The 37 best things to do with kids in Wilmington

Visiting the Battleship North Carolina was such a memorable experience! It’s truly impressive to see this historic World War II warship up close, and it gives you a real sense of the scale and strength of naval history. Walking around the grounds is free, which makes it easy to admire the ship from the outside and snap some great photos. If you’d like to explore onboard, there is an admission fee—but from what I’ve heard, it’s absolutely worth it. Since we were short on time, we didn’t get to go inside, but even just seeing the exterior was fascinating. For those planning a full tour, I’d recommend setting aside at least two hours to really experience the ship, its exhibits, and the details of life at sea. Whether you’re a history enthusiast or just looking for a unique stop in Wilmington, this is definitely worth a visit! ⚓️

Spent about an hour here with my family of four. Make sure your kids use the restroom before going in: we had to cut our visit short because the toilets were down and we had to use the portapotties outside. I would recommend doing the lower decks first then the upper decks. Really cool living museum. Just wish we could have stayed longer. It's better suited to order kids, although our 4 yo did great.

What an incredible experience!! I highly recommend coming here! It was a cloudy overcast Tuesday and the ship didn’t have too many people touring. We chose to do the self paced tour on our own. There are plenty of signs to read about every part of the ship. Plan to spend at least 2-3 hours. There were fans blowing in areas inside the ship which made it nice when we started feeling hot.

The battleship is a fabulous museum. Fascinating to see how the whole place functioned. Very well marked walk through tour. Lots of ladders and steep steps. Amazing In depth showcase of the targeting computer used onboard. The guns are unbelievable my huge.

You can feel chills of respect ,and you can feel the souls of these brave sailors who endure the battles !! Still embedded on the USS NC , highly recommend the experience , not suitable for small children thats for sure , the Confine spaces and the small access to the rooms might be tricky , I’ve work before on ships , a war ship ! My utmost respect for the people who Do or did . Definitely visit this part of the American History in the Flesh makes you appreciate the value of freedom , but don’t get comfy people you might get call soon to the battle of war ! You never know !! The gift shop was little bit pricey ! Adapting little bit high tech to the shop would be better , the only problem they only work on donations no government funding , like I always say local economies are the best ! And thanks to the tour guides that donate Their time during The Weeknd !!! Thanks. Guys what an honor !!

Such a stunning example of American military might from WWII!! It had been almost 30 years since my last visit and I thoroughly enjoyed spending several hours going all over the ship!! All the volunteers were so helpful in answering questions and they had a really nice gift shop too. Weather was quite nice so we walked the boardwalk around the ship too. Well worth going and seeing this Great battleship!

This is a great reminder of the boldness, courage, and sacrifice of our service members. This is a great tour of an amazing piece of our country's history. The cost is nominal and the access is pretty amazing. It certainly gives you a glimpse into life on a battleship. The only thing I wish the memorial could have was more videos or interactive experiences to help visualize aspects of the ship and life. Otherwise, it is worth the visit.

Airlie Gardens was an incredible experience, and we highly recommend it! The butterfly exhibit was the highlight for us—it was really cool to be surrounded by so many beautiful butterflies. A couple of the people in our party were wearing blue shirts, which apparently attract them, so they kept landing on their backs and shoulders. The walking paths are well-maintained and allowed us to really enjoy all the gardens. We also found the turtles in the pond quite charming and friendly. It was a fantastic experience.

Beautiful gardens at a very reasonable price. Take your time and stroll around taking in the beautiful sights and sounds that this gardens has to offer. The live oaks are truly magnificent with the Spanish moss flowing from their branches. There are very colorful flower groupings that give inspiration for home gardeners. They have many benches to sit and reflect as well tiered step gazebo that leads right down to the water where multiple turtles come to great visitors. The day that we visited, we saw the most beautiful birds fly in near the tiered steps and land on a branch a little ways away. The best we could tell, they looked pink but we had no idea what they were or if our eyes were playing tricks on us in the bright lighting. I took multiple pictures on my cell phone from different angles and zoomed in several times not knowing if I was actually capturing anything. When we got home I was looking through the photos and discovered that they were in fact pink and was able to see their flat wide bill well enough to identify them as Roseate Spoonbill. I have never seen these birds before and was astonished that we had been lucky enough to witness 3 of these beautiful creatures swooping in and landing on a branch! Just beautiful. There are many things to see and discover at Airlie Gardens that it is worth spending several hours walking, picnicking, and discovering the natural beauty of this part of North Carolina, so don't miss it!

Airlie Gardens is hands down one of my favorite places in Wilmington. It’s perfect for a family day, a romantic picnic, a solo stroll, or even a photo shoot—there’s something magical about it in every season, but spring (March–April) is especially breathtaking when everything is in bloom. There are tucked-away spots for quiet moments, statues, stone pillars, water features, a butterfly house, local sculptures, and a cobblestone maze that makes you feel like you’ve stepped into a fairytale. It’s even a popular wedding venue, and it’s easy to see why. We bought the season membership (about $75 for a family of five), which was well worth it compared to paying per visit. It’s also kid-friendly, has a cute gift shop, clean bathrooms, and plenty of parking. Whether you’re visiting, local, or looking for the perfect spot to propose—don’t skip this place. Airlie is rich with beauty, history, and memories just waiting to be made. ✅ Best in spring ✅ Romantic, kid-friendly, and peaceful ✅ Ideal for photos, picnics, and proposals 🎯 Tip: Grab the season pass if you plan to come more than once

Absolutely beautiful! Live oaks, winding paths along the water, turtles, butterfly house sculptures art work along the walk. They also have a free gulf cart shuttle that makes various stops around the gardens for those not physically able to walk the distances between the various gardens. I take my out of town guests and they love the experience.

We love Airlie Gardens! It’s beautiful, serene, and always well kept, with so much to see and explore. We often bring a blanket for picnics by the water — the kids love running around and discovering new spots. It’s also absolutely magical during Christmas time. We’ve had a membership for a while now and plan to keep it for years to come!

I'm amazed by the natural beauty of magnificent, Grand oaks trees, draped in Spanish moss, on the banks of creeks in the gardens. I was there to Officiate a wedding (and, what a perfect setting for a wedding ceremony!), and I cannot wait to come back and meander the many winding paths with my camera.

It’s very beautiful. It’s got so much to see. The fountain is what I was here for. The whole farden feels very fairytale-like. Considering the hot and humid weather in Wilmington, you’d like to bring more water because the place is quite large. Their is this “mystery grave” from 18th century which adds some special vibe to the garden. Bird lovers will love this place and it’s very easy to get cool photographs. Note that the gate at the exit opens inward, so make sure your car is not too close to the gate upon leaving.

On a rainy day, this place is wonderful to visit. Lots of Brio toys for the grandchildren to play with, extensive display of ACL tools and RR equipment, a great gift shop, and a locomotive and caboose to climb on! And the HO train layout is so large , you can control the trains. Lifelike scenery takes you back to the RR heyday. PS be sure to walk a couple blocks to the Cotton Exchange, which is loaded with great shops and restaurants...You'll be glad you did!

This is a nice museum with lots of ACL railroad history, railroad items and paraphernalia. There are several layouts, and many layouts are interactive where one pushes buttons to make trains move etc. It's a great place to take children.

So much to see! Easy parking access to entrance. The eye candy starts as soon as you walk in the door. Not only is there history displatd, but there is are nice displays of hands on interactive trains of all sizes. It was alot of fun to see and to experience. I will definitely do it again! I highly recommend young or old!😁🙂

Cute little museum. We went on a rainy day and kids spent their time in the children's hall and pressing all the buttons on the model train. I could have spent more than an hour on the scavenger hunt myself.

What a cool little gem! While not a huge display of items it is unique to the history of the Atlantic Coast Line and railroading in general. With cool displays and easy to explain layouts. Go back in time and learn how America was built and how good and services were transported across america. Kid friendly and has some cool things for adults as well.

Fantastic little museum, stayed there for a couple hours just with the kids and the trains.

Nice little railroad museum. This would be great for any kids that are into railroads. Museum is not too large and can be done in about an hour or less. More if your kid spends time in the play room or wants to watch the train display. If you have the time and have a family member into trains, than plan your visit.

Absolutely loved it here! There was plenty for kids to learn, play, and explore with. Walked right in and bought 4 affordable tickets for ~2 hours of play with our two toddlers. I'm sure that kids 5+ could spend even more time engaging much more with the stations and have a blast!

This was SUCH a wonderful children’s museum! My boys are still in awe from it and won’t stop talking about the ship inside, the construction zone with the blocks we are asking Santa for now apparently, and the supermarket. I loved how laid out the museum was. It was spaced out, easy to get around, bathrooms everywhere for those much needed potty breaks for my potty training 2 year old! My boys (6 & 2 at time of visit) loved the bus outside too and I was thankful they got to experience many things like the dentist, the diner, and the water play table. I loved this museum and I was so happy they had so much fun! The staff were incredibly helpful and friendly. They even gave great suggestions on where to walk to lunch to afterwards! Such a lovely experience! Highly recommend!

