Category > Family Fun

This is a special feature of Access Wilmington especially for families with young children. Here we feature activities and special events for families to enjoy, many free or at a low cost. Here you’ll find current events, as well as continuous activities and venues that provide fun, entertainment, arts and educational benefits for children.
More resources:
Things to do in Wilmington North Carolina
Places to go bowling in Wilmington NC
Museums in Wilmington NC
Movie Theaters in Wilmington
If you know of any activity happening in Wilmington and would like to see it listed here, let us know by emailing us: [email protected]

Carolina Paddle Board Company—Wilmington, NC

Admit it, you want to try it, SUP, which is short for Stand Up Paddle Boarding. Carolina Paddle Board Co. in Wilmington and Wrightsville Beach has what you need from the boards and equipment to clothing, rentals and instruction. So get out there and paddle.

1322 Airlie Road
Ph: 910-679-4473

Wine and Design of Leland

503 Old Waterford Way Suite 107
Ph: 910.679-4750

Wine and Design of Wilmington

Wine and Design of Wilmington, NC is the place for fun and creativity, painting your own work of art while enjoying the company of friends and good wine.

1319 Military Cutoff Road Suite JJ
Ph: 910.679.4750

Cape Fear Museum of History And Science

Cape Fear Museum of History and Science is the oldest history museum in North Carolina. Since its founding in 1898, the Museum has grown and changed. It began collecting confederate relics, and now collects images and artifacts that help us understand the history, science and cultures of the region.
814 Market Street
Ph: 910.798.4350

NC Aquarium At Fort Fisher

The NC Aquarium at Fort Fisher is located in Kure Beach, NC. Visitors enjoy “The Waters of the Cape Fear”, as they take a journey down the Cape Fear River – from freshwater streams and swamps, to coastline habitats, to reefs and the open ocean.

900 Loggerhead Road
Ph: 910.457.6942

Captain Charles Robbins’ Cape Fear River Adventures

Captain Robbins’ Cape Fear River Adventures offers guided excursions and camping trips  on the Cape Fear River and Black River near Wilmington, NC.

Riverwalk between Orange and Anne St.
Ph: 910-620-0296

Painting With A Twist

Painting With A Twist is a fun way to be creative, enjoy friends and leave with your own work of art. Instructions are provided along with all the materials you will need. You bring your own beverage and snacks.

5732 Oleander Drive
Ph: 704-307-1668

Cameron Art Museum

3201 South 17th Street
Ph: 910.395-5999

Sail Wilmington—Sailing Charters and Tours

When you sail the Cape Fear River with Captain Alan, you will have a whole new vantage point of Wilmington, NC, and the surrounding natural region. You’ll experience how the first arriving sailors felt as they coasted up the river with the tide. Sailboat rental, excursions, tours and weddings on the water under sail.

227 S Water Street
Ph: 910-538-8884

Ten Pin Alley – Bowling In Wilmington, NC

Ten Pin Alley Bowling Center is the newest and largest bowling alley and games center in the greater Wilmington area. With 24 lanes and state-of-the-art electronic scoring.

127 South College Rd
Ph: Phone: 910.452.5455
Fax: Fax: 910.39.5082

Summertime Free Family Fun-2018

Wilmington has a lot to offer besides its beautiful and wide sandy beaches. There are many weekly activities that kids will enjoy, as well as parents and grand parents. Many of these events are free of charge and are held during the day or the early hours of the evening. So get out there and enjoy Wilmington, Carolina Beach, Kure Beach, Downtown and Wrightsville Beach with the family.

The Lazy Pirate Sports Grill

The Lazy Pirate features pub food like wings, burgers and sandwiches in addition to great seafood dishes in a fun atmosphere with beach volleyball, corn hole, axe throwing and lots of TVs for live sports.

701 North Lake Park Boulevard
Ph: (910) 458-5299

Battleship North Carolina

Stories told through oral histories, photographs, and mementos as you experience the Battleship NC and the exhibits throughout the ship as history comes alive.

#1 Battleship Road
Ph: 910.251.5797

Regal Cinemas Mayfaire Stadium 16 Movie Theater

Wilmington’s Mayfaire Regal Cinema boasts 16 big screens and the IMAX Theater capable of showing IMAX filed blockbusters. Located in Mayfaire Town Center, The Regal Cinema has plenty of parking and a full consessions cafe offering popcorn, candy, hot dogs, beer wine and more.

900 Town Center Drive
Ph: 910.256.1857

Holiday Events In Wilmington, NC 2023

From caroling by horse drawn carriage to holiday lights, Wilmington, NC is aglow with holiday festivities, events and celebrations through New Year’s Eve.

Front Street

Hannah Bloc Theater and Community Arts Center — 120 S 2nd Street  •  Ph: 910-341-7860