Tag: North Carolina

Family-Friendly, Fun regardless of age

Welcome to your ultimate guide to experiencing the best of Wilmington without spending a dime! 🎉✨ I’ve curated a list of 100 FREE things to do in this vibrant city, so you can explore, discover, and create unforgettable memories without breaking the bank. Whether you’re a local looking for new adventures or a visitor seeking budget-friendly experiences, I’ve got you covered. From stunning beaches to historical landmarks, family-friendly activities to hidden gems, this guide is your ticket to unlocking the abundance of free fun Wilmington has to offer. Get ready to embark on an incredible journey of discovery, filled with laughter, adventure, and endless possibilities. So grab your map, gather your friends and family, and let’s dive into the countless FREE treasures that await in Wilmington!

*Some activities may require paid parking

1. Watch the sunrise at the beach. Sunrise is typically 6 AM. Parking is free at all beach accesses this early.
2. Walk to Wrightsville Beach via the Summer Rest Trail and The Loop. Enjoy a free beach day! No need to look for parking at the beach. Instead, park at the old Port City Chop House and enjoy the walk. – View Post
3. Beach day bucket list:
   • Build a sand castle – Don’t forget to cover up holes in the sand for the turtles.
   • Jump in the waves
   • Find seashells
   • Look for sharks teeth
   • Collect sand fleas in a bucket
4. Walk on the Crystal Pier located at the Oceanic Restaurant and enjoy the view.
5. Visit Harbor Way Gardens water feature/splash zone at Wrightsville Beach. Take a photo with the local flowers or play on the nearby playground. – View Post
6. Walk to “The Mailbox” an iconic spot located in front of Shell Island Resort. Leave a love note or read others and reflect at the beauty of the beach.
7. View the bird sanctuary in front of “The Mailbox” and see what type of birds you see.
8. Walk the North End at Wrightsville Beach during low-tide. Small tidal pools form and its always fun for the kids to enjoy calmer water.
9. Walk “The Loop” at Wrightsville Beach. – View Post
10. Stop by South Channel Drive Mini-Park and dip your toes in Banks Channel. – View Post
11. Visit the Wrightsville Beach Museum of History. View post
12. Visit Wrightsville Beach Park Playground. View post
13. Park and dip your toes in the water at Causeway Park. Every hour watch the Wrightsville Beach bridge open to allow vessels to pass. View post
14. View or venture to Palm Tree Island. – View post
15. Visit Airlie Gardens during their free admission days. Residents of New Hanover County are free the first Sunday of every month. –View Post – Register here
16. Take a scenic drive down Airlie Road. Can you think of any movies filmed on this road? Pass by restaurants, where a few movies were filmed and enjoy the panoramic views of the intracoastal waterway.
17. Attend free community events at Wrightsville Beach. Check out Summer Concert Series, Movies in the Park and educational events like Turtle Talks. Website
    