What a fun and educational experience! My kids truly loved it. We were there for 2 hours and it was enough to see everything. Everything was clean and organized and they had bins to put things in so they could sanitize. My kids’ favorite part was the bottom floor with the body and the pediatrician’s office! They also loved the animal room. Totally recommend, especially if you’re just in town visiting!

The kids love it here! They could easily spend a half day here with all the things there is to do. They ask to go back frequently as it’s one of their favorite places to explore. We will be back again!

Probably the best children's museum we have been to, and we've been to a lot! We felt it was geared more to the younger crowd than other museums which was great for us. Everything was really cute, artsy, quirky, and in great shape. The treehouse was super cute and perfect for little kids. Toys and equipment were in good condition and whole place felt very clean and safe. Definitely worth a visit if you want to keep short attention spans occupied!!

my mom took me (13), and my sisters (8 and 5) here for a fun two hour visit. the guy at the front desk was very friendly, inviting, and helpful! in areas like the grocery store and diner, things were disorganized, but of course little kids had come through and messed thing up. i imagine that they reorganize everyday. it was very clean in there! they have special event and activities from time to time as well. there were many hands on adventures and things for all ages. im a teenager, but i enjoyed reorganizing the grocery store and the diner. the sciency area included some cool things that i think teens would enjoy as well. even for babies, every room had something sensory for the little ones. anything that was messy or not working had a sign that said something along the lines of “sorry, we’re working on fixing/updating something here.” i loved this, and cant wait to come back!

I love this place, all the children get along and enjoy the role playing. My favorite is the art room full of supplies to let their hearts wonder. The upstairs dining area and chef kitchen is the next favorite. They are currently remodeling the downstairs area. Can’t wait till that is finished. We can’t get enough of coming to this place,just good vibes and happy smiling faces while visiting! Three floors of imagination!

The park is a pretty good time. I can only speak to the arcade and mini golf areas. It’s a pretty affordable place for a date night. The only reason I couldn’t give the place five stars because the mini golf nature area needs some landscaping love. The arcade has updated games were nice but they do cost around $1.75 a game. It’s a nice little gem.

Good time with fun and laughs. Go kart track is short but you go around a good amount of times. Single rider and double rider available. 18 hole mini golf course is basic, nothing too hard. Arcade games and prizes inside.

It's better than not having a water park but lacks in some areas. The kiddie section is really small and not much to do for the cost.... but still my 2 year old grandson had a BLAST and 2 and under is free, so there's that.

On this visit I was visiting friends in Raleigh, North Carolina. I decided to take my nephew to jungle rapids. It was his first time at a water park and he lived it. Half the ride were not operational and the price to play the arcade games is outrageous. There isn't much to do in that part of North Carolina.

This place was so much fun! My son picked Jungle Rapids for his birthday and it did not disappoint. God blessed us with the perfect day here! Thank you!

Just had my daughter’s 6th birthday party there in their Jungle Room. This was a huge space with slides, obstacles to climb, ball pits, and inflatables. 20 kids showed up and had a great time. They provided pizza and drinks. It was truly turn-key. Two delightful staff members helped us and our guests. We didn’t even have to clean up. Wonderful experience!

Great place for some family fun! My daughter had a blast. There are lots of games for all tastes, and she loved redeeming her tickets. The food was good, and the go-karts were our favorite part!

Lots of fun. A kids museum for sure with lots of hands-on things to try and view. The history section was very interesting and good for adults. We did the scavenger hunt which we really enjoyed despite us all being adults! Front desk was happy to find us concession pricing. Also, very few of the hands-on things were broken which is better than many other kids museums around.

Super fun video exhibit, my husband enjoyed it as much as the kids. We went back twice! They also loved the space exhibit. They need to share both sides as far as the origin of life, creation as well millions of years

Wow wow wow. We spent 3 hours at the Cape Fear Museum of History and Science and still feel like it wasn't enough, so we will go back again in a week. My kids (3 and 6) had so much fun exploring the hands-on exhibits, their favorite was the space room with different types of activities related to the solar system. I have never seen them being this excited before. Even my husband had a great time in the Space Place, usually he is not the type to enjoy museums. The outdoor activities were a huge hit, my kids didn't want to leave. I definitely recommend visiting this museum, especially if you have kids.

Family enjoyed this very much. We explored for over 2 hours. Great place to learn and explore.

My wife and I relocated to Wilmington several months ago and had the opportunity to go to the museum today. We had visited a few years ago and we very pleased to see the great renovations done. What a great way to learn more about our new hometown! I would encourage everyone young and old to visit this gem in town!

Very interesting stuff. They cover a wide range of topics (little too much fire safety) but go to the second floor and and hear about some of the political history of Wilmington!! I think you'll find it very informative!!

With hands-on exhibits and information that spoke to kids and adults, we had a great time and walked away with a great experience. The sport exhibit has so many activities. The space station sparked great “wow” moments. The museum had a scavenger hunt with prizes on the day of our visit. The space looks smaller than it is. Several floors to explore, including an outside area. Easy parking. Knowledgeable staff.

Super cute (& FREE) spot to visit while in Wilmington. Our dog was staying in the hospital across the street and this place gave me a little bit of peace during that stressful time. Many places to just sit and enjoy the views and honestly a lot to see even though it’s not super big. Plenty of parking, we visited mid day on a weekday though so it could be busy weekend days. Overall, it’s a very nice place to visit and it’s well maintained!

Stopped in, visiting from out of state for a wedding and really enjoyed the grounds and architectural foliage designed on campus. It was larger than I expected. Clean, well manicured, sizable array, and free, even with a pumpkin disposal on site they utilize for composting. The Japanese garden was my favorite. They have plants for sale, various artwork on the property, and a sizable parking lot for visitors. Keep up the fantastic work, everyone!

So peaceful and quiet. Lovely place for some meditation or to clear your thoughts. The garden layout is very nice and there are plenty of spots to sit in the shade and enjoy a book or just sit there contemplating nature and if you forgot to bring a book then you can pick one up at one of the free book boxes on the property. The koi fish are gigantic and fun to watch.

It was my first time visiting an Arboretum since I moved back to NC and it was a bit smaller than what I was used to in KY but it was so beautiful as soon as you walk in a big beautiful pond with a ton of fishes that swam right up to the surface. They also have plant sales on Saturdays. The day I visited sadly wasn't a Saturday, I may go back to visit just to get the Mother of Millions succulent.

Fantastic Arboretum in the Wilmington area of NC. The garden area is small and filled with various areas to explore. There is a butterfly garden that was filled with various butterflies on the day we visited in October. There is also a beautiful Japanese Garden which is pretty impressive for such a small space. The Japanese Garden has a large Koi pond with the very typical red bridge to cross over along with some beautiful plantings. The garden also has many quiet areas to sit and rest as you make your way through the garden area. Some of the areas are shady with art work scattered throughout and other benches are positioned in the sun. Many of the perennials were finished blooming for the summer. The annuals though, were in full bloom and just bright and colorful. Great way to spend a few hours

1st time here. The place was recommended by volunteers here. It didn't disappoint! Lots to see and kid friendly! They have a beautiful Koi pond and they are huge! The plants and trees are labeled and the statues are amazing! It's worth coming to see it and it's free!!!

Beautiful place to visit with the family, completely free! Had a wonderful time.

My wife and I decided to check this museum out on a rainy day. I’m so glad we did! We both love art, and this museum has some beautiful pieces! There’s also a place to get coffee and small eats inside. Even if you’re not a huge art fan, I would recommend visiting. Good price to enter and you can spend as little or as long as you like.

Purchased tickets online, went to the museum and only one exhibit was available to view. I look on both websites and customer reviews when purchasing tickets to an establishment. The pictures displayed numerous pieces, some rooms loaded from top to bottom with pieces to look at. I saw maybe 30 pieces of art inside. There should be notices on the site when booking that now all exhibit halls are open. Would not return

This museum is always a joy to visit! They've changed the installations since we were last there and it was really cool to see a Picasso in person as I've never seen one!

Nice art museum! This first wing was my favorite. So unique

Great gallery. First time there. Very friendly staff. The lace was packed, but we learned it was a community day. They had live music, food trucks, as well as their own cafe. The gallery had great works of art. Many different mediums. We got through in about an hour, then walked the grounds. There is some outdoor art and a very sime oind with various well maintained plants. Highly recommend.

Small Art Museum with interesting pieces. Expensive ($16) but the front-desk is keen on finding reasons to give you a concession (expired college ID!). They have a new director who seems to be ambitious and is acquiring good items. The had a great quilt exhibit on which was really interesting. Wish they had more room to show more of the permanent pieces.

Very attractive museum with welcoming staff, environment and architecture. This is a comfortable sized museum and therefore less likely to overwhelm. The artwork is displayed in a very organised fashion and allows for an organic viewing experience. Front desk is knowledgeable and professional. There are outdoor areas, a gift shop along the left side after you enter, and an exquisite restaurant in the center of the building.

Kids had a great time. We went early to avoid crowds but halfway through our time a giant group from St Mark's School showed up. But they were polite and watched out for the smaller kids like mine. Arcade is much smaller with fewer choices than expected.

