Rainy Day Activities in the Outer Banks!
North Carolina Aquarium : Manteo
The North Carolina Aquarium is a perfect kid-friend destination for rainy afternoons. Tucked along the soundside on Roanoke Island, the 68,000 square foot aquarium greets visitors with a Croatan Sound overlook and tons of things to do and see. Perhaps the biggest attraction is the giant 285,000 gallon ocean tank, the largest aquarium tank in North Carolina. The aquarium is open year round and daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Outer Banks Museums
There are a number of museums for all tastes on the Outer Banks, from the Wild Horse Museum to the fascinating Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum.
Corolla Wild Horse Fund/Museum : Corolla
1129 Corolla Village Road in Old Corolla Village
Corolla, NC
Children’s activities are offered between Memorial Day and Labor Day and all proceeds from the stores, trips and activities benefit the wild horses.
Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum : Hatteras
Follow NC Highway 12 all the way to the end of Hatteras Island and you’ll see the distinctive ark-shaped building that is home to the Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum. The shifting offshore currents that compose the Diamond Shoals have destroyed many ships over the past 500 years, most of which are still settled miles offshore on the ocean bottom. But thanks to a number of expeditions and excavations, many artifacts from the shipwrecks have been brought to the surface and are featured prominently at the Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum. The museum is free and open to the public (though donations are encouraged) and is open daily Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Wright Brothers Memorial : Kill Devil Hills
Even on a rainy day the Wright Brothers Memorial is a good destination since it includes a cluster of museums and exhibits indoors. Head to the main visitors’ center and museum, which features full scale reproductions of the flying machines. The Centennial of Flight museum, which is located adjacent to the original visitors’ center/museum is a futuristic looking structure that honors the 100 year celebration of flight – and is home to a number of exhibits celebrating flight and aviation. The National Memorial, visitors’ center and Centennial Pavilion are open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, 7 days a week, year-round. A small fee is required to access the park – $4 per adults 16 years and older and free for children 15 and younger.
Outer Banks Movie Theatres
Rainy Days are ideal for taking in a summer blockbuster, and the Outer Banks has a number of movie theaters scattered throughout the area.
R/C Movie Theater in Kill Devil Hills features 10 screens, concessions, and a game room area, ideal for rainy afternoons.
One of the most unique theaters on the Outer Banks, however, is the Pioneer Theater in downtown Manteo. This theater tucked along Budleigh Street and identified only by its unique Tudor exterior and a small hanging sign, is the oldest theater that has been run by the same family in the United States. The theater originally opened in 1908 a block away from its current location. In 1934, the theater moved to Budleigh Street and has remained in operation ever since.
The interior of the Pioneer Theater has been carefully preserved and remains in its 1934 pristine condition, allowing theater goers a chance to go back in time while they watch the latest blockbuster. With only one screen and no reclining seats or cup holders, the theater may seem small compared to Mega Multiplex standards, but the Pioneer Theater is definitely worth a visit for its historic claim to fame and old school ambiance. All shows start at 8 p.m. Call (252) 473-2216 for movie details or try looking them up online at
Art Galleries
Yes, the Outer Banks has a selection of art galleries!
Yellowhouse Gallery : Duck
The Yellowhouse Gallery houses a collection of art primarily by local artists. They also have an extensive collection of local photography, maps, etc. It’s a great place to find a really unique memento of your vacation time.
1240 Duck Road, Unit 106Duck NC, NC 27949
Seaside Art Gallery : Nags Head
Featuring original works of art of local and contemporary artists and old and modern masters.
2716 s Virginia Dare Trail
Nags Head, NC 23759