When you and your family need a break from the beach, Roanoke Island Festival Park is a great destination. Our top Manteo travel suggestion is only five miles from Nags Head. This 27 acre park will keep the kids busy for hours.
We visited with my 9 and 12 year old as well as my nephews ranging in age from 1 – 5 years. There was plenty to keep the kids of all ages entertained. However, Roanoke Island Festival Park isn’t just for kids. This is the perfect spot for adults to discover Outer Banks history as well. We saw plenty of people exploring the park sans kids with the Elizabeth II being a highlight for all visitors.
Must See Site Attractions:
Elizabeth II
The kid in all of us will enjoy boarding this replica of an English merchant vessel from the Roanoke Voyage that took place in 1585. The vivid colors of the ship together with the flags and blue sky make this ship a site to see.
Once you board, you are guided by sailors in full 16th century dress. You are encouraged to take part in activities such as turning the capstan, playing checkers, and hearing about daily life as a sailor.
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- Row, Row, Row your boat
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- I’m 12 – why are you making me dress up?
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- Photo time
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- Hoist the sails!
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- Period costumes
Roanoke Adventure Museum
This is a self guided museum full of activities for the kids. If your kids like playing dress up then they will love this museum. It is full of history about the indigenous people that occupied Roanoke Island, Blackbeard the pirate, and the many shipwrecks that occurred along the Atlantic coast.
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- Settlement Site
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- Settlement Site
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- American Indian longhouse
Settlement Site
Here you will find blacksmiths and woodworkers all dressed in period costumes. They will demonstrate what life was like for sailors and soldiers who traveled from England to build a permanent colony. Guests take part in carving wood and making iron wares.
American Indian Town
Learn about coastal Algonquian culture and history through interactive exhibits in the American Indian Town. Visitors will see replicas of longhouses and work shelters as well as learn about early agriculture.
There are concerts throughout the summer so visit their website for events in 2017.
Admission prices are good for two consecutive days and for 2017 adults are $10.00, youth $7.00, and children under 2 are free.
Great for adults and children alike, Roanoke Island Festival Park is the perfect spot to learn the history of the Outer Banks. Explore the interactive historic site which represents the first English settlement attempt in 1585. It will be a memorable afternoon for the entire family along the beautiful Manteo waterfront.
What other Manteo travel idea ideas can you share? Have you visited Roanoke Island Festival Park?
There are several books available if you would like to learn more about the history of the Outer Banks. A popular edition is A New World: England’s First View of America.
Another idea for family fun in NC is Lessons from the Sand: Family-Friendly Science Activities You Can Do on a Carolina Beach.
Don’t miss our fun & budget-friendly Nags Head vacations tips for more information and things to do in the Outer Banks.
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