Fun Things to Do with Teens on the Outer Banks

1) Adventures & Tours Teens Won't Forget

While your teen is on vacation, their first activity should be one that is specific to the area! The Outer Banks is rich in history featuring natural estuaries, diverse wildlife and a totally unique geography... and your teen will love exploring them all! Signing up for a tour from a local company provides both an educational and fun experience. These tours are navigated by local professionals to ensure you learn everything you can about the Outer Banks. 

Dolphin Tours (Fast, Fun, & Instagram-Worthy)

Few experiences are as exciting as seeing wild dolphins up close. Even the coolest teens will love hopping on a boat and enjoying the speed, splash, and wildlife factor.

Captain Johnny's Dolphin Tours
Book a dolphin tour at Captain Johnny's Dolphin Tours! Your teenager will love the boat ride and the chance to see some gorgeous Bottlenose Dolphins! Local Captain Stuart Wescott is a 9th-generation OBX native who grew up exploring the surrounding waters and now he takes locals and visitors alike out into the sound in his 55-ft long Coast Guard certified boat, The Captain Johnny. Tours depart in the morning and afternoon and he even has a sunset dolphin watch tour!

Seaside Vacations guests will receive one (1) free dolphin tour ticket per rental home (free ticket for morning tours only). 

Harbor Star Dolphin Tours
You can also book a dolphin tour with Harbor Star Dolphin Tours at Wanchese Marina and Landing Grill. This trip is guaranteed to be a great time for the entire family. The trip is 2 hours and leaves multiple times per day, including a sunset cruise. We also offer private charters. Stop in the marina store for all your snacks and beverages or feel free to bring your own cooler. 

Kids eat FREE at The Landing Grill through Club Seaside for Seaside Vacations guests (with purchase of adult meal). Book a Half-Day or Full-Day Charter & receive complimentary refreshments.

Aerial Tours (Next-Level OBX Views)

For teens who crave something unforgettable, an aerial tour delivers and creates memories they'll be talking about for years.

Aero Adventures with Kitty Hawk Kites
Our partner, Kitty Hawk Kites, is known their unforgettable OBX experiences and your teen is going to love the chance to explore the Outer Banks from above. They offer both Bi-Plane and Cessna tours of various lengths throughout the day, meaning there's plenty of options to fit in a photo-worthy family adventure. Catch a glimpe of Roanoke Island, the Wright Brothers Memorial, Jockey's Ridge, and more in a truly surreal aerial experience.

UltraFlight OBX
UltraFlight OBX will give your teen the adventure of a lifetime with a tour like you've never seen before. At UltraFlight OBX, take an aerial tour in an open-air, motorized hang glider made to provide an unobstructed 360-degree view of the OBX! Learn to steer with the guidnace of the instructor (can you imagine going back to school and telling your friends about that?!?!) or just sit back and enjoy the experience.

Seaside Vacations guests receive 10% off a 30-minute flight through Club Seaside.

OBX Airplanes
OBX Airplanes also offers a wide variety of tours that your teen is sure to love, from flight lessons to cessna and bi-plane tours all leaving from First Flight Airport. Check out their curated and custom tour packages that make the perfect gift for your hard-to-shop-for teen.

2) High-Energy Games, Go-Karts & Arcades

Just because you're vacationing on a barrier island doesn't mean you won't have access to any fun activities or amenities that you may enjoy in your home town. The Outer Banks has dozens of companies perfect for an evening of family fun so grab your teen and head to one of the following places to get your game on!

Indoor Sports & VR

Turf's Up OBX
Rainy day? No problem. Turf's Up is a unique and awesome indoor sports arena that your teens will want to visit more than once on their trip! Reserve a bay and choose from an array of virtual sports activities that you play with a huge interactive screen. Choose from baseball, football, soccer, hockey and zombie dodgeball or select one of over 90 golf courses to play a round of golf. You can even try your luck at carnival games! While you're there, be sure to book some time to try Virtual Reality! This truly original experience will work on your balance, test your reflexes, and transform your world into one like you have never known before.

Go-Karts, Mini Golf, & Arcades

A tried and true fun outdoor activity, let your teens challenge each other in 18 holes of mini golf! Classic teen competition never goes out of style.

Miniature Golf
Try Mutiny Bay Adventure Golf in Nags Head (they also have go-karts!), Lost Treasure Golf in Kill Devil Hills (featuring 2 different 18-hole courses and a mining train you can ride), Paradise Golf in Kitty Hawk (also has go-karts, bumper cars and arcade games), and Corolla Adventure Golf in Corolla (with bumper cars!).

