Pirates Adventures

If your kids have ever wanted to be real pirates, Pirates Adventures in Manteo delivers exactly that. This interactive boat experience on the Outer Banks sets sail from the Manteo waterfront and turns ordinary vacation days into swashbuckling adventures your family will talk about for years.

The experience is built entirely around kid engagement. From the moment you arrive, the costumed crew welcomes young buccaneers aboard, helps them get into character with bandanas and accessories, and launches into a fully interactive narrative. Kids aren't just passengers — they're crew members on a mission.

The voyage includes treasure hunts, working water cannons that spray nearby vessels, and pirate challenges that keep energy levels high from start to finish.

The setup works especially well for kids ages 4 through 12. Little ones love the costumes and story; older kids love operating the cannons and competing for treasure. Parents get to watch the whole thing unfold while enjoying the scenic Roanoke Sound backdrop — not a bad deal.

Manteo itself is worth the drive from anywhere on the Outer Banks. The downtown waterfront is charming, with walkable restaurants, the Elizabethan Gardens nearby, and the island's historical character intact. Combining Pirates Adventures with a waterfront lunch and a walk through the Elizabeth II Maritime Museum makes for a full, kid-centered day that doesn't involve a single traffic jam on NC-12.

Because this is a small-group experience with limited capacity, booking ahead is strongly recommended in summer. The crew is experienced with families and makes even reluctant participants feel welcome. If you've got kids in the 5-10 range who are deep in a pirate phase, this is the unmissable Outer Banks activity.