Whether your kids are wild about science, fascinated by trains, or just want to burn energy running, climbing, and exploring, Wilmington has a huge range of activities to keep them smiling. From hands-on museums to epic outdoor adventures, there’s something for every age and every kind of weather.
Let’s get to it.
Battleship North Carolina
If history is your jam, Battleship North Carolina delivers an up-close lesson on life aboard a World War II warship. This floating museum spans nine decks, full of ladders, steep staircases and plenty of tight passageways to explore.
On the main deck you’ll find massive gun turrets that invite pretend target practice, while below deck you can poke around crew bunks, the engine room and the ship’s sick bay. Interactive exhibits include signal-flag “texting” stations and ammo-handling demos. Audio guides offer real WWII narration plus crew stories that bring the battleship to life.
Kids older than six can handle the ladders, and closed-toe shoes are required—no exceptions. Plan on two to three hours for a full tour, unless you’re on a large field trip that moves faster. The ship isn’t air-conditioned, and winter hours are shorter. Admission fees are reasonable and the crew makes sure accessibility ramps and elevators are available.
Whether you’re a history buff or you just love climbing around, this genuine WWII battleship gives you one of the most hands-on museum experiences you’ll find.
Airlie Gardens
On a sunny day, Airlie Gardens feels like your dream backyard—if your backyard stretched 67 acres and came with environmental educators to guide you. Towering oaks and blooming azaleas set the scene, while staff-led activities add another layer of fun.
Families can tackle Garden Bingo together, and yes, adults can get surprisingly competitive. Nature Discovery Kits come with scavenger hunts, field guides and journaling prompts. These kits aren’t just for little kids—they have enough cool tasks to keep older kids and parents busy. All of this is included in the regular admission, so you won’t feel nickel-and-dimed.
Some popular events like Turtle Talk or butterfly releases require advance tickets, but getting up close with a turtle or releasing butterflies is worth it. You can also wander the trails solo and enjoy the flowers, moss-covered oaks and quiet ponds. If you catch a pollinator walk or birding outing, you’ll learn a ton about local wildlife.
Airlie Gardens keeps finding new ways to get you outdoors without needing special gear or expertise. It’s a perfect mix of natural beauty and hands-on learning.
Smith Creek Park
For families on a budget, Smith Creek Park delivers big on free fun. This park boasts a nature-themed playground with enough slides, swings and climbing features to wear out toddlers through preteens.
A paved, 1.3-mile trail loops around the park, making it easy for strollers, bikes or people using wheelchairs. If you’re after water activities, there’s kayak launch access and a floating dock for catch-and-release fishing—just remember your NC license.
There’s a covered picnic shelter that fits about forty-five people, perfect for birthday celebrations or family reunions. The StoryWalk® trail blends reading and exercise by posting book pages along the path, so you can take breaks for storytime as you stroll.
Smith Creek Park is open from sunrise to sunset every day. There’s no fee to enter, no reservations needed for general park use, and the mix of outdoor play, trails and water access makes it a local favorite for families and outdoor lovers alike.
Wilmington Railroad Museum
If your kid is train-obsessed, Wilmington Railroad Museum feels like a dream come true. The museum is packed with interactive exhibits for ages two to twelve, and even older kids will find plenty to explore.
In the Children’s Hall you’ll see a soft-padded caboose, build-your-own train tracks and buttons you can push to make things move—perfect for little hands. Model train fans will love the more than twenty operating layouts, including one that holds a Guinness World Record for longest setup.
Outside you can climb aboard a real, century-old steam engine and explore a vintage caboose. Admission is just $5 for kids and $9 for adults, which is easy on the wallet. The facility is wheelchair accessible and staff are on hand if you need help, but they keep the vibe relaxed so you can explore at your own pace.
Whether you’re there for the models, the real trains or just a fun afternoon, this museum offers a hands-on railroad adventure for the whole family.
Stanley Rehder Carnivorous Plant Garden at Piney Ridge Nature Preserve – Wilmington
If you’re into weird plants, the Stanley Rehder Carnivorous Plant Garden at Piney Ridge Nature Preserve in Wilmington is a hidden gem. It’s a free outdoor spot where you can see Venus flytraps in their natural bog, along with sundews, pitcher plants, and other insect-eating species. Kids around five and up usually get the biggest kick out of watching these plants do their thing.
The trails are easy to navigate—stroller and wheelchair friendly—and parking won’t cost you a thing. The garden is self-guided, so feel free to show up any day from dawn till dusk and wander at your own pace. A boardwalk and lift make it simple for strollers or grandparents, and informative signs point out each plant. If you’re looking for extra fun, check out the annual Flytrap Frolic with games, crafts, and people wearing bug antennae. Bloom season is hands-down the best time to visit, but the garden stays open year-round if you want to drop by on a whim.
Cape Fear Museum of History and Science
Stepping inside the Cape Fear Museum of History and Science feels like stepping into a kid’s dream laboratory. This place is all about hands-on learning, and there’s an interactive Science + You exhibit designed for ages 2 to 10 (running through September 8, 2024). Older kids and adults can tinker in the Space Place or poke buttons in the Michael Jordan Discovery Gallery.
Most of the action happens indoors, so you don’t need to worry about rain or record heat. On Saturdays, there’s a free program called Small Wonders at 10 a.m., plus flexible drop-in hours throughout the week. If you want a picnic break, head outside to the Museum Park, where you can relax among native plants. The whole building is ADA compliant and easy to get around. And yes, there’s a 20-foot ground sloth skeleton that always steals the show.