The kids absolutely love it here. They are constantly asking to go back. We typically get the 1-hour jump time and by the end of the hour, the kids are exhausted. Great way for them to burn energy and have a great time doing it. I especially like the toddler area for my little one. It can get really busy at times, especially on the weekends and rainy days, so we try to be mindful when we do decide to go in. Highly recommend!

Brought my 8 year old here today and she loved it! Her favorite things were the ninja course and the swing into the foam pit. I felt like everything was spaced out nice and it didn’t feel too crowded. I was never worried about her safety and could even sit and watch her from a distance. It wasn’t cold and loud like some other trampoline parks. I wish there was one in Jacksonville!

Flip N Fly has a lot of space, and the obstacle course for the smaller kids is awesome—my daughter absolutely loves it! The bathrooms are really clean, and overall it’s worth the drive from Shallotte. The only downsides are that older kids sometimes run around without much care for others, and the staff in the dodgeball area seem a bit absent at times. Still, a fun spot for kids and well worth the price.

We all had an amazing time! Lots of options for people of all ages. One of the better trampoline parks I've been to as far as play structure and obstacle course options. There is definitely enough to do to fill an hour and still not make it through everything

The staff in the park does absolutely nothing. They stand there and allow big kids to trample over little kids, and when someone (like my 2 year old daughter today) gets hurt and you ask for assistance/ice, they stand there like you’re speaking a different language. My two year old was harassed our entire visit by a group of 8-10 year old boys (including in the toddler area). Not once did any staff try to intervene or help EVEN WHEN ASKED! They allowed it to happen. To the point where one of the boys purposefully hit my daughter in the mouth and busted her lip, and when I brought it to the staffs attention, they rolled their eyes. Including the shift leader on duty. I had to go through 4 different people just to get my daughter a bag of ice. I asked if I could receive just a partial refund for our experience and the shift leader said to me “because you have 10 minutes left of you jump time we can’t issue you any kind of refund.” No incident report was recorded of this either. It was brushed off as nothing as my 2 year old daughter was screaming and crying and instantly bruised and bleeding. I will never return to this place. I understand the risk when going into places like this, and aware that kids will be kids. But it is not okay for staff to turn a blind eye to bigger kids bullying little kids.

It seems to be one of the better run trampoline parks we've been to. There was actual staff around the play area to somewhat monitor the action or assist the kids on certain obstacles. They regulated the number of people at play by the hour, so even on the super busy rainy day, the play floor didn't seem overcrowded. Price wasn't bad to occupy/wear out kids when the weather doesn't cooperate. It's also located around a nice shopping area so there's plenty of other activities / food nearby.

The Wilmington Riverwalk is such a lovely place to explore, especially if you enjoy history, scenic views, and a relaxed stroll along the water. It’s lined with charming shops, restaurants, and cafés, making it easy to turn a simple walk into a fun outing with plenty of stops along the way. While it can get very hot during the day in summer—even into September—I’d highly recommend visiting in the evening when the sun sets or during the cooler months like fall and winter. The atmosphere feels much more comfortable then, and you can really take in the beauty of the riverfront without the heat. The historic surroundings add a special charm, and there’s always something interesting to see, whether it’s boats along the water or local street activity. A perfect spot for a casual walk, date night, or just soaking in the Wilmington vibe when the weather is right!

I had the opportunity to go to a Tedeschi Trucks Band concert in Wilmington and I did the walk on the river walk. It was so pretty and it was such a beautiful day. I love the houseboats on the water. Those are really cool. I would love to live in one of those.

What a spectacular view of USS battleship and the sunsets if you are there in the evenings. We had a day trip to Carolina beach and on the way wanted to have a dinner so decided to go to downtown. While we were exploring food, walked all the way to riverfront and it was so beautiful. Must visit place.

The Wilmington Riverwalk is truly beautiful. I’ve walked it many many times. I finally got the chance to take the whole family and it stinks because there are a few complaints. One, it’s hard to feel safe at times when walking, I’ll just say that. Two, the boards are in bad shape. Very uneven, splitting relentlessly. You have to wonder what the plan is for them. I totally get trying to preserve history but at some point you’ve got to fix it up (I think that’s what they’re doing right now with a section). They definitely went through the entire Riverwalk and put new screws in, which is nice at least. This shows they’re managing it and taking care of it. I do think with how significant of a landmark this is for Wilmington, that they should have some sort of patrolling officer in the area. Still love it here and will be back.

Wilmington is a terrific southern city that seems to improve every year. Compared to when I last visited about 13 years ago, the area has blossomed aesthetically, commercially, and infrastructure wise. The Riverwalk is always beautiful, with lots of shops and some restaurants along the way. The city has improved sidewalks and there seems to be a good police presence to help keep your visit safe.

We went labor day weekend and it was very very crowded. I know it's a tourist spot anywat but I'm sure it was worse because of the holiday weekend. We had to park at the very top of the parking garage. We tried to go somewhere to eat dinner but every place we tried seemed to have a 1.5 to 2 hour wait. We plan to come back during the off season so hopefully we will get a chance to eat somewhere here. We ended up getting gelato at gelarto which was very tasty. The view of the battleship across the water was nice and at sunset it was lit up with red, white, and blue. We also saw a baby alligator!

​The serene riverfront of Wrightsville, NC offers a perfect escape from the bustling beaches. The downtown Wilmington Riverwalk, just a short drive away, is a major highlight. Spanning nearly two miles, it’s a beautiful boardwalk lined with boutique shops, diverse restaurants, and waterfront views. It's a fantastic spot for a leisurely stroll, particularly at sunset, providing stunning vistas of the Cape Fear River and the USS North Carolina Battleship. ​Beyond the Riverwalk, downtown Wilmington offers a rich historical experience. The cobblestone streets are filled with art galleries, unique boutiques, and a vibrant dining scene. Historic landmarks and museums are easily accessible on foot, making the area perfect for a day of exploring. ​For a different perspective, a river tour is highly recommended. Many tours are run by knowledgeable captains who provide engaging commentary on the local history, ecology, and wildlife. These cruises offer a relaxing way to see the area, with options ranging from historical tours to breathtaking sunset and dolphin cruises. The scenic boat rides are often praised for being informative, family-friendly, and a great value. Whether by foot or by boat, the river is a must-see.

Visited while we were in town in July. My husband and I love history and decided to tour the mansion. We paid the extra five dollars for the guided tour and it was well worth it. Our guide was full of information and fun facts, and had a great personality! Truly one of the most interesting old mansion tours we’ve done.

Fun rainy day option for visitors staying at our beach house. We were happy to have private parking for free with admission tickets. We followed a self guided tour on our phone. Group of 5 all enjoyed the outing. The docent was friendly, informative, and even offered to take our group picture. Head over to Front Street Brewery afterwards for food & drinks.

Very interesting old home to explore. DIY audio tour was really good. Way better than expected. When I visited previously we had an in person tour. This was really nice to go at our own place. Not recommended for littles, but my 7 year old did great. Great way to see how we lived in the past.

Very informative! The volunteers are amazing. The history seems just not that long ago. Unfortunately, a few sad parts of history that must be known. It gives you insights on how short a time ago things have changed. Its worth the history knowledge to see it.

This was the coolest manshion museum I've been too! There were numerous innovative items I've never seen before: windows into kids rooms, indoor plumbing, etc.

Bill, our tour guide was very informative and courteous. We enjoyed our tour very much.

The Bellamy Mansion offers self-guided tours on your smartphone and QR codes so you can tour at any time rather than on the hour like the other historical houses. This house does have a free parking lot so that makes it convenient to visit. Again, the house is not handicap accessible for tours but they do offer a video of the history for those who cannot use the stairs, and there are a lot of stairs. The antebellum house was built in 1861 and is the largest of the three homes at 10,000 sq feet. It has a few architectural styles, from Greek Revival to Neoclassical to Italianate. The buildings you can tour are the carriage house, urban slave quarters, and the 22-room mansion. I preferred the guided tours over this self-guided one as I like the interaction and hearing the docent explain the history. The self-guided tour did provide some of that and hearing the stories of the black craftsman who built the house and seeing the deplorable conditions they lived. I'm glad this aspect was included instead of trying to be covered up. I did enjoy going up to the Belvedere as that wasn't a feature I've seen before and it had great views. Dr. Bellamy's money did not come as a physician but from his plantations, where they made tar, pitch, and turpentine. One year's profit paid for the Bellamy Mansion. The upper floors do not have much if any, furnishings. The gardens that surround the house are nice. The mansion provides a good bit of history, but I'd take the guided tour if offered.

really nice park around a beautiful lake in Wilmington. thoroughly enjoyed it about 4 and 1/2 Mile walk and appears to be continuing. working on bridges and moving paths a little closer to the lake and less residential viewing

Great for putting a few miles in on the bike or walking. Approximately 4-5 miles around. You may see alligators, native birds, squirrels, and plenty other friendly folks enjoying the Greenfield park.

I love it here....they are really cleaning it up down there and it's just such a zen environment every time I visit....this is definitely a special place!

Easy parking and shady paths to walk around lake. We are from out of the area and hoped to see the gator. It did not disappoint. Plenty of turtles greeted us, too.

Really beautiful place to stop and take a breather. Their was plenty of benches and so many turtles in the water. The bathrooms sucked and I think someone was using drugs in the stall while singing.

