Top Things for Families To Do in the Outer Banks This Summer

Planning the perfect family trip to the Outer Banks this summer? There’s lots to do and more than you might expect, from nature to history, dining to live theater. 

This isn’t a comprehensive list of absolutely everything for families to do in the Outer Banks. Beyond the attractions below, there are sightseeing tours; water sports such as fishing, parasailing, and paddling; arcades; laser tag; shopping; parks; and historic sites like the Wright Brothers National Memorial.

But if you’re short on time, I’ve lined up the experiences you don’t want to miss. I’ll also share tips for where to stay on Roanoke Island and on the beach as well as where to eat. Pick and choose what your family will enjoy to design your own magical OBX getaway. 

1. The Lost Colony 

 

Best for: A memorable night out

How to explain “The Lost Colony” to the uninitiated? Its biggest claim to fame is as the country’s longest running outdoor symphonic drama. That might sound like a musical, but it isn’t. It’s the true and still unsolved mystery of America’s first English settlers, following the ill-fated colony of 1587, which vanished just three years after arriving, leaving behind only the cryptic word “CROATOAN” carved into a post. 

Relive the action-packed retelling of what did and may have happened, from choreographed sword fights to a breathtaking ocean-crossing scene complete with thunderstorm. Elaborate set design, creative puppetry, and fire add to the spectacle.

The show is held nightly, except Sundays, every summer in the huge open-air amphitheater at Fort Raleigh Historic Site on Roanoke Island. This year, their season runs from May 29 to Aug. 23, 2025. Entrancing for all ages, it’s worth making a trip to OBX just to see this legendary performance that has wowed over 4 million spectators since 1937.

2. Jockey’s Ridge State Park

Best for: Outdoor adventure

When you think of nature in the Outer Banks, you probably think of beaches, but did you know it’s home to the tallest sand dunes on the East Coast? 

The shifting landscape at Jockey’s Ridge State Park looks almost unreal with its vast expanse of soft pale brown peaks and islands of green trees peeping through. The best way to experience it? Kick off your shoes and climb to the top, offering a panoramic sweep of both the Atlantic Ocean and Roanoke Sound.

Beyond the views, Jockey’s Ridge is an adventure hub. Hang gliders catch the breeze from its slopes and are fun to watch. Kids will love flying kites from the top of the dunes. You can also go kiteboarding, windsurfing, and sandboarding, and there’s swimming access on the soundside. 

Tip: This is a fabulous spot for sunrises and sunsets.

Admission is free.

3. Jennette’s Pier

Best for: Affordability and convenience

Jennette’s Pier is more than a place to go fishing, though it’s great for that too.

Run by the North Carolina Aquarium, this attraction features free indoor fish exhibits, officially called the Pier Piling Aquarium. And honestly, the AC offers a welcome respite. With clean restrooms, benches, and Wi-Fi, it’s a nice spot to regroup for a few minutes while the kids are mesmerized by the colorful fish. 

Outside, the pier stretches 1,000 feet into the Atlantic. You can walk the pier for a nominal fee. For an especially great photo for no cost, head underneath where the wooden pilings frame the waves rolling in.

4. Roanoke Island Festival Park 

 

Best for: Living history 

We couldn’t decide if the sailor on the ship was actually British or just super into his role, but suffice it to say, the living history interpreters at Roanoke Festival Island Park really do bring history to life. Step aboard the Elizabeth II, a replica 16th-century sailing ship, to learn how they steered ships before they had handy things like wheels and how the early expeditions to the New World were run.

Located on its own 25-acre island, the park offers a glimpse of early settler life as you watch the blacksmith ply his trade, try your hand at woodworking, and dress up in armor, 1500s-style. 

Elsewhere, listen to Native American tales (like how the sun got its rays), visit the indoor museum with its interactive exhibits, and watch a film about the Roanoke voyages.

All in all, it’s a great stop when you’re traveling around the Outer Banks with kids so you can low-key slip something educational into the fun.

5. Elizabethan Gardens 

 

Best for: Anyone who likes flowers or fairies 

If you have a kid into fairies, there’s a special treat in store for them at the Elizabethan Gardens. Pick up a map to hunt for all 12 sprites hidden around the garden. They also have a children’s garden, called the Discovery Cottage, where kids can climb a ship, dig in the soil, play in a mini Elizabethan house, and learn through terrariums, microscopes, and more indoors. Nearby is an active butterfly garden humming with pollinators.

All ages can appreciate the stunning floral display through the seasons: camellias, rhododendrons, hydrangeas, roses, wisteria, and more. There’s always something in bloom.

The gardens also feature sculptures and fountains that elevate the natural beauty. See a monumental bronze statue of Queen Elizabeth I, the largest in the world, and the marble figure of Virginia Dare as she might have looked if she lived to adulthood. (Did she? No one knows.) 

Tip: Go as soon as they open in summer for the best weather. 

