Today is National Crossword Puzzle Day! The first crossword puzzle was published on December 21, 1913 and ever since, people around the world have loved the challenge of this part-trivia part-word game mash-up. In honor of National Crossword Puzzle Day, we have created an Outer Banks themed Crossword Puzzle to really test your OBX knowledge!
Below, you will find a crossword puzzle for adults and one for kids. Some OBX knowledge is required but if you get stuck, answer keys are provided! You'll find a printable .pdf version and the answer key are located below each crossword. Good luck and enjoy!
Outer Banks Crossword Puzzle (2019 Edition)
Difficulty: Medium
Recommended Age: 13+
Tip: If an answer is made up of two words, do not enter a space in between the words. For example, if the answer was "Kitty Hawk," the clue should be filled in as one word: KITTYHAWK.
Across
8. Name of the luxurious gardens in Manteo that serve as a living memorial to the lost colonists of Roanoke Island.
9. This “side” of the beach is great for kids and perfect for watersports, crabbing, and watching sunsets.
10. Transportation method that will take visitors from Hatteras Island to Ocracoke Island.
12. Family who built the Whalehead Club building in the 1920s.
13. A landscape next to water that is proven to have benefits on someone’s physical, mental, and emotional health.
15. Name of the bridge that once connected Nags Head to Hatteras Island but was replaced in February 2019.
16. Type of scurrying crab you can “hunt” at night with flash lights.
17. September 2019 Hurricane that left a path of destruction on the Outer Banks, especially Hatteras Island and Ocracoke Island.
19. First foal born to the Corolla Wild Horse herd in March 2019.
20. Visit this place in Manteo to see the beloved river otters Finn and Banks along with sting rays, fish, sea turtles, and sharks.
21. This lunar experience occurred on January 21, 2019 at the same time as the Lunar Eclipse creating a unique blood-red color.
22. Name for a fun dining experience guests can have in their rental home where shellfish is steamed alongside corn and red potatoes.
Down
1. Type of seafood that is commonly eaten raw or steamed.
2. Since 1999, this “Dr.” has chosen at least one Outer Banks town as the top beach in America.
3. Lifesaving station built in 1874 known for the rescue of the SS Mirlo in 1918 during WWI.
4. Nickname for Sandy Run Park in Kitty Hawk due to the animals that fill the canals.
5. Relaxing activity that is best done after a high tide or storm in areas of the beach with little foot traffic.
6. Nickname given to the Wild Corolla horses that originally descended from 16th century Spanish Mustangs.
7. Unique material created by the tumbling surf that comes in many shapes, sizes, and colors.
11. Lighthouse that is 162-ft. tall, boasts a first-order Fresnel lens and is recognized for its natural brick color.
14. Legend says that you may encounter this half-man half-animal creature in Nags Head Woods and he may chase you with an axe.
18. On Ocracoke Island, a small British cemetery is home to a memorial for sailors from this ship that was struck down by German U-Boats in 1942.
23. This Wright Brother flew the final flight on December 17, 1903 that lasted 59 seconds and traveled 852 feet.
26. Acronym for the rescue organization that partners with the NC Aquarium system to save sea turtles.
Printable Version: Click here to open a printable .pdf version.
Answer Key: Want to check your answers or you're ready to give up? Click here to view the answer key.
Outer Banks Crossword Puzzle (Kid's Edition)
Difficulty: Easy
Recommended Age: 5+
Tip: All of the answers are related to the beach!
Across
1. It’s fun to walk along the beach and look for these—they come in many shapes, sizes, and colors. You can even take them home with you!
3. If you’re outside during the summer, you should wear these to protect your eyes.
5. This ocean mammal is sometimes spotted playing in the waves.
7. This gritty substance is found on the beach and sticks to everything!
9. This candy is made from salt water and comes in many flavors. It’s very, very chewy!
10. This season is a fun time to come to the beach because it’s warm and sunny!
Down
1. This black and white bird who lives at the beach is always calling out for food.
2. You can build this on the beach using a bucket and a shovel—but be fast so the waves don’t wash it away!
6. Fly this object in the sky on a windy day.
8. This activity can be done in the ocean, in the sound, or in a pool.
Word Bank
SAND | SEAGULL | SUNGLASSES | SWIM | TAFFY
SANDCASTLE | SUMMER | DOLPHIN | KITE | SHELL
Printable Version: Click here to open a printable .pdf version.
Answer Key: Want to check your answers or you're ready to give up? Click here to view the answer key.
About the Author: Jessie has been coming to the Outer Banks since she was just 5 years old. She loved it here so much that she finally relocated in 2018. Now her mission is to show the world that the Outer Banks is an incredible place that everyone should experience. When she isn't working, you can find Jessie hanging out with her friends, chilling at home with a good book, or discovering a new Outer Banks adventure.