Beautiful views and wildlife. Went in the afternoon and felt safe. Loops was about 4.5 miles for us

Beautiful, peaceful place for walking, cycling, paddle boating, picnics & a nice playground for the children. There is NO swimming allowed as the lake is home to alligators and poisonous snakes. There are tons of turtles. All best viewed from the many bridges and gazebos sprinkled about the 4 mile path around the lake. The flower gardens are lovely, plenty of opportunities to take some great photos. I personally love the gorgeous cypress trees with Spanish moss draping down.

This is a fantastic place to see many Venus fly traps and other carnivorous plants up close! Venus fly traps are only found within a 100km radius of Wilmington, which makes them a huge treasure of this area. There are many signs to help you learn more about the plants in this garden and how to spot them (some are very small). This park is an incredible way to showcase something uniquely beautiful about NC.

We went for the flytrap frolic and my kids had a great time! It was very hot that day. However, there is some shade along the trail. You definitely want to try to find the different kinds of carnivorous plants that are smaller than you think. It kept my kids entertained.

We went on Tuesday of this week. My daughter has been going for over a year. I was using a walker, so she took photos for me with my phone. The fly traps are grown only within a 100 mile radius of Wilmington, NC. So, they and the other plants have been grown here. Stanley Rehder grew the plants and worked on this beautiful location for 25 yr. He started, cultivated and helped grow this area. The walkway has trees, ferns & 100 yr old moss lining the walkway. The trees are magnolias, pine & oak. All of this park is a tribute to Stanley Rehder and The NC Park & Recreation Department. Here are the photos taken. The walkways and the observation areas are well planned & people of all abilities can enjoy at least some of the park. You do not buy tickets. IT IF FREE TO EVERYONE!

This park is a hidden gem for anyone who is a plant enthusiast. It’s right in the heart of Wilmington. It’s a beautiful place to spend some time in nature and learn more about carnivorous plants. I learned that Venus Flytraps are only found growing in the wild within 100 mile radius of Wilmington, NC, nowhere else in the world. We very much enjoyed our visit.

Such a nice place to go for a walk, very quiet and peaceful, and I like the information provided. I went during off-season, but there were still plenty to see, I would love to come back when everything is in full bloom.

At 1st on the walk on we thought it was too late and saw nothing. But after the display our eyes tuned in knowing what we looking for. Look around the more moist areas you will see abundance there. True hidden gem

This little park is behind a school, it is a short walk to the actual plants but they have little plaques to read along the way telling you about the plants. Wear closed goes shoes, it is uneven ground to get into the walk way and we did see some snakes. Overall an easy and fun little outing. You will probably be in and out within 20 min.

Attended the azalea festival the weekend of April 9th through the 11th. Our first time and it was really nice. Many vendors and live entertainment. Best part for me was the sunset from our hotel room. We stayed at the Hotel Ballast and to our surprise there was a firework show on Saturday night.

Historic downtown Wilmington has a little bit of everything, live music, eateries, shopping, the riverwalk, boat tours, clubs and many other things. Beautiful scenery.

Thousands of people expected the fireworks near or on the Battleship! But "No"!! Not even close!could not see the fireworks at all from downtown! Im here working but most of the people in my hotel were from out of town and were here just to take their kids to the fireworks! Guess what! They didn't see fireworks at all! Kids crying. Whoever made the decision to move the show way up river... should be fired & hung off the Battleship!

This part of Wilmington is beautiful and is wonderful for walking and people-watching. There are many places to eat and to procure alcoholic beverages. The Riverwalk is worth seeing and if you can find a place to eat on the river, you can see the ships and boats as they slide by. Many people we saw were walking their dogs and one of the restaurants we ate at had a bowl set out for them.

Downtown Wilmington, NC. is a great place to bring the family, a date or just adventure by yourself. Historic places to tour, museums, great dining and brick streets. Wonderful!

Beautiful! They just fixed up a bunch of the roads and boardwalk areas. Restaurants, shopping, awesome ice cream! Trolly, horse drawn tours! And the view of the battleship across the river is cool too. Boat tours! And more!

Very nice atmosphere. Very safe place and good tourism representation the. Great walking area along the riverfront. Pet friendly and many restaurants there allow pets on their patios.

This place is AWESOME! I drove 2 hours just to come see this place and it delivered 100%. A must see if you're in Wilmington. Sword Swallowers, Mirror Mazes, actual paintings from REAL Serial Killers, Anton LaVey's actual chair, and a surprising amount of unicorn paraphernalia -- this place has got it all so do yourself a favor and check out Museum of the Bizarre!

A cute little spot! The museum was very interesting and I learned a lot. We tried the maze of mirrors but my brain could not handle it! Definitely a great way to spend some time when in Wilmington!

Unusual? Absolutely. And at $3 per person, it's a curious little detour that doesn't break the budget. We spent under an hour browsing their compact but densely packed collection of macabre, peculiar, and downright strange artifacts. Among the exhibits: letters penned by convicted serial killers, graphic crime scene photographs, purported human and animal remains, theatrical masks and vintage clothing, plus a lock of Alexander Hamilton's hair, Houdini's Ouija board, and a plaster cast of what's claimed to be a Bigfoot footprint. There were also a few movie props scattered throughout, adding a pop culture twist to the mix. Photography is off-limits except in clearly marked zones, so don't expect to document everything. We passed on the mirror maze this time around. Are all of this items authentic and real? Are they fabricated and fake? It hovers somewhere in that murky middle but it's compelling either way. And for the price, it's hard to argue. I'm not sure how much of this is appropriate for younger eyes, so parents should keep that in mind.

Shoutout to this Awesome Museum In Wilmington NC. They have an excellent collection of Serial Killer relics, random oddities, haunted dolls and my personal favorite SHRUNKEN HEADS. Cheap trills, no BS. This place was 💯 a spooky vibe.

It was ok alot of stuff to see. The mirror maze wasn't worth the extra price tho it was too quick and the fortune telling thing took money from us

Its fun, kid friendly and definitely creepy but realize that it could be a quick 20min pop in and pop out for some. Others might want to really delve into the artifacts, letters, weapons. Its worth the small price of admission. 😉

Awesome museum, everything was interesting. Staff was super friendly and prices for everything including the giftshop were very good. Will definitely recommend to anyone who loves horror, the occult and sci-fi. I got a ozzy Osborne duck from the store!!

Definitely a must-see place in Wilmington! Most objects are well preserved pieces from the house. Very knowledgeable and engaging guide who spent a lot of time explaining every interesting object in the house. History is fun and she proved it with excellent tour! The gardens were closed but this made me decide to return one day to see them as well.

Driving back from the low country, my sister and I decided to make a side trip to Wilmington. The tour was fascinating. It was interesting to learn that the house was used for entertaining the Wilmington upper class for many years before the Wright family bought it. And before that, it was the Wilmington jail. The tour takes about an hour and is worth it.

We loved this tour, John our guide was very informative and entertaining. As an architect, I thrive on the history of why we build the way we do, and construction details. The gardens were also so well maintained!

The Burgwin-Wright House offers guided tours on the hour, although my tour lasted over an hour with all the history provided and fascinating stories about the property and the people who lived there. It is the oldest of the three houses. The house is not handicap accessible. It was built in 1770 in the Colonial Era on what was once a jail. It had ballast stone walls. Outside, you can see the jail cells. The house is of Georgian architecture. The house is furnished with items from the 18th and 19th centuries. The house was somewhere Burgwin did business and tried to impress those he entertained. The house shows how they lived in pre-revolutionary times. The paint colors were restored to what they were in 1770. Outside in another building, is the kitchen with a hearth, which was the jailer's quarters. I recommend taking a tour of the Burwin-Wright House if you are interested in history or architecture.

Hunter, the Assistant Curator gave us a wonderful tour of this 18 century home. It’s interesting to note the builder lived 8 miles away on his plantation of 1000 acres. He used this home for entertainment, music, dancing and guest rooms. “The Headquarters of Cornwallis is this 2 story white weather-boarded structure built 1770. Cornwallis maintained his headquarters here while in possession of Wilmington in 1781.” There is a self guided walking tour of the Gardens on site.

Their terrace gardens are lovely! I enjoyed the tour of this Colonial mansion. It holds a special place in history for North Carolina and Wilmington as well as the 13 original colonies! Beautifully decorated interior! A must see if you're in Wilmington! Be sure to add it to your list of must visit!

I knew that Julia was a tour guide when I arrived early to visit the garden and then the historic jail house. Julia has an excellent presentation style and is very gracious about personal interests and needs. I highly recommend this historic site as it is filled with original building materials, furniture, and family heirlooms. Thank you Julia for sharing your kindness and passion for colonial family history.

This park is absolutely amazing! Stunning pine trees are known for air purifying properties. Although I don’t have little kids I loved the playground they have built. Also a “playground” for big kids/adults. A very nice playground for dogs. There is a little pond with koi fish and turtles. I even spotted a Muscovy duck, which is native to Central/ South America, but domesticated in North America. I still can’t wrap my mind around it- what this exotic duck doing here? Alone in the park.

