Hey moms of Wilmington, North Carolina! If you’re looking for fun and engaging ways to bond with your little ones, you’re in the right place. Wilmington offers a variety of ‘Mommy and Me’, Parent/Child, Caregiver/Child activities that cater to different interests and ages. Whether you’re into music, fitness, art, or just looking for some quality time with your child, there’s something here for everyone.
1. Library Story Time Sessions
The New Hanover County Public Library & the Pender County Public Library hosts regular story time sessions for young children and their caregivers. These sessions are a wonderful way to introduce your child to the joys of reading and make new friends in the process. In the summer, NHC Library typically host Story Time at the NHC Arboretum on Friday’s and Kaleidoscope Play and Learn (hosted by Smart Start of NHC). Check their community calendar for all events and locations.
- Ages: 0 – 5 years old
- Price: Free
- Location: All Branches
- Website: New Hanover County Public Library ; Pender County Public Library
- Occurrence: Check the website for days/times, but typically daily
WilmingtonMom Tip: Arrive early as these seem to fill up. Enjoy the play area and check out a book before or after StoryTime at the libraries.
2. Story Time at the NC Aquarium at Fort Fisher
The NC Aquarium at Fort Fisher hosts a special Story Time session in the off-season perfect for young children and their caregivers. Enjoy captivating stories about marine life and the ocean, followed by engaging activities that inspire a love for nature and conservation.
- Ages: All Ages
- Pricing: Cost of Admission; Make reservations online
- Location: Aquarium at Fort Fisher | 900 Loggerhead Rd, Kure Beach, NC
- Website: NC Aquarium at Fort Fisher
- Occurrence: Tuesdays at 10:00 AM (during the off-season only); check their social media for updates
WilmingtonMom Tip: Don’t forget to make a reservation on the NC Aquarium at Fort Fisher’s website ahead of time.
3. “Littles & Loved Ones” Swim Lessons with NSEA Swim
NSEA Swim offers “Littles & Loved Ones” swim classes that are perfect for introducing your little ones to the water. These classes focus on water safety, basic swimming skills, and building confidence in the water while having fun. The purpose of the course is to familiarize children with the water and teach swimming readiness skills. In addition Littles and Loved ones provides safety information for parents and teaches parents/caregivers techniques they can use to help orient their children to the water. There is a small fee associated with these lessons. Scholarships are available upon request.
- Ages: 6 months to 3 years old
- Pricing: Free! Donation based
- Location: Earl Jackson Pool | 750 Bess St., Wilmington, NC 28
- Website: NSEA Swim
- Occurrence: Year-round; check website for lesson dates/times
4. “Swim Starters” with YMCA Swim Lessons
The YMCA offers “Swim Starters” swim classes that help young children get comfortable in the water while teaching essential swimming skills. These classes are a great way to bond with your child and ensure they learn water safety from an early age. Accompanied by a parent, infants and toddlers learn to be comfortable in the water and develop swim readiness skills through fun and confidence-building experiences.
- Ages: 6 months – 3 years
- Pricing:
- Y Member: $75 / 8-classes
- Y Member: $40 / 4-classes
- Non-Member: $95 / 8-classes
- Non-Member: $60 / 4-classes
- Location: NIR Family YMCA | 2710 Market St, Wilmington, NC
- Website: YMCA of Southeastern NC
- Occurrence: Offered year-round; check website for schedule
5. Kindermuisk By Sarah
Kindermusik by Sarah offers engaging music and movement classes for children from newborn to age seven. These classes focus on nurturing your child’s love for music while enhancing their cognitive, emotional, and social development.
- Ages: 0 -6 years old
- Pricing: $85 a month/$75 for siblings!
- Location: 4616 Oleander Dr, Wilmington, NC 28403
- Website: Kindermusik by Sarah
- Occurrence: Daily; See website for full schedule
6. Music Together at Brooklyn Arts Music Academy
Their classes are designed for children from birth through age five and their caregivers. You’ll enjoy singing, dancing, and playing instruments together, all while fostering your child’s musical growth.
