where to go in the outer banks with a 6 year old

I am interested in a beach trip this summer with my 6 year old and have never been to NC. She is just learning to swim and wouldn%26#39;t like too much surf. Does anyone have an idea me? I%26#39;d like a calm water beach near a town, maybe with some historical or wild life attrastions. Thanks for the help!

where to go in the outer banks with a 6 year old

The ocean has surf and waves. I see a billion kids each year playing in it, not swimming in it. Let them get use to the waves and keep them out of the water utill they figure out waves. Each day is different, some days are monster waves and some are mild. I would never ever let a 6 yr old swim in the ocean unless you are there holding her and you are good in the water.

Stay in the Kitty Hawk, KDH, Nags Head area because they have life guards that can help if you fail. Kids come here every year, get yours use to the water early and they will love it. Bring lots of sunscreen and use it.

where to go in the outer banks with a 6 year old

When My kids were young we would stay in the Avon area just south of Avon there is a nice sound side beach with no currents or waves , called the Haul over area and if you want it is just a short walk over the dune to the ocean.

One place I also likes for kids was festival park it has a hands on museum that kids can have fun in for hours bring a camera . Although its back up north in Manteo

The beachs in Corolla are perfect for a 6 year old. We have a 4 year old and couldn%26#39;t get him out of the water last summer. The slope of the water is so gentle in most places that he had several hundred feet of water no deeper than his knees to play in and never got knocked over. At low tide (early afternoon), tidal pools form allowing them to play with no waves at all. At most of the other beaches there, we have to constantly hold his hand because every other wave will knock him over or sweep him away even standing at the edge. In Corolla, we can sit on beach chairs in a few inches of water and have him play around us with no fear at all. Most relaxing vacation we%26#39;ve ever had. C

I don%26#39;t know how many times the previous poster has been to Corolla but one thing you can be sure of is that the shoreline on the Outer Banks often changes year to year.

What is a calm, shallow beach one year might not be the next. What is a wide beach one year, might be narrow the next. Where the dunes are low one year, they might be so high you can%26#39;t see over them the next. It%26#39;s hit or miss.

The waves of course depend on lots of things - weather being a big one. You might hit a time when the waves are big, you might not. If you stick him in a life jack and give him a boogie board, and keep a close eye on him, he%26#39;ll probably have fun anyplace along there. But I agree with the suggestion to consider a lifeguarded beach.

Have fun!

Generally true, but I%26#39;ve been going to Corolla for nearly 20 years and it is pretty consistent as I described. I was once told it%26#39;s because so much sand washes down from Virginia beaches replenishment program and that%26#39;s why the beach is so wide and sand so soft. I definitely know it%26#39;s far better than the lower beaches from Duck south. I used to go several times a summer spending time in several areas and Corolla was always the best beach and safest for kids.

Thanks for the great insights! I think it will be a great vacation for our family!

There is a pirate adventure in Manteo that she may like. There is also an aquarium. I agree that Corolla is wonderful. If you have access to Corolla Light amentities, there are three pools (oceanside). They baby pool is great. I think it starts at 1 foot and goes up to 2 or 3 feet. She may like seeing the wild horses. Don%26#39;t forget about ghost crab hunting. We also did a treasure hunt on the beach. Check out the obxconnection website if you need more help. Lots of obxer%26#39;s on there. Have fun!

We%26#39;re staying in Corolla Light - can you tell me the locations from where we will be to the calm beaches?

You%26#39;re right there. That said, on any given day, winds and weather can make the surf rough. But in general, Corolla is the best for young ones bar none.

I agree with everyone here who urges caution and care when allowing small children into the water. Use lifeguarded beaches and during the times the lifeguards are present. Don%26#39;t use the lifeguard as your pseudo babysitter. Take responsibility for your children. Never leave them unattended or without constant supervision. Have them wear life vests, especially if the water is over their head.

What looks like a shallow area can suddenly drop off into deeper water. Pay attention to rip current warnings and stay out of the water during those times.

Personally, I am not a strong swimmer and I don%26#39;t feel comfortable swimming alone out there. You%26#39;re the best judge of your child%26#39;s swimming ability, but I would always err on the side of caution here.

MB