This park is delightful. We visited while on vacation. We found it serendipitously. There are sidewalks but you can walk anywhere across the expansive areas. There is plenty of room for people to relax, read and rest. The dog park was well laid out with separate fenced areas for large and small dogs. There are lots of trees including the amazing loblolly pines with lots of pine cones. I collected cones for a wreath. This is a great place for birding. We saw at least 10 species in only about 20 minutes.

Such a beautiful, exciting, and lovely park for events, walking, sports, and special activities. It's large and very expansive, and you can hike and see various animals and birds. They have a great miniature American ninja warrior course as well.

Great place for just about any activity! Pretty flowers and many paths throughout the park. Dog friendly!

I'm an out of towner, and stumbled upon this lovely park. I came 2x to get my steps in the 1.5 mile trail that surrounds the park. Very well maintained.

I wish we had a playground/park of this caliper in our hometown (we're only visiting)! This checked all my boxes and even had a Free Little Library at the playground. Definitely worth checking out if you're in the area.

A clean and beautiful trail! I always feel safe bringing my kids here. There’s something for everyone—my husband enjoys the basketball courts, my son loves the playground, our pup gets to run at the dog park, and we all enjoy the long walking trail together.

Informative and fun! Captain Thacker was personable and fun so was his crew! Forgot to bring cash :( wish i had remembered (they have a little tip box on board) . Not a huge time killer either so that was a huge bonus for our short weekend trip for a wedding in Wilmington.

So much fun!! It was my second time taking the Eagle Island tour… And I’d go again… Lots of great information, entertaining, and relaxing… Great crew… Loved it!

We recently took the North cruise on Eagles Island and had a wonderful time. The 50-minute narrated boat cruise was both informative and relaxing. Our captain and first mate shared fascinating stories about the area, making the cruise enjoyable for the whole family. While the cruise was relatively short, it was a great way to see the local sights and learn about the area's history. We would highly recommend this experience to anyone visiting the area.

Great 50-minute boat tour of the Cape Fear River! Very informative of the history of the area and river itself. Easy to get tickets and get on and off of the boat. Staff was super friendly. Few snacksnon board with a bar. The wife got a glass of their Rum punch. Said it was more punch than rum, buy tasty. Would definitely use them again and maybe a sunset cruise.

We had such a wonderful experience with Wilmington Water Tours! Capt. Doug was fantastic—so knowledgeable and clearly passionate about the Wilmington area, its history, and its natural conservation. His love for the river really came through and made the tour even more special. The crew was also so lovely and welcoming, which made the whole experience even more enjoyable. The sunset views were stunning and created the perfect atmosphere. We highly recommend this tour for anyone visiting Wilmington—it’s a memorable and relaxing way to experience downtown!

Captain Mike and his crew were very professional, polite and knowledgeable about the Cape Fear River! This was my husband and daughters first time on a boat and this water tour was a great place to start! We at first booked the North trip at 11 am but we wanted to see more so Carol assisted us while on the boat book the South trip at Noon, we got a nice discount for doing both trips! I highly recommend doing both trips on the water tour, there is sooooo much to see and learn! Thank you Captain Mike for allowing my daughter the opportunity to sit in the Captain’s seat, that’s all she spoke about on the ride home! We had such a good time!

Great experience, learned a lot of history is such a short amount of time. Clean boat, entertaining Capt and crew!

I never do tourist stuff but it was my birthday and I wanted to make sure I spent as much time on the water as possible. I picked Cape Fear because it was definitely the most affordable offering within the city. I honestly didn’t know what to expect from the experience, so I went in with no expectations. The staff to board was very polite and welcoming. The boat offered a small bar, I am not sure what the full offering was because I’m not a huge drinker so but it was busy. The boat itself is a bit older so downstairs it’s a very older classic brown entire design. It has tables and chairs that you can sit and enough the view from the inside. I did the sunset session and it was beautiful 🤩 The captain even told a story about the gullah geechee tribe and how Wilmington would not be what it is without BLACK people. How the Cypress trees were all forged and that’s why the area only has a few left. With the history lesson, the breathtaking sunset, the Full Moon and the birds it was just perfect. It was pretty windy so I’d definitely suggest a coat on that sunset ride but it’s worth the price! I will definitely do it again.

The Cape Fear River in historic Wilmington, North Carolina, is highly praised and scenic historical area to experience. It is the the last stop of a walking tour from the Cape Fear Museum to the Riverwalk. You can also take riverboat tours and dining at waterfront restaurants. It's a popular spot for both locals and tourists alike for its historical significance and diverse activities as key attractions.  Restaurants offer river views, allowing diners to enjoy their meals while taking in the scenery. It is a "great place to be”.

The sunset cruise aboard the Osprey was very enjoyable. The captain gave some information about the waterfront and the area, but I had to stand close to one of the speakers to hear well. The next time I'm in the area I will have to go on the nature cruise.

What a phenomenal experience. Staff was so lovely and most accommodating. I was going to have a problem stepping onto the boat. Without hesitation they got a ramp and made certain I boarded and disembarked with ease. The historian was brilliant but made certain he did not inundate us with a lot of trivia. It was a wonderful learning experience. He truly expanded my already vast love of nature, the water and its amazing inhabitants. I was disappointed to find out this was their last tour of the ‘25 season. I can’t wait for their first one of ‘26 so I can return.

We used Henriette cruise for Cape Fear River Cruise, it costs $70 per person for one hour cruise. The cruise is very nice with 70s music, fun and informative captain. It was a very hot day (100F), luckily the top floor is covered and we had nice breeze so it was nice. Plenty of public parking around the area, the closest one is on 2nd street, just across the street where the boat parked and the price is reasonable (we paid $4 for 3 hours). Very clean public restroom on the river walk, near to the ticket booth where we checked in. We took off one star because we weren’t happy with the drinks we bought, I had piña colada, my husband bought a beer but the server pour only half of the beer can to half of the plastic cup, he wasn’t happy but since he is a non confrontational person, he walked away and complained with me haha.$30 worthless of 2 drinks, lesson learned (he should take the can and the cup and pour it himself). Overall it was a nice experience on the one hour cruise.

Overall experience was fantastic, the tour guide was knowledgeable, and the food and beverages staff were very friendly and welcoming. Overall great experience.

Good 1 hr river tour. They have a little bar on board for drinks and snacks. $4 popcorn too.

Very fun with a large group of friends although the place would've been just as fun and would've had the same effect without all the Arabic writings on the walls... Felt a little distasteful and racist. Other than that the games were fun, the staff was nice & good at explaining everything to our teams.

Friendly staff, fun atmosphere! Perfect fun for teenage boys. We will continue to come back!

I had never played laser tag here, so planned it for my birthday with my husband, brother, and mom. All of us had a blast and being put on different teams added to the excitement. I enjoyed how strangers came together and everyone put energy into making the games legitimate and fun.

We had such a great time. Not like others. Structured games, all different, capture the flag, deactivate a bomb, so many to mention, all in an hour and a half. We went for my daughters 16th birthday. Great experience.

Kayden did a great job helping us understand the process and answered all of our questions. She was so polite and professional and made our time at Battlehouse a breeze! The refs were great and the games were very fun. We will definitely be back!

RECOMMEND THIS! Do not miss out on this!! I brought my teenage son to Wilmington on vacation and needed to find fun and cool things for him/us to do. This came up on a list of things to do and he got excited about it, so we tried it late on a Saturday night. Both of us had the time of our lives!! Not only was this experience both of our favorite activity for this trip but also agree this was one of the most fun things we have done in a few years!! The facility is clean. The staff was amazing. They were all polite, helpful and fun. Some of the best costumer service I have experienced in years. We both got weapon upgrades - mine had an issue a few minutes in and they quickly helped me get a replacement. I am in LOVE with Battle House. And I am thrilled to find there is a location close to my home in Raleigh. I can assure you, I will be a regular costumer there. Doesn’t matter who you are or how old you are - this is something you should try! Both of us highly recommend this experience and cannot wait to do it again in the next couple days!

The games are always really fun. The staff handles customers with grace even when the customers are at fault. Fun time every time and a great place for everyone.

We had an absolute blast! My daughter turned 16 and this was her choice. It was a really good choice we had a blast, played a few different paint ball games then air hockey, basketball and claw games. The atmosphere was great the gentlemen were amazing. From booking to finish we had a fantastic time and I wouldn’t have changed a thing! Happy Birthday to my sweet 16 year old! Thank you for making it amazing

Held our company Holiday party here in December. Place was perfect and we had plenty of activities set up for everyone to find something fun to do. Kirk was great through entire booking and set-up process. Highly recommend.

My son had the best day ever, as he said! Everyone had so much fun. It’s such a great place to celebrate a birthday. The owner and the staff were super helpful and friendly. The kids had a huge private space to play, and birthday supplies were provided. If I could give more than 5 stars, I definitely would! A little tip: I should have ordered Domino’s like the owner suggested. I'm not usually a fan of Domino’s, so I ordered from the Papa John’s nearby instead. When it was time for pickup, they hadn't even started making the pizza for the party yet. Please don't rely on the Papa John’s at the corner of Dawson & Oleander for your event.

An amazing 12th birthday!! The staff was so patient and accommodating and were able to switch all the guns over when my kids decided paintball was too much- so we switched to jelly ball! We had a blast! Great area to sit after an hour of playing, where we ate pizza that we had delivered from dominos.

