Best things to do in Wilmington when family comes to visit

When family comes to town, finding activities that everyone will enjoy can take a little planning. Between Thanksgiving gatherings, Christmas visits and school breaks, it's nice to have a few outings in mind beyond spending time around the house.

Fortunately, Wilmington offers plenty of ways to entertain visiting relatives, from downtown attractions and hands-on museums to beaches, gardens and seasonal celebrations. Whether you're hosting grandparents, grown children or grandkids, these activities can help make their visit memorable.

Key takeaways

• The bigger picture: Wilmington offers plenty of activities for visiting family members of all ages, from young grandchildren to grandparents.
• The details: Families can explore downtown attractions, museums, gardens, beaches and outdoor spaces.
• Why it matters: Having a few outings planned can make holiday visits and school breaks more enjoyable without overfilling the schedule.
• The more you know: Seasonal events, including Enchanted Airlie and the North Carolina Holiday Flotilla, offer additional ways to celebrate when family visits during the holidays.

Explore Wilmington's waterfront and downtown

Wilmington Riverwalk

One of the easiest ways to show visiting family around Wilmington is with a stroll along the Riverwalk. The waterfront walkway offers views of the Cape Fear River, passing boats and the downtown skyline, with restaurants, shops and historic streets just steps away. It's an outing that can be as short or as leisurely as you'd like, whether you're taking family photos, stopping for lunch or simply enjoying the scenery together.

• Address: Downtown Wilmington, along the Cape Fear River
• Hours: Open daily; individual businesses have separate hours
• Phone: (910) 341-7852 

Battleship NORTH CAROLINA

For relatives interested in history, Battleship NORTH CAROLINA offers a memorable look at life aboard a World War II battleship. Families can explore decks, living quarters and other areas while learning about the sailors who served aboard the ship. It's a popular attraction for older children and adults, although visitors should be prepared for stairs, ladders and narrow passageways throughout the tour.

• Address: 1 Battleship Road NE, Wilmington
• Hours: 8 a.m.-5 p.m. daily
• Phone: (910) 399-9100

Fun things to do with visiting grandkids

The Children's Museum of Wilmington

If younger grandchildren are coming to town, The Children's Museum of Wilmington is a great place to spend a few hours. Located downtown, the museum features hands-on exhibits that encourage creativity, imaginative play and learning through interactive activities. Children can explore different exhibits while parents and grandparents join in, making it an especially helpful option when the weather isn't ideal for outdoor activities.

• Address: 116 Orange St., Wilmington
• Hours: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday and 1-5 p.m. Sunday 
• Phone: (910) 254-3534

Discovery Bay at Independence Mall

Animal-loving grandkids can explore Discovery Bay, a free miniature aquarium experience operated by the N.C. Aquarium at Fort Fisher team. Located inside Independence Mall, the attraction features marine and freshwater habitats, seahorses, fish, frogs and educational experiences that introduce visitors to aquatic life. Discovery Bay opened in July 2026 while the main aquarium at Fort Fisher undergoes a multiyear renovation, making it a convenient indoor outing for families.

• Address: 3500 Oleander Drive, Wilmington
• Hours: 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Monday-Saturday and 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Sunday
• Phone: (910) 392-1776 

Wilmington Railroad Museum

The Wilmington Railroad Museum is a fun stop for train enthusiasts of all ages, especially younger children who enjoy model trains and interactive displays. Families can explore historic railroad equipment, learn about Wilmington's railroad history and see detailed model train layouts. With both educational exhibits and hands-on elements, it's an easy activity to pair with lunch or another stop downtown.

• Address: 505 Nutt St., Wilmington
• Hours: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday-Saturday
• Phone: (910) 763-2634

Enjoy Wilmington's outdoor attractions

Airlie Gardens

For a relaxing outing with visiting parents, grandparents or the whole family, Airlie Gardens offers a peaceful setting filled with walking paths, seasonal flowers, ponds and scenic views. Visitors can explore the grounds, admire the historic Airlie Oak and enjoy Wilmington's natural beauty at a comfortable pace. The gardens are also a lovely place for family photos, particularly when the weather is mild and everyone wants to spend some time outdoors.

• Address: 300 Airlie Road, Wilmington
• Hours: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. daily; last admission at 4:30 p.m.
• Phone: (910) 798-7700

Greenfield Park

Greenfield Park is a good option for families looking to enjoy some fresh air without planning an entire day around an attraction. The park features walking paths around Greenfield Lake, opportunities to spot birds and other wildlife, and plenty of scenic spots to enjoy together. It's especially nice for relatives who appreciate nature or want a quieter outing between holiday meals and other activities.

