Get ready for some fun!
If you and your family are itching for some family fun, then pack the car and head to Eastern North Carolina. Explore seashore untouched by modern living, try your hand at the batting cages or see sharks up close. Whatever you are looking for, Eastern North Carolina is sure to have it.
Cape Lookout National Seashore
Treat your family to a glimpse of a beach unblemished by development and head to the Cape Lookout National Seashore at Harkers Island. This National Park features over 50 miles of beach that encompass four barrier islands. The islands, only reachable by boat or ferry, offer ample opportunities for families to fish, collect seashells, watch birds, swim, boat or just walk the beaches. For a real treat, head to Shackleford Banks island to see the bands of wild horses that roam the island or bring your tent and camp on the beach. If camping isn't to your family's liking,
rent a cabin on Great Island or Long Point. Visit the Cape Lookout Light Station and Keeper's Museum and learn all about the job of a lighthouse keeper. Remember, the islands are completely undeveloped so families should not only bring their own snacks, meals and drinks but they must carry out their trash as well. Kids of all ages will enjoy touring Historic Portsmouth Village, a fishing village that thrived in the 1700s on Ocracoke Inlet. The Cape Lookout National Seashore is open every day of the year, but the Light Station Visitor Center & Keepers' Quarters Museum and Portsmouth Village Visitor Center are only open from April to November. Also note that a majority of the ferries to the islands operate from April to November.
Cape Lookout National Seashore
131 Charles St.
Harkers Island, NC 28531
252-728-2250
nps.gov/calo
Swing Zone
For a variety of family fun, get into the swing of it at the Swing Zone in New Bern. Swing Zone offers a myriad of family activities such as an 18-hole miniature golf course, paintball fields and baseball batting cages. Toddlers can explore the playground while the older kids test their skills at the many arcade games. The skaters in your family will love the skate park. Snacks and drinks are available at the snack bar. If you are celebrating a major event, such as a birthday or group party, Swing Zone has private group rooms and birthday party areas. Swing Zone is open daily and hours do vary. Please note that the paintball field is available by appointment only Monday through Friday but is open on Saturday and Sunday.
Swing Zone
4605 East US Highway 70
New Bern, NC 28560
252-634-GAME
swingzone.net
North Carolina Aquarium on Roanoke Island
Explore the waters of North Carolina's Outer Banks at the North Carolina Aquarium on Roanoke Island in Manteo. Both parents and kids alike will enjoy the river otters, alligators, dive shows and animal encounters. Plus, the Aquarium is unveiling a new exhibit, "Sharks." Learn about the history of sharks, experience what it is like to be in a shark cage and touch bamboo sharks in the touch tank. Families will also be able to see many different varieties of sharks as well as some freshwater relatives. Those looking to get a behind-the-scenes look at the sharks and their feeding habits are encouraged to sign up for the Snack with the Sharks program. For "human" snacks, they are provided on site but are to be enjoyed outside of the Aquarium. Families are also welcome to bring a picnic lunch to enjoy outside the aquarium. The Aquarium is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Please note that the Aquarium is closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's.
North Carolina Aquarium on Roanoke Island
374 Airport Road
Manteo, NC 27954
866-332-3475
ncaquariums.com
Tags: North Carolina, Swing Zone, Cape Lookout, Cape Lookout National, Lookout National, Lookout National Seashore, National Seashore
