Posted: October 2023 | Author: Andrea
Summary
Our family embarked on an unforgettable journey to the captivating Outer Banks of North Carolina during the sunny days of early July, relishing a week filled with long-lasting memories. This coastal paradise offers a wide array of exciting activities suitable for children of all ages. Our 4-year-old son was stimulated every moment of our stay.
We found the ideal base in a charming beach house, which we booked through VRBO, nestled at mile marker 11.5 in Nags Head. This location, we deemed to be centrally positioned, granting us easy access to a multitude of attractions. The beach, a mere 5-minute stroll from our home, offered unfettered enjoyment. Additionally, it was conveniently located within walking distance to Dowdy Park, a hidden gem boasting a delightful playground. A truly great place to burn off the early morning energy with the little one.
Every morning, we began our day with a leisurely walk, just a couple of blocks past the park, to a local café serving delectable breakfasts. The acai bowls were a particular favorite of ours, and our son never missed an opportunity to snag some of their scrumptious ice cream (often for breakfast!). We highly recommend staying on the beach side of the main road to avoid the hassle of crossing a busy highway in pursuit of sun and surf.
Experiences
Here is a curated list of must-visit destinations we explored during our adventure:
1. Jenette’s Pier (Mile Marker 13)
Entry: $2 for adults, $1 for children.
Experience a captivating mini-aquarium for both young and adult nature enthusiasts.
Souvenir shop stocked with mementos and snacks.
Observe fishing enthusiasts and underwater life.
2. Jockey’s Ridge State Park (Mile Marker 12)
Open from 8 AM until sunset; free admission.
Informative visitor center for those interested in the area's natural history.
Explore nature trails and even try hang gliding.
A pleasant 10-minute walk to the dunes offers panoramic views of the ocean and sound.
3. Dowdy Park (Mile Marker 11)
A spacious playground with amenities like pickleball courts and pavilions.
A weekly farmers market on Thursday mornings from 9 AM to noon, open to the public.
4. Wright’s Brothers Memorial (Kitty Hawk)
Admission: $10 per person; free with a National Parks Pass.
A well-structured visitor center with a replica of the famous Wright brothers' plane.
Explore the monument, the airplane statue, and the historic flight area.
5. Airboat/Fanboat Ride (Manteo)
Pricing varies based on the selected duration.
A fantastic family adventure with informative tour guides.
Opportunities to explore the sound and capture captivating moments.
6. Bodie Lighthouse (Between Nags Head and Oregon Inlet)
Free to admire from the outside.
Tickets required for climbing the lighthouse (book on recreation.gov).
A wealth of information about the lighthouse's history displayed on the lawn.
7. Inshore Fishing
Highly recommended for a memorable fishing charter.
We went to Oregon Inlet with Fly Girl Charter and had a remarkable experience.
The expert guide, Sarah, made the trip educational and fun.
Our family returned with a good catch after a 4-hour tour, and the Oregon Inlet even offers fish cleaning services for a small fee.
8. Bumper Boats and Mini Golf
We enjoyed mini-golf at Galaxy Golf (Mile Marker 9.5), with affordable rates.
Bumper boats, located in front of Miller’s Restaurant (Mile Marker 14), promise an exhilarating, splash-filled adventure. Don't forget to wear your swimsuits!
For more adventure options in the Outer Banks, consider:
Corolla Wild Horse Tours: A 2-hour exploration available throughout the day from various tour companies in the area (prices range from $55 to $75 per person).
H2O Water Park: Located near Nags Head, this kid-friendly water park offers a refreshing experience at $35 per person. Arrive early for shaded seating or reserve a cabana.
Cape Hatteras Lighthouse: While it's a bit of a drive (approximately an hour from Nags Head) and currently undergoing restoration, visiting this historic landmark is free.
North Carolina Aquarium on Roanoke Island: An engaging and educational experience for the whole family.
Go Karts: You get the picture!
Dining Options
When it comes to dining options, the Outer Banks has a range of kid-friendly restaurants to satisfy your culinary cravings. Here are the top 10 favorites from our trip:
1. Tortuga’s Lie: A must-visit in OBX, renowned for the best seafood and key lime pie. Be prepared for wait times, especially during peak hours.
2. Sugar Creek: Located on the sound side with beautiful views, it's an ideal spot for a dinner with the family.
3. Miller’s Restaurant: Perfect for sunset views, it offers both a dining room and an upstairs bar with a distinct menu.
4. Sam and Omie’s: A classic OBX establishment, perfect for no-frills breakfast or lunch.
5. The Dunes: An excellent choice for brunch, featuring a cute shop and spacious seating for larger groups. Keeps you stimulated if you have to wait for a table.
6. Awful Arthurs: A seafood lover's paradise, particularly renowned for oysters.
7. The Spot: Enjoy delectable acai bowls and other breakfast items, as well as delightful ice cream treats. Multiple locations in the OBX.
8. Mulligans: A great lunch or dinner spot, especially on the top deck with stunning views.
9. Snow Birds: Satisfy your sweet tooth with delicious ice cream. They also offer BBQ, Lobster Rolls, Low Country Boil, and more!
10. Surf n Spoon: Offering frozen yogurt and vegan ice cream options. Great for the kiddos, as they can add toppings to the wide array of available flavors.
Here are some valuable takeaways from our OBX adventure:
If you have young children who might be wary of the beach, consider renting a place with a pool for added convenience and stimulation.
Dining earlier than usual can reduce wait times at restaurants, especially during busy weeks.
Plan grocery shopping early in the morning to avoid crowded stores. Expect to wait 15+ minutes to checkout if you go in the afternoon, evening, or at peak times.
Arrive at the beach early to secure a prime spot for your umbrellas and chairs.
Plan Your Adventure
Embark on your own family adventure in the Outer Banks, where the possibilities for fun and exploration are boundless. Contact me today and we can plan an amazing vacation which yields awesome memories!
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