Flip N Fly
Flip N Fly feels like the ultimate indoor adventure playground for all ages. Think wall-to-wall trampolines, ninja courses, and foam pits deep enough to swallow a shoe. Little ones aged two to six have their own soft-play area, while bigger kids and adults can tackle the full ninja circuit or join open jump sessions. There’s even a rotating virtual reality experience and the occasional trapeze for a bit of extra flair.
The facility stays cool year-round, which is a huge win during humid North Carolina afternoons. Pricing varies by age group and session length, so parents of toddlers aren’t paying the same rates as thrill-seeking ten-year-olds. Grip socks are required (you can bring your own or buy a pair on-site), and trained staff keep an eye on things to prevent chaos. When you’re ready for a break, the arcade and café are perfect spots to recharge. Group discounts, birthday parties, and Neon Nights add even more options. It’s open nearly every day, unless it’s a major holiday.
Cameron Art Museum
At the Cameron Art Museum, you won’t find stuffy galleries or “do not touch” signs around every corner. Instead, this place encourages creativity with hands-on programs and art experiences for all ages. Little ones can join Mary’s Art Explorers twice each summer month for free. During these sessions, babies and toddlers explore shapes and colors before getting to scribble and play.
Older kids can sign up for Kids@CAMp, a half-day program in June through August where they try printmaking with Coca-Cola motifs or draw their own fantasy creatures. There’s even a Sculpture Safari that mixes indoor gallery time with outdoor exploration. Classes run in small groups to keep the glitter chaos under control, and they fill up fast. Need help with fees? Scholarships are available, and teaching artists lead every session.
Galleries are stroller-friendly, and parents can relax or drop off older children for a quiet moment. No art background is required—just bring your curiosity.
Jungle Rapids Family Fun Park
Here’s a spot near Wilmington that packs nonstop action for the whole crew. Jungle Rapids Family Fun Park has a summer-only waterpark plus go-karts whipping around the track, an 18-hole Jungle Golf course, laser tag, a climbing wall, and an arcade loaded with games. Toddlers get in free when they’re with an adult, and kids under eight have their own splash zone complete with enforced life jackets so you won’t spot any surprise cannonballs.
Waterpark access is sold via wristbands, while the dry park lets you pay per ride or grab a bundle to mix and match favorites. Outside of summer the slides are closed, but the go-karts and mini-golf keep rolling—just watch for shorter winter hours.
They also rent cabanas if you need a shady hangout. The park is ADA-friendly, lifeguards are on duty everywhere, and running is a no-go, so plan to stick around if your kid needs supervising. When hunger hits there’s a café with more than just soft pretzels and candy so you can refuel without leaving the fun behind.
The Children’s Museum of Wilmington
When you’ve got kids in that 1-to-12 age range, The Children’s Museum of Wilmington is a winner. Almost everything is indoors, so rain or shine you can roam through hands-on exhibits. There’s an outdoor courtyard with gardens and a little water feature for extra wiggle time, but most adventures happen inside.
Little Beaker’s Lab turns tiny scientists loose on real experiments, Wellness Way lets them play doctor, and there’s even a VR flight simulator. The staff leads programs twice a day, from art studio crafts to puppet readings, so you’re not just wandering aimlessly.
They also have a sensory cave with low lights, fidget tools, and noise-reducing headphones for anyone who needs a calm corner. Admission is budget-friendly, and they offer memberships plus EBT discounts. It’s a solid spot to burn off energy, explore new things, and sneak in a bit of learning without anyone realizing it’s educational.
The Little Gym of Wilmington, NC
When it comes to afterschool fun, The Little Gym of Wilmington isn’t your typical drop-off. It feels like a well-equipped indoor playground designed to help kids burn energy and learn new skills.
Programs start with babies as young as four months and go all the way up to age twelve. You’ll find gymnastics basics, fun movement games, creative dance and art projects that can exhaust even the most energetic child.
Having everything indoors is a lifesaver when the weather’s miserable. The facility is padded from floor to ceiling and classes stay small—usually eight to twelve kids—so every child gets attention. Safety is a top priority… there are gym mats, low bars and coaches who really know how to teach a cartwheel. Newcomers don’t need any prior experience. The team also welcomes families with extra needs and adjusts activities so everyone can join.
Membership isn’t cheap, but the perks include themed camps, parent–child evenings, and special skill clinics. You can also drop in for an intro class with no pressure to commit. Parents love meeting fellow families while kids build coordination, confidence and friendships in a friendly atmosphere.
Sky Zone Trampoline Park
Looking to bounce off some energy? Sky Zone Trampoline Park is your go-to spot for wall-to-wall trampolines, foam pits, and obstacle courses. You can dive into foam-filled landing zones or try out the ninja course, even if you end up flopping a few times—it’s all part of the fun. They hold special sessions for toddlers called Little Leapers, so the youngest jumpers get a safe, low-key experience.
Sessions range from one hour to all-day passes, and weekday afternoons come with a Hoppy Hour discount that feels like a gift for parents and college students alike. You’ll need SkySocks for traction, but the foam zones and padded walls make every leap feel secure. Staff members are stationed around the park to give safety briefings and watch for any wild landings.
No gymnastics skills are needed—just a sense of adventure. Rules require supervision for jumpers under 13, but that just means parents can join the fun or keep an eye out from the sidelines. It’s a great spot for families, friends, and parties on days when backyard trampolines just won’t cut it.
