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.
Featured for Your Visit
Pirate's Cove Yacht Club & Marina
Child & Family Oriented in Manteo, NC
2000 Sailfish Drive, Docks at Pirate's Cove Marina, Manteo
Looking to get out on the water? Crystal Dawn, docked at Pirate's Cove Marina on the Nags Head/Manteo Causeway, is a comfortable, 65-foot, double-decker party boat / head boat that's all about good times on the water. Whether you want to take the kids fishing in the sound and around Oregon Inlet or gather up your friends and family for a party cruise around Roanoke Island, they have got you covered. For sightseeing on the sound, Sunset Cruises are offered from 6 to 7:30 pm nightly in April, May, September and October. During the summer season in June, July, and August cruises are from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Along the way you'll see lighthouses, historic sites, working watermen and wildlife like birds and dolphin. Crystal Dawn is available for private charters for birthday and anniversary celebrations, bachelor and bachelorette parties, small weddings, school groups, ashes at sea ceremonies, family functions and more. The boat can accommodate up to 100 passengers. On one of their half-day head boat fishing trips, you'll catch fish such as flounder, croaker, spot, trout, sea mullet, sea bass and more, depending on the season and conditions. All bait, tackle and licenses are furnished, and this is a great way to introduce kids to fishing. The on-board mate can help with everything. They limit the number of passengers on fishing trips to 50 for the comfort of all passengers. Ask about other tours, including the 4th of July Fireworks Cruise and Purple Martin Excursions in late July and early August.
Looking to get out on the water? Crystal Dawn, docked at Pirate's Cove Marina on the Nags Head/Manteo Causeway, is a comfortable, 65-foot, double-decker party boat / head boat that's all about good times on the water. Whether you want to take the kids fishing in the sound and around Oregon Inlet or gather up your friends and family for a party cruise around Roanoke Island,...read more
Looking to get out on the water? Crystal Dawn, docked at Pirate's Cove Marina on...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
Supplementing cultural arts programs in local schools, the Mustang Outreach Program works tirelessly to increase Outer Banks students’ exposure and access to music. In 2012, Mike Dianna, founder of Bearded Face Productions, teamed up with acclaimed local blues musician Ruth Wyand to launch the Mustang Outreach Program. The program welcomes all 3rd through 12th grade students from Currituck and Dare counties, giving them a way...read more
Child & Family Oriented in Roanoke Island, NC
As if an air tour over the Outer Banks isn't exciting enough, OBX Air Tour Adventures takes it even further by offering a variety of unique aircraft for their tours. With this company you can choose to soar over the beautiful barrier islands and waters in a helicopter, an open-cockpit biplane or a vintage WWII T-6 Texan. Their air-conditioned Robinson R-44 helicopter gives three passengers an unparalleled...read more
Let someone else do the driving while you look for wildlife and listen to narration about the wildlife, plant life and history at Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge. Bring your binoculars, camera, drinking water, snacks and insect repellent, and be sure to dress for the weather. The tram benches have no cushions, so you might want to bring a seat cushion, towel or blanket to...read more
Outer Banks Adventures offers a variety of guided outdoor adventures on the Outer Banks, including airboat rides, SUP tours and wildlife and bear tours in Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge. The only airboat adventure tour on the islands, their one-hour airboat eco-tours cover 27 miles of the sound near Nags Head and Roanoke Island in their high-speed, open-air boat. Tours leave from Nags Head/Manteo Causeway...read more
Child & Family Oriented in Manteo, NC
The Outer Banks has its own summer Premier Collegiate League baseball team, the Outer Banks Scallywags. They will host 30 games at Coy Tillett Sr. Memorial Field at Manteo High School from June 1 to August 5 (depending on tournament status). Formerly known as the Outer Banks Daredevils, the Scallywags will also host Youth Summer Baseball Camps for ages 5 to 13 in June and...read more
Child & Family Oriented in Manteo, NC
In the roundabout at the intersection of Sir Walter Raleigh and Bideford streets, a part of the community's African-American heritage is being preserved and interpreted with a statue and a museum. A life-sized bronze statue of Richard Etheridge, the first African-American United States Life-Saving Service Keeper at Pea Island Station on the Outer Banks, is in the roundabout's median. Adjacent, the Pea Island Cookhouse Museum...read more
Child & Family Oriented in Wanchese, NC
Walker Park has a baseball field, a softball field, a covered picnic pavilion, a tennis court and a playground. You'll find it in Wanchese on Pond Road, which is just off Old Wharf Road.read more
Child & Family Oriented in Manteo, NC
This little museum and gallery is behind the home of the owner on Ananias Dare Street across the main highway from the downtown area. Herbert Bliven runs a small museum housing his collection of Civil War artifacts that he found on Roanoke Island. You’ll also see World War I and II, Native American and Korean War memorabilia as well as antique decoys. He also operates...read more
Child & Family Oriented in Manteo, NC
Experience a new adventure in an old world at Roanoke Island Festival Park. This 25-acre historic site allows guests of all ages to experience first-hand what life was like for the first English settlers in 1585. Historic costumed interpreters are featured through Indian Town, the Settlement Site and the Elizabeth II ship to show and tell how the first settlers lived...read more
Child & Family Oriented in Manteo, NC
Originally a boathouse used to build world-record–holding speedboats, this building has seen a variety of boat-building uses in its day. The building’s double-wide doors and barn-like roominess create the perfect setting for this working boathouse museum. The Roanoke Island Maritime Museum is a treasure-trove of local seafaring history. Come inside for a look at some locally built boats and possibly to see boat building in...read more
Child & Family Oriented in Manteo, NC
Perched over the water along Manteo’s waterfront boardwalk, the picturesque Roanoke Marshes Lighthouse is perfectly suited to the town’s maritime setting. This Victorian stick-style lighthouse is a reproduction of the third Roanoke Marshes Lighthouse, which never stood on the Manteo waterfront but in the Croatan Sound from 1877 to 1955. Out there in the sound, the Roanoke Marshes Lighthouse keepers lived on the lonely lighthouse...read more
