The sights and sounds of the Outer Banks are best taken in slowly, with time to linger at the popular attractions found here. You’ll appreciate having plenty of time to savor the beaches, have some memorable adventures, and visit several of the different towns here. Spend a week enjoying some of these favorite family activities during a 7 day Outer Banks trip!
Where to Eat & Drink
To start your day out sweet or simply to have an indulgent treat for later, pick up donuts from Duck Donuts, located in Duck & Kill Devil Hills. Their freshly baked salted caramel donuts are amazing, and it’s easy to feed the whole family when you order by the dozen. For a backyard barbeque Outer Banks style, consider planning a meal with Outer Banks Boil Company. This company is unique in that they bring the food to you, offering the experience of a low-country boil within the location of your choice. Lounge by the pool at your Outer Banks vacation rental or enjoy a memorable meal on the beach, gathered around a pot of steaming shrimp, spicy andouille sausage, red potatoes, corn on the cob, and sweet Vidalia onions, with more additional seafood options for that true coastal taste.
Outdoor Family Things to Do in the Outer Banks
Pack the beach gear and spend your OBX trip at one of the many postcard-perfect beaches that line the Outer Banks. Great for both relaxing and engaging in water sports, you’ll find plenty of things to do here along the shoreline. Go swimming, learn to stand-up paddle, or just lounge on the beach with a great novel: it’s your choice when you visit the Outer Banks. Don’t forget how nice a romantic moonlit walk on the beach can be!
When you’re in the mood for a bit of a road trip, head toward the northern end of the Outer Banks beaches lie Corolla and Carova, where you can take in not only the beauty of the seashore but also catch sight of the wild horses that call this area home. A 4×4 vehicle will get your family to this area, or many options for family-friendly tours are available. Back Country Safari Tours takes guests in open-air vehicles to the private Mustang Preserve, which they have helped support over the years. One perk of this option is the expert naturalist guide, who can answer all your questions about the horses and the area’s natural history.
Entertaining and Educational
If you want to add an educational element to your Outer Banks trip, consider stopping at historic sites such as the Wright Brothers National Memorial, the site where they made their first historic flight. Visitors can view a replica of their original plane, as well as walk the grounds where the epic event occurred, and learn more about it in the visitors’ center.
Another great spot to immerse yourself in history is the Whalehead estate in Corolla, a beautifully restored 1920s Art Nouveau-style mansion. Originally built as a recreational hunting lodge by the wealthy Knight family, Whalehead is also reputed to be haunted. Whether you believe in ghosts or not, you can enjoy a tour of the beautiful home and grounds and learn more about how much this area has changed in the past hundred years.
Adventure in the Air and on the Water
If you love to test your skills, and are looking for some heart-stopping thrills, consider checking out the Corolla Adventure Park while you’re in town. This insane climbing attraction offers a huge variety of obstacle courses, as well as eight different ziplines, and will make you feel like a monkey! For those who prefer a different sort of danger, they also offer an axe-throwing arena. Challenge your inner ninja warrior or lumberjack, and keep the family busy all day long!
If you prefer paddling instead, why not make a day of it with a kayak or SUP tour? Outer Banks Kayak Tours offers an incredible variety of tours, several of which take you to national wildlife refuges. There is simply no better way of appreciating the beauty of a maritime forest than with a guide who can lead you through the maze of tiny islands, pointing out wildlife that you might otherwise miss.
Your Weeklong Stay in the Outer Banks
Stay and play in the Outer Banks, making cherished memories with family. Our spacious Outer Banks vacation homes are perfect for families, with the conveniences of home that make everyday living easy. Many of the Outer Banks vacation homes offered through us at Shoreline OBX also offer perks such as ocean views and a private swimming pool and hot tub that will keep the kids entertained even during down moments at home. Bring the family and come see why this has become such a cherished destination for yearly memories!
