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 Wanchese, NC
4457 Mill Landing Road, Wanchese
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 the summer sun! Cost is $20 for adults and $15 for kids ages 12 and younger (infants ride free). Look for the boat at the docks by The Landing Grill, and be sure to enjoy a meal or snack there if you're hungry.
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
Playful dolphins are some of the most intriguing coastal creatures. If you want to see...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
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, jet ski rentals, standup paddleboard (SUP) and kayak 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...read more
Child & Family Oriented in Manteo, NC
For four days in October, the waterfront area of Manteo is alive with the sound of banjos, fiddles, guitars and phenomenal bluegrass singers. Music enthusiasts won’t want to miss this event where the tunes of the mountains pay a visit to the coast as regional bands and solo musicians showcase their talent. Depending on your affinity for bluegrass, you may choose to spend...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