I recently brought a group of 20 students to Crossfire NC in Wilmington, and the experience was absolutely phenomenal! The team and the atmosphere were top-notch. The staff went above and beyond to ensure that our students felt welcomed and supported throughout our visit. A special shoutout to Mr. Kirk, who personally went to pick up food for our group and even provided beverages and snacks—such a thoughtful and generous gesture! It’s clear that the staff truly care about the experience and well-being of their guests. My students had an amazing time, and we’re already looking forward to bringing another group back the next time we’re in Wilmington. Highly recommend Crossfire NC for any group outings or youth events!

Great place!!! The staff is amazing!!! Axe throwing, paint ball, tons of claw games (my child loves them!), and plenty of room for events! Come support your locals!

We just had a 7th birthday party for my son. This place did not disappoint! The kids and adults had a blast playing nerf wars! The staff is super friendly and helpful! Thank you for such a fun experience we will not forget!

Updated and renoed to a new modern look. In summer 26’ their opening a 3rd floor with a terrace and small museum.

Staff couldn't be nicer, they go above and beyond to help out with any questions you have. They made the process for me and my children super easy and fun, and because of that they had a great time at the library. And we heard there's a dance party in 2 weeks? We will definitely be back!

Staff is wonderful upstairs and downstairs. Love all the different activities they offer! It looks kinda dirty but I think that it's just because it's old!

So you removed every remotely comfortable seat in the place except the NC room? Did that magically rid you of the unhoused? Was it a sanitation issue? Couldn't you have replaced the cloth with something less porous if concerned about the 'rona or insects? Your hostility to the homeless people has seemingly leeched out to people who come to the library to read or study.

The staff is friendly and there is a great selection of books of all kinds! They have conference rooms that can be rented, and there is free 2hr parking in the parking garage.

Service can be unenthusiastic and sometimes downright unfriendly. It's a rare day when the check-out person seems happy to help you, and the one time I had to visit the guy upstairs to get a DVD, he was actually surly. Collections are highly uneven. For example, someone there seems to know and care about keeping the poetry collection interesting and up-to-date. But the same can't be said about drama. It's rich and varied--as long as you don't want to read anything after 2000 or so. Since then, it's been neglected terribly. The latest award-winning plays? Not there. The newest play anthologies? Zippo. In a theater-active town like Wilmington, this is a shame and a crime. On the other hand, parking is usually easy and their system is good about sending email reminders about due dates and such.

Always very friendly and helpful staff! I've been enjoying this library since I was a young child and now going on 40 this year it is fun to enjoy it still to this day now with my own child and his friend... Always helpful for them with school! 👍😎

This is the oldest theater in Wilmington built in the 1800s. They have weekly shows which are very affordable and lots that are family friendly. Its located in downtown Wilmington so theres plenty of parking and places to eat before or after a show. Prices for a family of 3 was around $40/pp and they have snacks and wine, beer, sodas for sale. You feel like you're stepping back in time in this beautiful theater.

Had an excellent time for my first time at the Thalian Hall. My daughter's second time as she has been there for a school field trip. Amazingly building with pictures throughout the facility showing the history. I recommend one show to experience this beautifully historical building. Very clean and well maintained. Very pleased with our experience, and the Horror Circus is something I hope to see again next year. Thank you to the staff for their kindness also.

Absolutely amazing venue to see shows!! The architecture is gorgeous. The seats are comfy and roomy. Everyone who works and volunteers there are super friendly and helpful. We went for the first time to a concert cinema of short films by George Mèliés. It was fantastic. I can't wait to go to as many shows and plays as possible now! They also have the original hand painted show curtain, oldest known in the country, on display in the lobby. Super cool!

A grand old theatre! I recently sat rear orchestra under the mezzanine overhang which, in other theaters, is the worst place for sound. Not here, and I don't have the best hearing. The seats were also comfortable for someone like me who has a bad back, aggravated by sitting long periods of time.

Thalian Hall shares a building with City Hall. The historic building was built in 1858 and is on the National Register of Historic Places. The outside of the building has been updated, but the theatre retains its historic charm with the architectural details. I've only attended shows in the larger theatre, and the views of the stage have been great, as has the sound. I saw Little Shop of Horrors on my last visit to Thalian Hall. It was a fun show with great sets and a talented cast. The theatre is close to many restaurants if you want to dine before or after a performance.

I attended the Minnie Evans Show last Friday. It was absolutely wonderful! The presentation was both tasteful and intimate about this beautiful lady. I particularly appreciated the photos of Minnie's Bottle House Chapel at Airle Gardens. There were many beautiful shots at every angle. However, I was astonished and disappointed that the film did not acknowledge the artist of the Bottle House Chapel.. I know Ginny Wright Frierson and remember the many months she worked on the chapel and I even contributed a bottle or two. Why was she never mentioned in the film nor credits.?

This extraordinary historical theatre is at the heart of Wilmington's ever- expanding arts and culture scene. I've always loved it, and I'm thrilled to see it being not only preserved but improved!

Very friendly staff. Great location. Cost saving parking for anybody going to Wrightsville Beach. Five stars!

Nice museum. No parking or entrance fee. Free parking for two hours. We went through the museum, spent time in the rocking chairs on the porch and walked the beach.

Cute little museum! Outside there’s a place to look for shark teeth. There’s a model of what the beach used to look like which the kids really like to look at. There’s lots of different shells for kids to see as well. Really cool to hear about the history of WB and the train.

The museum's collection of exhibits, artifacts and original beach cottages take you back in time. The dedicated volunteers went beyond beyond expectations, as they shared their wealth of knowledge, personal anecdotes, and answered questions. It's evident that the museum's commitment to preserving history is nothing short of exceptional!! .

Wonderful place full of history. The curator was extremely helpful and full of local history.

This place was really fun to explore with my girlfriend while we are on vacation from New York State.

Just visited today!...awesome experience and very informative. The young lady there was getting ready to close up but stayed and talked with me and allowed me to visit and ask questions. She was a wealth of knowledge!!!! Never knew that was there but glad I stopped!!!

I Just played Arrowhead. It's a surprisingly fun and challenging course for being a pitch and putt. Really good usage of the topography. Great pin positions. Short technical holes. Easy to navigate. In short, Lots of fun. I'll definitely play there again.

This course was Pretty Awesome for working on the technical short game and approach shots,and it can play pretty fast depending on your group/card mates! I would recommend to anyone to play a few rounds there for sure!

Full 18 hole mid level course. Gotten a few aces. Tons of fun

Took the lil guy I nanny for some park fun. It was very nice. He loved it. The only issue I had was the bench on the picnic tables are very far from the table so he had a hard time eating his lunch. It irritates me that people throw food on the floor and create ants but no fault of the park itself.

One of my favorite places to play disc golf. Except on the last visit. Went on a Saturday afternoon got to the second hole/basket, only it wasn’t there you could see where someone cut the pole that held it up. So I just skipped it and played through until the 15th and then crossed the little bridge to get to the other side and found out they also stole 16-18. It amazes me that somebody wanted to play disc golf so bad that they sold the damn baskets. I reckon that this is the world we live in now, where ppl steal stuff that ain’t even worth anything. Just for fun I guess. Or maybe just to steal other people’s fun.

A great place to have outdoor fun.

One of my favorite discgolf parks in Wilmington. Pickle ball, basketball, playground, picnic area. Great little park.

Lovely garden in the middle of renovations right now. 4/23 Not sure where to park for this place and GPS was unsure, too. Had to circle around twice and parked near the recycling bins, since the lot adjacent to the gardens said event parking only. Located in the center of the divided roads going down to Wrightsville Beach. There's a small playground and a few benches as well as a few paths to meander around the gardens.

Beautiful gardens on the loop of Wrightsville Beach. Larger inside than it seems from the outside. Beware of hawks nesting and hunting among the gardens!

Such a beautiful garden! There will also be a mother's day garden party here so head on over and bring ya momma! I can't wait to bring my daughter back once the splash rocks are open for play and there is a cute playground right outside the gardens.

My first time at Harbor Way Gardens won't be my last. The Garden is well worth viewing and there is also a playground the children

Gorgeous garden! Peaceful and relaxing

Beautiful little spot by Wrightsville Beach parks and municipal buildings. Maintained creatively by Harbor island Garden Club.

Beautiful place to relax along the 2 mile loop around the island of Wrightsville Beach NC. Spring time is approaching. The prettiest time of the year to visit the Gardens

We really enjoyed ice-skating, place was clean , had rentals. And a snack bar. Would definitely recommend this place to take the kids and get some fun exercise 😀

Great place to Public Ice Sk8. Our 34th State to Ice Sk8. Reasonbly priced Public Skate- $10 w/own skates. Cool receptionist, really helpful staff, sensational music and tasty snack bar.

Light attendance today, but usual for a summer weekday at mid-day. A little warm for my taste, but I think okay for many. Meaning you don't need to bundle up snuggling. Surprised to see such a large snack bar! Seems well maintained with staff mending the ice along the boards. Nice parking!

