Top Annual Passes for Wilmington Families

Looking for a unique holiday or birthday gift for a child in the Wilmington area this year?  I’ve got you covered! Whether you’re shopping for your own kids, grandkids, nieces, or nephews, these local experience gifts are perfect for creating memories that last well beyond the holidays.

Skip the toy clutter and give the gift of adventure instead. As a mom, I’d much rather get an experience gift. From animal encounters to outdoor fun and creative play, these Wilmington-area experiences are truly the gifts that keep on giving all year long.

Check out my top 2025 experience gift ideas for kids in Wilmington, NC, complete with details, pricing, and tips to make the most of each one!

Check out the top suggestions below along with all the details:

# 1 – NC Aquariums Annual Membership

This is a standout gift because it opens up unlimited visits all year for a child (or family), perfect for rainy days, summer afternoons, field trip-type outings, and more.

Why it’s great:

• The Fort Fisher location of the North Carolina Aquariums (just south of Wilmington) features immersive marine habitats, touch-tanks with sea stars/horseshoe crabs, otters, an albino alligator and more.
• Membership benefits include free admission for the whole year, discounts on camps and programs, and often reciprocal discounts at other zoos and aquariums.
• It’s much more than a single gift, it becomes a monthly outing that families look forward to.

Parent/Grandparent Tip:

• Bonus: Let the child pick out one “first visit” date right away so the gift feels immediate.
• When gifting, add a cute “membership card” printable or voucher you wrap up.
• Make sure you check for any reservation requirement for members (some locations require you to book ahead). Fort Fisher is undergoing a renovation starting in 2026. **

**We just learned the the Fort Fisher location will be closing after December 2025 for around 2.5 years; HOWEVER, a press release stated that there will be a pop-up location at the Independence Mall in Wilmington, NC. (More details coming soon) You can read the press release here.

• Family memberships receive free admission for two adults named on the card and their children or grandchildren under the age of 18.
• Curator members receive the same Family benefits, plus free admission for one guest per visit (perfect for babysitter or grandparents).

Did you know?
Members also receive FREE walk-on admission at Jennette’s Pier, gift shop and program discounts AND reciprocity with 150+ Other Zoos & Aquariums Nationwide, which means FREE admission into the North Carolina Zoo in Asheboro, NC (worlds largest natural habitat zoo). This is the one reason why we get this pass every year. It pays for itself!

Annual Pass Cost: $89
Basic family, but check out the website for other options.

# 2 – Airle Gardens

Your membership to Airlie Gardens brings insider perks and rewards; including, advanced member-only ticket offers and year-round fun. Your support as a member helps the Garden continue to be a valued local attraction and allows Airlie to provide public programs, education and special events to our community. 

Current Members: Please DO NOT renew your membership more than 60 days prior to your current expiration date. You will receive an emailed and mailed renewal notice as a reminder starting 60 and 30-days prior to your expiration.Your Membership Card will be mailed to you, please allow 7-14 business days for processing. Use your E-receipt to redeem membership benefits immediately.

Did you know?
Airlie Gardens Membership can get you in FREE museums and gardens Nationwide? North Carolina Museums ASTC Passport Program
allows you access to access so many more than just Airlie. More detail here

Annual Pass Cost: $75 – family
See website for other options

Insider Tip* Enchanted Airlie tickets are offered to members first in October. This allows you to get the time and date you wish to attend without the hassle of logging in early in hopes of securing a ticket when they launch to the public. Also, depending on which membership level you get, your tickets will be free or discounted.

# 3 – Jungle Rapids Family Fun Park (more than the waterpark)

Jungle Rapids Family Fun Park really is the only place in town that offers so many activities for kids in one place. Dry activities include Jungle Golf (outdoor putt-putt), mini bowling, laser tag, arcade, rock climbing wall, outdoor go karts, Kid Jungle Gym (for kids 8 years and under).
The waterpark has 2 body water slides, a large wave pool and lazy river, The Super Bowl slide, The Sidewinder, The Rapid Racer and Volcano (tubes), and also a large Kids Splash zone with several slides.

The season pass includes access to the waterpark, which is open from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Once the water park closes, your pass will allow you ONE free dry activity (go-carts, climbing wall, Jungle Gym or mini golf) every Sunday between 4PM – 9PM from date of purchase until – March of the following year (excludes laser tag).

