Obx

There's the NC Aquarium which is wonderful for kids. Also I remember going to a Pirate Adventure attraction in Manteo when I was a kid that was awesome, and I think it's still there (and probably much more awesome now). I don't know the price of admission.... you might be able to google it and find out. I know they do Jeep tours to see the wild horses on Corolla. That might be fun, but a little much for the 3 year old. There's the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse which is cool for all ages. Anyway, it's beautiful there. You'll have a blast!

Wow, my husband got a dinner at Macaroni Grill from his parents as his graduation gift!!

I have no clue, but I would check around on some local travel sites for that area, I'm sure they have lots of affordable family attractions and such to do:
http://www.obxguides.com
http://www.obxconnection.com

What a great kid, to want a big family vacation!! Most kids that age are trying to get away ;)

Your kids are going to have a BLAST!! You'll be at the beach most of the time. I'd buy groceries when you get there and plan on making most of your meals (eating out adds up, and fast)... but splurge at least one night in celebration of his degree!

Other than that, there are lots of little 'beach shops' which will entertain on rainy days. There are visitors centers and light houses and historical places that cost little to nothing.

Bring lots of games and coloring books for inside down time, keep the kiddos hydrated, don't forget sunscreen, and have a blast!

Last summer I went to the beach with my mom and 3 kids, 8, 6, and almost 2... the 2 year old was in a full leg cast... if we could make it work, so can you :)

we've been to the duck area. i was happy staying at the house with the pool and just being with family. we were a couple blocks from the beach so some went there for a bit but it's not a buzy crouded place so it's sorta laid back. there were shops down the way a bit so we checked those out one of the days. i'd ask my parents the city/county and thenn just google fun things to do in ______. have fun i know i did. it was a week of relaxation.

There's Northern Outerbanks and Southern Outerbanks.
Jockey Ridge is fun - huge sand dunes and a great place to watch hang gliding and fly kites.
There's Kitty Hawk and the Wright Brothers museum.
There are several lighthouses you can tour and climb.

oooh Rachel!! CONGRATS to your brother!!!

I wish I could give you some pointers. I've not been there. My neighbors rent a house every year at Duck, NC...they love it. Would you like me to talk to them and ask them what they do?

have a GREAT time!!!

Your seven and eight year olds might enjoy the Wright Brothers Memorial history site, where the Wrights did the first flight. All the kids would like to fly kites on the beach so take one or buy one at Kitty Hawk Kites right across the highway from Jockey's Ridge....which is the largest sand dune on the East Coast and worth taking the family to climb!

Also, drive over to the town of Manteo (it's right next to the banks, very easy to reach) and take the kids to the great history center there devoted to the "Lost Colony" that disappeared. The history site has replica ships to explore and climb all over; an Indian village (or it did a few years back) and a pit where they can dig around for shark teeth! Three year olds may not have much attention for this site and your baby will need to be in a stroller or left with someone else but it would be good for the three older kids.

There is a great state park beach just south of Nags Head. Look for the state park on the map; you want the ocean side beach that has the dressing rooms and outdoor showers. It's away from the beach houses etc.

Also, the Currituck Lighthouse and the Bodie (pronounced "body") Island lighthouse are both interesting, though again, not appropriate for younger ones if you plan to climb.

I would add -- Cape Hatteras Lighthouse is magnificent but is very, very tall, and probably not a doable climb unless the older kids are really big on stairs. The 3-year-old -- no way.

There was a new nature center close to opening, right next to the Currituck lighthouse, a few years back. It must be open by now and should be great for kids -- check online!!

Enjoy!

Where, in the Outer Banks is the house?
"Outer Banks" is a large area--from Duck to Hatteras--with quite a distance between!

ETA: Looks like you're on the Sound, near Duck, Southern Shores and Kitty Hawk.
Wright Bros. monument, Jockeys Ridge for kite flying (lots of kite shop in Kitty Hawk!). Take a day to drive south and take the ferry to Ocracoke Island! Check out Oregon Inlet fishing center. (it's on the way)

Maybe have a nice family dinner out at Owens Restaurant in nags Head--it's good and has been there forever!

Have fun!

Take the ATV tour they offer in Corolla! You drive around on 4 wheelers and get to see the wild horses. They are so beautiful and a lot of fun to see. The kids will love it! The aquarium and Jockey Ridge should definitely be on your list along with the Wright Brothers museum.

Please stop at Southern Shores shopping center on your way in and get some DELECTABLE pizza at Cosmo's. We drive 1.5 hours one way just to get their pizza. It's worth it. There's also a great brewery called Weeping Radish in Jarvisburg which has great beer and it's definitely a place to stop, sample, and grab a few cases for the week. It's a family friendly place.