• Address: 1739 Burnett Blvd., Wilmington
• Hours: Open daily from dawn to dusk
• Phone: (910) 341-7855

Carolina Beach State Park

Families who enjoy the outdoors can head to Carolina Beach State Park for a nature walk through coastal forests and along the Cape Fear River. The park is known for its trails, diverse habitats and native Venus flytraps, giving visiting children and adults an opportunity to explore a different side of the Wilmington area. With several trails to choose from, families can select an outing that fits their schedule and energy level.

• Address: 1010 State Park Road, Carolina Beach
• Hours: 7 a.m.-7 p.m. daily in November and 7 a.m.-6 p.m. daily in December and January
• Phone: (910) 458-8206

New Hanover County Arboretum

The New Hanover County Arboretum offers a peaceful, budget-friendly outing for families who enjoy gardens and outdoor scenery. The seven-acre property features a variety of themed gardens, including native plants, herbs and other displays that showcase what grows in coastal North Carolina. Admission is free, and the walking paths make it an easy stop for visiting relatives who want to get outside without committing to a long excursion.

• Address: 6206 Oleander Drive, Wilmington
• Hours: 8 a.m.-5 p.m. daily
• Phone: (910) 798-7660

Indoor activities for rainy or chilly days

Cameron Art Museum

Cameron Art Museum is a great choice for visiting adults, older children and anyone who appreciates art, culture or history. The museum features rotating exhibitions, educational programs and outdoor spaces, including sculptures and the United States Colored Troops Park. Families can spend time exploring the galleries before enjoying a meal at the museum's restaurant, making it a relaxed way to spend an afternoon together.

• Address: 3201 S. 17th St., Wilmington
• Hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday, 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Wednesday-Thursday and 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Friday-Sunday
• Phone: (910) 395-5999

Cape Fear Museum

Cape Fear Museum offers an educational outing for families interested in Wilmington's history, culture and natural environment. The museum's exhibits explore the Cape Fear region through a mix of historical objects, science and interactive learning opportunities. With its new Grace Street location open in 2026, it's another convenient indoor option for visiting relatives and children on school breaks.

• Address: 230 Grace St., Wilmington
• Hours: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Saturday and 1-5 p.m. Sunday
• Phone: (910) 798-4370

Holiday activities to enjoy with visiting family

Enchanted Airlie

If relatives are visiting around Thanksgiving or Christmas, Enchanted Airlie is one of Wilmington's most popular holiday traditions. Airlie Gardens transforms into a festive display of lights and music, giving families a chance to walk through the illuminated gardens together. The experience is especially memorable for children and grandparents alike, but tickets must be purchased in advance because popular dates and time slots often sell out.

• Address: 300 Airlie Road, Wilmington
• Hours: Select evenings Nov. 27-28 and Dec. 1-21, with reservation windows from 5:30-9:30 p.m.
• Phone: (910) 798-7700

North Carolina Holiday Flotilla

The North Carolina Holiday Flotilla brings a festive waterfront celebration to Wrightsville Beach each Thanksgiving weekend. Families can watch boats decorated with colorful lights cruise along the water, creating a holiday experience that's a little different from a traditional parade. The annual event also includes daytime activities, making it an option for families who want to spend part of the day celebrating together before enjoying the evening display.

• Address: Wrightsville Beach, with viewing areas around Banks Channel
• Hours: Saturday, Nov. 28; event times vary by activity
• Phone: (910) 256-2120

More simple ways to spend time together

Not every family outing needs tickets or reservations. Sometimes the easiest activities are the ones everyone remembers most.

A few additional ideas include:

• Spend an afternoon at the beach: Visit Wrightsville Beach, Carolina Beach or Kure Beach for a shoreline walk, even when it's too chilly to swim.
• Take a scenic river cruise: See downtown Wilmington and the Cape Fear River from the water, with seasonal tours available through local operators.
• Plan a family game day: Try bowling, miniature golf, an arcade or an escape room, depending on everyone's ages.
• Explore local holiday markets: Look for seasonal shopping events, craft fairs and festive performances throughout November and December.
• Enjoy a meal together: Take visiting relatives to a favorite local restaurant or try somewhere new during their stay.