- Ages: 0 – 5 years old
- Pricing: $200 for 9 session
- Location: Brooklyn Arts Music Academy | 202 N. 5th Ave, Wilmington, NC 28401
- Website: Brooklyn Arts Music Academy
- Occurrence: Offered year-round; typically Friday & Saturday mornings
7. Stroller Strides by Fit4Mom Wilmington
For moms looking to stay active, Fit4Mom offers Stroller Strides classes, which combine fitness for moms with fun activities for kids. These classes are held outdoors and are a great way to get some exercise while spending time with your little one.
- Ages: All ages in stroller
- Pricing: First class free!
- Location: Halyburton, Long Leaf or Smith Creek Park
- Website: Fit4Mom Wilmington
- Occurrence: Year-round; check website for schedule
8. Little Leaps
Little Leaps offers a variety of Mommy and Me classes designed to engage young children in playful learning activities. From music and movement to sensory play, these classes provide a wonderful environment for bonding and development.
- Ages: 3 months – 8 years
- Pricing: $12 per class or discounted packages
- Location: See website
- Website: Little Leaps
- Occurence: see website for offerings
9. The Little Gym of Wilmington
For those who want to combine physical activity with fun, The Little Gym offers “Parent and Child” classes that are perfect for babies, toddlers and preschoolers. These classes focus on developing motor skills, coordination, and confidence through gymnastics-based activities.
- Ages: 4 months – 3 years / 3 – 6 yrs
- Pricing: Membership + class fees
- Location: 132 Racine Dr, Wilmington, NC
- Website: The Little Gym of Wilmington
- Occurence: See website for schedules
10. Baby Yoga at Longwave Yoga
Longwave Yoga offers Baby Yoga classes that are perfect for new moms and their infants. These classes focus on gentle stretches and poses that promote bonding and relaxation.
- Ages: Newborns + Moms
- Pricing: see website
- Location: 203 Racine Dr, Suite 200, Wilmington, NC
- Website: Longwave Yoga
- Occurrence: see website for next offering
11. “First Steps” at South East Dance Academy
South East Dance Academy offers “Mommy and Me” type dance classes that introduce young children to the basics of dance in a fun and supportive environment. These classes help develop coordination, rhythm, and a love for dance while allowing moms to actively participate.
- Ages: 18 months – 3 years old
- Pricing: $97.50 for 6 lessons
- Location: SEDA | 220 Avondale Ave Suite 101, Wilmington, NC 28403
- Website: South East Dance Academy
- Occurence: Tuesdays, see website
12. TuTu School of Wilmington
TuTu School of Wilmington provides delightful Mommy and Me dance classes where young children can explore movement and music. These classes focus on nurturing creativity, building motor skills, and fostering a love of dance.
- Ages:
- Pricing: see website
- Location: TuTu School of Wilmington
- Website: TuTu School of Wilmington
- Occurence: See website
13. Mary’s Art Explorers at Cameron Art Museum
Art Explorers is geared towards infants, toddlers, and preschoolers, but big brothers and sisters are welcome to join and create art with us. Your registration includes admission to the museum for the whole day. Space is limited so preregister to guarantee your spot!
It is with great honor that Cameron Art Museum pays tribute to Mary Cameron Hoey by naming its most popular and long-standing family program after her. Mary’s Art Explorers is a story time, art making, and museum exploration program.
- Ages: 0 – 5 years old
- Pricing:
- CAM Members: $5 per adult/child
- Not-Yet Members: $10 per adult/child
- Children Ages 2 and Under: Free
- Location: Cameron Art Museum | 3201 South 17th St, Wilmington, NC
- Website: Cameron Art Museum
- Occurrence: Thursdays at 10 AM; see website for schedule
14. “Parent and Tot” Gymnastics Unlimited
Parent and Tot (1 to 2 years old) is the opportunity for you to work directly with your child and introduce him or her to the sport of gymnastics. We show you how to use our facility to encourage your child to develop coordination, strength, balance, and agility. Because our facility is built especially to stimulate young minds, your child will thrive in this class. This class will prepare your child for the Tumble Tots Program.
