The best things to do in Kill Devil Hills with kids are the Wright Brothers National Memorial, fishing off Avalon Pier, and two nearby favorites, the North Carolina Aquarium on Roanoke Island and the giant dunes at Jockey’s Ridge State Park. The memorial is the one to do first. It is right in town, the grounds are wide open for running, and kids can climb the hill to the monument where the first flights took off. Jockey’s Ridge is the other big one, a mountain of sand for rolling down and flying kites.
| Activity Name | Best For | Key Highlight | Recommended Age | Booking Options |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wright Brothers National Memorial | History | First flight site | All ages | |
| Avalon Pier | Fishing | Ocean views | School-aged | |
| NC Aquarium on Roanoke Island | Rainy Day | Indoor sea life | All ages | |
| Jockey’s Ridge State Park | Adventure | Sand dunes | All ages |
Wright Brothers National Memorial
The Wright Brothers National Memorial has huge open grounds, so kids can run while they learn where flight began.
- The Fun: Running across the grounds and climbing the monument hill for the view.
- Best Age Group: All ages. Toddlers get space, older kids get the history.
- Tip: Park near the visitor center and bring a blanket for a picnic.
- Good to know: Summer afternoons are very hot here. Go in the morning.
Avalon Pier
Fishing off Avalon Pier is a simple way to spend a few hours over the water.
- The Fun: Waiting for a bite, which some kids find endlessly exciting.
- Best Age Group: School-age kids with the patience to hold a rod.
- Tip: Check the tide chart before you go.
- Good to know: It is windy on the pier. Bring a layer even on warm days.
North Carolina Aquarium on Roanoke Island
The Outer Banks Children at Play Museum closed in 2018, so the indoor plan for bad weather is now the North Carolina Aquarium on Roanoke Island in Manteo, open every day except Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.
- The Fun: Tanks full of local sea life, all indoors.
- Best Age Group: All ages, toddlers included.
- Tip: Check the hours on the website before you go.
- Good to know: It is in Manteo, across the causeway from the beach towns, so allow for the drive.
Jockey’s Ridge State Park
Jockey’s Ridge State Park is a giant dune field where there is no wrong way to play.
- The Fun: Rolling down the sand hills and flying kites in the steady wind.
- Best Age Group: All ages, though small kids need help on the steep parts.
- Tip: Wear slip-on shoes or go barefoot. Sand gets everywhere.
- Good to know: The sand gets scorching in the middle of the day. Late afternoon is cooler.
Where to Stay in Kill Devil Hills
Staying near what you actually plan to do is the difference between a relaxed morning and a drive. These two searches cover Kill Devil Hills directly, hotels on one and whole rentals on the other.
FAQs About Things to Do in Kill Devil Hills with Kids
Is Kill Devil Hills good for toddlers?
Yes. The aquarium in Manteo and the giant sandbox at Jockey’s Ridge both suit toddlers, and neither takes much planning.
Do I need to book activities in advance?
You can walk into most places, but booking ahead saves waiting in line in peak season.
What should I pack for a day out with kids?
Plenty of water, sunscreen and snacks. Fed, watered kids last much longer.
What are the best things to do in Kill Devil Hills with kids?
Most families start with Wright Brothers National Memorial and Avalon Pier.
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