Free (or Nearly Free) Outer Banks, NC Activities!

The Outer Banks, NC is the perfect vacation destination for families on a budget! Family-friendly Outer Banks activities don't need to cost an "arm and a leg" to be fun and memorable. There is something to be said for simple pleasures and quality time spent as a family. The Outer Banks of North Carolina is home to historical sites, breathtaking scenery and fun attractions that are either free or very inexpensive. Relax on the beach, take a lighthouse tour or go fishing with the family; the Outer Banks offers something for everyone - and it doesn't have to cost a fortune!

Explore Historic Corolla Village
Nestled away from the opulent Corolla vacation homes, you'll find winding sandy roads and historic buildings that tell the story of a simpler time. Historic Corolla Village, located next to the Whalehead Club, is home to the Corolla Chapel, Corolla Schoolhouse and unique shops. The past and present mingle among the live oaks and restored buildings.

Roanoke Island Festival Park
This 25 acre history-filled island park is nestled in downtown Manteo, NC on Roanoke Island.  Families can explore a replica of one of the first English ships, meet some English interpreters and tour the museum. 

Check Out the Daily Catch
Go to any of the Outer Banks marinas around 4:00-5:00 pm to see the charter boats bring in the afternoon catch. Watch fishermen unload and hear the "fish tales" of the day.  

Town of Duck Summer Music Series
Visit the charming Village of Duck on Tuesday and Thursday evenings during the summer for live local music. Enjoy everything from blue grass to jazz at the Duck Town Park gazebo. 

Crabbing
Talk about a fun adventure for kids! Crabbing takes little skill and is a great family activity. You can make a homemade lure, use a net or buy an inexpensive crab pot (or trap). A popular crabbing spot is on Colington Road across from the Colington Fire Station.

Outer Banks Center for Wildlife Education
Located in Currituck Heritage Park in Corolla, the Outer Banks Center for Wildlife Education offers free admission and a variety of fun (and free!) activities for children and adults. Wildlife photography, eco-kayaking, nature walks and beach explorations are just a few of the activities on the calendar.

Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge
Bird walks, canoe tours and turtle talks are just a sample of the family activities to explore on the 13- mile stretch of the Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge.  Located just north of Rodanthe, North Carolina, you can see hundreds of species of wildlife and get some incredible pictures to take back from your Outer Banks vacation.

Outer Banks Fishing
The Outer Banks of North Carolina is one of the best places on the East Coast to get a good catch!  Red Drum, Sea Mullet, Blue Fish and Flounder are just a few of the many species an angler can enjoy catching.  Whether you prefer to cast your line from one of several piers, or reel out into the surf, this is a great way to start or end any Outer Banks day. The friendly folks at Outer Banks tackle shops and piers can help you get started with this fun hobby!

Take a Lighthouse Tour
Spend a day exploring the beauty and history of the Outer Banks lighthouses. Your journey will take you from the Currituck Beach Lighthouse, the Bodie Island Lighthouse, the Roanoke Marshes Lighthouse, the the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse and the Ocracoke Lighthouse.

Ocracoke Daytrip
Take a scenic drive and a short ferry ride and you'll find yourself on Ocracoke Island.  This small island has great charm, with incredible locally-owned restaurants and retail shops.  Voted by Dr. Beach as America's number 1 beach in 2007, Ocracoke's Lifeguarded beach is well worth visiting.

Nags Head Woods Ecological Preserve
Unknown to most vacationers, you can turn off the busy Bypass on Ocean Acres Drive (around Mile Post 9 1/2) and escape to the natural beauty of the Nags Head Woods Ecological Preserve. Take advantage of 5 miles of hiking trails, maritime forest and abundant wildlife. Call the Visitors Center at (252)441-2525 for more information.

Jockey's Ridge State Park
At the end of the day, climb to the top of the East Coast's largest sand dunes and watch the sunset over the Albemarle Sound. This breathtaking view will also provide for some great photos to fill up your vacation scrapbook!

Sandcastle Building
What could be more fun than a day at the beach with your family, building sandcastles and enjoying the beautiful beaches of the Outer Banks? Pack a lunch and sunscreen; a beach day with family will remind you that some of the best things in life are free!

Now that you know how to have fun on a budget,
find a great value on an Outer Banks vacation rental!