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2025 Kid Friendly Activities Guide

Island Water Sports

Island Water Sports is kid tested and family approved! Since 1988 Island Water Sports has been providing vacationers with premium watersports activities on the Crystal Coast in Emerald Isle, NC. We offer everything you’ll need to...

One of Kure Beach’s newest pubic parks is already becoming one of its most popular, thanks to a prime location along the oceanfront, and a host of concerts, shows, and special events that have all been held within its borders. The Kure Beach...

Foliage fans and gardening enthusiasts from all over the country will love a day trip to the Elizabethan Gardens. Tucked away in Manteo within the Fort Raleigh National Historic Site, this 10 acre Roanoke soundfront locale is home to hundreds of...

An Italian and American restaurant with a huge recreation room including pool tables. 

Arrowhead Park is a fun destination for Wilmington locals and visitors alike to take a break from the waves, and dive into a little outdoor entertainment outside the waterfront realm. Located just south of the heart of the Wilmington, and easy to...

Atlantic Dance has been teaching kids dance on the Outer Banks since 1995. Atlantic Dance offers classes in tap, jazz, hip hop and lyrical with a primary concentration in classical ballet. At Atlantic Dance, little girls learn grace and achieve...

Avalon Fishing Pier offers everything you need for a long, enjoyable day (or night!) of fishing. First built in 1958, Avalon Fishing Pier is about 700 feet long, stretching out to the Atlantic Ocean over 12 to 15 feet of water.  Located at...

Aviation Park in Kill Devil Hills offers a fun, active retreat from the beach for everyone in the family. The town park offers a playground, ball field, frog pond, fitness trail, roller hockey rink and the very popular Aviation Skatepark.

Commune with nature and take photos of the pristine Outer Banks!

The Bald Head Island Club is an elite introduction to all the finer things that this small island community has to offer. Comprising of a championship 18-hole golf course, fine dining options, tennis and fitness facilities, and a relaxed atmosphere...

There's a reason why the wild terrain of Bald Head Island and its surrounding islands remains distinctively wild, and the primary responsibility of retaining this native nature is in the hands of the local Bald Head Island Conservancy. Overseeing a...

Come check out Battle Works for a fun and entertaining experiences including axe throwing, laser tag, and nerf wars!

There's a reason why Beaufort earned the title of the "Coolest Small Town in the USA" by national publication Budget Travel Magazine, and one of the driving forces behind this honor is Beaufort's dedicated preservation of its history, orchestrated...

Blue Life Charters stands out as your premier provider of private boat tours in Charleston, SC, blending family ownership with expert operation. We take immense pride in delivering a luxury yacht experience without the accompanying luxury price tag.

Fish or go a pirating on board the Cap'N Clam

Cape Fearless Extreme is a family-friendly aerial adventure course set on 25 acres of forest just 20 miles west of Wilmington, North Carolina. The courses contain a mixture of obstacles and challenges ranging from ziplines, Tarzan swings, hanging...

The Children's Museum of Wilmington, located in historic Downtown Wilmington on Orange Street, is an ideal destination for adventurous kids who want a day full of imagination exploring the world of art, science, and even pirates! Designed...

Club Hatteras is available free to all guests who vacation with Hatteras Realty. The Club has the largest swimming pool on the island, along with a 6-hole putting green, a kids’ playground and two regulation tennis courts.It offers early...

Coastal Creamery OBX sells a wide variety of frozen treats: hard scooped ice cream, soft serve frozen yogurts, sorbet, and custard, and our dairy free selection of Italian Ices. They serve in cones or cups with all of the toppings available and...

Enjoy nature and adventure by kayak, horse or boat!

Have fun golfing and enjoying a host of watersports!

A fll service surf shop offering lessons, new equipment, clothing and rentals. 

Corolla Water Sports is the original, most comprehensive, and best water sports location on the Northern Outer Banks. We have been providing a first class facility for many years, and have had thousands of happy customers over this time. We are...

Creekside Park is the largest park in the town of New Bern, and it’s situated close to the local airport, just off of US Highway 70. The park extends for 11 acres and since opening in 1997, is one of the most popular destinations for a myriad...

Fun, family-oriented and professional fishing and maritime trips. 

Dare County Family Recreation Park, or Rec Park, serves as the county’s focal point for youth and adult activities. The park features tennis courts, baseball and soccer fields and a playground. Swings, slides, a climbing wall and a covered...

Located in one of the Outer Banks most beautiful wooded areas, the David Paul Pruitt, Jr. Park is a small recreation area just off the Bypass near the entrance of Kitty Hawk Woods. It’s a family-oriented neighborhood playground that has play...

As everyone can see just walking past this store, many of the mild-weather recreational activities that can be done outdoors are covered here. Racks in front of the store are filled with fat tire beach cruisers, kayaks and surfboards. Inside, surf...

