The best things to do in Wilmington with kids are the Battleship North Carolina, a Cape Fear riverboat cruise, the Children’s Museum of Wilmington and Discovery Bay, the free pop-up aquarium at Independence Mall. The battleship is the big one for school-age kids, a World War II ship they can climb through deck by deck. The North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher is closed for an expansion, with reopening projected for late 2028 or early 2029, and Discovery Bay is its free stand-in, with ambassador animals and small marine habitats. We plan one of these a day and keep the rest open.
Things to Do in Wilmington with Kids: At-A-Glance
| Activity Name | Best For | Key Highlight | Recommended Age | Booking Options |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Discovery Bay (free) | Rainy Day Fun | Ambassador animals | All ages | |
| Battleship North Carolina | History Buffs | WWII Ship | School-aged | |
| Cape Fear Riverboat | Relaxation | Waterfront Views | All ages | View Details → |
| Children’s Museum | Toddlers | Imaginative Play | Toddlers |
Discovery Bay at Independence Mall
The North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher closed on May 26, 2026 for an expansion, and its free mini aquarium at Independence Mall is the indoor stand-in.
- The Fun: Meeting the aquarium’s ambassador animals up close.
- Best Age Group: All ages, and it is small enough for toddlers.
- Tip: It is free, so it works as a short stop between other plans.
- Good to know: It is in the JCPenney wing of the mall.
Battleship North Carolina
The Battleship North Carolina turns a history lesson into something kids can climb through, from the main deck down into the ship.
- The Fun: Squeezing through the corridors and compartments of a World War II battleship.
- Best Age Group: Best for school-aged kids who can handle the stairs and ladders.
- Tip: Bring a carrier for younger siblings, or skip the lower decks.
- Good to know: There are many steep stairs and ladders. Leave the stroller in the car.
Cape Fear Riverboat Cruises
Cape Fear Riverboat Cruises show you the waterfront while everyone sits down, and kids can watch for birds along the river.
- The Fun: A slow sightseeing trip on the river.
- Best Age Group: All ages, and babies tend to nap.
- Tip: Board early for a shaded seat on deck.
- Good to know: Trips depend on the weather, so check the forecast.
Children’s Museum of Wilmington
The Children’s Museum of Wilmington is built for small kids to burn off energy indoors, with hands-on rooms for pretend play.
- The Fun: Hands-on exhibits made for imaginative play.
- Best Age Group: Toddlers and elementary-age kids.
- Tip: Go on a weekday. Weekends bring birthday parties.
- Good to know: With a toddler you will be on your feet the whole time, so wear comfortable shoes.
Where to Stay in Wilmington
We book the room first and build the days around it. Here is what Wilmington has open, with hotels on one side and family sized rentals on the other.
FAQs About Things to Do in Wilmington with Kids
Is Wilmington stroller-friendly?
Downtown and the riverwalk are easy with a stroller. The battleship is not, so bring a baby carrier if you want to go below deck.
What is the best time of year for a family trip?
Spring and fall. The weather is better for being outside, and the crowds are smaller than in summer.
How many activities should I book per day?
One. Leave the rest of the day for naps, the beach or nothing at all.
What are the best indoor things to do in Wilmington NC?
When the weather turns, Discovery Bay and the Children’s Museum of Wilmington are the indoor options covered above, so a rainy afternoon does not end the day.
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