Destination Fun
Destination Fun Zone features an indoor black light mini golf course, a bounce house, lazer tag and an arcade.

OBX Laser Tag
OBX Laser Tag is the Outer Banks' #1 Arcade and Laser Tag arena with a wide variety of games as well as 20+ laser tags games to choose from including teams, free-for-all, and zombie apocalypse.

Bowling (Day or Night)

Another traditional but exciting chance for a little friendly competition... bowling! OBX Bowling Center in Nags Head is the perfect rainy day activity and will keep you entertained for hours. You can even go after dark for some late night "rock n' bowl"-ing! The alley features a cafe, updated arcade, and new state-of-the-art interactive touch screen scoring systems. Can you get a strike?

Escape Rooms

Put your problem-solving skills to the test at OB-Xscape Rooms in Kitty Hawk. Teens will love the challenge of getting out of one of the themed rooms while working together to tell a story. This is a great way to spend the time on a rainy day or any time! Further south? Escape Hatteras is your ultimate destination for a mysterious Cape Hatteras adventure that your family will love. The problem-solving, adventure aspect keeps things exciting while giving teens somewhere to focus their energy.

3) Water Sports Teens Are Obsessed With

The Outer Banks is truly a playground for water-sports fanatics. Teens are going to love the different thrill-seeking opportunities that keep them from getting bored!

Surf Lessons
Surfing lessons will be the highlight of any vacation for your adventure-seeking teen. Many local surfers are experienced in working with teens and are skilled in helping your teen gain confidence while trying something new and learning the basics like paddling, popping up, and knowing when to head out on the waves. Most first-timers will be able to stand up by the end of the lesson, meaning that your teen will leave vacation with a new life skill and plenty of stories to share with their friends when they get back! Check out surf lessons from Kitty Hawk Kites or check out surfing camps like Surf Hatteras or Endless Summer Surf OBX.

Kayaking/Stand-Up Paddleboarding
If your teen is looking for something a little less intense but still exciting, kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding is a perfect soundside option. They'll get the chance to still head out and explore the marshes and estuaries of the Outer Banks while staying in calmer waters. This activity is perfect for teens who enjoy spotting wildlife while staying active and experiencing the extreme beauty of the beach. Soundside watersport adventures are also a great option for older teens looking to have a little bit of independence while learning responsibility and having a good time with their friends. Check out Kitty Hawk Kites or Island Cycles for rentals!

Bodyboarding/Skimboarding
For your teens that are looking for something a little more low-key that they can do while the family lounges on the beach, bodyboarding and skimboarding is the perfect option for an easy entrance activity that will make memories to talk about for years. The shore breaks in Kitty Hawk, Kill Devil Hills, and Nags Head are ideal for capitalizing on those sandbars close to the beach, making these activities incredibly accessible and loads of fun. Teens can easily spend hours riding the waves, trying different tricks, and challenging their friends to some fun competition, often while staying close to home. Boogie boards and skim boards can easily be purchased at local stores like Wings or more specialized shops like Kitty Hawk Surf Co. and Outer Banks Boarding Company. 

Jet Ski Rentals
For an absolute classic, you can't go wrong with jet ski rentals for your older teens. Taking a jet ski on the sound is one of the biggest adrenaline rushes your teen can experience on the Outer Banks. Get ready to ride across the sound waters at high speeds while enjoying a fulfilling change of pace from relaxing at the beach. Age restrictions, safety briefings, and adult supervision requirements vary by outfitter, but for older, responsible teens, renting a jet ski is sure to be the thrill of a lifetime. Look for rentals from Kitty Hawk Kites, Causeway Watersports, Corolla Water Sports, or Hatteras Watersports, depending on your location.

First Flight Adventure Park
Teens especially, but everyone in the family is sure to love the thrilling obstacle course at First Flight Adventure Park. The one-of-a-kind hurricane-themed course was designed by Challenge Design Innovations with the help of Wicked Oceans. First Flight Adventure Park includes 42 obstacles as well as 6 zip lines that are sure to entertain everyone in your family ages 6 and up. Materials used in this unique obstacle course include cables, ropes, wood, buoys, barrels, and more. Burn off some energy, compete with friends, and live out those reality game show dreams.

Seaside Vacations guests can save 10% per person when using promotional code "Club Seaside."