6. Outer Banks Beaches

Best for: A relaxing day in the sun

On your North Carolina road trip, you’ve got to take the family to the OBX beaches. Whether you’re looking for wide stretches of sand to spread out, shelling, or want to ride the waves, the OBX coastline delivers. Popular beaches in Nags Head and Kitty Hawk are easily accessible. 

And there are plenty of beachy eats nearby in this area. I recommend I Got Your Crabs, an oyster bar owned and family restaurant owned by a third-generation OBX fisherman. No-nonsense and casual, this place is beloved by locals for its fresh seafood. Splurge on the nachos, loaded with eight ounces of fresh blue crab and lots of cheese — so good.

For something cool and sweet, Surfin’ Spoon is our top pick. Go for frozen yogurt with all the toppings and mouthwatering ice cream cookie sandwiches (like a pretzel graham cracker cookie filled with sea salt caramel ice cream). It’s tough to decide between a sandwich and a bowl of froyo, but families are made for sharing.

7. Duck Boardwalk 

Best for: Shopping and dining

This boardwalk is a free attraction worth the short drive north to the charming town of Duck.

Soak up the natural scenery along the Currituck Sound, and dip into the Waterfront Shops for eclectic gifts, fashion, and souvenirs. The original Duck Donuts is here too, a must if you’ve never tried one. There are also full-service restaurants on the Duck Boardwalk, like NC Coast Grill & Bar, Aqua Restaurant, and The Blue Point, where you can dig into hearty plates of surf and turf right by the water.

Find plenty more dining nearby. If you’re looking for a classy dinner that’s still family friendly, hit up Red Sky Casual Dining & Cocktails. Their U-10 scallops are delicious. 

8. Outer Banks National Scenic Byway 

Best for: A scenic drive

If you’re on this site, you probably don’t mind a drive. The Outer Banks National Scenic Byway is one of the best, a coastal route stretching 138 miles along NC Highway 12.

Be sure to visit Bodie Island Lighthouse. If you want to climb to the top, just get tickets online in advance since you can’t buy tickets there. But even if you don’t have climbing tour tickets, you can enjoy the grounds, birds, trails, and photographing the pretty striped lighthouse.

There are plenty of other pull-offs along your drive toward Hatteras Island. Pack a swimsuit and beach gear in your car. You never know when you’ll come across the perfect empty stretch of shoreline that calls to you. 

Tip: Swing by Waves Market and Deli for their excellent, budget-friendly sandwiches, and take them to go to enjoy beachside. 

On the drive back north, pull over at one of the soundside access points between Avon and Buxton to watch the sun sink behind the Pamlico Sound.

Where To Stay in the Outer Banks

This is a popular vacation destination, so expect a wide selection when it comes to accommodations. Five-star resorts? You bet. Roadside motels? They’ve got ’em.

Here are two great stays I can personally recommend. 

The Pearl

Conveniently located in downtown Manteo, The Pearl offers a boutique hotel experience that’s elegant yet also comfortable and casual. It’s great for families and would be absolutely perfect for a couples getaway.

Each of the 16 rooms are uniquely decorated with artwork and accents that will remind you of an Italian palazzo. I loved the sophisticated touches of antique gold and green against shades of taupe and sandstone in my room as well as the luxury fabrics, Gilchrist and Soames toiletries, modern and sleek tiled bathroom, and smart TV facing the bed. They have family suites too if you want to spread out, and the front desk service is warm and welcoming. 

We especially loved our visit to the lobby each morning for coffee and a light breakfast, included with our stay. It usually featured something delightful from Mia’s Bake Shop & Tea Room across the street — coffee cake, danish, or (our absolute favorite) sweet potato biscuits with ham.

Bonus: The Pearl has the best view in all of Manteo from their rooftop greenspace. You can take your morning pastry up there to enjoy lounging on the astroturf or wind down the day swinging on a porch swing at sunset.

The Pearl’s location in the middle of Manteo’s waterfront district means there’s a lot within easy walking distance. During my two-night stay, we strolled to Poor Richard’s Sandwich Shop for lunch, cooled off with ice cream from Frosties Downtown Manteo, dropped into artsy shops, and wandered out to the Roanoke Marshes Lighthouse to enjoy the view. 

Surf Side Hotel

For families who prefer beachside digs, the Surf Side Hotel in Nags Head is an affordable spot with a primo location. Situated right on the ocean, this hotel provides private beach access and even complimentary beach towels and chairs so you can maximize your time swimming, surfing, sunbathing, or building sandcastles.

The rooms are comfortable, and the balcony views can’t be beat.

They’ve got great amenities too: not one but two pools (indoors and out), a hot tub, fresh cookies daily, and a wine and cheese reception in the afternoon. A buffet breakfast is included, serving traditional fare like biscuits and gravy, bagels, grits, fruit cups, mini quiches, and much more. If you need to head out early, they also have a continental breakfast before 8 a.m. that’s a bit more limited with pastries and other assorted treats to help you on your way.