Booked this for my daughter's birthday and we had a blast. I wish you could have the party room for the length of the skating time but that wasn't that big of a deal. Everyone loved ice skating and it was different than your typical birthday party. We left a birthday card with a $50 bill in it behind and the staff attempted multiple times to find it for us to no avail. Oh well! We will definitely be returning to skate and I highly recommend this place!

Everyone the kids and I interacted with are super friendly and welcoming to their establishment. Rob is great. Thanks so much for sharpening our blades, the woman who offered hot chocolates to the kiddos and everyone on the ice that kept the kids safe.

I can’t be quiet anymore. The arena has wonderful staff, I love their workers, but the place is horribly run. Old facility with issues, absolutely terrible-horrible, unsafe ice. It’s worse than any wild pond. Dangerous and unpleasant to skate on. Rental boots are old and barely sharpened, which is also unsafe and uncool.

It is not the fanciest place, but it has a good sized rink that is nicely maintained.

My family and I really enjoyed coming here. Jordan was super sweet and Ryan was super attentive to my son and daughters needs. I will absolutely be back!!!

I absolutely love this place!! Jordan, Tom and all of the other staff are so welcoming! Jordan always has a smile on her face and a positive attitude, I wouldn’t want to spend my Fridays anywhere else!(not to mention the bowling is awesome)

Cardinal Beach Bowl is the perfect spot for a fun night out! The the atmosphere is lively, and the staff is super friendly and helpful. Whether you're here for casual bowling, league play, or just to enjoy the arcade and food, there's something for everyone. The experience is always worth it. Highly recommend for families, friends, and anyone looking for a great time!

Love this bowling alley, people are so friendly. Its a little small but still have a great time when go!

Cardinal Lanes Beach Bowl, Wilmington NC, Definitely gets Their 5⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ review super great friendly atmosphere family oriented free bowling for the kids on certain days,Snack's, Food, Beverages, Super clean bathrooms, kitchen area,game room, Even the Floor 🦋the bowler's were playing on was super clean, Great friendly family atmosphere to bring even the kiddos They have their own free night to bowl as well. friendly staff willing to help anyone with anything, I totally enjoyed meeting the staff and really enjoyed My visit Cardinal Lanes Beach bowl Wilmington North Carolina, Come on over stop by check them out you'll love it I did. 🦋

Clean fun environment. Good music!!

This is one of the best bowling alleys I’ve been too. People who work there are super nice and kind. Hopefully I can worked there when I turn 18.

We did 2 tours this weekend - Ghost Pub Crawl with Steve on Friday and then the Ghost Walk with Steve L. on Saturday - both were great and very different!! The pub crawl was just the right amount of "rowdy" with the stories and crowds and the walk was informative and interesting. I have been on the walk several times before but had not been on those specific stops and it was nice that they were out from the loud crowds a bit. We will definitely book future tours when we visit Wilmington again!! Pictures from the Ghost Walk.

Ghost Walk of Old Wilmington has always been celebrated for its excellence. Steve L was our tour guide and is the best tour guide of all-time! He tells the ghost stories of Old Wilmington with such great inspiration, feeling, and zest! You'll hear stories of love, greed, tragedy, and triumph! It's a whole lot of fun, very interesting, and perfect for everyone! Whether you're by yourself, with friends, family, or kids, it's perfect! I unreservedly recommend it!

We did the tour with Steve Little last night and it was one of the best I’ve been on. He kept us engaged, entertained and enthralled with the stories he told. I love his tie-ins to his personal life as well as how familiar he is not just with the stories, but with the families and employees at the local haunts! I don’t have enough great things to say about Steve L! You’ll be very lucky if he’s your guide!

Our tour guide, Steven L., was wonderful. He successfully guided us through a chaotic Saturday night and wove tales of history and spirits that haunt the streets and alleyways of Wilmington. He shared stories that raised the hair on your neck and brought tears to your eyes. We even had an extra treat of meeting one of the horses from a horse drawn carriage en route to escorting wedding members. I highly recommend the tour if you have an evening in Wilmington. And with October here, the mood is sure to enhance it. Thanks again Steven for a wonderful tour!

I recently attended a ghost tour guided by Steve L, and it was quite honestly a 10/10 experience! Steve was delightfully engaging and entertaining, and the stories he told our group were incredibly interesting! I’m a 15 year resident of Wilmington, and this was one of the more enjoyable outings I’ve had around town in years! I can’t recommend these tours(especially with Steve L) enough!

Did the tour last night with Steve Little. Had a great time! 5 stops with very detailed stories, that were spooky and gave a glimpse into Wilmington history and lore. Group was small enough that everyone could stay together and hear the stories. Would definitely recommend!

Steve Little of Ghost Walk of Old Wilmington was an amazing tour guide! We went on 10/30, the night before Halloween, and had such a fun experience. As Wilmington locals who do the ghost tour every October, we’ve had many guides over the years, and Steve was definitely one of our favorites. He was not only entertaining but also incredibly knowledgeable about Wilmington, its history, and its ghost stories. Highly recommend for anyone looking for a spooky and informative adventure!

Love this park! Enjoy walking the trail and viewing the wildlife! Children love the playground. The newest addition that has claimed Wade Park as home, is our “Alligator “. He can usually be viewed from the dam. Keeping your pets on a leash and being aware are necessary! (Perhaps he needs a name!).

I gave Wade Park a five-star review because of the alligator in the pond! The park itself is lovely and well maintained. The bathrooms are super clean. The path is a loop, but we took it to the Gary Shell Cross City Trail all the way to Hayburton Park. You can add on extra mileage with the cross city trail.

Great neighborhood nature walk and playground. Lots of marsh wildlife in a small area, with a trail just long enough for the attention span of small kids. The bathrooms could use refurbishment, better security, and they're often locked.

Lovely park with a paved walking path and boardwalk over the marshy areas. The water is teeming with life. We saw 5 turtles. A playground is available for children. Parking is limited but available along with restrooms and trash bins. Leashed dogs are welcome.

I live right next to Wade. Walk my dog there all the time. Unique Park, as most is marsh with walkways. Lots of bird life and various plants and waterlife.

Great park with a short walking/biking loop that's great for kids. There's even a wooden bridge for turtle watching!! The playground is more for kids 3-4 years and up, lots of things to climb on. Not a lot of parking though but it wasn't super busy when we went so it wasn't an issue.

Smaller park. Great for runs to change up the scenery if you get tired of the neighborhood. They have children's playground equipment as well as swings. You will definitely see people and some wildlife ( red tails hawks, squirrels, alligator, etc)

If you're seeking a rocking local kayaking experience that offers incredible value, look no further than Mahanaim Adventures. This local gem truly stands out as the best bang for your buck for both quick excursions and extended adventures. Their diverse selection of kayak trips caters to all preferences, ensuring there's something for everyone A highlight for me of Mahanaim Adventures is the exceptional guide work provided by Don. He is not only fun and engaging but also incredibly knowledgeable, ensuring every participant feels comfortable and has all their questions answered before and during the trip. Don's attention to detail means that everyone understands the itinerary and what to expect, fostering a sense of ease and preparedness. His in-depth knowledge of each route is truly impressive, as he seamlessly weaves in historical insights and engaging anecdotes, keeping everyone captivated throughout the journey. This commitment to engagement ensures that all participants, regardless of their prior experience, feel connected to the environment and the adventure. For those who typically prefer solo trips, Mahanaim Adventures, with Don at the helm, offers such a compelling group experience that it's bound to become a regular go-to. Thanks Don 🤘

Had one of the best experiences ever with Don from Mahanaim adventures. He was our guide for two of us as we kayaked down the Black River to look at the fifth oldest tree in the world in the three sisters swamp. It was an awe-inspiring experience as well as fun. I must admit I am not the most experienced kayaker, but Don insured that we were safe and well taken care of every paddle of the way. Give yourself an adventure of a lifetime and take this tour with Don and Mahanaim adventures!

Had the privilege of kayaking with Don to the Three Sisters. He was so wise and knowledgeable about the trees, flowers, birds and animals out there. I was a little nervous about not being a very experienced kayaker but it was a breeze. I can’t stop telling my friends, I think the cypress trees are a must-see for any North Carolinian.

My daughter and I had an absolutely wonderful time. Mr. Harty took us on a wonderful adventure filled with educational points along the way. I strongly recommend Mahanaim Adventures.

Took my dad out while he was in town and we had a great time. Don was so kind and helpful. Thank you for the great experience … and shark teeth!

Great trip and we all found some shark teeth and fossils. Don is very knowledgeable and all about safety on the water. We will be trying some of his other tours in the future

Great experience! Don & Wink were informative, patient, & kind. Safety first! The swamps were amazing! Highly recommend this outfitter.

What an amazing tour with our host Cameron! We had a smaller group and Cameron was very engaging and a fun guide. He taught us about the history of wrightsville beach, the fish and wildlife, and shared about some of his experiences on the water. He also gave us the opportunity to watch about 15 dolphins at sunset! What a cool experience!

Great tour, boat was exceptionally clean. Cameron our captain was knowledgeable about the area, showed us birds, and took us to beautiful Masonboro Island. On the way back to the dock we saw dolphin. Would highly recommend.

The captain was friendly, knowledgeable, and accommodating! We found lots of dolphins right at sunset. It was a nice experience for my 50th birthday!

