3-Day OBX Itinerary for the Family
You only get 18 summers with your kids, so make each one unforgettable! The Outer Banks is a treasure trove of kid-friendly activities that the entire family will enjoy. Picture endless stretches of pristine beaches, fascinating history, and adventures that spark imaginations. This 3-day itinerary is your guide to creating memories that'll last a lifetime. And be sure to check out our fun Family Friendly Mini Guide!
Day 1
Morning
The salty air and rhythmic waves will be calling your crew's names. So kickstart your day with the quintessential Outer Banks experience — the beach! Fuel up with a quick breakfast first, then grab your beach toys and sunscreen, because it's playtime! Spend the morning building sandcastles, splashing in the surf, and collecting seashells.
Afternoon
By lunchtime, your little beach bums will have worked up quite an appetite. Grab a delicious lunch at one of the charming OBX restaurants. Then, make your way to the North Carolina Aquarium. Here, your little ones can marvel at stingrays, alligators, otters, and a dazzling array of underwater creatures.
After your aquatic adventure, take a leisurely stroll along the Manteo waterfront and treat the kids to some ice cream.
Feeling curious? Explore the Manteo waterfront and grab some refreshing ice cream, or head to the Wright Brothers National Memorial where the history buffs in the family can learn about the birthplace of aviation and even become Junior Rangers!
Evening
As the sun dips low, take a short drive to Paradise Golf & Arcade. This family-friendly haven boasts bumper cars, arcade games, go-karts, and mini-golf — the perfect way to unwind and create some friendly competition.
Day 2
Morning
Get ready for a trip back in time at Roanoke Island Festival Park! This interactive wonderland brings the story of the first English settlement in America to life. Explore the American Indian Town, wander through a recreated 16th-century settlement, and learn about traditional boatbuilding at the Roanoke Island Maritime Museum. Feel like stepping even further back in time? Island Farm, a living history site, showcases daily life on Roanoke Island in the mid-1800s.
Afternoon
Embrace your inner explorer at Jockey’s Ridge State Park. Climb to the top of the largest living sand dune on the East Coast – the views are simply epic! And don't forget your kite. Jockey's Ridge is a haven for kite flyers, and watching your creation dance in the wind is pure joy. Nearby shops and local events at Jockey’s Ridge Crossing offer additional kid-friendly fun that the whole family can get into.
Evening
As dusk settles, grab a flashlight and head to the beach for a nighttime adventure – ghost crab hunting! Watch these fascinating creatures scurry across the sand. (Remember, observe but do not harm these fascinating creatures.) This unforgettable activity is best enjoyed during the summer months, from May to early September.
Day 3
Morning
Head south for a morning adventure at the Pea Island Wildlife Refuge. This haven provides sanctuary for over 350 species of birds, making it a bird watcher's paradise. Keep your eyes peeled for mammals, reptiles, and amphibians too! The visitor's center offers special programs and even the chance to go fishing.
Afternoon
Does horseback riding on the beach sound like a dream? On Hatteras Island, Kitty Hawk Kites offers beach horseback riding adventures. Explore the Buxton Woods Coastal Reserve and the Cape Hatteras National Seashore on horseback – a truly unique experience.
Or spend the afternoon exploring Cape Hatteras National Seashore. Collect seashells, build sandcastles, or simply relax and soak up the sun. Feeling adventurous? If your crew is tall enough (at least 42 inches), conquer the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, the tallest brick lighthouse in North America, for panoramic views that will leave you breathless.
Evening
As your OBX adventure winds down, enjoy a delicious dinner and then head to one of the many mini-golf courses, like Frisco Mini Golf and Go Karts, for some putt-putt fun.
This is just a taste of the magic that awaits in the Outer Banks. So come on down, build sandcastle empires, chase ghost crabs under the stars, and create memories that will last a lifetime.
