Wilmington, North Carolina, and its surrounding coastal areas provide a variety of complimentary activities suitable for children and families. The available sources highlight attractions ranging from botanical gardens and museums to outdoor playgrounds and water-based adventures. While many of these activities are free of admission charges, some note specific conditions such as nominal park entrance fees or the need for reservations. The following guide details these opportunities based on the provided documentation.
Botanical Gardens and Nature Centers
For families interested in horticulture and nature, the New Hanover County Arboretum offers a seven-acre space located at 6206 Oleander Dr. The arboretum features multiple specialized gardens, including a children’s garden, an herb garden, and a Japanese garden. Staff are available on-site to answer questions regarding the botanical garden or home gardening projects.
In the nearby Brandywine Valley, the DuPont Environmental Education Center (DEEC) provides access to nature trails and educational facilities. Located along the Christina River on the edge of the Russell W. Peterson Urban Wildlife Refuge, the DEEC includes a visitor center with panoramic river and marsh views. The facility features a 10-acre ornamental garden and a quarter-mile handicap-accessible pond loop. It also serves as a trailhead for the 5.5-mile Jack A. Markell (JAM) Trail, which connects Wilmington to New Castle. The DEEC is open year-round.
Museums and Educational Attractions
Wilmington offers several museums that combine entertainment with educational elements. The Children’s Museum of Wilmington is designed for visitors aged 1 to 10. It utilizes interactive exhibits to teach children about arts, science, and culture.
The Cape Fear Museum of History and Science provides engaging exhibits for various age groups. Highlights mentioned in the sources include the hands-on Space Place, the Michael Jordan Discovery Gallery, and a 20-foot-tall giant ground sloth replica.
In Delaware, The Delaware Contemporary serves as a non-collecting contemporary art museum. It mounts approximately 30 changing exhibitions annually, featuring works by regional and national artists across seven galleries. The museum is open Tuesday through Sunday. Additionally, the First State National Historical Park and Historic New Castle allow visitors to explore colonial history and walk cobblestone streets. The New Castle Court House Museum, built in 1732, is noted as a significant site to visit.
Outdoor Playgrounds and Parks
Families seeking active outdoor play have specific options in both North Carolina and Delaware. In Delaware’s Alapocas Run State Park, the Can Do Playground is designed to be accessible to all children, including those with physical or sensory differences. The playground features large, well-maintained pathways and ramps, along with picnic tables and benches for parents.
In Wilmington, North Carolina, the sources mention various outdoor activities such as visiting waterfront parks like Trails End Park and River Road Park. These locations offer opportunities for self-guided adventures and enjoying the scenery.
Theatrical and Cultural Events
The local theater scene in Wilmington provides opportunities for family-friendly entertainment. Venues such as the Cape Fear Playhouse, TheatreNOW, and the Opera House Theatre Company offer shows suitable for younger patrons. Thalian Hall is highlighted as an impressive theater hosting family-friendly events year-round and special programs for kids, such as the Thalian Association Youth Theater Program.
For art enthusiasts, Art Loop Wilmington occurs on the first Friday of each month. During this event, museums, studios, and art galleries throughout Wilmington and the surrounding area stay open late for opening receptions and art exhibitions. Many of these spaces offer free live entertainment.
Water-Based Adventures and Activities
Wilmington’s location near the Cape Fear River and coastal waters provides numerous water-based activities. Families can embark on water tours and scenic cruises. Examples include pirate-themed tours where children can participate in treasure hunting on uninhabited islands like Masonboro Island or Money Island. These tours are offered by operators such as Wrightsville Beach Scenic Tours, Island Cruises, and Soundside Adventures.
The North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher offers an immersive experience with aquatic animals. Visitors can touch animals in touch tanks, view a rare albino alligator, observe otters, and watch sea turtles. The aquarium also offers behind-the-scenes tours, which require advance ticket reservations.
Live Music and Concerts
The Delaware State Park Concert Series allows visitors to enjoy live music in a natural setting. Concerts feature various genres including bluegrass, blues, Big Band, and Beatles tributes. While the concerts themselves are free, the sources note that nominal park entrance fees still apply.
Active Indoor Play
For families needing a break from the heat or inclement weather, Wilmington offers indoor active entertainment. Sky Zone Wilmington features high-flying trampoline fun, including a massive trampoline dodgeball cage. Flip N Fly, located in Mayfaire Towne Center, offers 28,000 square feet of trampoline space.
Other indoor options include Crossfire Indoor Paintball Park, which offers Nerf Wars suitable for younger children. Battle House Laser Tag features a 10,000-square-foot cityscape where participants can engage in laser tag; special game times are designated for children ages 7 to 9.
Downtown Exploration
Exploring Downtown Wilmington, NC, is presented as a family-friendly activity. The historic district includes 875 contributing buildings and 38 sites, making a walk or trolley tour both entertaining and educational. The area is noted for its cool stores, fun restaurants, and ice cream shops. Families can also scope out antique stores for vintage toys and games.