4) OBX's Biggest Water Park

This is a guaranteed teen favorite! A visit to the Outer Banks isn't complete without stopping by H2OBX - The Outer Banks premier water park! Spend the day embracing the epitome of an ultimate summer vacation as you visit over 30 rides, slides, and other park attractions. Swim in the 30,000 sq. ft. wave pool with various wave intensities, float down the 1,000-foot adventure river, or slide down the 9-story free-fall slide! With 8 thrill rides and 7 family rides to choose from, your teen will have a blast making a splash again and again. Thanks to dozens of dining options on site including BBQ, chicken tenders, burgers and hot dogs to fish tacos, nachos and plenty of desserts, spending the whole day at the park is a breeze! Don't forget to stop by the Wright Stuff shop by the park entrance before you leave to pick up a souvenir to memorialize your fun day!

5) Shopping Spots Teens Love Exploring

Anyone, no matter what age, can enjoy shopping and your teens will be no different! The Outer Banks is fortunate enough to have everything from mainstream chain department stores to local mom-and-pop shops offering everything from clothing, jewelry, home decor, food, and of course, plenty of OBX-themed items!

Outlets Nags Head
Outlets Nags Head (formerly the Tanger Outlets) is an excellent outlet mall located towards the southern end of Nags Head. Featuring a large parking lot and plenty of stores to choose from, it's easy to spend a day lazily strolling through the stores and searching for a great deal. Shops include Gap, Nautica, Banana Republic, Claire's, Polo Ralph Lauren, Talbots, American Eagle, Sunlgass Hut, J. Crew, Rack Room Shoes, and more!

Jockey's Ridge Crossing
Jockey's Ridge Crossing is a very popular shopping center featuring local shops and hosting an array of events including kite workshops and live entertainment. These great stores offer tons of beach gear and even if they don't make a purchase, teens will love the coastal vibe they get just walking through the shopping center. Shops include Silver Line Jewelry, Life on a Sandbar, Kitty Hawk Surf Company, Kitty Hawk Hammocks, and of course, the famous Kitty Hawk Kites.

The Waterfront Shops
Located in Duck, The Waterfront Shops are the perfect blend of great shopping meets gorgeous natural scenery. In fact, nothing reminds you that you're on a beach vacation like perusing shops perched right on the water's edge! Enjoy shops like Outer Banks Olive Oil Co., Gray's, Sea Dragon Gallery, Candy & Corks, Duck's General Store, and Duck's Cottage Coffee & Books. Plus, when you get hungry, there are great dining options including The Blue Point Bar and Grill and Sunset Ice Cream & Cappuccino.

Timbuck II Shopping Village
Vacationing in the northern Outer Banks? Your teen will love walking through the unique shops at the TimBuck II Shopping Village in Corolla. Enjoy shops like the Beef Jerky Outlet, The Cottage Shop, The Cotton Gin, Gray's Outer Banks, Kitty Hawk Kites, The Mystic Gift, Sound Feet Shoes, Outer Banks Pop Corn and Nags Head Hammocks. Plus, there are dozens of tasty restaurants ranging from burger joints to fine seafood dining so your teen can enjoy a meal with friends after shopping.

6) Dream Dessert Stops for a Perfect Vacation

Whether your teen plays mini-golf, tries surfing, sees some dolphins or buys new clothing, at the end of the day, they are going to need a special treat! There's nothing like an iced-cold dessert at the end of a hot summer day and nothing quite satisfies the craving like some fresh frozen yogurt, custard, or hand-scooped ice cream.

Frozen Treat Favorites

Surfin' Spoon
For a unique frozen yogurt bar, check out Surfin' Spoon of Nags Head! Located on the beach road, this pro-surfing froyo bar was established by pro surfer Jesse Hines. Mix together two or three flavors of the finest frozen yogurt available and top with everything from fruit and nuts to candy and sprinkles! While you're there, be sure to try out one of their island-famous ice cream sandwiches! 

Kill Devil's Frozen Custard
For the finest available frozen custard on the beach, try Kill Devil's Frozen Custard & Beach Fries! Whether you prefer a cup or a homemade waffle cone, you'll appreciate the fresh taste of this frozen custard made using cream, milk, sugar and egg yolk. Choose from dozens of flavors including classics like vanilla and chocolate to flavors like mango, key lime, coconut and black raspberry. You can also get it made into a classic sundae with a variety of toppings, a shake, a float, or a cookie custard sandwich. If you love pieces of candy in your dessert, order a frozen custard hurricane and mix with your favorite candy.  You can even take home a pint for later!

