There are so many great things to do in the Cape Fear area. But, if your family is looking to hit the road for a little adventure, here are some of our picks for great family day trips near Wilmington, NC!
9Museums and Entertainment in Myrtle Beach, SC
Myrtle Beach, with its myriad of golf courses, good weather, and places of entertainment for all ages, remains a tourist destination for families all over the U.S. Due to its location and tourist focus, Myrtle is has been entertaining Wilmington, NC families for years. Our kids especially love the myriad of mini-golf courses – our family favorite is Mount Atlanticus Minotaur Goff. If you hit a hole in one on your last shot, which involves getting your ball down narrow strip of turf without falling in the water, you win a lifetime pass! Our 7 and 10 year olds remain eternally hopeful that they will win.
If your kids are feeling a bit brave, try Nightmare Haunted House on the boardwalk. The friendly staff offer a “medium” level of scares, but our kids found it delightfully frightening anyway! There are lots of other places to try, including the 41,000 square foot WonderWorks amusement park, Myrtle Waves water park and Ripley’s Aquarium. Word of warning – while the pay-as-you-weigh candy shops look glamourous and harmless, it doesn’t take long for your kids to rack up a huge bag, even if they are trying not to! Forget the terrifying haunted house – our biggest scare of the trip was the bill at the candy place!
8See Kinston, NC
This little town is probably best known regionally for Vivian Howard’s restaurant, Chef & the Farmer, but there is much more here than you think. The minor league baseball team, Down East Wood Ducks, is the feeder team for the Texas Rangers – a perfect cap to a day trip! Games start in April. Then, follow up a game at Mother Earth Brewing and beer garden. (Have an interest in local breweries? Be sure to read our seven family-friendly brewery picks in the Wilmington, NC area!)
7Raven Rock State Park
www.ncparks.gov/raven-rock-state-park
If your family loves to be outside, some of the best hiking around is at Raven Rock State Park. Located past Fayetteville, this park is a drive, but still a potential day trip – and one that is worth the travel! Read all of our tips on Raven Rock State Park in our article.
6Marbles Kids Museum in Raleigh
Raleigh has a wonderful assortment of kids’ activities, from the North Carolina Museum of Art to the nearby Museum of Life and Science in Durham. There is so much to do in Raleigh, but the Marbles Kids Museum is a family favorite. With educational IMAX shows and so many exhibits, the museum will enthrall kids from toddler-aged to ten. (Marbles does have a café, but you can also walk to dozens of restaurants in downtown Raleigh.)
5Moores Creek National Battlefield
One of the pivotal battles in the Revolutionary War took place in Currie, NC. And now Moore’s Creek National Battlefield is one of the closest National Parks to Wilmington, making it perfect for family day trips! Just 30 minutes outside of Wilmington, your family can experience the full scope of its history. Be sure to check in on special events and reenactments.
4Lake Waccamaw State Park
www.ncparks.gov/lake-waccamaw-state-park
Just 38 miles outside of Wilmington, NC, this spot is very close for Wilmington families. Due to its easy hiking and gorgeous views (as well as a lot of ecology!), Lake Waccamaw State Park is an easy way to get the family out and about. Read our article on discovering Lake Waccamaw State Park.
3Sea Turtle Hospital in Surf City
www.seaturtlehospital.org/visit
The Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Hospital, one of our favorite family day trips, is a working place, small and busy with activity. Although the hospital closes to visitors during the winter, tours are available from April through the summer and into the fall. If your children have an affinity for these magnificent animals, it is worth the visit. Since it won’t be an all-day affair, try to catch a turtle release! (Releases are announced on the Facebook page.)
2Take the ferry to Bald Head Island
Bald Head Island is always a beautiful, unique place for a day trip. There is a maritime forest to hike through, large open beaches, and the ferry is back up and running. (The candy store will be reopening in March!) Because the two clubs with pools can be pricey and require membership, we suggest packing a lunch or hitting one of the several restaurants open to the public.
1The (other) aquarium: Pine Knoll Shores
www.ncaquariums.com/pine-knoll-shores
Finally, we love the NC Aquarium at Fort Fisher. Because we go there so often, it is nice to drive to one of the other aquarium’s in the NC system: the NC Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores, near Atlantic Beach. This Aquarium has a river otters exhibit.
Because all of these trips involve less than three hours of family driving time, they are perfect for a family day trip. If your family wants to go further afield, consider the North Carolina Zoo, Charlotte and/or Greensboro.)
We wish your family many happy adventures! Please email us with any new ideas you have for day trips from Wilmington!
