There are plenty of family adventures around Wilmington, but we wanted to dive into the ones absolutely free. Because of the beautiful weather in the region, the majority of these ideas are outdoors, so grab a comfortable pair of shoes and a picnic lunch to explore with the whole family this weekend. Here are seven of our favorite free activities:
New Hanover County Arboretum
Families flock to this seven-acre garden where you can simply park and wander in daily, during daylight hours. You can stop by for family portraits or take in some nature lessons from the NC Cooperative Extension staff. Start in the rose garden, feed fish in the giant koi pond, see the vegetable garden, and even explore a traditional Japanese tea house. Children will also enjoy an interactive play space including a playhouse.
Long Leaf Park
No need for season passes or waiting in lines — Long Leaf Park is your family’s ticket to a free afternoon. There are walking trails, ballparks, a dog park, and tennis courts. Families with children will most definitely want to head to one of the largest playground structures in the area and the splash water park area.
Carolina Beach State Park
Enjoy miles and miles of trails in the shade of pine trees around Carolina Beach State Park. Simply pack a picnic lunch and load up the family for a day of hiking on mostly flat trails. There is one hill to hike — Sugarloaf Dune — which will provide a great view of the river. Go out on the trails in search of Venus Flytraps in their natural habitat.
Waterfront Church Service
There is no shortage of beach activities around here, but have you thought about going to a sunrise beach service? This is a free and fulfilling family experience to fellowship and attend church outside of a traditional church building. On Topsail Island, All Saints Catholic Church offers an outdoor service on the beach every Sunday from Memorial Day through Labor Day and Easter. Wrightsville United Methodist Church offers a service at South Channel Park with a waterfront view and bluegrass music every Sunday at 4 p.m. It’s BYOC (bring your own chair) and all ages are welcome to attend. Likewise, the Little Chapel On The Boardwalk (Presbyterian) offers an informal service during summer months, 8 a.m. at beach access #4. You will also want to bring a chair or towel.
Swing in Southport
If you ask someone, “what is there to do in Southport?” Locals will tell you to go and swing, of course! After strolling around the downtown area and daydreaming about living in these historic homes, grab one of the bench swings and gaze out at the water. This is where the Lower Cape Fear River meets the Atlantic. In the distance, you can see two lighthouses and two islands — a perfect spot to make memories with your family and to stop and be still.
Watch a Turtle Release
Participating in a sea turtle release is one of the most magical experiences for families should you be lucky enough to enjoy one. The Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Rescue and Rehabilitation Center occasionally releases rehabilitated sea turtles back into the ocean with crowds of onlookers cheering them on. The only catch is they typically happen twice a year and almost always are announced the night before. Keep a lookout on their Facebook page for updates and keep a close watch if you want to see one. Get to the designated beach access at least an hour early to grab a good spot — crowds gather fast.
The Downtown Trolley
After strolling along the Wilmington Riverwalk (also free) catch one of the free downtown trolleys that ride to other interesting parts of town. Explore the Castle Street Antiques District, the South Front District, and the Brooklyn Arts District all without paying for an Uber. Check out our guide to the trolley here.
CHECK OUT OUR FAVORITE OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES HERE
