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 Roanoke Island, NC
Milltail Road, off U.S. Highway 64, Manteo
Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge is a more than 164,000-acre refuge on the mainland portion of Dare and Hyde counties. It was established in 1984 to preserve and protect a unique wetland habitat type, the pocosin, and its associated wildlife species. Pocosin is a Native American word meaning ‘swamp-on-a-hill’ and is characterized by poorly drained soils high in organic material. The refuge's diversity of habitat types includes high and low pocosin, bogs, fresh and brackish water marshes, hardwood swamps and Atlantic white cedar swamps. Plant species include pitcher plants and sundews, low bush cranberries, bays, Atlantic white cedar, pond pine, gums, red maple and a wide variety of herbaceous and shrub species common to the East Coast.
The refuge has a large population of black bears and is one of the few locations where red wolves exist in the wild. It is a favorite of migratory ducks, geese and swans, and its wildlife diversity also includes wading birds, shorebirds, American woodcock, raptors, American alligators, white-tailed deer, raccoons, rabbits, quail, river otters and neotropical migrant songbirds. This wild Outer Banks attraction will put you in touch with parts of nature that city-bound people don't often have a chance to experience.
Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge has great Outer Banks things to do – paddling trails, a wildlife drive and two wildlife trails for you to explore. Hunting and fishing opportunities also exist on the refuge. In non-COVID times the staff offers a variety of interpretive programs at different times of the year, including tram and van tours, canoe tours, red wolf howlings and a program about black bears. Open-air tram tours are offered weekly June through August (a fee and reservations are required). Canoe tours are offered three days a week June through August (fee and reservations required). Red wolf howlings are offered weekly June through August and monthly October, November, December and April and May (a fee is required). Call (252) 216-9464 to see if programs are being held and to find out details and make reservations, or go to the website.
Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge is a more than 164,000-acre refuge on the mainland portion of Dare and Hyde counties. It was established in 1984 to preserve and protect a unique wetland habitat type, the pocosin, and its associated wildlife species. Pocosin is a Native American word meaning ‘swamp-on-a-hill’ and is characterized by poorly drained soils high in organic material. The refuge's diversity of habitat...read more
Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge is a more than 164,000-acre refuge on the mainland portion...read more
Child & Family Oriented in Manteo, NC
The cast and crew of The Lost Colony often stage a children's performance in the summer. They also offer summer camps for children and teens. Check the website for specific details.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 Wanchese, NC
Playful dolphins are some of the most intriguing coastal creatures. If you want to see wild dolphins in their natural habitat in the sound, take a tour on Harbor Star. Based at Wanchese Marina, the wide and stable 50-foot Harbor Star runs two-hour cruises multiple times a day, including sunset. A good thing about this boat is its wide canopy that provides a shady retreat from...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
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
Child & Family Oriented in Manteo, NC
This 2-mile walkway and boarwalk extends from the Dare County Government Complex in Manteo to the Coastal Studies Institute in Skyco, meandering through scenic woodlands and along the marsh. It is dedicated to a remarkable African-American couple who owned and farmed the land surrounding the walkway and government complex. The walkway was funded and is maintained by the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT).read more
