Wilmington is the kind of place where kids can burn off energy by the water, run, paddle, explore and ask a million questions – and parents actually have fun, too. From interactive museums and indoor play spots to guided tours and scenic outdoor adventures, there’s no shortage of ways to keep everyone entertained.
Here’s a three-day game plan packed with kid-approved stops that’ll turn into “remember when…” stories years from now.
Duration: 3 days | Available: Year-round
Day 1: Battleship and Arcade Fun
Drop your bags:
Unload and get comfortable at one of Wilmington’s family-friendly stays near the river. The Courtyard by Marriott Wilmington Downtown/Historic District features a heated outdoor pool with lounge chairs and a fire pit. At Embassy Suites Wilmington Riverfront Hotel, you’ll find an indoor pool with plush seating for adults and plenty of space for kids to splash.
For families who like a little extra room, Staybridge Suites offers spacious suites near Midtown, while vacation rentals such as Front Street Suites or Wilmington Vacation Homes provide a true “home-away-from-home” option. You can also stay right on the water in a roomy houseboat at The Cove Riverwalk Villas. Insider tip: Guests at The Cove can request a six-seat golf cart shuttle from the parking deck to the boats – or for short rides downtown between Live Oak Bank Pavilion and Dock and Third streets.
Afternoon:
Early lunch: Anne Bonny's Bar & Grill
Dine on the Cape Fear River at Wilmington’s only floating restaurant. Kids can watch passing boats and choose from the “Little Pirates” menu, with hot dogs, chicken tenders, mac and cheese, shrimp and more.
Afternoon activity: Battleship NORTH CAROLINA
Cruise across the Cape Fear River on the Bizzy Bee Water Taxi, operated by Wilmington Water Tours. Then, step aboard Battleship NORTH CAROLINA, the most decorated American battleship of World War II. Spend a couple hours exploring the ship’s nine levels, from the engine room, radio center and combat information center to everyday spaces like the crew quarters, chapel, post office and barber shop. Kiddos will especially love dropping coins into the ship’s deep “wishing well” and taking in panoramic views from the bridge.
The Battleship also offers family-friendly guided tours: the 90-minute City at Sea Tour shares what daily life was like for the 2,300 sailors and officers on board, while the 90-minute Topside Tour takes you up close to the ship’s operations, armament and equipment. Visit this link to book your tour in advance.
Late afternoon activity: Game Over Escape Rooms or Green Light Escape Room
Time to put your heads together and see if your family can beat the clock! At Game Over Escape Rooms, tackle themed adventures like the Lost City of Atlantis, Haunted Mansion or School of Magic (inspired by Hogwarts). You can also try Jurassic Labs or Cabin in the Woods at Green Light Escape Room, Wilmington’s largest escape game facility. Each room is packed with clever clues, tricky puzzles and plenty of “aha!” moments along the way.
Evening:
Dinner: The Half Sandwich and Beverage or Cargo West Food Court
Head to The Half for delicious sandwiches served with house-seasoned chips, chickpea salad or half a pickle. The classic grilled cheese is always a hit with little ones. Out back, there’s a cozy courtyard with twinkling lights and big picnic tables where the whole family can sit together.
You can also find something for every palate at Cargo West Food Court in the Cargo District. With seven (and counting) micro-kitchens, it’s fun to mix and match – from sandwiches, like the Boss Hawg featuring pulled pork piled high, sausage, slaw, pickled red onion and Carolina gold sauce on a brioche bun, and a side of pimento mac at Shepard Barbeque to Korean-style corndogs at Astro Dogs or Korean bulgogi beef at Seoul Sushi. Afterwards, check out Salita Pizza and Soft Serve for creative, rotating soft serve flavors like Cinnamon Toast Crunch and Roasted Banana.
Day 2: Sweet Treats and Time on the Water
Morning:
Breakfast: Beach Bagels & Subs (Monkey Junction location near Shark Tooth Island launch point)
Grab a New York-style bagel with your favorite cream cheese or spread at Beach Bagels & Subs, named Best Bagel and Best Breakfast in the WWAY 2025 Viewers’ Choice Awards. Heartier options include loaded breakfast bagels and omelets, plus specialty espresso drinks for the adults.
Morning activity: Mahanaim Adventures Shark Tooth Island Kayaking Adventure (8:30 a.m. departure)
Set out on a family-friendly kayaking tour to Shark Tooth Island. This three-hour guided excursion takes you through calm coastal waters, where kids can hunt for prehistoric shark and megalodon teeth along the island’s shoreline. Kids 12 and under ride tandem with an adult, and your experienced guide keeps the outing safe, educational and fun for all ages.
Afternoon:
Lunch: Slice of Life Pizzeria (downtown or Midtown location) or Fun Bowl: Ramen and Poke
After your paddle, it’s time to refuel! Slice of Life Pizzeria is known for its crispy crusts and fun toppings, plus other family favorites like nachos, quesadillas and wings. Order by the slice if everyone wants something different or share a classic pepperoni pie.
If your crew is feeling adventurous, head to Fun Bowl for poke bowls, sushi and ramen. Kids will love picking their favorites, and everyone can sip on fruity bubble tea in flavors like mango, pineapple, strawberry and coconut.
