Family Fun – An Outer Banks Blog

4 Kid Approved Beach Activities for the Outer Banks

Summer vacations on the Outer Banks is just what every family love. Coming and not having to worry about life at home and just soak up the peaceful and relaxation of being on vacation. But finding kid approved beach activities that your kids will not want to leave the beach is just what we have in store for you. Staying in one of our Outer Banks vacation rentals will keep you and your family close to where the beach activities are at. Let’s look below at a 4 kid approved beach activities that you can do on the Outer Banks.

It’s Christmas in July

It’s Christmas in July here on the Outer Banks and why not do something that you may only find during the winter. Yes, the Outer Banks may be missing one key ingredient that you will find outside, snow. Have no fear because we have more than enough sand to help build your very own “snowman”. All that you will need is a bucket filled with a little ocean water, a shovel, driftwood and seashells. Oh, and we can’t miss the most important part of the day, sand! Have each of the kids build their very own snowman out of the sand and take pictures to help remember that fun activity you spent together!

Scavenger Hunt on the Beach

Gather up the kids and go on a scavenger hunt on the beach. Before hitting the beach to look for different items, make up a list of things that each child can look for. Not only can they learn about other things that may live at the beach, but they can have fun while doing it. Let them search for different kinds of seashells, crabs, driftwood and different things that you may find on the beach. After each child has completed their list, give them a little prize like maybe a popsicle or some ice cream together as a family. Have a good time searching for each item together!

It’s Tic-Tac-Toe Time

Everyone loves to play a good game of tic-tac-toe and why not play it while you are on vacation. This might be the most fun that you will ever have because you will be playing it on a giant, homemade tic-tac-toe board. Grab a stick or a shell and draw the squares to make up the board of 3 across & 3 down. You can then pick teams or play against each other and play this classic game as a family. Keep a tally for each player and just have fun no matter what.

Fly a Kite

A fun, family activity that you can do together is go fly a kite on the beach. It doesn’t matter what kind of kite you have or where you purchased it from, it will still fly. Flying them in the evening just before the sun sets is the best time to fly them. And be ready to run a bit with the kids to get the kite up in the sky. Once it’s in the air, help the kids out with keeping it in the air by tugging the line a little bit. Just enjoy the time spent with the kids and the kids will love to do this activity for years to come!

There are many more activities that are kid approved, but these are the few we thought you’d enjoy. If you haven’t made plans to visit the Outer Banks before school starts, now is the time. Make reservations to stay in one of our Outer Banks vacation rentals today. We hope that you and your family will have a wonderful vacation making new memories with the kids!

Free Things to Do on the Outer Banks

Are you and your family heading to the Outer Banks this spring and summer and are looking for a few free activities to do? We understand that going on vacation can get a little pricey but when you vacation on the Outer Banks there are many things you can do for free. Staying with us in one of our Outer Banks vacation rentals will help you save money as you can cook meals while you are on vacation just like at home. Let’s look at a few of the free activities that you can enjoy while on vacation to the Outer Banks below.

Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge

Are your kids into nature and wildlife at home? Then this is the perfect free activity that you can do as a family. Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge is great for those who love birds and going in the spring and fall are the best. The paths that you can walk on in the park is perfect for those who want to capture the moments of the birds in the background. You may be able to see a few turtles and pelicans while you are there exploring. During the spring and summer, we do however suggest that you wear plenty of sunscreen and bug spray as it can get a little buggy. This is the perfect day trip to explore the wildlife on the island all for free.

Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge

Another beautiful and interesting place you can visit for free would be the Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge. This is a fun place that you and the kids can head to for a day filled with loads of fun mixed in. This refuge is home to the largest population of black bears in Eastern North Carolina so if you happen to see one, just let it pass and don’t feed the bears! If you are into hiking, then this is the place for you. There are several trails that you can hike on and there is also a visitor’s center that has interactive exhibits for you to enjoy. Spend the day here and it’s something you will want to visit for years to come.

