We'll be staying in a rental house at Avon on Cape Hatteras with several kids (two are 10 two are 14 - each of our kids is bringing a friend) and wondered about some fun activities for the whole group. We would much appreciate any specific recommendations for: sailboat, jet-ski, or kayak rental... deep-sea fishing... restaurants... or sightseeing along Hatteras and up into the more developed stretch to the north (Kitty Hawk and the famous Hatteras lighthouse are already on the list).

We have been deep sea fishing out of the Outer Banks twice and will go a third in Sept. Not surewhat you want to do (in-shore/off-shore.) An off-shore charter costs about $1000 for 6 people and an additional 15-20% for tip. The trip lasts 10-12 hours.

Check out http://www.oregon-inlet.com/ for charter info. We have used them both times but are trying Pirates Cove out of Manteo this time. Oregon Inlet is about maybe a 30 minute drive from Avon where Manteo is about a 45 min drive.

Hope this helps.

Thanks Alex! I have a feeling we'll opt for a half-day trip, closer in to shore. While we don't need to economized to the extent of taking a head boat, $1,200 is a bit beyond my expectation. I'll check out the Oregon Inlet site, though.

In addition to the above recommendations (Wright Bros memorial, Hatteras Lite), try the play (The Lost Colony) in Manteo (an hour away, go for dinner before then the play), The Bjodie Island light house is also neat and there are ship wrecks along the shore in some spots (get a map at the National seashore.)
Take a day trip to Ocracoke Island and see the wild ponies and area around the harbor.
For real fun with kids go "crabbing" (locals can tell you how and where)
Be wary of the surf> I hopw your kids are strong swimmers.

Swimming. Drinking. Chewing tobacco. Fishing. Reading. Booty watching.

Take the dolphin tour that departs from the Ramada in Nags Head (or Kill Devil Hills). You go out in the ocean in a small motorized boat to pods of dolphins. You are right next to them, at almost water level. Other family members took another dolphin watch from the sound, and didn't have as much luck.

As I recall, there are some good options right in Avon for water rentals - windsurfers, kayaks, catamarans, etc. Just go to the Sound side and take a look around when you get there