Family events in New Hanover County, NC

Smart Start coordinates Circle of Parents gatherings in the Wilmington community for parents of young children. This event welcomes all parents and caregivers, and older siblings are welcome as well. Families share a meal, then children spend time in a children’s group while parents take part in discussion. Participation is free.

Smart Start's Kaleidoscope Play & Learn offers free weekly sessions for families with children from birth to age 5. All families are welcome, no sign up is needed, and you can start attending at any time. For the schedule and additional details, see the program website.

Haunted Forest brings a pre party and a main event to WalkerWorld Organic Artist Retreat in Castle Hayne, offering a Haunted Trail, live music and immersive experiences across multiple attractions. The pre party features the Haunted Trail, a performance by Heter Pan's Murder Mystery Band and a costume theme of pirates and wenches. One evening is designated as Family Night with free admission for kids. The main event expands the festivities with additional Haunted Trail sessions and performances by Dubtown Cosmonauts, Domocile, Acoustic Possums, Dirty Dead, Tripodacus, $2 Holla, Hyperloops and a Superhero Jam. Additional highlights include Megan Leah, a psychic medium, visual showcases from Bryan Stacy Art and Evol Gene, DJs, jugglers, spinners and side show acts. An outdoor lounge nods to Mystery Science Theatre, and live art sessions feature Zack Weaver, Brian Jones, Pat Briney and Lacey Vilandry. Tickets are required for entry. Options include a pre party ticket at $25 that covers the Haunted Trail, a main event ticket at $50 that includes the Haunted Trail and live entertainment, a $75 main event option that adds a commemorative T-shirt, a $100 pass covering both days and vendor tickets at $25 that permit selling merchandise, goods or services. Vendors who plan to participate both days need two vendor tickets. Lodging passes are available in limited quantities. Event guidelines include no fireworks, no illegal drugs and no weapons. Dogs are not allowed, cats are permitted and costumes are encouraged. Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult.

At Hotel Ballast in Wilmington, North Carolina, PokeKon Fest brings a new all Pokemon show for all ages, featuring voice actors, vendors, and artists, plus panels, trivia, and retro, video game, and cosplay contests.

Meet adoptable pets at Paws in the Park. Apply in advance if you hope to take a pet home that same day.

Mark fifteen years with a casual day centered on fishing, sunshine, and good times. Enjoy a welcoming setting with plenty of chances to meet new friends.

Smart Start’s free Kaleidoscope Play & Learn groups welcome families with children ages 0–5. Families can take part in weekly gatherings, and no pre-registration is required.

Trask Middle School hosts an evening of hands-on STEAM activities throughout the building. The PTA will raffle over three skip-the-drop-off-line spots and an outdoor Connect 4 game, and will sell Texas Roadhouse gift cards and individual Attractions book coupons. Food trucks will be on site, including Frontier To Go, LVL UP Coffee Truck, and Taqueria Del Valle.

Smart Start facilitates Circle of Parents programs for parents and caregivers of children ages 0–8. Families share a meal before children take part in their group and parents begin their discussions. Older siblings are welcome, and there is no cost to participants.