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Roanoke Island »   Home »   blog

Celebrate National Play Outside Day

February 3, 2022
National Play Outside Day Graphic

After a cold start to the new year, we are looking forward to getting back outdoors and enjoying all of the coastal scenery and recreation Roanoke Island has to offer. To remind you to get active and enjoy the natural world, join us in celebrating National Play Outside Day.

National Play Outside Day takes place on the first Saturday of each month. This day encourages all ages to go outside and enjoy a fun activity with friends and family. Unplugging and getting out in nature has been proven to boost concentration, creativity, and mental clarity. At the park we have many outdoor areas to play and explore. Although our historic attractions currently closed for the season, our boardwalk, Pavilion grounds, fossil pit, and pathways remain open to the public. If you’re interested in celebrating National Play Outside Day, check out our list of outdoor activities you can try with your friends and family.

Outdoor Activities at Roanoke Island Festival Park 

Waterfront boardwalk along Shallowbag Bay at Roanoke Island Festival Park in Manteo, NC.
  1. Walk or jog on the boardwalk and surrounding grounds 
  2. Identify native marsh plants including black needle rush, pond pine, and cattails
  3. Bird watch - look out for blue jays, cardinals, waterfowl, and more 
  4. Nature watch - you may see fish, crabs, rabbits, squirrels, and the occasional otter
  5. Look for and identify fossils in the fossil pit
  6. Enjoy the surrounding gardens and literally get out and smell the roses
  7. Have lunch at our picnic table area
  8. Read a book on the porch or on the boardwalk benches
  9. Ride bikes around the pathways 
  10. Have a yoga session on the Pavilion lawn when there isn’t an event taking place
  11. Throw a ball with your friends on the Pavilion lawn
  12. Bring your camera and take scenic photos of the coastal landscape
  13. Bring a sketch pad and draw something in nature that inspires you
  14. Launch your kayak from the docks
  15. Paddle board around Dough’s Creek
  16. Catch crabs from the pier and boardwalks
  17. Fish from the pier and boardwalks
  18. Play a card or board game on the picnic tables 
  19. Listen to your favorite music or podcast while walking or relaxing on our benches
  20. Take your leashed dog on walk around the grounds

We encourage you to get outside and make the most of February’s National Play Outside Day. We also look forward to welcoming you back to the park when we open for our 2022 in mid March.

Upcoming Play Outside Dates

  • March 5
  • April 2
  • May 7
  • June 4
  • July 2
  • August 6
  • September 3
  • October 1
  • November 5
  • December 3 

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Roanoke Island Festival Park
1 Festival Park, Manteo, NC 27954
Map It
252-423-5200

Park Hours 
March 15 - December 31 (closed some holidays)
Tuesday - Saturday from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. 

Admissions:
Adult: $11
Youth (3 - 17): $8
Children 2 & Under: Free
Last tickets sold at 4:30 pm 

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https://www.roanokeisland.com/blog/2022/02/03/celebrate-national-play-outside-day