Manteo is proud of its family-friendly vibe – in fact, it’s why so much of the town is residential. The movie theater in town features films all ages can enjoy. Roanoke Island attractions offer regular programs and things to do in Manteo, NC, just for kids in addition to experiences that the entire family will appreciate. These are exciting and playful ways to interact and discover various Roanoke Island things to do in addition to its history and culture as it pertains to colonists, early settlers, ties to England, nautical activities and aquatic activities.
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Child & Family Oriented in Manteo, NC
First Friday is a family-oriented festival held in downtown Manteo on the first Friday of every month from April through December. From 6 to 8 p.m. downtown Manteo’s sidewalks come alive with a wide variety of musical performances and festive activities for all ages. Individual shops and restaurants frequently do their own celebratory activity such as live music, special sales, refreshments and hors d’oeuvres. Dare County Arts Council always hosts an opening reception for exhibits in its gallery, and Downtown Books frequently hosts a book signing. It’s a great time to explore all that downtown Manteo has to offer.
First Friday is a family-oriented festival held in downtown Manteo on the first Friday of every month from April through December. From 6 to 8 p.m. downtown Manteo’s sidewalks come alive with a wide variety of musical performances and festive activities for all ages. Individual shops and restaurants frequently do their own celebratory activity such as live music, special sales, refreshments and hors d’oeuvres. Dare County...read more
First Friday is a family-oriented festival held in downtown Manteo on the first Friday of...read more
E-bikes are not only a fun way to explore the Outer Banks, but also a convenient and inexpensive way to get around without getting caught up in summer traffic or paying high gas prices. E-bikes make it easy to get to the beach, restaurants and attractions quickly, without wearing yourself out in the process. Carolina Shores E-Bikes OBX offers daily rentals, two-day rentals and weekly...read more
Child & Family Oriented in Manteo, NC
Cartwright Park has a picnic shelter, restrooms, grills and a playground. The park is named for Andrew Cartwright, founder of AME Zion churches in the region. Cartwright's first church, dating to 1865, was on this piece of property. The park is at the roundabout on Sir Walter Raleigh Street. Call the Town of Manteo to reserve the picnic shelter.read more
Child & Family Oriented in Manteo, NC
Dare County Center is a multi-generational facility on Roanoke Island. Next to the Dare County Administration Building and Justice Center, it offers programs for youth, adults, seniors and families. On site you'll find a fitness room, an arts and crafts room, a library with computers, a kitchen and dining area, a multipurpose room, a stage, an activity room and two classrooms. Numerous activities are held...read more
Child & Family Oriented in Manteo, NC
For a soundside swimming session, head down Airport Road to the Old Swimming Hole. The entrance is just beyond the North Carolina Aquarium on the right-hand side, just before you get to the airport. This family-oriented access is the perfect place to go after a tour of the aquarium. The Old Swimming Hole has a great sandy beach, picnic tables, grills, a picnic shelter, a...
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Child & Family Oriented in Manteo, NC
On Saturday mornings from mid-May through the early fall, Manteo's Downtown Market features home-grown, home-baked and homemade goods for sale. Pick up fresh herbs, produce or flowers and buy some local artwork or sweets, all in a beautiful waterfront setting next to the Roanoke Island Maritime Museum. This makes a great family outing as there’s a playground next to the market area. The market is...read more
Child & Family Oriented in Roanoke Island, NC
This national historic site commemorates and preserves the first English attempts at colonization in the New World (1585 to 1587) and helps visitors gain a better understanding of other Roanoke Island histories including the Carolina Algonquian, the Civil War Battle of Roanoke Island, the Freedmen's Colony of Roanoke Island and Reginald Fessenden's Roanoke Island experiments with wireless voice radio.
Pay a visit to the visitor...read more
Child & Family Oriented in Manteo, NC
A monument at Fort Raleigh National Historic Site honors the Freedmen's Colony, a lesser known but truly fascinating aspect of Roanoke Island's history. Loosely established in 1862 and formally established on May 14, 1863, the Freedmen's Colony was part of the Underground Railroad and a place of safety for approximately 3,500 former slaves from all over the region, including men, women and children. The slaves...read more
Child & Family Oriented in Manteo, NC
Located on Roanoke Island, just five minutes from Manteo, Island Farm is a living history farm centered on the original Etheridge family property, once part of a 1,500-acre tract. Island Farm is alive with fields in production, animals working and live demonstrations going on throughout the day. In addition to an original farmhouse built in 1847 (one of the oldest on the island), you’ll find an array of...read more
Child & Family Oriented in Manteo, NC
The Outer Banks' first trampoline park is in Manteo. The indoor facility offers trampolines, trampoline dodgeball, three American Ninja-style obstacle course lanes, climbing walls, a large airbag, a jousting area and a foam cube pit. In addition, there are concessions and a party room that's great for celebrations and large groups. Jumpmasters also holds summer camps, week-long or daily drop-in, with a mix of structured...read more
Child & Family Oriented in Manteo, NC
Kitty Hawk Kites has been teaching the world to fly since 1974. With 10 retail locations from Corolla to Ocracoke, Kitty Hawk Kites boasts an impressive selection of kites, flags and spinners, toys, apparel, gifts and games on the Outer Banks. Kitty Hawk Kites specializes in kites, from the single-lines for kids to high-tech stunt varieties. The stores also sell fun outdoor goodies such as...read more
Child & Family Oriented in Manteo, NC
This Dare County Parks and Recreation facility has a basketball gym and a dance room. This is the headquarters for registering for youth sports as well. On the grounds is also a baseball field, basketball court, softball field and a playground.read more
Child & Family Oriented in Manteo, NC
A great place to stroll and pass some time is the boardwalk that winds along most of the Manteo waterfront. One end is quiet, with benches that look out over the sound and marsh grasses tickling the edges of the walk. The boardwalk stretches from Marshes Light development marina to downtown Manteo, past Roanoke Marshes Lighthouse and a children’s playground with swings and a pirate...read more