Afternoon activity: Wilmington Riverwalk
Spend the afternoon exploring the Wilmington Riverwalk, a nearly 2-mile walkway that follows the Cape Fear River. Along the way, you’ll find restaurants, great views of Battleship NORTH CAROLINA and kid-friendly shops like The Black Cat Shoppe and Souvenirs & More. Plus, the northern end of the Riverwalk connects to Riverfront Park, where kids can run around before heading to your next stop. Insider tip: Check our calendar for upcoming kid-friendly shows and concerts at Live Oak Bank Pavilion at Riverfront Park.
Afternoon treat: Boombalatti's Ice Cream (Downtown) or Pie Slayer Bakery
Stop for a sweet treat at Boombalatti's Ice Cream, where kids can fill a waffle cone bowl with their favorite ice cream flavors and toppings. Or, visit Pie Slayer Bakery, known for its creative pies and cookies. The Banana Stranger pie (featuring dark chocolate, roasted banana cream and marshmallow meringue) is so good, everyone will want to try a slice.
Evening:
Dinner: Rooster & The Crow or The Basics
Located on the Riverwalk, Rooster & The Crow serves Southern-inspired comfort food in a relaxed setting, with a kids’ menu featuring fried shrimp, mac and cheese and more. Nearby, The Basics has nightly specials blending local and global flavors, plus a kids’ menu (10 and under) that sticks to the classics: grilled chicken, chicken tenders, PB&J and grilled cheese.
Evening activity: Cape Fear River Boats Sunset Cruise (departure time shifts with the seasons, between 4 and 7:30 p.m.)
End the day on a 90-minute sunset cruise aboard the Henrietta. As you glide along the river, you’ll enjoy scenic views and learn about Wilmington’s history and local legends. Insider tip: Frozen beverages (including non-alcoholic drinks) and snacks are available for purchase on board.
Day 3: History and Active Adventures
Morning:
Breakfast: Drift Coffee & Kitchen, Dixie Grill or Wake N Bake Donuts
Begin your final morning with breakfast downtown. Drift Coffee & Kitchen serves toasts, breakfast burritos and pastries alongside quality coffee for the adults. Head to Dixie Grill – Wilmington’s oldest restaurant – for omelets and pancakes served in a fun, retro space. Or, treat the whole family to handcrafted donuts at Wake N Bake Donuts, with toppings ranging from Fruity Pebbles to crispy bacon crumbles, crushed potato chips, candy bar pieces and more – sure to delight both kids and adults.
Morning activity: Wilmington Railroad Museum or Children’s Museum of Wilmington
At the Wilmington Railroad Museum, kids can explore interactive exhibits and model train layouts, visit a Thomas the Tank Engine play area and climb aboard a real steam locomotive that’s more than a century old. The Children’s Museum of Wilmington also offers interactive exhibits, with hands-on activities focused on arts, science and culture. Daily programs, such as Crafty Kids and Nature Navigators, are designed for different age groups and rotate throughout the week.
Insider tip: At the Wilmington Railroad Museum, kids can even operate Thomas the Tank Engine along a model train track, decorated with accessories like a McDonald’s and playground swings.
Afternoon:
Lunch: Rebellion NC or Castle Street Kitchen
Enjoy lunch on the outdoor patio at Rebellion NC. Kids can order from the “Munchkins” menu, while adults choose from burgers, handhelds and shareables like candied bacon and pork bites. Or, pop into Castle Street Kitchen for burgers, sandwiches and vegan bowls, along with a dedicated kids’ menu, featuring smaller portions of familiar favorites.
Afternoon activity: Springbrook Farms carriage tour and Greenfield Park
See Historic Downtown Wilmington from a new perspective on a 30-minute Springbrook Farms carriage tour. As the farm’s rescued draft horses take you along for a scenic ride, your guide will share stories of Wilmington’s history and famous residents. Then, explore Greenfield Park, where kiddos can walk the 4.8-mile lakeside path, play pickleball and enjoy playgrounds designed for different ages and abilities. Insider tip: On warm days (above 50°F), you can rent a paddle boat or tandem kayak to take out on Greenfield Lake – check out the Cape Fear River Watch Facebook page for the most up-to-date details.
Evening:
Dinner: Wrightsville Beach Brewery or JohnnyLukes KitchenBar
Dine alfresco in the spacious beer garden at Wrightsville Beach Brewery, which offers a classic kids’ menu along with craft beer, burgers, pizza, and locally caught seafood and oysters for the adults. At JohnnyLukes KitchenBar, families can choose from Southern comfort dishes like the "Luke, I am Your Father" Crab Cake Sandwich and Uncle Stan's Chicken Pot Pie. The kids’ menu includes familiar options such as spaghetti, grilled cheese and chicken tenders.
Evening activity: Battle House Laser Tag, Jungle Rapids Family Fun Park or a trampoline park
Wrap up your trip at Battle House Laser Tag, where kids ages 7 and up can play video game-style laser tag inside a giant, indoor arena designed like a city. Games typically run about 90 minutes. If you’re traveling with little ones, visit the mini golf course and giant indoor playground at Jungle Rapids Family Fun Park. Or, bounce over to Flip N Fly or Sky Zone Wilmington, each offering more than 20,000 square feet of indoor trampoline fun. Each option is perfect for letting kids burn off energy before heading home.
For more family-friendly fun in Wilmington, check out this blog. Or, extend your visit in one of our island beaches:
