Rainy Day Adventures: Fun Family Activities on the Outer Banks
While the Outer Banks is known for its stunning beaches and outdoor adventures, the occasional rainy day can add a new dimension to your vacation. In fact, a little rain can bring out the hidden gems and cozy activities that make this coastal area truly special. Here are some fun, family-friendly activities to enjoy when the weather keeps you indoors.
Explore the North Carolina Aquarium on Roanoke Island
The North Carolina Aquarium on Roanoke Island offers an underwater adventure perfect for all ages. Children can marvel at the diverse marine life, from playful otters to majestic sharks. Interactive exhibits, such as the Sea Turtle Assistance and Rehabilitation (STAR) Center, provide educational and engaging experiences.
Catch a Movie or a Show!
A rainy day is a perfect opportunity to catch a family-friendly movie at R/C Kill Devil Hills Movies 10. With comfortable seating and a variety of snacks, it's a great way to relax and enjoy the latest blockbusters or animated features. Check out Pioneer Theater and Theatre of Dare for even more fun entertainment options. For a movie night in the comfort of your rental, take a look at our list of movies and shows set on the Outer Banks!
Go Bowling at OBX Bowling Center
For some active indoor fun, head to the OBX Bowling Center in Nags Head. With lanes for bowling, arcade games, and a snack bar, it's a great spot for families to spend a rainy afternoon. The friendly atmosphere and variety of activities ensure everyone has a good time.
Visit the Dare County Library
For a quiet and cozy afternoon, visit one of the Dare County Library branches. Many locations host storytimes and craft sessions, making it a great place to relax and enjoy some family time. Keep an eye for fun events and things to do when the rain sets in.
Get Crafty
Embrace the arts on the Outer Banks! Head to Studio 12 in Avon where you can paint today and pick up tomorrow! No appointments necessary. And as a Seaside Vacations guest, you can save 10% off pottery through Club Seaside! Enjoy workshops and other fun DIY experiences at AR Workshop in Kill Devil Hills, where the kids are sure to have an unforgettable time.
Taste the Outer Banks at Local Eateries
A rainy day is a great opportunity to sample the culinary delights of the Outer Banks. Many local restaurants offer cozy atmospheres and delicious dishes that highlight regional flavors. Try waterfront dining, Southern comfort food, or delectable desserts at family-friendly spots like The Kill Devil Grill, Blue Moon Beach Grill, or The SaltBox Café. A rainy day is the perfect day to relax with a cup of coffee (and a hot chocolate for the kiddos) from one of our inviting coffee shops or trying something new from a specialty bakery.
Enjoy Board Games and Puzzles at Home
When the rain keeps you indoors, there's nothing quite like gathering the family around for a fun-filled day of board games and puzzles. This timeless form of entertainment brings everyone together, fostering teamwork, friendly competition, and lots of laughter. Whether you're diving into a strategic game of Settlers of Catan, testing your trivia knowledge with Trivial Pursuit, or piecing together a challenging jigsaw puzzle, these activities offer a great way to bond and create lasting memories. Plus, playing board games and puzzles can enhance critical thinking, improve problem-solving skills, and encourage creativity, making it a productive and enjoyable way to spend a rainy day on the Outer Banks. Bring your favorites from home or head to Walmart or Target for a great selection of fun things to do! So, grab your favorite games, cozy up with some snacks, and let the fun begin!
Visit the Outer Banks Center for Wildlife Education
Located north in Corolla, the Outer Banks Center for Wildlife Education provides a fascinating look at the region's natural habitats and wildlife. The center features interactive exhibits, including a diorama of local wildlife, an extensive collection of duck decoys, and a film about the history of the Currituck Sound. The hands-on exhibits and educational programs are perfect for children and adults alike. Weekly programs and activities schedule can be found here. Please call to register for programs.
Go Shopping
Take advantage of the rainy weather to explore the unique shops and boutiques scattered throughout the Outer Banks. From local art galleries and souvenir shops to bookstores and specialty stores, there's plenty to discover. Check out our guide to The Best Outer Banks Shopping Destinations for a more in-depth look at some of the best outlets and shopping centers here on the beach! Whether you're in Corolla and Duck or closer to Nags Head, you're sure to find a wide selection of shops that are sure to make a great day out with the kids!
Indoor Recreation
In addition to awesome beaches and amazing places to shop, the Outer Banks also offers options for indoor family fun that are perfect for getting moving and spending time together - rain or shine! Head on over to Turf's Up OBX for a unique entertainment experience with sports simulators, golf lessons, and special event hosting! For something even more active, and great for the kids, Jumpmasters OBX is an amazing rainy day activity with open jump spaces, the ninja warrior course, battle beam, dodgeball, and a giant airbag! And don't forget OBX Laster Tag & Arcade where you can enjoy arcade games and laser tag adventures for hours of fun!
Get Competitive at an Escape Room
Put your problem-solving skills to the test at OB-Xscape Rooms in Kitty Hawk. This escape room experience is a fun and challenging activity for families with older children. Choose from a variety of themed rooms and work together to solve puzzles and escape within the time limit. They're conveniently located near the heart of Southern Shores, so it's easy to make a day of it while getting some shopping done, grabbing dinner, and making memories! Further south? Escape Hatteras is your ultimate destination for a mysterious Cape Hatteras adventure that your family will love.
Visit a Museum
The Outer Banks is home to an incredible history spanning centuries - what better way to learn about it than to explore one of our many museums on a rainy day? Sure to be the highlight of your trip, make your way down to the Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum which is newly renovated and now open to the public to explore! Also be sure to check out the Frisco Native American Museum, where Seaside Vacations guests can enjoy 10% off admission as part of Club Seaside! A visit to Roanoke Island Festival Park on a rainy day warrants an exploration of the Adventure Museum where you'll find lots of fun interactive exhibits for the kids to explore. Stop by the Chicamicomico Lifesaving Station for a tour of this historic precursor to the Coast Guard before heading north to explore the Whalehead Club, a historic Art-Nouveau-style mansion specializing in 1920s architecture and offering a glimpse into the past.
Check out an Art Gallery
The Outer Banks offers no shortage of amazing art galleries displaying some of the amazing work that Outer Banks artists produce year-round. Dare Arts displays the work of 100 artists in their gallery, with artists renewing biannually. Head to the Gallery Row Arts District in Nags Head where you can experience a community of art galleries, shops, boutiques, and dining experiences boasting brilliant artwork, creative locals, and several galleries dedicated to capturing some of what makes the Outer Banks so special. Further south, the Pea Island Art Gallery offers an even greater glimpse into the cultural heritage of the Outer Banks through art.
Enjoy the OBX - Rain or Shine!
Rainy days on the Outer Banks can be just as enjoyable as sunny ones, with a variety of activities that cater to all interests and ages. Whether you're exploring museums, engaging in creative pursuits, or simply enjoying some indoor entertainment, there's no shortage of fun to be had. Embrace the opportunity to discover new experiences and make lasting memories with your family, rain or shine.
Book your stay today in one of our cozy vacation rentals and explore all the best and brightest that the Outer Banks has to offer. Give our wonderful Guest Services Team a call today at (866) 884-0267 or take a look at our available rentals to get started planning your next historic adventure to the Outer Banks.
And don't forget about our layaway plan, which makes booking your dream vacation easier than ever. So don't wait. We're booking Outer Banks vacation rentals year round and we're excited to help you create memories to last a lifetime. We're here to help make your OBX vacation fun, exciting, and hassle-free. Give us a call today! Be sure to provide accurate information and make any necessary payments.
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About the Author: Lauren is an Outer Banks local, mom, trained historian, and travel enthusiast. When she isn’t writing for the Seaside Vacations Travel Blog, Lauren can usually be found with her nose in a book or cuddling with her cats.
