Spring is an amazing time of year to visit the Outer Banks. Temperatures are cooler, crowds are a bit lighter, and the beautiful Outer Banks region is permeated by the sights, sounds, and smells of all aspects of nature coming back to life. Families, couples, and students are all enjoying time off, and there’s no better place to relax, unwind, and have some fun than the Outer Banks. Whether you travel with kids, a partner, friends, or just yourself, the entire area has plenty of great options for a spring break visit. Keep reading for our top things to do on spring break in Outer Banks.
Spring Break for Families
You only have 18 precious springs with each of your kids, so make them count! The Outer Banks is the perfect place to make spring break memories with those you love.
- Hit the beach! The Outer Banks offers a variety of beach experiences including big waves on the Atlantic side or a laid-back vibe on the western side. Bring some games, boogie boards, books, buckets, and shovels, and go enjoy the beach! Cabana Boys Beach Services can assist by providing chairs and other things you need on the beach. Visit our beaches page for information on Outer Banks Beaches.
- For a break from the weather check out Outer Banks GearWorks Laser Tag & Fun Center in Nags Head. With laser tag, an arcade, and kid-approved food, this is a fun stop.
- Visually stimulating and educational, the North Carolina Aquarium on Roanoke Island is a fantastic stop for the whole family! Be sure to book tickets in advance.
- Take a hike! There are a variety of trails suitable for the whole family in the Outer Banks. Nags Head Woods Preserve has an easy half-mile loop trail through a beautiful maritime forest. Jockey’s Ridge State Park is known for kid-friendly hiking and other fun activities.
- If the kids are six or older, test your physical and mental limits on ziplines and obstacle courses at First Flight Adventure Park in Nags Head.
- Enjoy hands-on history at Island Farm, where you can explore what life was like on 1850’s Roanoke Island. They offer live demonstrations and unique programs, and kids three and under are free.
Spring Break for College Students
Get ready for an epic spring break in Outer Banks, perfect for students seeking sun, sand, and fun! Dive into the vibrant beach scene or challenge your friends to both indoor and outdoor adventures. Whatever your vibe, the Outer Banks has the ultimate spring break experience waiting for you.
- Head for the beach! The Beach is the main attraction, of course. Take time to chill with friends, play ball on the many Outer Banks Atlantic beaches, or find a calm spot on the beautiful western side of the islands.
- Go, go, go! Active and adventurous spring breakers can try hang gliding lessons, or head to Buxton for mini golf and go-karts! Kill Devil Hills is home to the Casey R Logan Disc Golf Course, and for even more action, try your hand at axe throwing at Jumpmasters Trampoline Park and OBX Axe Throwing in Mateo. If that’s not enough fun, rent dune buggies at Good Vibrations Beach Rides!
- Indoor activities abound in the Outer Banks, so if weather is an issue, put together a team and see if you can escape the OB Xscape Rooms in Southern Shores. There’s also much fun to be had at OBX Bowling Center in Nags Head.
Spring Break for Arts and Culture Lovers
Embark on a cultural exploration in the Outer Banks, where art, history, and Native American heritage intertwine. From DIY workshops to galleries showcasing local talent, immerse yourself in creativity.
- Create your own art! The AR Workshop in Kill Devil Hills offers DIY workshops, so you can create a work of beauty and take it home.
- Shop for unique works of art. Glenn Eure’s Ghost Fleet Gallery in Nags Head features his amazing work in a variety of mediums. In Kill Devil Hills, there’s the KDH Cooperative, an artist-operated gallery with over 40 juried members.
- Seek out history. The Fort Raleigh National Historic Site in Manteo offers a visitor's center, interpretive programs, a bookstore, and a nature trail. While you’re there, don’t miss the gorgeous Elizabethan Gardens. Also on Roanoke Island is the Freedmen's Colony which is recognized as a historic National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom Site.
- Discover Native American culture. The Frisco Native American Museum and Natural History Center has several galleries of native art, exhibits, and natural history displays. You can also take a nature walk on their system of trails.
Spring Break for Outdoor Enthusiasts
Gear up for an outdoor adventure on your next spring break in Outer Banks, where natural wonders await at every turn. Dive into DIY workshops, then hit any of the area’s stunning trails for a bit of cultural exploration amidst natural beauty. From coastline adventures to hiking trails, the Outer Banks is a paradise for active folks who love the outdoors.
- Stay active on land. Enjoy exquisite flora and fauna by hiking the many OBX trails. Click here for some fantastic Outer Banks hikes. If running is more your speed, there are a few amazing places to run in the OBX.
- Get wet! Needless to say, our island communities offer plenty of opportunities to enjoy the water. For kayaking, paddleboarding, jet skiing, and more, Kitty Hawk Watersports is a one-stop shop for rentals or guided tours. There is also sailing, tubing, parasailing, and other water sports at Nor’ Banks in Duck. Or check out these fantastic water activities in the Outer Banks.
Fly high. We mentioned land and water, and don’t forget the air! A view of our amazing islands from the sky can’t be beat, and there are a variety of ways to get it. Take a biplane ride at OBX Airplanes or try hang gliding lessons or flights with Kitty Hawk Kites.