2025 Manteo Kid Friendly Activities Guide

Fun tours that explore Outer Banks legends and lore. 

A living history farm that interpretes mid-1800's island life. 

At the end of Queen Elizabeth Avenue, and within easy walking distance of Manteo’s unique shops and restaurants, you’ll find the Waterfront Park. It features a playground and picnic area and lots of benches along the waterfront boardwalk, which connects the park to other waterfront attractions. From the park, a short stroll on the boardwalk in different directions will take you to the waterfront gazebo, the Roanoke Marshes Light House, the Town boat ramp and marina or the George Washington Creef Boathouse - or farther for a nature walk though the marsh areas of Shallowbag Bay. Also from the park you get a great view of the Elizabeth II docked at Roanoke Island Festival Park.  The park is the perfect place to set out a blanket or chairs on July Fourth to enjoy lots of music, food and a front row seat as the fireworks shoot and explode over Shallowbag Bay.It also joins a number of other events year-round including fun and festivities on the First Friday of every month,Dare Day in June, August’s New World Arts Festival, a Bluegrass Festival and Wooden Boat Show in the fall, and the Lighting of the Christmas Tree and Santa’s arrival at the Town Dock by boat. Aside from all the attractions and activities, there's no prettier place to enjoy a lazy afternoon, especially during the off-season.

Make jewelry using beads, and buy your supplies here.

An old fashioned movie theater - the star in Manteo's crown! 

Listen to nature speak through the howling of the red wolves!

Celebrate the origins of America with a fascinating and purely entertaining visit to the Roanoke Island Festival Park. This 25-acre historic site, an easy stroll from the downtown Manteo waterfront, is a popular summer attraction for visitors of all ages. With four distinct attractions that wind through the wooded and grassy regions bordering the Roanoke Sound and Shallowbag Bay, patrons will find acres of history to explore, and plenty of engrossing hands-on exhibits to keep everyone purely entertained.

An experience not to be missed! The 2024 Season of The Lost Colony offers a refreshed production of Paul Green's original symphonic drama. Set on the soundfront on Roanoke Island, enjoy this 87 year-old musical under the stars. Become immersed in the story of the discovery of a new world with newly enhanced musical and theatrical direction and dynamically stunning choreography. Witness the pageantry of Queen Elizabeth I and her court and celebrate the birth of Virginia Dare, the first English child born in America all while preserving the historical importance of America's oldest mystery. An Outer Banks experience not to be missed!

A full-service diving and outdoor sports center.