Pre-Trip Fun for Outer Banks, North Carolina

"Kitty Hawk: The Wright Brothers' Journey of Invention" -- Incredible footage of flight sequences and the Wrights' other ingenious inventions is an excellent pre-read before visiting the memorial. (School Age and Up)

Crab Legs -- Get them ready for seafood and crab-chasing on the beach with this quick, easy one-pot meal.

Corn Bread -- Creamed corn makes this super-moist bread a perfect side for the crab.

"Rescue on the Outer Banks" by Candice F. Ransom -- Based on true events at Pea Island Station along the Outer Banks, this suspenseful sea adventure is a great way to get kids excited about seeing the real thing. (Ages 4 to 8)

"Seabiscuit: Wild Pony of the Outer Banks" by Anne Russell -- Sweet story and pretty illustrations showcase North Carolina's gorgeous coast. (Ages 4 to 8)

"Teach's Light: A Tale of Blackbeard the Pirate" by Nell Wise Wechter -- Aspiring shipmates will be looking out for Blackbeard's buried treasure in the Outer Banks. (Ages 9 to 12)

"The Wright Brothers: How They Invented the Airplane" by Russell Freedman -- The Wrights' inspirational story gets imaginations soaring about how to make dreams come true. (Ages 9 to 12)

"Blackbeard the Pirate King" by J. Patrick Lewis -- Kids think poetry is lame? Try tearing them away from the infamous pirate's wild adventures told in poem form. (Ages 9 to 12)

"Stranger From the Sea: Teetoncey (The Outer Banks Trilogy)" by Theodore Taylor -- From the auhtor of "The Cay," this mystery about a shipwreck survivor captures the Outer Banks in great detail. (Ages 9 to 12)

"Taffy of Torpedo Junction" by Nell Wise Wechter and Bland Simpson -- Thrilling spy adventure with a 13-year-old heroine set in the Outer Banks during WWII (Ages 9 to 12)

"The Mystery at Kill Devil Hills" by Carole Marsh -- Suspenseful page-turner filled with interesting trivia about North Carolina (Ages 9 to 12)

"The Marsh Runners" by Claudia S. Harrington -- Engaging adventure for older readers set to the beautiful backdrop of the Outer Banks (Ages 12 and Up)

Designer Flip-Flops -- Fashion-forward kids can step onto the beach with their own personal flair.

Dragon Kite -- For a visit to Jockey's Ridge State Park, the Wright Brothers Memorial, or just the beach