We booked a shuttle the day before to Masonboro Island. Arranging the trip was easy and we were dropped off and picked back up right on time. I would def bring a beach shade set up next time as we just brought beach towels and a cooler with snacks and drinks. We loved it and would book again with Capt Joe and Wrightsville Beach Scenic Tours.

We had an incredible experience with Cam and Cory! They shared tidbits of knowledge about the area, ensured a smooth ride, and gave us views of the sunset and some dolphins! Highly recommend!! Thank you!

Went to Wrightsville beach and found no parking for an hour. We texted Wrightsville Beach Scenic Tours and were on a boat with Captain Joe and his Perry the platypus hat to Masonboro Island within an hour. We had the best day there. Almost nearly empty and it was a Saturday. Captain Joe told us which trails to take to the beach. Cam came and picked us up who was also great. 10/10 recommend to anyone.

Cam was a great captain on our sunset cruise. He was great to conversate with and very informative about things in that area. The boat was in great shape and very comfortable. The views were awesome and the dolphins were close. Joe the owner was very responsive and we will definitely book with his company again on our future boat outings. Great pricing as well!!

Place is beautiful in a safe and clean location. Well thought out. Comfy and cozy. Open and easy to get around. Just the right size for a gathering. We had a great time. Felt safe. Even going to the parking deck late at night. Well done Wilmington, Bravo.

Not easily accessible (the park/playground next to the concert venue) to the public on weekends when there is a concert. All of the fencing makes the park feel industrial and uninviting. Sharing photos to show how limited access to the park is. From a distance (how people approach the park), you wouldn't even know you can access it at all.

We were downtown for the fireworks and it was awesome. Hadn't been in years so I was glad I could enjoy the festivities in such a cool venue.

Best place by far to see live shows

Saw 311, Iya Terra and Iration Sept. 2021. Great show, great venue, great staff. Everyone having a great time and ALL of the event staff we spoke with were awesome. Definitely want to return for another show. The entire vibe couldn't have been more perfect. Appreciate the the mini-vacation Wilmington! Everyone we met and spoke with were very nice and always willing to help. Thank you!

Harry Connick Jr and his Band was amazing!! He plays so many different instruments so well. He sings, acts, he's a comic. A funny hilarious comic. They put on an upbeat spiritual journey. Venue was perfect 🥰 Poor Piggy's BBQ hit it out of the park with their BBQ Beef Brisket sandwiche and crispy shoestring fries! They even gave me extra napkins 💙🤘

Awesome venue for concerts and outdoor events in Wilmington on the cape fear river front.

Fishing with Jeff was an experience of a lifetime. Jeff was able to get me on the water and In front of fish with just one days notice. He was professional, knowledgeable and extremely kind. His knowledge of his fishery is par to none, I learned more about the fishery in 1 day with Jeff than I had in 16 years of living in the area. I highly recommend fishing with Jeff you will not be disappointed.

Had another incredible trip with Jeff from Wilmington Fishing Expeditions. Double digit albies landed. Jeff is an amazing guide - patient, knowledgeable and passionate about putting his clients on fish. Conditions started out red hot with numerous blitzes but slowed when the tide slacked. But Jeff always has a back up plan and you can tell he knows the coastal waters inside and out. If you’re looking for a top notch fly fishing experience around Wilmington NC, Jeff is the guy you want on the poling platform or running and gunning for albies. Highly recommend!! And can’t wait to fish with him again.

As a guide Jeff was great!! He really went above & beyond. We we're fighting NE winds all day. Pretty choppy but we managed to pull in 4 nice red heads. I would recommend him if you want someone who knows what he's doing. Thank Jeff

What an amazing time. My son wanted to fish for his 12 th birthday and Jeff made it happen! He is definitely a seasoned captain and a great guy. He knew where all the fish were and my son caught the first fish within mins of casting. He moved around to different spots making sure we were always catching fish. I also brought our 10 year old and he was very patient and excited every time someone caught something. He is very prepared and will definitely be calling him again to book with him.

My son and I planned a trip with Captain Jeff months in advance and he didn’t disappoint. Jeff is personable, professional and highly knowledgeable. He spoke with us extensively about the species of fish we were catching and how best to land them. He worked tirelessly to help us get on fish and guided us through the entire fishing process. We felt blessed to have guide as friendly and competent as him. We will definitely book him in the future.

We found fish immediately and had success with spinning gear and on the fly. Jeff was able to coach us patiently to get our best shots on fish and had several top water blow ups. Landing 4 fish before noon after only starting at 9. I'd definitely book with Jeff again.

Captain Jeff was very knowledgeable of the area and awesome to fish with. Great coaching throughout the day as this was my first time sight fishing reds, bad storm rolled through so we had to take shelter but Jeff let us fish for an extra 2 hours to make up for lost time waiting out storm. Would 100% fish with him again and might even make a trip in the fall/winter to target some bull reds. Highly recommend Wilmington fishing expeditions.

My daughter had an amazing time at Sea Camp! We came all the way from Louisiana for her to attend—and it was so worth it. This was her 4th year doing sea camps, but her first time at this one, and she absolutely loved it. The staff was so sweet, energetic, and welcoming. She had a blast, learned so much, and it only deepened her dream of becoming a marine biologist. Highly recommend this camp to any ocean-loving kid! 🌊🐠

My daughter absolutely LOVED scuba camp! She made great friendships and learned so much about herself. It is such a great feeling picking up your daughter and finding out that she learned she is so much braver and stronger than she realized. The camp counselors and instructors were very attentive and encouraging.

This was my daughter’s third summer attending the Carolina Ocean Odyssey (COO) Program, and she still absolutely LOVES it. She’s now 12 and looks forward to camp all year long—it’s truly the highlight of her summer. The joint program between Sea Turtle Camp and WB Surf Camp continues to be a perfect fit for her passion for marine biology and the ocean. The staff are exceptional—caring, enthusiastic, and clearly dedicated to creating a fun and safe experience. In past years, we’ve had seamless drop-offs and pick-ups, and this year was her first time flying down as an unaccompanied minor. We were so impressed with how clearly the camp communicated every step of the process. They knew exactly how to prepare us, including making sure we prepaid the unaccompanied minor fee for the return flight so everything was smooth at the airport. She came home once again full of excitement and stories, already counting down the days until next summer. I can’t recommend this camp highly enough for curious, adventurous, ocean-loving kids!

Our daughter spent 11 days at SCUBA camp. She absolutely loved it. As a rising junior trying to figure out her next steps, this was an important piece for her in confirming her love for the ocean and sea turtles. The staff was knowledgeable, helpful and fun and I felt informed as a parent and in the loop through pictures and emails. Our daughter is already talking about coming back again for advanced diving, and wanting to work here. If you have a marine biology loving kid, this is a great place!

My daughter has had a fascination with sea turtles for years, so this seemed like the perfect camp for her—and it was! She applied as soon as registration opened in October and we heard back right away. Staff was great in the lead up to camp, answering all my questions and concerns, as well as friendly and efficient at drop off. Counselors got her to the airport so she could fly home unattended, and waited until she was in the air to leave. This camp is legitimate and knows what they are doing! My daughter enjoyed the food and all the activities. Website is great at detailing exactly what is planned for the kids, and pictures are posted regularly, easing any parental concerns. Overall a great experience that my daughter was very happy with.

My son went to Sea Turtle Camp for the first time this year and LOVED IT! He already wants me to schedule for 2 weeks next year. The counselors were awesome, he learned a lot and the food was good. He said it was a great experience to live at the beach for a week! He loved the boogie boarding, surfing and salt marsh/kayaking, too!

My son attended Sea Turtle Camp in 2024 and again in 2025, both times in the SCUBA certification programs. He absolutely loved it! What an amazing program. We had no hesitations in having him attend or recommending it to other families. The counselors are fun and engaging, but also professional and experienced. SCUBA diving, swimming in the ocean - these are activities where safety must be prioritized and I felt confident each year that my child was in good hands and taken care of. The camp obviously focuses on education but it also is so fun. We loved seeing the photos of the pickleball tournament, luau party, and volleyball. Our son made great friends and learned so much. We are endlessly grateful. FIVE STARS! Thank you Sea Turtle Camp!

Nice little park with a walking track. The trail has well shaded areas and benches to sit at, spaced out around the trail. Some of the parking lot can be shaded. There is also a nice swing set for kids to enjoy.

My favorite little gem of a park. Perfect 1.2 mile loop in a nicely shaded path. I walk and run here three or more times a week. It’s never too busy and folks all are friendly. It’s also tucked away so little traffic noises.

A lovely park for the whole family! Great play and picnic areas. The nature center has critters to see, activity games to learn about local plants and animals. The walking trails are shady, quiet, and we'll maintained. Makes for a splendid visit!

It was super fun the playground and the hiking was all so good

They have educational walks that you can sign up for.

Attended Fire in the Pines here today, my first visit to the park. Also walked the trail, which is paved and well maintained. Lovely park and the festival was really informative!

Huge park with lots of trails - rough and paved. Signage in pertinent areas. Nice play area spread out in different sections. Very nice event building. Spent over an hour and didn't get to all of it.