Family Time in The Northern OBX

A family vacation is a chance to reconnect, explore, and create lasting memories together. The Northern Outer Banks is the perfect place for it—with wide, peaceful beaches, wild horse tours, scenic lighthouses, and endless outdoor adventures. It’s where fun and relaxation come naturally, making every moment count.   With so many things to do and see, following is a sample itinerary to customize for your group’s interests or create one of your own from scratch!

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival & Coastal Welcome (Check-In at 4:00 PM)

• 4:00 PM – Arrive and settle into your rental home.
• 5:30 PM – Unpack and explore the house and surrounding area.
• 6:30 PM – Enjoy a casual dinner from a nearby takeout spot or prepare a simple family meal.
• 8:00 PM – Kick off vacation with a game night or walk on the beach.

Day 2: Classic Beach Day & Exploration

Morning

• 8:00 AM – Breakfast and sunscreen.
• 9:00 AM – Head to the beach for swimming, beach games, and shell hunting.

Afternoon

• 12:00 PM – Picnic lunch in Historic Corolla Park or nearby restaurant.
• 1:30 PM – Climb the Currituck Beach Lighthouse and visit the Whalehead or the Currituck Maritime Museum.
• 3:30 PM – Explore Historic Corolla Village or take the Currituck Banks Reserve nature trail.

Evening

• 5:30 PM – Dinner and unwind time.
• 7:00 PM – Dessert outing and sunset beach walk.

Day 3: Waterpark Fun at H2OBX

Morning & Afternoon

• 9:00 AM – Head inland for a full day of slides, lazy river drifting, splash zones, and wave pool fun at H2OBX.
• 12:30 PM – Lunch onsite or packed meal.
• 3:00 PM – Continue enjoying waterpark attractions or relax in a cabana.

Evening

• 5:00 PM – Return to the house for rest.
• 6:30 PM – Light dinner and early night after a big day.

Day 4: Wild Horse Tour & Nature Center

Morning

• 9:00 AM – Take a guided off-road tour to see the wild horses in their natural habitat.
• 11:30 AM – Visit the Outer Banks Center for Wildlife Education to learn about local ecosystems.

Afternoon

• 12:30 PM – Lunch and quiet time.
• 2:30 PM – Family crafts like painting shells or creating memory journals.

Evening

• 5:30 PM – Cook a themed dinner together.
• 7:00 PM – Movie night or card games.

Day 5: Water Sports Adventure

Morning

• 9:00 AM – Rent water equipment like:
  • Jet skis
  • Stand-up paddleboards
  • Kayaks
  • Kiteboards, Surf Boards (lessons optional)

Afternoon

• 12:30 PM – Lunch near the water or back at the rental.
• 2:00 PM – More beach time or poolside rest.

Evening

• 6:00 PM – Family cookout and stargazing from the deck.

Day 6: Flex Day & Keepsake Making

Morning

• 9:00 AM – Free choice: return to the beach, revisit favorite spots, or go shopping for souvenirs.
• 11:30 AM – Make keepsake crafts like decorated frames, jars of sand, or photo albums.

Afternoon

• 1:00 PM – Lunch and pool time.
• 3:00 PM – Play a vacation-themed trivia game or slideshow of trip highlights.

Evening

• 6:00 PM – Final celebratory dinner and dessert.
• 7:30 PM – Family awards or “favorite moment” sharing.

Day 7: Departure (Check-Out at 10:00 AM)

• 7:00 AM – Light breakfast, clean-up, and pack.
• 8:30 AM – Final beach walk or group photo.
• 10:00 AM – Check-out and begin the journey home.