Children's Museums
Roanoke Island Festival Park
📍 1 Festival Park, Manteo, NC 27954🕐 Hours
| Monday | Closed |
|---|---|
| Tuesday | 9 AM–5 PM |
| Wednesday | 9 AM–5 PM |
| Thursday | 9 AM–5 PM |
| Friday | 9 AM–5 PM |
| Saturday | 9 AM–5 PM |
| Sunday | Closed |
About Roanoke Island Festival Park
Interactive historic attraction & museum. Hands-on historic site with a kid-friendly museum, 16th century replica ship & American Indian town. The Elizabeth II is a full-scale replica of a 16th century sailing ship that visitors can board and explore, with costumed interpreters providing detailed historical information about the vessel and colonial seafaring. Rated 4.6 out of 5 stars by 1,762 visitors.
Quick Facts
- Type
- Historic Site & Living History Museum
- Best For
- All ages
- Main Attractions
- Elizabeth II ship, Settlement Site, American Indian Town, Adventure Museum
- NC School Groups
- Free admission
- Location
- 27-acre site on Outer Banks, Manteo, NC
💡 Did You Know?
- The Elizabeth II is a full-scale replica of a 16th century sailing ship that visitors can board and explore, with costumed interpreters providing detailed historical information about the vessel and colonial seafaring
- The Settlement Site recreates the first English settlement in North America from 1585, featuring costumed interpreters demonstrating period-accurate activities like blacksmithing and woodcrafts
- North Carolina K-12 public, private, and registered homeschool groups receive free admission to the park, making it a zero-cost educational resource for NC schools
- The American Indian Town exhibit focuses on coastal Algonquian history and culture with hands-on interactive displays, providing representation of indigenous perspectives on the region's 400+ year history
💬 What Visitors Say
- Visit on weekday mornings (Tuesday-Thursday) in October or off-season for a less crowded experience where you can spend unhurried time with costumed interpreters and hands-on demonstrations
- NC K-12 public and private school groups receive free admission, and non-NC school groups get 25% off for groups of 10+; book group tours in advance for the best experience
- Engage directly with costumed interpreters at the Settlement Site and Elizabeth II ship—they vary in enthusiasm, so seek out the knowledgeable staff members who actively answer questions and demonstrate hands-on activities like the spindle-turning and shipcraft demonstrations
- Plan for a half-day visit with younger children to explore the interactive blacksmith area, woodcrafts demonstrations, hands-on American Indian Town exhibits, and the Elizabeth II ship—all designed for family engagement
- Arriving during off-season (like October or winter months) means exhibits may have fewer items on display, but you'll benefit from shorter wait times and more personalized interaction with staff—ideal for in-depth learning despite sparse seasonality
Other Children's Museums in Manteo
More Family Fun Nearby
Other venues within driving distance:
Own this venue? Stand out from the competition.
Children's Museums listings that are Featured get seen first by thousands of families every month.
- Priority placement in search
- Photo gallery showcase
- Insider tips from visitors
- Highlighted in dedicated featured section