- Ages: 1 year +
- Pricing: See website
- Location: Gymnastics Unlimited | 301-G N Green Meadows Drive, Wilmington, NC 28405
- Website: Gymnastics Unlimited
- Occurrence: Tuesdays at 5:45 PM
Mainly Open Play
15. Children’s Museum of Wilmington
The Children’s Museum of Wilmington aka CMoW is a local non-profit and offers various interactive exhibits and programs that are great for Mommy and Me outings. From art projects to science experiments, there’s always something new to explore and learn. They also host several special events, so check out their website for all the details.
- Ages: 0 to 5 years | Best for children walking in my opinion
- Pricing: $10 per person (parent and children)
- Location: Children’s Museum of Wilmington | 116 Orange St, Wilmington, NC
- Website: Wilmington Children’s Museum
WilmingtonMom Tip: Don’t forget to become a member at NHC Library and/or Smart Start of NHC and get your name on the list for FREE passes to the CMoW.
16. Fit for Fun
Fit for Fun Center offered through the City of Wilmington has a variety of interactive play and learning activities for young children and their caregivers. Check their website for special events. With a focus on physical activity, creativity, and social interaction, it’s a great place for Mommy and Me time.
- Ages: 0 – 5 years old
- Pricing: $5 per child, adults free; discount packages available
- Location: 302 S 10th St, Wilmington, NC
- Website: Fit for Fun Center
- Occurrence: check their website for event dates
17. Smart Start of New Hanover County
Smart Start of New Hanover County offers various programs and resources for young children and their families. Their Mommy and Me activities focus on early childhood development, literacy, and healthy parent-child interactions and they have a great FREE resource play room filled with all sorts of fun toys, books and games.
- Ages: 0 – 5 years
- Pricing: Free! $5 annual pass allows you to take items home
- Location: Currently closed and moving to Wellington Ave – Coming Soon!
- Website: Smart Start of New Hanover County
18. “Watch Me Play” at Carolina Gymnastics Academy
As soon as baby can crawl, they can participate in gymnastics! Watch Me Play is our version of Baby/Toddler/Preschooler Open Gym. No instruction for Watch Me Play-pure exploration for children, and a time for parents to socialize! For safety reasons, Watch Me Play is for children 5 years old and younger.
- Ages: 0 – 5 years
- Pricing: $13 per baby/toddler/preschooler (must pre-register online)
- Location: Carolina Gymnastics | 3529 Carolina Beach Rd., Wilmington, NC 28412
- Website: Carolina Gymnastics Academy
- Occurrence: Saturdays; 9 AM – 11AM
19. “Preschool Play” at Port City Gymnastics
Designed for our preschool aged kids. Come explore the gym & socialize while helping your child build strength & motor skills through guided play.
- Ages: 0 – 5 years old
- Pricing: $10 per child/per visit or buy 5 get 1 free!
- Location: Port City Gymnastics | 6724 Amsterdam Way, Wilmington, NC 28405
- Website: Port City Gymnastics
- Occurrence: Fall/Winter/Spring – Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday from 9:30AM – 11:30AM
20. “Toddler Open Gym” at Carolina Elite Athletics
Toddler Open Gym allows your little ones to run free inside the gym. Play with new friends while you relax and meet moms or simply watch the kids play.
- Ages: 6 months – 6 years old
- Pricing: $5 per child, parents are free (pre-register online)
- $30 punch cards are available. Includes 6 one hour sessions, with the 7th hour free.
- Location: Carolina Elite Athletics | 233 Sloop Point Loop Road, Hampstead, NC 28443
- Website: Carolina Elite Athletics
- Occurrence: Fridays; 9:30 AM – 11:30 AM
These classes and programs not only offer opportunities for bonding but also help in the developmental growth of your child. Whether you’re looking to make music, get fit, or simply enjoy some quality time together, there’s something for everyone. So grab your little one and start exploring the fantastic Mommy and Me opportunities around Wilmington!
Does your business offer a Parent/Child activity and your want yours added to this list? Please send me an email at wilmingtonmomnc@gmail.com with all the details!
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