Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge

Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge is one of the most ecologically significant and genuinely thrilling wildlife destinations in the eastern United States — and it happens to be free and open to families. Spanning over 150,000 acres of Dare and Tyrrell Counties just west of the Outer Banks, this refuge protects critical habitat for one of the world's rarest canids: the red wolf.

For families who want a wildlife experience that goes beyond the aquarium and zoo format, Alligator River delivers the real thing. The refuge's famous red wolf 'howling safaris' — typically offered on summer and fall evenings by trained volunteers — are among the most memorable wildlife experiences available in North Carolina. Rangers play recorded wolf calls into the darkness, and wild red wolves respond from the surrounding forest.

The sound of a pack of wild wolves howling in real time, in the actual wilderness, leaves children — and adults — genuinely speechless. These programs fill up fast and require advance registration on the FWS website.

Even without the howling tours, Alligator River is spectacular for family wildlife watching. Driving Milltail Road at dawn or dusk regularly produces black bear sightings — large, genuinely wild black bears foraging along the roadsides. Wading birds, osprey, bald eagles, and river otters round out a wildlife list that rivals much more famous destinations.

The terrain is wetland forest and marsh, so expect bugs in summer. Serious bug spray is non-negotiable. The experience is most appropriate for families with kids 5 and up who can handle an outdoor adventure in real wilderness without a crowd management infrastructure around them. The payoff — especially if a bear walks across the road 50 yards in front of your car — is spectacular.