Best Family Activities in the Northern Outer Banks

The official state horse for North Carolina is the Corolla Wild Mustang. We are truly blessed to be able to live amongst these beauties. You can find wild mustangs on the 4 x4 only area of Carova Beach, north of the town of Corolla. Grab your group and reserve a guided wild horse tour or head up in your own 4x4 vehicle to see these amazing animals in their natural habitat.

Remember, for their safety and yours, never touch, feed, or approach the horses. Before heading out, check the Northern Outer Banks website for essential 4x4 beach driving rules, and don`t forget to air down your tires for safe travel on the sand.

A popular place in the Northern Outer Banks is Historic Corolla Park and Village. Take a walk through the grounds on the walking paths or enjoy a picnic lunch under the oak trees. Being waterfront, there are places for everyone to fish or crab. Have a kayak or canoe? Launch it at the free Currituck Sound access.

Currituck Lighthouse: As you venture around the park, it is hard to miss the brick Currituck Lighthouse obtruding from the sky. Feeling like exerting some energy? Venture up the 220 steps to the top. Per the Currituck Visitors Bureau, it is one of the only lighthouses in America that still houses its original first-order Fresnel lens. The light continues to flash today at 20-second intervals, serving as a navigational aid. The beacon, which can be seen for 18 nautical miles, arrives at dusk and ceases at dawn.

The Currituck Lighthouse is open for climbing every day from 9:00am to 5:00pm March through December. Please note that times and days may change depending on wind conditions.

Whalehead Museum: A structure situated within Historic Corolla Park and Village is the Whalehead Museum. Take a tour through Northern Outer Banks history in this restored 1920s replica.

The Currituck Maritime Museum: Kids of all ages will enjoy the Currituck Maritime Museum. With its borders surrounding water, the Northern Outer Banks is a place that boating enthusiasts love. This museum showcases the history of boating and shares real live boating stories from those who enjoyed/have enjoyed the waters over the years. This museum showcases amazing photography and videography, and includes hands-on exhibits, educational programs with demonstrations.

OBX Center for Wildlife Education: While still on the grounds of Historic Corolla Park, visit the OBX Center for Wildlife Education. This Center is fairly new to the Northern Outer Banks but is extremely popular. Here you will find a number of exhibits focusing on the wildlife creatures and activities of the Northern Outer Banks. The Center also features both indoor and outdoor attractions with seasonal programs and movies for visitors.

Now is the time to start planning your ultimate golf outing. The Northern Outer Banks has one of the most beautiful courses in Corolla. The Currituck Club is a semi-private, Rees Jones designed, 18-hole course. With its amazing views of the Currituck Sound and plush greenery all around, this course will have you returning year after year. The Currituck Club Clubhouse is available for events and private parties as well.

Shopping is a must-do activity for families visiting the Northern Outer Banks. From beach shops to surf shops, there`s something for everyone. For a memorable shopping and dining experience, explore two popular destinations: Monterey Plaza and TimBuck II. These areas are home to a variety of local stores, boutiques, and restaurants, offering the perfect break from the beach while still enjoying the uniqueness of the Outer Banks.

There is something for everyone at the Corolla Light Town Center. Good foods are found at Uncle Ike`s Sandbar and Grill, Cosmo`s Pizza, Corolla Cantina, Fat Crab`s Rib Company, OBX Deli and Cheesesteak, Oh My Dog (hot dog eatery). Grab a sweet treat at Northern Lights Bakery or Neds Ice Cream and OBX Mini Mart. Rent some beach equipment from Ocean Atlantic Rentals. Challenge your group to a round of mini golf at Pirates Island or play some skeeball at the Arcade. Want to fly a kite at the beach the next day? Venture into Flying Smiles Kites! Other fun things found here are Adventure Horse Tours (book your wild horse tour here! Bait and Tackle shop, artwork and jewelry, fresh shrimp, clothing and souvenir shop, Jeep Rentals, books, and music. How many hours will you spend here?

There are so many restaurants to enjoy on the Northern Outer Banks. No matter what kind of food you are looking for, there is something for everyone. The seafood lovers will enjoy all the seafood options, but there is also Mexican, Italian, ribs, breakfast food, etc. It is important to note that all the restaurants here cannot be found anywhere else. They are all locally owned and one of a kind.

Check out the calendar for these popular events in the Northern Outer Banks:

There are plenty of family-friendly activities to do in the Northern Outer Banks. With our FlexStay program, you can choose your check-in and check-out day as well as the duration of your stay. With standard amenities and open communication, staying with KEES is a bonus. Book your Outer Banks vacation rental today!