Kids' Favorite Things To Do

The Beach, of course

They dig for coquinas, those tiny crablike creatures that burrow frantically into the wet sand when the surf pulls away from the beach. They chase sand crabs and sandpipers and poke at jellyfish with sticks. They draw in the sand, construct structures both simple and intricate, and cover themselves and others with sand, making you grateful that so many Outer Banks accommodations have outdoor showers so you can wash off at the end of the day. (As a convenience to visitors, some townships and villages offer public restrooms and shower facilities at one or more beach access areas.)

Little kids who aren't old enough or confident enough to immerse themselves in the ocean still find endless ways to enjoy the beach. They need adults to keep them safe (more on that shortly), keep them fed and watered, and then get out of the way of their creativity unless they make you the object of it.

An inflatable baby pool makes a day shoreside more pleasant for infants and toddlers. Set it up under a big umbrella and toss in some floating toys. Buckets and shovels and boogie boards are essential equipment for slightly older kids. Even if they're not old enough to ride the waves, little kids like to sit or lie on boogie boards at the very edge of the water. Older kids tend to gravitate to more expensive props such as body boards and surfboards.

At the risk of stating the obvious, here are a few things to remember about kids on the beach: Keep your young ones slathered in sunscreen, reapplying it frequently. Never take your eyes off of them at the ocean or the sound, and stay within close range. The surf, even where it is most shallow, is rough; undertows and currents are insidious. There are sudden drop-offs and deep holes in the ocean and the sound. Keep kids away from the water when the red warning flags are flying.

Please read carefully about beach safety, and choose a section of the beach that is served by lifeguards. A list of guarded beaches is provided in the Waves and Weather chapter.

If you have very young children, a soundside beach is a more tranquil alternative to the ocean. The gentle waters are perfect for children, enabling them to build their confidence and their swimming skills.

Take a Grownup Fishing or Crabbing

Soundside Beaches, Docks, and Piers

Many a grown-up's most cherished childhood memories involve fishing at the Outer Banks. It's a wonderful way for you and your kids to share special time together.

You can rent or buy equipment at a tackle shop (see our Fishing chapter) or at a pier. Along with your equipment, get some advice on what's biting, what to use to catch it, and where to find it. Stake out a spot at the surf or head to one of the piers.

For a unique experience, treat the family to an excursion on a headboat, which offers per-person rates for half-day charters. Rookie anglers get plenty of help with their rods and reels, which are supplied, from experienced mates. Many passengers go along for the ride and spectacular scenery. Either way, it's a comfortable and affordable way to experience the Outer Banks from the water, which Insiders consider an essential part of the Outer Banks experience. Check the Fishing chapter for more information on the headboats that operate in the area. Also refer to our Recreation chapter for information on sunset and moonlight cruises.

Crabbing can be particularly memorable. If you dig in the early morning or late afternoon, you'll probably have more crabs to steam at the end of the day. Head west to the sounds. Try the sound- side beaches or the soundside piers in Kitty Hawk on Kitty Hawk Bay (off West Tateway and Windgrass Circle) and in Kill Devil Hills (on Orville Beach between Durham and Avalon Streets). In Corolla, there are some good crabbing spots near the Whalehead Club. One of the most popular locations is on Big Colington Island, below the second bridge on Colington Road near the firehouse. On Hatteras Island, crab in the sound at any quiet soundside location in the National Seashore.

Part of the fun of crabbing is rigging the simple equipment. You don't need to invest in crab traps or special bait. Fishing line, chicken necks, a net, and a deep bucket or cooler will do just fine. Tie a chicken neck to the end of your string, dangle it in the water, and wait for the crabs to come. Then scoop them up (quickly) with the net. It'll take a few tries, but you'll get the hang of it. Grown-ups or older kids can wield the net for the little ones. To free the crab from the net, don't use your hands; dangle the net over the cooler and wiggle it free. Tell the kids to keep their fingers out of the bucket!

If your catch measures 5 inches or less at the widest part of the shell, you have to throw it back. (Not only is this the law, but it will help ensure another batch of crabs for next year's visit.) Keep only "keepers," the ones that measure more than 6 inches.

The best part of crabbing, like fishing, is feasting on what you've caught. Steam the crabs with your favorite spice, pile the steamed crabs on a picnic table spread with newspaper, and serve with melted butter and lemon.