The Town of Duck held it’s first Yuletide Celebration in 2011, and its popularity established it as an annual event.Taking place on the first Friday and Saturday in December, the Celebration begins with local merchants keeping their doors open...

Visitors who take advantage of the exceptional fishing along the Albemarle Sound or Edenton Bay, or who notice the abundance of maritime wildlife along the local creeks and rivers of the Inner Banks, can send their thanks for this ecological...

Epic Excursions specializes in captained boat tours, sunset cruises, paddleboarding, island dining experiences & more in Wrightsville Beach, NC! All adventures are customized for one-of-a-kind experiences, and our team is dedicated to...

Night climbing starts in June of 2019! FFAP is an Aerial Adventure Park overlooking the beautiful Albemarle Sound. Platforms range from 12 feet to 50 feet high. Climbers take the action into their own hands by choosing to go on the easiest of the...

Discover the Thrill of Fishing with Murrells Inlet’s best fishing charter experience! Nestled in the heart of the Myrtle Beach Areas quaint fishing community of Murrells Inlet, SC, our fishing charter service stands as one of the...

Experience unmatchable sportfishing on the Outer Banks! The Outer Banks, also referred as ‘the Billfish Capital of the World’, offers some of the world’s finest OBX sportfishing and the most preferred game fish. Treat yourself...

Located just east of the heart of the downtown region, Fort Totten Park is a small public park in a primarily residential area that has a healthy helping of things to do for visitors of all varieties.

Serving as a regional hub for the North Carolina Coastal Federation, the Fred and Alice Stanback Coastal Education Center is a unique destination in the heart of Wrightsville Beach that offers a wealth of events and activities to appeal to coastal...

A campground, convenince store and watersport site rolled into one. 

Start Your Engines! Full Throttle offers gas powered go karts on two exciting tracks for the entire family. Drivers must be at least 51 inches tall to drive. Double seat karts are available for adult drivers with passengers at least 2 years old and...

WHEN IT'S HOT, OUR WATER MISTERS WILL COOL YOU OFF SO YOU WILL ENJOY PLAYING! This is a fun, inexpensive miniature golf course located right across the street from a large beach access—so you can spend all day at the beach, rinse off and go...

Ghost Crab Quest is an ecotourism company based on the Outer Banks. Amazed by the beauty of these fragile barrier islands, Ghost Crab Quest is committed to sharing and exploring its wonders day and night. While the star of the show is the mighty...

Glenburnie Park is a scenic public park that’s located just northeast of the heart of Downtown New Bern. Tucked along the Neuse River in a primarily residential section of town, the park is a popular destination for visitors and locals alike...

Embark on an adventure that you and your crew will never forget with a fun Hatteras Island expedition that is commandeered by Godspeed Charters. This Hatteras village-based charter business features a wide range of activities for families of all...

Get ready to catch the “big” one and make your charter boat experience a memorable one at Good Times Sportsfishing. Captain Andy and his crew will take you fishing in the Gulf Stream on the 47-foot custom made Carolina boat built on...

More than 2,000 shipwrecks sunk off the Coast of North Carolina in what’s called the Graveyard of the Atlantic. With all that history floating around, it was only natural to build a museum to honor and preserve the maritime culture of the...

No Outer Banks family vacation is ever complete without a Harbor Star dolphin tour. What could possibly be more exciting than watching the wild Atlantic bottlenose dolphin jump and frolic right in front of you? This trip is guaranteed to be a great...

Enjoy recreational watersports and guided tours. 

A beautiful and recreational stop for watersport fun. 

Hayman Park is a charming, circular neighborhood park located at the north end of Kill Devil Hills and on the sound side of Highway 158 (the Bypass).The park has a large open area often used for adult soccer practice and children’s soccer...

Visitors in the need of a little action-packed fun can head to the tri-villages’ newest destination for entertainment, Highway 12 Amusements. Officially opening in 2017, this expansive indoor amusement center has a variety of games and...

Resembling a cross between a train depot and a mariner's port, The History Place is certainly an excellent first stop for anyone who wants to learn a little more about the fascinating inland and barrier island history that is found in abundance...

iEscape Rooms offers an immersive and interactive experience that puts you in the middle of a real-life adventure that you'll never forget. Imagine you and your friends, family, or colleagues are trapped in a highly realistic, themed series of...

A living history farm that interpretes mid-1800's island life. 

Situated in a quiet and primarily residential corner of the city of Wilmington, the James E.L. Wade Park is a surprising and engaging destination for locals and visitors alike who want to experience the Great Outdoors of the Cape Fear region.

Morehead City's Jaycee Park is easily one of the most scenic parks along the Crystal Coast, and perhaps the region's busiest park in the summer season. Located adjacent to the waterfront, with wide open views of the Bogue Sound and neighboring...

Jennette’s Pier in Nags Head offers fishing and fun for the entire family! Go fishing, take a family fishing class or simply walk out to the end of this 1,000-foot-long, concrete ocean pier.

