How to Visit Cape Fear Museum for FREE in Wilmington, NC

Looking for a fun, educational outing with the kids that doesn’t have to cost a fortune?

Cape Fear Museum of History and Science is my new favorite place in Wilmington, NC to take the kids and there are actually several ways families can visit for free!

Cape Fear Museum is now located at 230 Grace Street in downtown Wilmington and features hands-on exhibits including Cape Fear Stories, Science Matters, Port City Play, Curious Nature and a planetarium. You can park at the New Hanover County Parking Deck attached to the museum for a dollar or two.

1. Use Your New Hanover County Library Card

One of my favorite local parent hacks!

New Hanover County Library offers Cape Fear Museum passes that can be checked out with your library card. The availability of passes can vary, so check with your local NHC Library branch to join the waitlist.

Tip: Don’t wait until the morning you want to visit! Passes can be popular, especially during school breaks and rainy days.

2. Go on New Hanover County Resident Free Day

If you live in New Hanover County, mark your calendar!

The first Sunday of each month is New Hanover County Resident Free Day at Cape Fear Museum. Residents and county employees can receive free admission. You must reserve your free tickets in advance. Free Day tickets can sell out, and you will need to show valid identification or proof of residency when you arrive. One New Hanover County ID is valid for 2 adults and accompanied children. Additional adults would need to purchase admission.

WilmingtonMom tip: Set a recurring reminder on your phone to check for tickets before the first Sunday of the month!

3. Smart Start of New Hanover County Passes

If you have young children, you may want to know about the Smart Start New Hanover County Early Learning Resource Center. Families can become members for just $5 per year, and membership includes access to educational materials, books, theme kits and other resources.

One of the perks? Two-week trial memberships to both the Wilmington Children’s Museum AND Cape Fear Museum are available through the Resource Center.

You can request tickets via email, by calling or stopping by in person.

Smart Start Early Learning Resource Center
725 Wellington Ave.
Wilmington, NC

4. Museums for All — Use Your EBT Card

This is an important one to know about.

Through Museums for All, Cape Fear Museum offers FREE admission for up to 2 adults and 4 children when you present a valid EBT card. So if your family qualifies, don’t assume a museum visit is out of reach, this program is specifically designed to make museums more accessible to families. Source Cape Fear Museum

5. Blue Star Museums — Military Families

Active-duty military families can also visit for free through the Blue Star Museums program.

Cape Fear Museum offers free admission for up to 6 people with a valid active-duty military ID card. The promotion runs annually from Armed Forces Day through Labor Day. (Typically May – September) Source Cape Fear Museum

6. Use an ASTC Reciprocal Membership

Here’s where museum memberships can get really interesting!

Cape Fear Museum participates in the Association of Science and Technology Centers (ASTC) reciprocal program.

That means qualifying memberships from participating ASTC museums and science centers can provide reciprocal admission benefits at Cape Fear Museum. The ASTC Passport Program includes participating science and technology museums across the country. It only qualifies if your home museum is 90 miles away. (No, your Airlie Gardens Membership will not work with this.)

Before you go: Always check the current ASTC requirements and participating locations, since reciprocal admission rules can vary.

7. Use a NARM Reciprocal Membership

Cape Fear Museum also participates in the North American Reciprocal Museum (NARM) Association.

NARM connects participating museums, cultural institutions, children’s museums, botanical gardens and other organizations throughout North America.

If you have a qualifying membership at another participating NARM institution, you may be able to receive reciprocal admission benefits at Cape Fear Museum.

8. Use a SERM Reciprocal Membership

There’s another reciprocal program that is especially useful if you visit museums around the Southeast:

Southeastern Reciprocal Membership Program (SERM).

Cape Fear Museum participates in SERM, which provides reciprocal admission benefits at participating museums throughout the Southeast.

This can be a great perk if your family already belongs to another participating museum.

9. Become a Cape Fear Museum Member

And finally, if your family visits Cape Fear Museum more than once or twice a year, membership may be the best deal of all.

The Cape Fear Museum currently offers several membership levels starting at just $75, so check out their website today!

Don’t pay full price before checking these options!

One of the best things about living in Wilmington is having access to so many educational and cultural experiences for families. And with a little planning, you may be able to visit Cape Fear Museum for free or save significantly on admission.

Save this post for your next museum day + be sure to comment or like if this was helpful!

Admission programs, reciprocal benefits, ticket requirements and membership perks can change. Check with Cape Fear Museum or the participating organization before your visit for the most current information.