Wilmington · New Hanover County, NC
Family things to do in Wilmington
Scout analyzed 91 Wilmington places and surfaced the ones that actually fit family.
Places analyzed
91
Matches
24
Typical spend
$30
Typical visit
1.7 hr
Scout-verified spots
Food & Drink
On Thyme Restaurant
On Thyme is a casual restaurant suitable for a relaxed meal. Expect to spend $20-40 per person for an hour-long visit, perhaps before or after a stroll in the Castle Street Arts & Antiques District.
Beaumont
Indochine Restaurant
Indochine is a good choice for a dinner outing, offering Thai and Vietnamese cuisine in a unique garden setting. Expect to spend 90 minutes and $25-50 per person for a meal here, and reservations are recommended for prime times.
Food & Drink
The Kitchen Sink
The Kitchen Sink is a casual restaurant suitable for a relaxed meal. Expect to spend 1-2 hours and $15-$30 per person for a main dish and a drink.
Food & Drink
South Front Tavern
South Front Tavern is a solid spot for a casual meal or drinks with friends, fitting well for a dinner outing before or after exploring the South Front District. Expect to spend 1-2 hours and around $25-50 per person.
Outdoors
Lake Waccamaw State Park
Lake Waccamaw State Park is ideal for a half-day outdoor excursion, offering trails and lake views for free. It pairs well with a picnic and can be a main family activity or a stop on a longer trip.
Food & Drink
Bitty & Beau's Coffee
This coffee shop is good for a casual coffee break or a light snack. Expect to spend 30 minutes and under $15 per person for drinks and pastries.
Historic District
Anne Bonny's Bar and Grill
Anne Bonny's is a floating barge bar & grill on the Cape Fear River, good for a casual meal with a view, live music, and regional seafood. Expect to spend $20-50 per person for a 1.5 hour visit, and parking can be moderate downtown.
Airlie
Airlie Gardens
Airlie Gardens is ideal for a leisurely 1.5-hour outdoor stroll among azaleas and lakes, costing around $5-10 per person for entry. It pairs well with a picnic or a meal at a nearby restaurant in Wilmington.
Outdoors
Greenfield Park
Greenfield Park is ideal for a free, relaxed outdoor adventure, perfect for families or a solo walk. Expect to spend an hour or two enjoying the scenery, potentially pairing it with a picnic.
Outdoors
Fort Fisher State Recreation Area
Fort Fisher State Recreation Area is ideal for a half-day to full-day outdoor excursion, suitable for families or solo adventurers. Entry is free, but parking or off-road vehicle permits may incur a small cost.
Outdoors
Long Leaf Park
Long Leaf Park is a good destination for a free, active family outing or a solo walk, especially on a nice day. Plan for 1-2 hours of walking trails, playing sports, or enjoying a picnic.
Riverfront
The Fork 'N' Cork
The Fork 'N' Cork is a solid choice for a casual meal of burgers and drinks, fitting well into an evening downtown before or after other activities. Expect to spend 1-1.5 hours and around $20-40 per person.
Riverfront
Rooster & The Crow
Rooster & The Crow is a good spot for a relaxed meal of Southern staples, whether for a weeknight dinner or a weekend lunch. Expect to spend 90 minutes and $25-60 per person.
Outdoors
Dram Tree Park
Dram Tree Park is good for a short, free outdoor stroll to see river views, suitable for all ages. It can be a brief stop before or after visiting other downtown Wilmington attractions.
Outdoors
Wade Park
Wade Park is a good free option for a family outing or solo walk, offering trails and a boardwalk through wetlands. Expect to spend 1-2 hours walking and enjoying nature, weather permitting.
Outdoors
Masonboro Island Reserve
Masonboro Island Reserve is a natural, undeveloped barrier island best reached by boat for a day of beachcombing, birdwatching, or hiking. Expect to spend at least 4 hours exploring, bringing all your own supplies, at no cost other than transport.
Historic District
Bellamy Mansion Museum
Spend about an hour exploring this historic mansion and its grounds, a good daytime activity that pairs well with other downtown Wilmington sightseeing. Expect to spend $10-15 per person for admission.
Riverfront
The Cotton Exchange
The Cotton Exchange is a good stop for a mixed shopping and dining experience, especially if exploring historic downtown. Plan for about 1-2 hours; spending can range from browsing to a full meal and purchases.
Arts & Culture
Battleship North Carolina
The Battleship North Carolina is a 2-3 hour educational outing, good for families or solo exploration, offering historical insights and river views. Expect to spend $10-15 per person on admission.
Outdoors
Arrowhead Park
Arrowhead Park is ideal for a free, relaxed outdoor activity, such as a walk or picnic. Expect to spend about an hour here and possibly combine it with other local outdoor spots.
Arts & Culture
Cameron Art Museum
Spend 2-3 hours exploring art exhibitions, grabbing a bite at the cafe, and enjoying the grounds. This can be a main activity for a morning or afternoon, costing around $12-30 per person.
Riverfront
Museum of the Bizarre
Visit the Museum of the Bizarre for about an hour as a standalone activity or part of a downtown walk. Expect to spend $10-20 per person for entry.
Historic District
Savorez
Savorez is a good choice for a dinner outing with Latin American fusion, likely suitable for families or a social evening. Expect to spend $30-$60 per person for an hour and a half meal.
Riverfront
The Copper Penny
The Copper Penny is a solid choice for a casual evening meal or drinks with friends, fitting well before or after an event downtown. Expect to spend $15-35 per person for food and drinks, with visits typically lasting about 1.5 hours.
Under $35
Cheap dates and low-spend afternoons.
Worth the splurge
When the night needs to land.
Outdoors
Patio, trail, or open-air.
No reservation needed
Walk in tonight.
What Scout found
- 60 of the 91 analyzed Wilmington places fit family.
- 48% of matches are outdoor or partly outdoor.
- 52% have easy parking.
- Dominant moods: Relaxed, Social, Scenic, Playful, Adventurous, Educational.
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