We’ve put together a few fun ways for you to explore North Carolina’s Crystal Coast online. Visit and experience some of your favorite Crystal Coast museums, parks and attractions from the comforts of your own home. From virtual events to behind-the-scenes videos to learning activities, learn more about the places you’ve already visited and maybe even discover a few new places to add to your to-do list.
Learn About Coastal Wildlife with the North Carolina Aquarium
Have fun learning about coastal wildlife and their habitats with the North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores. Visit the NC Aquarium Facebook page to find new videos to watch each week. The week begins with the Sunday Funday Science Experiment, where a science experiment is shared every Sunday that kids can do from home. Storytime takes place on Tuesdays. A new book is read each week and children can read along online. And educational lessons covering a variety of coastal topics are featured on Fridays.
Visit the aquariums Learning Corner and Virtual Bookshelf for even more ways to learn and explore. Read a book about sea turtles or tiger sharks. Get to know a new animal each month with photos, videos and fun facts. And check out the animal archives for information on animals that have already been featured.
Take a Tour Through History at Fort Macon State Park
Fort Macon is one of North Carolina’s most visited state parks. Learn about the role Fort Macon played in U.S. history and throughout times of war. Watch videos and download a brochure to read at home. Then listen to the park’s ‘Ask a Ranger’ podcasts where you can listen and read to learn all about the different types of cannons that can be found at Fort Macon State Park, as well as other fun topics.
Attend an Art Opening with Beaufort Historic Site
The featured artist for April and May at the Mattie King Davis Art Gallery is Karen Vaughan. Vaughan is a North Carolina artist that is currently based in Halifax County. All of her pieces can be found on display on the Mattie King Davis Art Gallery Facebook page. Browse through Vaughan’s work and you may just find the perfect piece to add to your home.
Build a Paper Boat at the NC Maritime Museum
Explore coastal maritime history with online activities made available by North Carolina’s Maritime Museum in Beaufort, NC. Download the Discover Maritime North Carolina booklet containing lots of great information and learning activities related to marine life, shipwrecks and more. You’ll also find a crossword puzzle and other fun activities such as building your own paper boat or designing your own pirate flag.
Tour the Gardens at Tryon Palace
Bring a little history into your home with online programming and services presented by Tryon Palace. Each week, broadcast tours, demonstrations and lectures will be presented on their Facebook page. Enjoy learning and get a sneak peek into all that goes on behind-the-scenes at this historic New Bern attraction.
Become a Cape Lookout Web Ranger
Explore resources for children of all ages to do at home and learn more about nature, history and wildlife at Cape Lookout National Seashore. Take a virtual tour of the lighthouse and the surrounding area with interactive panorama images. Watch and listen to island wildlife on video podcasts or hear the stories of the people of Portsmouth Village on these audio tours.
For more online park fun, create a Flat Ranger and send him by mail for a guided tour of the national seashore. Your ranger will send home pictures and information about all the different places and things that they see. Kids can also become a Cape Lookout Web Ranger. Just complete all the activities listed in the Web Ranger booklet to earn a certificate!
Explore the Diverse Coastal Habitats of Rachel Carson Reserve
Explore the wildlife and vegetation that live in the diverse estuarine environment of the Rachel Carson Reserve. Watch the Aquakids TV episode where they go on a visit to the Rachel Carson Reserve, then check out other videos and fun activities including an estuary activity book, coloring book and other learning guides.
Enjoy Fun Crafts and Activities with Emerald Isle Realty
Keep the kids entertained with a variety of coastal coloring pages to choose from, as well as other fun beach-themed crafts and activities. For adults, take a dive into some North Carolina cuisine with great homemade recipes straight from the source.
Enjoy all these fun online ways to explore North Carolina’s Crystal Coast from home!
