🌼 Spring Things: Top Kid-Friendly Activities in Wilmington, NC

Spring in Wilmington is chef’s kiss. Everything’s blooming, the weather is finally cooperating, and the kids are itching to get outside. Whether you’re a local looking for something new or visiting with little ones in tow, here’s a roundup of the best spring activities to enjoy with your kids around town.

🍓 1. Pick Strawberries at Lewis Nursery & Farms (Wilmington) or Carol Sue Farms (Hampstead)

Kicking off the season with a good old-fashioned strawberry pick is a Wilmington rite of passage. Lewis Farms opens its fields each spring for u-pick strawberries, and kids absolutely love hunting for the ripest berries. Don’t skip the strawberry ice cream or shortcake from the farm stand!

A farm in Hampstead is Carol Sue Farms, also offering u-pick berries.

🌸 2. Stroll Through Airlie Gardens

Airlie Gardens is magic in the spring. Azaleas, camellias, and giant oaks draped in Spanish moss make it feel like you stepped into a fairytale. There are wide paths for strollers and little legs, turtles to spot in the ponds, and even a whimsical bottle chapel to explore.

🌿 3. Explore the New Hanover County Arboretum

This free local gem is perfect for a casual morning out. Kids can run in the open field, watch the koi swim in the pond, explore the Japanese garden and tea house, climb the turtle in the children’s play area or play in the kids house. Pack a picnic and let them roam! It’s free and open 8AM – 5PM daily.

⚓ 4. Climb Aboard the USS North Carolina Battleship

Adventure awaits! Step back in time as you tour the decks of the Battleship North Carolina. It’s surprisingly fun for kids of all ages — from the tight sleeping quarters to pretending to steer the ship, it’s part playground, part history museum. I recommend going with another adult if you are exploring with more than one kid and take a baby carrier for smaller children.

If you don’t want to tour the ship, you can walk around the outside for free.

🏞️ 5. Discover a New Park or Playground

Spring is the perfect excuse to branch out and explore parks beyond your usual go-to. A few family favorites:

• Ogden Park – watch the geese and ducks dip in the pond, walk the path around the pond, take the bikes to the skate park or just watch skateboarders. The playground area is great for 4years +.
• Long Leaf Park – stroll along the path to the pond or watch the kids play on the large playground.
• Smith Creek Park – one of our favorites with a paved walkway for scooters or strollers. The playground is shaded and fun for all ages. My girls love going here!
• Hanover Pines Park – great playground, but little shade around the playground so enjoy it before summer arrives.
• Olsen Park – the only fenced in playground that has a rubber surface and smaller slides and ramps. Wheelchair accessible too!

🐠 6. Visit the NC Aquarium at Fort Fisher (or make a day trip to another!)

The Fort Fisher Aquarium at Fort Fisher is always a hit with the kids — especially the touch tank, the large aquarium tank (we try to spot the turtle, sharks and eel), and of course the playground. If you’re feeling adventurous, consider a spring day trip to one of the other state aquariums like Pine Knoll Shores or Roanoke Island for a change of scenery and sea life.

The NC Zoo in Asheboro is also a do-able day trip, although you may want to stay the night as the walking will exhaust you!

🐐7. Visit Farm Animals at Old McFaye’s or Agape Farm of Watha

Both Old McFaye’s Farm in Castle Hayne and Agape Farm in Watha offer family-friendly animal encounters that little ones can’t get enough of. Feed goats, pet bunnies, and meet mini horses. Some weekends include pony rides or special spring events — perfect for a sunny Saturday outing!

8. Go eat at a local restaurant

Go to dinner and enjoy outdoor seating before the summer crowds roll in – Spring is the time to grab an early dinner at your favorite local spot and sit outside without the wait. Think family-friendly patios at spots like:

• Poe’s Tavern: Grab a burger and sit outside on their patio.
• Oceanic: Oceanfront at Wrightsville Beach
• Bluewater: Right on the water with a beautiful outdoor patio overlooking boats and yachts. They offer awesome kids meals too!
• Dockside: Casual and views that don’t disappoint. Very kid-friendly!
• Fish House: Another great option to eat on the water, enjoy the breeze, scenery and delicious food. Kid-friendly too!
• Slice of Life downtown – Enjoy the outdoor space and pizza!
• Indochine – The best time of year to sit outside in this immersive experience that will make you feel like you are in another country.
• Whiskey Trail: Did I say kids eat free daily? Plus, they have a game room (off Market St. location) and outdoor patio seating!
• Amanecer: Open for breakfast and lunch and super kid-friendly Mexican food right on Gordon Road. Our girls love the Fruity Pebbles pancakes and they have outdoor tables.
• The Bend in Ogden: They often have food trucks and live music. A large open space available for kids to hang out while you eat and enjoy a beverage.
• Ogden Tap Room: Another great location with outdoor space and occasional live music and a full menu with kid meals.

(Okay, maybe this is an entire other blog post! Where else do you like to take the kids out to eat where you can sit outside?)

💐 Bonus Ideas for Spring Days:

• Take a beach walk at Wrightsville or Carolina Beach (collect shells, fly kites, or just dig in the sand). Take advantage of little to no crowds, but don’t forget to pay for parking!
• Hop on a ferry to Southport for ice cream and exploring
• Stop by a local nursery and let your kids pick flowers or herbs to plant. We enjoy going to Pender Pines in Hampstead, NC to see the animals.
• Plan a nature scavenger hunt in your own backyard or neighborhood. See what kinds of flowers are in bloom.

Spring in Wilmington is short but so sweet. Soak up the sunshine, take way too many photos, and make some memories before the heat (and the mosquitoes) roll in.

What are your family’s favorite spring traditions around town? Drop them in the comments or tag @wilmingtonmom on Instagram — I love seeing your local adventures too! Happy Spring y’all!