Children 2 and under are free and do not need an annual pass.

Annual Pass Cost: $160 (Before January 1)

Insider Tip* Jungle Rapids offers a discounted ticket for $160 if purchased before December 31. After that date, season passes increase to $180+. Keep in mind children 2 and under are free and do not need passes to the waterpark.

#4 – SkyZone Trampoline Park

Sky Zone (previously DefyWilmington/ FlipnFly) is an indoor trampoline park located in Mayfaire.

Let them get in on the crazy fun happening at Sky Zone all year long with the Black Friday Annual Pass. Get 90 minutes of Flight Time every day — all for way less than $1 a day! Don’t miss out on our biggest deal of the year!

Annual Pass Cost: ($23+/month)

Insider Tip* Don’t forget the Grip Socks to avoid spending more money when you visit.

#5 – Children’s Museum of Wilmington

Perfect for younger kids (ages 1-10) who love hands-on, imaginative play and for families who want indoor, creative fun year-round.

What to know:

• The museum offers four levels of interactive educational exhibits and themed programs.
• Ideal in Wilmington when weather might not cooperate (hot summer afternoons, rainy days, etc.).
• Great to pair with a “first museum outing” voucher or snack-treat plan (etc.“We’ll get ice cream afterwards”).

Annual Membership Cost: $155 +
*Other tiers are offered

# 6 – The Little Gym

An Annual Family Membership at The Little Gym of Wilmington, NC enables your child to participate in weekly classes. Each time they attend, they’re presented with opportunities to master new skills and accomplishments. As a parent, you benefit as well! Membership allows you to take advantage of several special privileges, including:

• Participation in Priority Enrollment
• Member Discounts:
  • Awesome Birthday Bash parties
  • Camps
  • Events & More Fun

Annual Membership Cost: $112+/month

# 7 – Wilmington Railroad Museum

If you have a train lover on your hands, this may be the best place in town for you! The Wilmington Railroad Museum is a fun interactive museum located in downtown Wilmington along the riverfront. Watch and learn about trains and how important they were to the Port City long ago.

Annual Membership Cost: $100+ family

# 8 – Smart Start of New Hanover County

A very inexpensive and worthwhile annual membership. If you have a child 5 and under, this is a must. Stop by the Resource Room, which is free to use any time (to non-members as well). If you are a member, enjoy

For a $5 annual fee, families have access to:

• Theme kits with educational toys and materials
• Laminating supplies and equipment
• Die cut machine
• A two week trial membership to the Wilmington Children’s Museum & Cape Fear Museum
• A wide variety of other books and materials available for check out

Annual Pass Cost: $5 (Yes, you read that correctly)

Insider Tip* Just buy this one. It’s worth every bit of $5.

# 9 – Fit For Fun

Ideal for ages 0-5 (and their caregivers), this large building has ever Fisher Price toy you can dream of, rooms filled with toys and even a fenced in playground perfect for the little tots to explore.

If you’ve never been before, go check it out! For just $5, you can explore the center and see if an annual membership would be something you’d enjoy! They also have special events and activities – check out the calendar on the website.

Useful details:

• The Center offers play areas, art rooms, obstacle courses, and special events built for younger children.
• A multi-visit pass or annual membership makes a great gift because it provides repeat use — not just one outing.

Pro tip: Use the gift as a promise of a regular “play-date day” (e.g., “You and Grandma can go here once a month”). Turn a single gift into recurring quality time.

Annual Pass Cost: $130

# 10 – Cape Fear Museum

Wait! Before you decide you have been to the museum a few times and scroll on, did you know this membership actually gives you access to A LOT more cool museums other than the Cape Fear Museum?

• Free admission to Cape Fear Museum
• Two guest passes to share with others
• Nationwide reciprocal admission to more than 300 participating museums and science/technology centers through Association of Science-Technology Centers (ASTC)
• Nationwide reciprocal admission to more than over 750 participating arts, cultural, historical and children’s museums along with botanical gardens and science and technology centers through North American Reciprocal Museum (NARM).
• Reciprocal admission to over 175 participating museums through Southeastern Reciprocal Membership Program (SERM).
• Priority registration and discounts for selected programs
• Subscription to the Museum e-newsletter

Annal Membership Cost: $100 | USE CFM2025 for 20% off
*For $125, you can get the Smithsonian Affiliate Membership which comes with a few extra perks!

