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There's nothing quite as disappointing as having a rainy day when you're vacationing on the beach. No one wants to trade in waves for a ceiling fan. It may be unfortunate in many coastal areas to be unable to hit the sand, but not in the OBX. There's still plenty to keep you entertained. Here we have a list of our favorite rainy day activities in the Outer Banks, North Carolina.
Aycock Brown Welcome Center
Whether this is your first time on this part of shore or the 100th, there is always some value in taking a walk through the welcome center in Kitty Hawk. The Outer Banks Visitor Bureau gives you an overview of all the things to see, dining, experiences, and more for you to take in during your time in the OBX. As one visitor put it, "We always stop here when in town. It's a fun spot to load up on brochures and get suggestions from locals. It's also a wonderful time for a break and snacks purchased inside."
North Carolina Aquarium
On Roanoke Island, multiple wildlife facilities have come together in unity to represent this North Carolina Aquarium. Here, you can learn more about the variety of creatures you will see on the island and beyond. Because of the difference in specialties that came together to make this aquarium, there are all kinds of unique ways to make use of a visit. Available throughout the year are:
Want to get even more involved with the aquarium? You are able to adopt a land or sea creature. Picking an animal helps provide for it over the next year. Pricing starts at $35. These are the options for adoptions:
Tickets for admission are $12.95 for ages 13 and up.
OBX Mystery Dinner in Kill Devil Hills
Want to do something that involves dinner and entertainment without a screen? Check out the two-hour mystery dinner! The show starts at the door when you get there. Members of the mystery are there to show you around before the opening scene. Each time one of the four total courses is served, you have a chance to chat with the actors. This gives you the opportunity to try and get info to help narrow your list of suspects. There is a prize involved for those who guess correctly. Ticket prices start at $53.36.
Seagreen Gallery
Located in Nags Head, this is a shopping experience worth skipping the beach for even when it's not raining. At least 60 local artists have their work here, along with plenty from other places around the world. This family-owned gallery features art that is born from other items. This shop is repurpose at its finest with an ever-changing inventory as well as a whimsical garden in the back. It would be an afternoon well spent walking around and taking in all the pieces.
Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum
The shipwrecks are something of legend since the days boats started exploring the oceans. Finally, there's a place to see the mystery held in these wrecks. The first thing to notice about the Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum is that the building is actually shaped like a ship itself. It takes about an hour to walk through, but it isn't like other museums. There is a scavenger hunt and participants get a surprise!
This is also a place that is fun to visit each time you're in town, or if you're local, since they bring out new exhibits every year. Go through at your own pace with a self-guided tour. Another great part is that the museum is free for all.
Wright Brothers National Memorial
The Wright Brothers National Memorial, dedicated to the first-in-flight moment is outdoors, but there's much more to take in when you check out the museum. In the making since 1903, this experience is a walk back through the time of aviation and the mechanics that made flight possible. Tickets are $10 for adults.
OBX Bowling Center
So, you can't get out to Jockey's Ridge State Park or the ocean but want to get exercise? Head over to Nags Head and get your strong arm ready to hit the lanes! The bowling center lists upcoming events and package deals on its website. There are also themed bowling nights, such as Rock N' Roll and Senior Night. Don't forget to go on an empty stomach. There are plenty of handheld selections to fill you up but not distract you from the game.
As you can see, no matter the weather in the OBX, there is no reason the whole family won't be busy and making the most of the trip. Create memories out of both educational and just plain enjoyable activities all over the Outer Banks. With options like these, you might not want to go back home.
After getting accepted to ECU, I started looking for things to do in and around Greenville, NC. However, my searches kept taking me to places in South Carolina! There must be things to do around ECU, so I started asking other students. They kept telling me to graduate and move away! This inspired me to begin exploring eastern North Carolina and build this website as a showcase of the places to go, sights to see, and things to do all over eastern NC. I have fallen in love with this region and started taking up roots here. After graduating, I didn't move away - I bought a house here and continue to explore eastern North Carolina.