    
18. Explore the Battleship North Carolina Memorial. You can walk around the ship for free. You’ll also have a wonderful viewpoint of Historic downtown across the river. Additional fees apply to tour inside of the ship. View Post – Website
19. Stroll along the scenic & Historic downtown Riverwalk. Parking is free the first 30 minutes in the parking decks. See what wildlife you notice along the river. More details on parking can be found here.
20. Take a free tour of the Wilmington Convention Center. The hallways have a timeline of Wilmington history. – Website
21. Kids 5 and under are free at Burgwin-Wright House, Latimer Houser and the Bellamy Mansion. Burgwin-Wright also hosts several free art shows throughout the year making the tour free for adults too!
22. Hop on the free Port City Trolley for a 40 minute ride around historic downtown. You can catch the trolley at Padgett Station (located on 4th Street between Campbell St. and Red Cross St.) or simply wave to the driver along the route to signal them to stop. More details on the route and schedule can be found here.
23. Explore The Cotton Exchange. – 3 hour parking is free for customers with validation from shops and restaurants. The buildings have a rich history, so be sure to read up before visiting or watch the short video on their website. Website
24. Walk to Riverfront Park also know as Live Oak Bank Pavilion. A small climbing structure and water feature during the summer. This would be a good spot to walk from The Cotton Exchange since parking is scarce. – View Post
25. Stop by the Riverfront Farmers Market downtown, The Wilmington’s Farmer Market at Tidal Creek, Frankie’s Outdoor Market, Wrightsville Beach Farmers Market (Mondays) or Poplar Grove Plantation (Wednesdays).
26. Attend the free 4th Friday Gallery Walk in downtown Wilmington. – Click Here
27. Visit the Wilmington National Cemetery and pay your respects to those who have passed serving our country. Memorial Day they hold a special ceremony. View Post
28. Explore the historic downtown district.
    • Find the oldest building in Wilmington.
    • Find the Chandlers Wharf stream and waterfall.
    • Read historic signs on homes or the historical markers located on main roads.
    • Take a photo next to the Second Street Mural.
    • Can you find the old Nickelodeon painting?
29. Explore the exhibits at the Cape Fear Museum of History and Science on their free day, which is the first Sunday of each month for residents of New Hanover County. You can also secure free passes with your library card through New Hanover County Library. – View post
30. Visit the Wilmington Children’s Museum with the free admission pass through the New Hanover County Library or NHC Smart Start. The Attractions Coupon Book also has a BOGO coupon. – View Post
31. Go to Dram Tree Park and watch the Cape Fear Memorial Bridge. Look up the schedule to see when it opens. Read up on Dram Tree too.
32. Take a walk around Greenfield Lake Park. For a small fee, you can also rent paddle boats at the boat house. Download the free audio tour here. – View Here
33. Watch skaters at Greenfield Lake Skate Park
34. On Sundays, Take a self-guided walking tour of the historic district with the help of the Wilmington Historic Foundation. – Click Here
35. Take a self-guided tour of the historic Oakdale Cemetery. See if you can find each of these graves. – Click Here
36. Take a self-guided tour of the Wilmington Murals. Treat it like a scavenger hunt and see who finds the most.- Check out this map
37. Visit Earl Jackson/ Northside Splash Pad. The attached community pool, Earl Jackson, is also available for a small fee of $3 adults + $1 kids. – View post
38. Tour the Wilmington Police Museum & Education Center. Details here.
39. Watch Little League or Youth Baseball, Softball, Soccer at Long Leaf or Ogden Park. We love to take snacks and watch the games.
40. Find a Little Free Library – donate your old books or take a new one to read. Find one near you.
41. Explore Ogden Park. Play on the playground, walk around the pond, watch the geese and turtles and see what other animals you see. View Post
42. Visit Empie Park and walk the Cross City Trail to a hidden bridge. View Post
43. Stop by River Road Park. Launch kayaks or simply take in the views on the pier. See if you can find fiddler crabs. View post
    
44. Visit the Fort Fisher State Historic Site. View the mounds & learn the history. – View Post
45. Explore Fort Fisher Battery Buchanan and The Rocks at Fort Fisher located at the end of Fort Fisher Blvd South.
46. Visit the Coquina Rocks during low tide at Kure Beach. – View post here
47. Walk on the Kure Beach Fishing Pier and swing on the Kure Beach mini-boardwalk. – View Post
48. Attend free community events at Kure Beach Ocean Front Park – Website
49. Stop and explore the “bush forts” you can walk inside at Fort Fisher. – View post
50. Visit the Fort Fisher State Recreation Area. Walk to the beach and bring a picnic. It’s always free to park, but get there early as spots fill up quickly.
51. Walk Basin Trail and visit the WWII Bunker home to Robert E. Harrill aka “The Fort Fisher Hermit”. Research “The Fort Fisher Hermit” and learn about his life living off the land View post
52. Visit the Nature Play area at the NC Aquarium at Fort Fisher – View post
53. Ride the Aquarium Path – a paved bike path that begins at the Aquarium & connects to Fort Fisher Blvd. You can also walk the path and see if you spot any alligators in the small pond, which is a short walk from the Nature Play area mentioned above.
    
