Located in Manteo, the Roanoke Island Festival Park takes visitors back in time to the 1500s and the settlement of Roanoke. Inside the park, you can board the replica Elizabeth II ship, where kids will love swabbing the deck and playing games with costumed sailors; visit American Indian Town, where exhibits detail how American Indians lived in the late 16th century; and tour the Settlement Site to see how the early colony looked – all the while interacting with re-enactors wearing period dress. The park also offers a history museum, a docu-drama and a performance series.

Recent visitors said that the staff is knowledgeable and informative about Native American and early American history and that the park is great for families. Others were especially impressed with the ship, saying it's a great way to learn what life was like for these early explorers.

The park is open from early March through December 31 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is $10 for adults, $7 for children ages 3 to 17 and is free for kids ages 2 and younger. If you visit the park's website, you can print a coupon that offers a $1 discount off admission.