlife and nature is interesting for all ages. The endless wetlands, beaches, reserves, and parks make it easy to come closer to our environment and learn more about the ecosystems that thrive in the OBX. Figuring out where to explore can be difficult if you don’t have a specific goal in mind, so be sure to check out kayaking eco tours if you’d rather go through a guided experience with an OBX pro.
If you’re ready to explore, check out the places listed below!
Cape Hatteras National Seashore
Currituck Banks National Estuarine Preserve
Kitty Hawk Woods Reserve
Outer Banks Arboretum and Teaching Garden
Jockey’s Ridge State Park
Elizabethan Gardens
North Carolina Aquarium
Jennette’s Pier
Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge
Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge
Buxton and Frisco Woods
Outer Banks Center for Wildlife Education
Springer’s Point
History Buffs of All Ages
The Outer Banks has a long history and plenty of places to get in touch with how the OBX became what it is today, our favorite place on Earth!
Lighthouses
When you search OBX, pictures of our famous lighthouses always sneak their way in. Climb one of the four most popular lighthouses and imagine yourself way back when these structures were built! Take in the views of the area and appreciate all that has changed, yet stayed the same.
Currituck Beach Lighthouse
Cape Hatteras Lighthouse in Buxton
Bodie Island Lighthouse
Ocracoke Island Lighthouse
Wright Brothers Memorial/ Museums
The Wright Brothers Memorial isn’t just a giant granite statue. It also houses two museums based on the Wright Brothers first flight in Kitty Hawk and modern aviation today. We don’t want to ruin it for you but, you’ll find out that wind, sand, and isolation were the keys to flight!
Roanoke Island Festival Park
Experiencing history can be a strange, yet effective way to learn and become fascinated by what has come before us. Roanoke Island Festival Park is an outdoor display based on the OBX in the 1500’s. This amazing build brings history to life with full scale European and Native American villages, costumed actors, demonstrations and learning sessions.
Older Kids
Older kids are probably done being cooped up for the summer and ready to make some waves!
The Outer Banks has a ton of opportunities for water sports of all skill levels. Kayaking and stand up paddle boarding is essentially for anyone willing to try it. Explore nature, get some exercise, and get some lessons at one of the many kayak/SUP rentals in the area.
For those who are a little more adventurous the OBX offers amazing opportunities for surfing, kiteboarding, and windsurfing. Check out our friends at Waves Village and Kitty Hawk Kites to reserve all the equipment you could ever need and private lessons!
Little Ones
Getting the little ones out of the house is definitely an essential during these times. Doing something catered towards them may even incite that feeling of real school again!
The children at play museum is built of multiple exhibits where little ones can explore, play, and create. Check out science Thursdays if you have a future scientist with you and disguise all the learning as fun!
A historical immersion experience with farm animals! Roam around this 1850’s styled farm with interpreters and handle the daily tasks as they would have been then. Get yours kids out there cooking, planting, harvesting, and blacksmithing in no time!