Insider Tip* Check out all of the other museums you gain access to with this pass including Discovery Place in Charlotte, Marbles Kids Museum in Raleigh, North Carolina Transportation Museum in Spencer, and so many other throughout the nation! These are the same benefits that Airlie Gardens Membership gives you.

#11 Happy House Play Place

If you’re looking for a fun, indoor play space ideal for younger kids and their friends, Happy House Play Place is a perfect choice.

Why it works:

• The environment is built for energy and creativity, kids can climb, run, pretend play and make friends, which means the gift keeps giving as they’ll want to return again and again.
• It’s a great “experience”-gift that families can use in multiple ways: birthday outing, playdate voucher, even a “Mom & Dad take-you” day.
• Because it’s local to Wilmington, it stays convenient and meaningful rather than being a one-off big trip.

Call or visit more details

#12 iFly Wilmington

If you’re looking for a truly wow gift, this one hits big: iFLY Wilmington’s indoor skydiving experience offers kids and families the chance to “fly” in a vertical wind tunnel.

What makes it special:

• It’s an immersive, high-energy experience that’s very different from the usual outings, ideal for older kids (say, ages 8-15 or adventurous younger ones) who love thrills. My 4 year old took flight and loved it!
• The facility offers membership and multi-flight packages, making it more than just a one-and-done gift.
• Because the facility opened recently (late 2024) and is already getting strong interest, you’ll be giving something fresh and local.

Gift-giving tips:

• Wrap a “voucher” for a certain number of flight sessions (e.g., “Two flights at iFLY Wilmington”) along with a little certificate saying “Get ready to soar!”
• Add a fun bonus: maybe a “flight day” outfit (cool t-shirt) or let the child pick a buddy/family member to go with them.
• Since this is more active and higher energy, include a note: “Wear sneakers, hair tied back, meet at …” to make it feel like an event.
• Because of reservations/age-/weight constraints (common at wind-tunnel facilities), check iFLY’s current age/height/weight policies before gifting and include a line like: “We’ll book your session together!”

#13 First Tee – Greater Wilmington Junior Membership

This program is for kids (ages ~5-18) who want to get into golf and character-building. The junior membership is $50/year for 2025 and includes some perks like a membership bag tag, T-shirt, and family access to the “Loop” short‐course. 
Why it could work as a gift:

• Good for kids who enjoy sports/outdoors and might like something slightly different.
• The membership turns into opportunity for recurring fun and skill-building.
• Works well as a “starter golf experience” which could accompany a first set of clubs or a “first lesson” voucher.
  Tip to include in your blog: Mention age range, highlight character/mentor benefits (not just fun), and say this is ideal for elementary to middle-school aged kids who like being active.

#14 – YMCA of Southeastern North Carolina Teen/Youth Memberships

The YMCA in Wilmington offers memberships and special programs for youth and teens, including summer camps.
Why it could work as a gift:

• Great for older kids/teens who may prefer more independence and a place to hang out with friends, play sports, swim, etc.
• The gift could be “one year YMCA membership” or “3-month teen membership” plus maybe a “buddy pass”.
• Adds value as it provides not just one outing but a membership to build habits (swimming, sports, social).
  Tip: Mention that parents should check age/weight/fitness requirements and maybe include a note like “Includes pool access, basketball courts, teen lounge” for appeal.

#15

---

Other memberships to look into:

• Carowinds – Located about 3.5 hours from Wilmington – Carowinds has a fantastic annual pass with water park, rollar coasters and a kids section all included. If you have family near Charlotte or visit that area often – I highly recommend checking it out.
• NSEA Swim @ Earl Jackson Pool – A local year-around pool located downtown offers an annual membership for $40 for the whole family!
• YMCA Membership at the Y gives you access to all YMCA facilities Nationwide.  You also get member pricing for all of our programs including afterschool, preschool, soccer, basketball, eSports and more.   Each branch of the YMCA has different features but at our Nir Family YMCA offers a basketball gym, racquetball courts, indoor pool.  They also have cardio equipment, weights, and lots of fitness classes. In addition, they offer child watch during select hours so your children can be cared for while you have time to use the facility.

Do you have other memberships you think we should add to the list? Let me know!