An OBX beach vacation doesn't have to be an expensive undertaking. In fact, the more friends/family you bring, the more affordable the trip becomes! This trip includes stops at either Sesame Place (for younger kids) or Hershey Park (for older kids), a week at a giant beach house, a stop in Washington, DC, the National Zoo, and even off-the-beaten-path ice cream and fudge shops.
Target Ages: ALL ages!
Best Times to Go: April-June
Approximate Cost of Trip: Based on a family of 4 and a 9-day trip, expect to pay approx. $1,600 in total for the entire vacation. This includes amusement park admission prices, hotel fees, beach house rental, fast food/takeout, groceries for a week, gas, tolls, and additional entertainment expenses.
Trip Highlights: Drive 6 hours south to Sesame Place for younger kids (or HersheyPark for older kids). Then drive 7 more hours to a giant, waterfront beach house for a full week (Approx. $500/family for an entire week, if 8 families split the the cost). On the way home, stop in Washington, DC to enjoy the sights as well as the National Zoo (free admission).
Sensory Friendly: Sesame Place is the FIRST theme park in the world to be designated as a Certified Autism Center. https://sesameplace.com/philadelphia/help/autism-resources/
Best Place to Stay in the Outer Banks: Ocean's Grace https://www.rentabeach.com/1421282
Why is this the BEST place (aside from the fantastic price)? Modern, beautiful, clean, living space, heated, in-ground pool, across the street from the ocean, 8 bedrooms, 7 bathrooms, giant kitchen, decks, grill, yard, pool tables, and plenty of room to move.
My Highly Detailed Itinerary: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/111FPbVj9mad_ScCNWMGimssC2kWDO3sC-Q65dbSfdyo/edit?usp=sharing
That itinerary is super helpful! Thanks for sharing!