Jockey’s Ridge State Park

If you have never been to the Outer Banks, then you are missing out on one of the best places to visit on the islands. Jockey’s Ridge State Park can provide hours of fun for the whole family such as running down the dunes or flying a kite there. This park is the tallest natural dune on the Eastern United States and once you climb to the top, the prize is very rewarding. Here you will be able to have the best view of the island and you will never want to leave this park ever. Plus, if you get here in the morning you may be able to catch a glimpse of a beautiful sunrise or a beautiful sunset in the evenings. Don’t miss this state park on your next trip to the Outer Banks as it’s a must for every vacation for many families!

Fort Raleigh

Located over on Roanoke Island is where you can find the historic Fort Raleigh which was the first English settlement in the New World. This is a free attraction that you and the family can visit while you are on vacation to the Outer Banks. Here you can see a lot of historical facts and artifacts on display and you can learn a little more about the famous story of the “lost colony”. What a wonderful way to get in a little education while on vacation and yet still do something fun and exciting in the area!

While there are other things that you can do on the Outer Banks that are free of charge, these are the few that we thought you’d like. If you still haven’t made your reservations for your next Outer Banks vacation rental, now is the time! Don’t miss what the spring has to offer you on the island and come relax with the family!

Visit the Outer Banks Labor Day Weekend This Year

The Outer Banks happen to be one of the hottest locations for you and your family to enjoy Labor Day Weekend this year. The kids will be headed back to school soon and what a better way to end the summer than a vacation to the Outer Banks. Staying in one of our Kill Devil Hills vacation rentals will keep you where the action is happening. Let’s look at what there is going on during Labor Day weekend below.

Kids Day in the Park

Want something for the kids to have fun with bouncy houses, activities and even a special tour of Whalehead. The Joan’s Way Tour will begin at 3:00 pm and costs $5 per person. Please note that the tour does have a limit of 30 children so please reserve your spot in advance. On August 30 head to the Historic Corolla Park and begins 10:00 am and ends at 4:00 pm. Come and join in on the fun happening here.

Meet a Mustang

Have someone in your family that likes horses, then head over to the Corolla Wild Horse Museum to meet a mustang. On Friday, August 31st at 10:00 am to 1:00 pm, come meet a rescued mustang and learn about the history of the wild Colonial Spanish mustangs. This is a free event for you and your family to enjoy. Please note that the event is weather dependent so please call ahead on the day of the even to make sure it’s still happening. What a better way to learn more about the wild horses of the Outer Banks.

Blacksmithing at Island Farm

The Outer Banks have so much history to share with its visitors, and this event is one you can’t miss out on. Head over to Island Farm located in Manteo where you can see examples of what Hugh Gaylor had in his blacksmith shop in 1850. There is so much to do at this farm that dates back to 1847. Only 15 minutes from Nags Head and is close to Fort Raleigh for more adventures. Admission is $5 per person and children 5 and younger are free. Be sure to check out their website for more information. What a great way to learn about the heritage of North Carolina than to be with family!

WRV Outer Banks Pro Surf Contest

The WRV Outer Banks Pro Surf Contest happens to be known as one of the most anticipated surf contests in the State. This is a thrill for both the participants and for the spectators to watch each year. Located in Nags Head, NC you will be able to view some of the world’s most talented riders competing for the title of OBX Champ! Beginning on Wednesday, August 29th and ending on Monday, September 3 you will be able to enjoy some of this amazing talent of surfing. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to see some pro surfers in the waves of North Carolina!

Seaside Hike

What a better way than to head over to Jockey’s Ridge State Park and enjoy some fun there. On August 31st join the staff at the state park to hike the Soundside Nature Trail. You will discuss interesting habitats that live along the barrier islands. This is a free event for you and your family to take advantage of while on vacation. The hike will begin at 9:00 am so be sure to be there a few minutes early to join in on the fun.

While there are many other events happening on the Outer Banks over Labor Day weekend, these are just a few we’d share with you. If you are still hunting for a last-minute Nags Head or Kill Devil Hills vacation rental, we can help you today. We look forward to seeing you this Labor Day weekend to help end the summer out right!