Duck Town Park Boardwalk
Rating
Price
Free
Duration
1-2 hours
Best Ages
Best for all ages
About
Duck Town Park Boardwalk is one of the genuine crown jewels of the Outer Banks for families — a free, mile-long wooden boardwalk along the Currituck Sound shoreline in the charming village of Duck, NC. With over 1,000 five-star ratings and consistent praise from OBX visitors, this is the kind of place that families from Kitty Hawk and Southern Shores make a special trip to visit.
The boardwalk winds through marsh and over open water, offering elevated views down into the sound where crabs, small fish, and wading birds are visible below the boards. Kids who approach it as a nature walk — watching what moves in the water and marsh below — find it genuinely engaging. The physical beauty of the setting, with Currituck Sound stretching west and the Duck village shoreline curving north, is exceptional at any time of day and absolutely spectacular at sunset.
Adjacent to the boardwalk is a playground area and open green space, making the park a complete family destination rather than just a scenic walk. The Duck village shops, restaurants, and ice cream parlors are a short walk away, enabling a natural progression from boardwalk to treat to more exploring in the charming village streetscape.
Free summer Thursday evening concerts on the park's amphitheater stage are a beloved OBX tradition — check townofduck.com for the current schedule. Bring a blanket, pick up food from one of the adjacent restaurants, and claim a spot early. For families vacationing in Duck, Corolla, or Southern Shores, this is an unmissable free evening activity.
The boardwalk is stroller-friendly throughout. Restroom facilities are on-site. Parking in the Duck village area fills up on summer weekends — arrive by 9am for easy access.
Age Suitability
Parent Logistics
Stroller-Friendly
Yes
Nursing / Changing
Available
Kid Meals
Limited
Setting
Outdoor
Rainy Day
Not ideal
Plan Your Visit
Best Time to Visit
Morning or early evening for the most relaxed experience; sunset over Currituck Sound is spectacular
Wait Times
No wait — free public park
Nearby Food
Duck village is directly adjacent with multiple restaurants, ice cream shops, and casual dining options. The town has a charming walkable character with good family food choices.
Why Kids Love It
Duck Town Park Boardwalk is a beautiful, mile-long wooden boardwalk along Currituck Sound that gives kids an entirely different perspective of the Outer Banks than the ocean side. Kids love walking the elevated boards over the marsh and sound, spotting crabs, fish, and wading birds below. The adjacent playground area and the charming Duck village shops nearby make it a natural multi-hour family destination.
Pro Tips from Parents
- Free Thursday night summer concerts are a family highlight — bring a blanket and snacks
- The boardwalk at sunset offers some of the most beautiful views on the entire OBX
- Playground adjacent to the boardwalk keeps kids busy after the walk
- Duck village shops (ice cream, gifts) are a short walk from the park
- Strollers work beautifully on the boardwalk surface
What to Bring
- Camera for sunset photos
- Light jacket for evening visits
- Snack money for Duck village shops
- Binoculars for wildlife watching
Cost Info
Free Admission
Estimated Cost (Family of 4)
$0 for the park.
Budget $10-$20 for ice cream or snacks from nearby shops.
Tips to Save
- Completely free.
- The boardwalk is one of the most scenic free experiences on the OBX.
- Summer Thursday evenings feature free outdoor concerts — check townofduck.
- com for schedule.