54. Relax on the beaches of Carolina Beach.
55. Walk the shops/restaurants and arcade on the CB Boardwalk.
56. Watch the famous Britt’s donuts be made.
57. Stop by the Mike Chappell Playground and Skate Park. – View Post
58. Walk the Island Greenway around Carolina Beach. Click here for the route.
59. Explore the trails at Carolina Beach State Park. Don’t forget bug spray and watch out for wildlife. View post
60. Walk around Carolina Beach Lake Park. – Visit post
61. Attend an event at Carolina Beach – Website
62. Find the Carolina Beach Murals and snap a photo- Website
    
63. Stop by the Smart Start Resource Room. Open Monday – Friday, 8AM – 5PM. – View post
64. Visit Long Leaf Splash Pad. View Post
65. Take a picnic to Long Leaf Park. Pick up pine cones to help out NHC Parks and Recreation, walk around the park or play on the playground. – View Post
66. Visit the Stanley Rehder Carnivorous Plant Garden View Post
67. Bike or walk along the Cross City Trail. Learn about the Gary Shell Cross City Trail, which begins at Wade Park. Click here.
68. Visit and explore Wade Park. Learn about wetlands and their importance.
69. Take in the scenery at Trails End Park. View Post
70. Explore the nature trails at Halyburton Park and visit the Nature Center onsite to view and learn about native animals. View Post
71. Visit the New Hanover County Arboretum. Bring quarters to feed the koi fish. – View post
72. Explore the wooded trails behind UNCW, explore UNCW campus and check out the Bluethenthal Wildflower Preserve. See where to park here.
73. Walk or bike to a hidden pond near Eastwood Rd. – View post
74. Attend a community event. Website
75. Walk the Abby Foy Nature Trail at Poplar Grove Plantation.
76. Explore Pages Creek Park Preserve – View Post
77. Visit Northern Regional Park and playground.
78. Visit Pender Pines Gardens and don’t forget food to feed the animals onsite. Carrots, apples, etc. – View post
79. Play at Kiwani’s Park in Hampstead View post
80. Visit Soundside Park in Surf City – Visit post
81. Go visit the World’s Largest Frying Pan – View post
82. Visit Moore’s Creek Battlefield Historic Site. Details
83. Visit the Brunswick Town/Fort Anderson State Historic Site. View Post.
84. Check out Belville River Walk. – View post
85. Enjoy a picnic and hike at Brunswick Nature Park. View post
86. Explore the trails at Smith Creek Park or ride your bike around the pond. You can also launch a kayak or fish, but do not swim here. – View Post
87. Visit the North Carolina Veterans Park. Walk around the pond and learn about lily pads and play at the playground.
88. Enjoy a scenic drive along the River Road.
89. Visit Arrowhead Park playground.
90. Explore the trails at the Blue Clay Bike Park.
91. Explore Ogden Park, walk around the pond, visit the playground and skate park. – View Post
92. Watch airplanes take off and land at the Wilmington Airport Observation Area. – View post
93. Walk around the Independence Mall.
94. Visit Olsen Park playground (fully fenced in)
95. Sign Up for Kids Bowl Free – Click Here
96. New Hanover County Library Storytime and other free events. See their calendar here.
97. New Hanover County Library – Find a book or rent a DVD to take home for a movie party at home! Also check out “Library of Things”.
98. Kids DIY Workshops: You must pre-register
    • Lowes Home Improvement Kids Workshop – See schedule for Saturday
    • Home Depot In-Store Kids Workshop – Join us the first Saturday of each month between 9 am – 12 pm for free in-person Kids Workshops. While supplies last.
99. Watch the sunset over the river downtown or over the ocean.
100. Star gazing! Check out the “Astronomy Programs” offered with NC State Parks at CB State Park. – Click Here

Tag @WilmingtonMom or #FreeInWilmington when you share your adventures!