About This Area
Corolla, NC, nestled on the northern end of the Outer Banks, offers an ideal blend of natural beauty, adventure, and relaxation for families with children of all ages. With its pristine beaches, rich history, and unique wildlife, this charming coastal town provides countless opportunities for creating lasting family memories. Whether you're seeking outdoor adventures, educational experiences, or simply some fun in the sun, Corolla delivers with its diverse range of kid-friendly activities.
What sets Corolla apart as a family destination is the perfect balance between excitement and tranquility. The uncrowded beaches allow children to build sandcastles, hunt for seashells, or learn new watersports under the watchful eye of parents who can relax on the shore. Perhaps the most iconic attraction is the colony of wild Spanish mustangs that roam the northern beaches, descendants of horses brought by early European explorers centuries ago. Seeing these majestic animals in their natural habitat through guided tours is an unforgettable experience for visitors of all ages.
Beyond the beach, families can challenge themselves at the Corolla Adventure Park, a multi-level aerial adventure course with obstacles and zip lines suitable for various ages and abilities. History comes alive at the Currituck Beach Lighthouse and the historic Whalehead Club, where interactive programs bring the past into focus for young minds. When it's time for some friendly competition, mini-golf courses, go-kart tracks, and bumper cars await.
For families that appreciate nature, the various educational programs at the Outer Banks Center for Wildlife Education offer hands-on experiences with local ecosystems. Guided kayak tours through peaceful waters provide opportunities to spot native wildlife, while specialized programs teach children about conservation and environmental stewardship.
Whatever your family's interests, Corolla's blend of natural wonders, historical sites, and purpose-built attractions ensures that everyone from toddlers to teenagers—and their parents—will find something to enjoy in this coastal paradise.
Listings
Wild Horse Adventure Tours
Experience the magic of seeing wild Spanish colonial mustangs roaming free on Corolla's northern beaches. Professional guides take families on open-air vehicle tours through the 4x4 beach areas, sharing fascinating stories about these historic horses while ensuring respectful wildlife viewing. Tours typically last 2 hours and are suitable for all ages, with money-back guarantees if no horses are spotted.
Safari Tours
Operating since 1993, this premier wild horse tour company offers family-friendly adventures in custom open-air beach safari cruisers. Their professional guides cover 20-30 miles of North Beach terrain while entertaining guests with knowledge about the Colonial Spanish Mustangs and local history. The 2-hour excursions are designed to be educational and exciting for visitors of all ages.
Bob's Wild Horse Tours
A family favorite since 1996, Bob's offers 2-2.5 hour guided tours to see Corolla's famous wild horses in unique open-air vehicles. Their child-friendly approach includes vehicles that accommodate car seats, engaging storytelling about local history and pirate lore, and a money-back guarantee. The knowledgeable guides ensure a safe, entertaining experience that captivates both children and adults.
Corolla Adventure Park
This aerial adventure park features 72 different obstacles and 8 zip lines arranged across 12 circuits of varying difficulty levels. Children as young as 5 can participate (minimum height 40" for first level), while the entire family can create their own unique 2-hour climbing experience. The park also offers axe throwing for older visitors and serves snacks and beverages in their outdoor seating area.
Currituck Beach Lighthouse
This iconic red-brick lighthouse invites families to climb its 220 steps for panoramic views of the Outer Banks coastline and Currituck Sound. The historic structure offers educational exhibits about maritime history and lighthouse keeping that fascinate visitors of all ages. Children enjoy the challenge of the climb and the sense of accomplishment when reaching the top, making this a memorable family adventure.
Corolla Adventure Golf
This family-friendly attraction features three different 9-hole mini-golf courses, each with unique themes and challenges suitable for all ages. After putting through the creative layouts, families can enjoy the on-site bumper cars for additional excitement. The well-maintained facility provides a perfect evening activity or alternative for cloudy days, combining friendly competition with laughs in a relaxed setting.
Outer Banks Center for Wildlife Education
This educational center offers free programs designed specifically for children to learn about local ecosystems and wildlife conservation. Hands-on activities include eco-kayaking expeditions, surf fishing lessons, nature photography workshops, and guided nature walks. The center's interactive exhibits and knowledgeable staff make learning about the Outer Banks environment engaging and fun for kids of all ages.
Whalehead Club
This restored 1920s Art Nouveau-style mansion offers special programs designed with children in mind, including treasure hunts that teach navigation and geography skills. Evening ghost tours featuring tales of pirates and shipwrecks captivate imaginative young minds with the area's mysterious maritime history. The beautiful grounds and historic architecture provide a glimpse into the Outer Banks' past.
Corolla Beach
Corolla's pristine beaches offer the perfect setting for traditional family activities, from building sandcastles and hunting for seashells to swimming in the Atlantic waves. For more adventurous families, local outfitters provide equipment and lessons for watersports like kiteboarding, parasailing, and surfing. The expansive shoreline means there's always plenty of space for families to spread out and enjoy quality time together.
Corolla Raceway
Kids and parents alike can experience the thrill of racing around a large go-kart track or enjoy the bumping and spinning of bumper cars at this family-friendly attraction. The different-sized karts accommodate various age groups, making it possible for the whole family to participate together. This high-energy activity provides the perfect break from beach days and creates opportunities for friendly competition.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best activities for young children in Corolla, NC?
For young children (under 8), Corolla offers beach activities like shell collecting and sandcastle building, pony rides at the Wild Horse Museum, the first level of Corolla Adventure Park (for kids 40" and taller), and wildlife programs at the Outer Banks Center for Wildlife Education. The treasure hunt at Whalehead Club and wild horse tours are also very popular with young children.
Are wild horse tours in Corolla suitable for families with small children?
Yes, wild horse tours are very family-friendly. Most tour companies use vehicles that accommodate child safety seats, offer tours of reasonable duration (2-2.5 hours), and have guides who engage children with age-appropriate stories about the horses and local history. Many families report this as the highlight of their Corolla vacation, as children are typically fascinated by seeing wild horses in their natural habitat.
What can families do in Corolla on rainy days?
Rainy days in Corolla can be filled with indoor activities such as visiting the Wild Horse Museum, exploring exhibits at the Whalehead Club, touring the Currituck Beach Lighthouse, or participating in indoor educational programs at the Outer Banks Center for Wildlife Education. Some tour companies also continue to operate wild horse tours in light rain, providing covered vehicles for weather protection.
What free or low-cost family activities are available in Corolla?
Corolla offers several free or low-cost family activities including beach access (free), programs at the Outer Banks Center for Wildlife Education (free), exploring the CAMA Sound Boardwalk (free), climbing the Currituck Beach Lighthouse (modest fee), and visiting the grounds of the Whalehead Club (grounds access is free, though some programs have fees).
What's the best time of year to visit Corolla with children?
Late spring (May-June) and early fall (September) are ideal for families visiting Corolla. These shoulder seasons offer pleasant weather, lower crowds, more availability for activities, and better rates on accommodations. Summer (July-August) offers the warmest water temperatures but comes with larger crowds and higher prices. Most family attractions are open from March through October, with peak services available from Memorial Day through Labor Day.