Coffee, Bowls, & Ice Cream

Higher Grounds Coffee & Ice Cream
If you’re looking for a place where you can find breakfast and a sweet treat, look no further than Higher Grounds, A Coffee and Ice Cream Company located at 2141 Colington Rd. in Kill Devil Hills. For breakfast, try a delicious toasted bagel with your choice of spread, including *new* vegan cream cheese. Choose from their daily selection of muffins and granola or grab a breakfast sandwich while you get your caffeine fix. When it’s time for ice cream, enjoy a delicious milkshake, with the option to add in a shot of espresso, or some delicious soft-serve ice cream blended with your choice of toppings.

The Spot
With two locations, one in Kitty Hawk @ MP 4.5 and one in Nags Head @ MP 11, and convenient online or in-person ordering, The Spot is your go-to stop for acai bowls, fruit smoothies, coffee, and ice cream. Choose from a wide variety of blended fruit bowls and smoothies for the perfect start to your day or a healthy afternoon sweet treat. Try the Loggerhead Bowl, which is a delicious blend of superfruits topped with granola, banana, peanut butter, dark chocolate, and honey, or the Avalon Bowl, topped with granola, banana, strawberries, blueberries, honey, and coconut. For something savory, try a Loaded-Avo toast or The Grom, which is the bread of your choice topped with almond butter, banana, and honey. Don’t forget the ice cream and waffle cones to round out the perfect summer day.

Why Teens Love the Outer Banks

Whether they're trying surfing for the first time, racing go-karts with their friends, or grabbing late-night ice cream with their cousins, the Outer Banks gives teens a reason to unplug, encouraging them to come back year after year for those memories that last a lifetime. Teens on the Outer Banks love:

• The freedom to explore safely
• Fun activities beyond lounging at the beach
• Competitive, adrenaline-driven experiences
• Instagram-worthy sights everywhere you lot
• Endless opportunities for adventure
• Food and dessert stops within walking distance
• A wide variety of activities catering to all types of people

*Certain age restrictions may apply to any and all of the above-mentioned activities. An adult may be required to act as supervisor for these events and there may be an accompanying liability waiver. It's a good idea to check with each company individually before you send your teenager off on their own.

Teen Trip Planning Tips for Parents

Planning an Outer Banks vacation with teenagers is easier—and more fun—when you build flexibility and independence into the schedule. These tips help keep teens engaged while reducing stress for parents.

Plan a mix of structured and free-time activities
Book one or two anchor activities (like a dolphin tour or water park day), then leave room for teens to explore shopping areas, arcades, or dessert spots on their own.

Choose a central location
Staying in areas like Nags Head, Kill Devil Hills, Duck, or Corolla makes it easier for teens to walk or bike to activities, shops, and food without long drives.

Check age limits ahead of time
Many water sports, jet skis, ziplining experiences, and tours have minimum age requirements or require an adult waiver. Reviewing this before arrival avoids last-minute disappointment.

Build in evening activities
Teens tend to get a second wind after sunset. Bowling, mini golf, arcades, and ice cream runs are easy wins after a beach day.

Give teens some ownership of the trip
Let them pick one activity or restaurant each day. When teens help plan, they’re far more invested in the experience.

Plan for weather flexibility
Keep a short list of rainy-day options—arcades, bowling, indoor sports venues, shopping centers—so plans don’t stall if the forecast changes.

Frequently Asked Questions: Visiting the Outer Banks with Teenagers

Book an OBX Vacation Your Teen Will Never Forget

The Outer Banks stands out as a destination where teenagers don’t just tag along, but they truly have the time of their lives. From water sports and adventure parks to friendly competition at go-karts, arcades, and mini golf, an OBX vacation offers the freedom, variety, and excitement teens crave, all within a safe, family-friendly setting that give parents peace of mind.

Whether your teen is catching their first wave, racing friends at the water park, exploring shopping villages, or ending the day with ice cream by the beach, these shared experiences turn into stories they’ll talk about long after vacation ends. Plan a trip that balances adventure with downtime, and you’ll quickly see why so many families return to the Outer Banks year after year, with teens already asking when they can come back again.

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 unforgettable adventure to the Outer Banks. There so much to do and see. With amazing food and drinks, exciting excursions, and plenty of sand for everyone to relax, there's something for everyone here on 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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We’ll see you at the beach.

About the Author:  Lauren is an Outer Banks local, mom, history professor, 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.