Kure Beach visitors who want to take a break from the sandy beaches can keep the outdoor entertainment and activities going at Joe Eakes Park. Located just a few blocks away from the oceanfront, and easy to reach for visitors staying throughout the...

WHEN IT'S HOT, OUR WATER MISTERS WILL COOL YOU OFF SO YOU WILL ENJOY PLAYING! Mini-golf can be enjoyed here under the shadow of T-Rex and Raptor dinosaurs, depending on which side you choose to play on. Either one has what it takes: 18 hole courses...

New Bern’s youngest visitors will have an amazing time discovering all the ways to have fun at Kidsville – one of the most enticing attractions within the expansive Seth West Parrot Park.

Locally inspired Coffee combined with Family Friendly Play. We’re a high-end town “hub” where everyone is welcome. But first, coffee! We’ll be serving locally inspired signature drinks like the Atlantic, a toffee crunch...

The Beach Klub at Koru Village in Avon is the only venue of its kind on Hatteras Island. Open daily to members, the Klub offers private beach access, a swimming pool, Tiki Bar, an outdoor recreation center and much more.To help you stay fit and...

Latham Whitehurst Nature Park is one of the newest parks in Craven County, and was first opened to visitors and locals alike in 2011. Located in a quiet eastern section of the town of New Bern, the park is a popular destination for wildlife fans of...

 Awarded the Certificate of Excellence by Trip Advisor for 2016! Braids by Life on a Sandbar & Braids is about fun and creating memories. We specialize in: braids, hair wraps, feather extensions, as well as henna tattoos, air brush...

Lighthouse Horse Rides in Buxton offers horseback riding experiences on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. Rides are suitable for ages 8 and up, and Lighthouse Horse Rides works hard to accommodate family members with disabilities. Ride opportunities...

Discover the beauty with Lighthouse Parasail and explore the best beaches of the Outer Banks. LHP proudly partners with Coastal Explorations, bringing you the closest parasail and water activities’ location to the lighthouse, 4x4 beaches, and...

At the end of Queen Elizabeth Avenue, and within easy walking distance of Manteo’s unique shops and restaurants, you’ll find the Waterfront Park. It features a playground and picnic area and lots of benches along the waterfront...

Meekins Athletic Field and Playground, also known as Kill Devil Hills Field, is located between the Dare (Shopping) Center and Kill Devil Hills Fire Department. It’s one of the first recreation parks built in the county and has a playground...

A variety of family-friendly fishing trips and cruises.

For more than 30 years, Moneysworth Beach Equipment & Linen Rentals has been making your beach vacation packing list shorter and your stay in the Outer Banks more relaxing. With FREE DELIVERY AND PICK-UP to all beach rentals from Hatteras to...

Visitors and locals of all ages can find miles of fun at the Morehead City Recreation Center. This complex of activities and attractions in the heart of town features ample ways to have a ball while experiencing everything the town of Morehead City...

The Morehead City Sports Complex is one of the largest destinations for active Morehead City locals and visitors who want to enjoy a little competition or easy-going fun off the sand. The 27.7 acre complex features a wealth of facilities designed...

We're celebrating 40 years at Morris Farm Market and it's another beautiful day to hang out on the farm! There's so much to do here; the music is setting up for your entertainment and the craft and food truck vendors are also setting up so you can...

Sometimes a name says it all, and the Museum of the Bizarre is a short but engaging trip through some of Wilmington’s more unusual chapters in history. A popular destination for weird-loving visitors and film buffs, the museum has a host of...

Aarrgh! Mutiny Bay Adventure Golf beckons you back to the days when pirate ships roamed the coast and sounds of the Outer Banks and local land pirates lured ships to shore. Enjoy 18 holesof miniature golf on our beautifully landscaped soundside...

You haven’t been to the Outer Banks if you haven’t been to a fishing pier, and Nags Head Fishing Pier is as authentic as they come. One of the oldest and longest surviving piers on the barrier islands, this is a great place to take the...

Nags Head Pier offers some of the best fishing on the east coast. Its proximity to the Gulf Stream provides access to a great variety of inshore fish, and the Pier Shop furnishes all the equipment needed to catch them. The Shop’s experts can...

Nags Head Town Park is nestled among the trees on the edge of Nags Head Woods and offers plenty of space for all types of activities. For kids there’s a playground with swings and slides, and for family and group get-togethers, grills and a...

Located just four blocks away from Tryon Palace in the heart of Historic Downtown New Bern, the New Bern Academy Museum presents a unique peek into the often tumultuous history of this small North Carolina town.

Visitors of all ages can celebrate the local arts scene and discover their own creative side at the wholly unique New Bern Arts & Wellness Center. Striving to be an oasis for folks who want to explore both their creative potential and overall...

The Newbold-White House, located in the small town of Hertford, is a gem of a find for history buffs and architectural fans alike, as the 1730 brick structure is the oldest home in North Carolina that is open to the public. Unimposing but widely...