Top 10 Kid Friendly Things To Do and Attractions in Kure Beach

"Famed as the oldest museum in North Carolina, and established more than a century ago, the Cape Fear Museum is a fantastic first stop for visitors who are new to the area and who want to discover what the Cape Fear region is all about. Located in downtown Wilmington, this expansive museum has more than 52,000 artifacts that are found within distinct galleries which pay homage to unique chapters in Cape Fear’s story. Visitors can uncover 100 years of movie making history at the “Starring Cape Fear!"

"Stop by North Carolina's oldest history museum at 814 Market St. Visit the Giant Ground Sloth exhibit, which showcases a replica of a creature that lived up to 1.5 million years ago in the area now known as Wilmington. The sloth’s bones are made from the remains of one found near Randall Parkway in 1991."

"The historic public garden at 300 Airlie Road has a host of exhibits to offer visitors, including its seasonal native wildlife exhibit, which is filled with terrariums and an aquarium featuring some of the gardens native wildlife. Take a self-guided tour along the gardens to see seasonal blooms, live oaks, walking trails and historic structures. From June to October, visit the garden's 2,700-square foot butterfly house, which sees Butterflies native to North Carolina flying about."

"Visitors, and especially garden lovers, appreciate the beautiful scenery at these historical gardens that date back to 1886. The grounds are lush with azaleas, camellias, and the signature Airlie Oak, which is more than 400 years old. Guests can take a self-guided walking tour of the 67-acre estate to admire the formal gardens, historic buildings, sculptures, live oaks, pines, lakes, and diverse ecosystems that are habitats for a rich variety of wildlife."

"Historic Airlie Gardens encompasses 67 acres of beautiful Gilded Age gardens and lakes. Admire the azaleas, gaze at the camellias, and stand in the shade of the historic Airlie Oak tree, which dates back to 1545. Airlie Gardens is also home to the region’s first permanent butterfly house with some of nature’s most delicate, lovely and ephemeral creatures."

"Only three local houses have survived since the colonial area, and the Burgwin-Wright House is the only one open for public tours. Built in 1770, the home features Georgian architecture, 18th- and 19th-century antiques and household goods, and a separate kitchen house furnished with period utensils. Guided tours are available, and the grounds can also be rented for private events."

"Include one of Wilmington’s historic houses, such as the Burgwin-Wright House (colonial era), Latimer House (Victorian era) or Bellamy Mansion (antebellum mansion). Check out the antique shops in downtown’s central business district and along the Castle Street Arts & Antique district."

"The Burgwin-Wright House is the third oldest house in Wilmington’s Historic District, dating back to 1770, and is the only colonial era house in the city open to the public."

"For us, getting ice cream at The Original Ice Cream Stand is mostly about the experience. YES, the ice cream is delicious, we’ve always been fans of Hershey’s ice cream!. But it’s also such a fun part of visiting Wrightsville Beach."

"Founded in 1987, Cape Fear Riverboats offers options for a number of enjoyable cruises out on the Cape Fear River. Choose from a relaxing hour-long daytime sightseeing trip, a 4-hour nature cruise, an evening scenic cruise, or a fun murder mystery evening out on the water. Whether it’s day or night, you’ll enjoy your experience with the longest running cruise company in Wilmington."

"Exploring the city by water, Cape Fear Riverboats, Inc Day Tours offers visitors sightseeing tours on a riverboat with a two decks. The company also has specialty tours such as a murder mystery cruise and Black River nature cruise."

"This 33-acre park features the Althea Gibson Tennis Complex with 18 tennis courts and a clubhouse, multiple outdoor basketball courts, a large dog park equipped with a canopy and benches, and a large playground suitable for children of all ages. In addition, Empie Park also offers shelters with picnic tables, horseshoe pits and even has part of the Gary Shell Cross City Trail going around the park."

"If there’s time, take in some unique shopping at Old Wilmington City Market (a historic building housing an eclectic collection of shops); The Cotton Exchange (eight restored buildings connected by open-air courtyards and home to 30 specialty shops and restaurants); Blue Moon Gift Shops (voted “Best Gift Shop in Wilmington” year after year); The Ivy Cottage (the largest furniture consignment store in the southeast); Mayfaire Town Center (featuring over 80 shops, restaurants and a cinema) or Lumina Station (upscale boutiques and fine dining). You’ll also find dozens of art galleries and antique shops. There’s even a Fourth Friday Gallery Walk."

"Welcome to Lumina Station, the shopping village by the beach. Here you will discover a charming collection of locally owned boutiques, distinctive restaurants and cafes that you won’t find anywhere else in Wilmington or Wrightsville Beach, NC. Winner of Coastal Living magazine’s first-ever award for contextual design, Lumina Station’s beautiful landscaping, whimsical sculptures and storybook bridges make for a truly unique local shopping experience. You could even find yourself immediately at home in a rocking chair to claim as your own – surrounded by friendly folks happy to give you a smile."

"At The Forum, charming boutiques sit side-by-side with fine dining, sidewalk bistros and gourmet cafes. Shoppers can choose from a wide array of gifts, womens’ fashions, jewelry, antiques, imported furniture, handmade papers and gourmet foods. When the shopping is done, they can relax with an exquisite meal served al fresco under The Forum’s copper-roofed dome, or simply enjoy cappuccino and chocolates in an intimate cafe accented with original art and sculpture."

"Chandler’s Wharf is an upscale shopping and dining complex with ample free parking. All businesses are locally owned and operated and are strongly partonized by the local population. https://www.wilmingtondowntown.com/go/chandlers-wharf"

"So these aren’t technically ice cream…but since they’re the same genre and seriously delicious, I felt the need to share!. Need a meal before your sweet treat?. Check out our favorite places to eat in Wilmington!"

"While I almost always support local businesses first, I just have to be honest, Bruster’s ice cream is the bomb.com. Not only does it taste amazing, but it’s super affordable too. Bruster’s Real Ice Cream always has at least 24 flavors and is made fresh daily on site."

"This art village on Willard Street combines art studios and galleries with private venue space for meetings, classes, and events. Art is available to the public Fridays and Saturdays and several artists teach classes. theArtWorks fosters a creative environment for artists and the community."

"theArtWorks is a huge gallery space in downtown Wilmington NC. This art village on Willard Street combines art studios and galleries with private venue space for meetings, classes, and events. Art is available to the public Fridays and Saturdays and several artists teach classes."

"If there’s time, take in some unique shopping at Old Wilmington City Market (a historic building housing an eclectic collection of shops); The Cotton Exchange (eight restored buildings connected by open-air courtyards and home to 30 specialty shops and restaurants); Blue Moon Gift Shops (voted “Best Gift Shop in Wilmington” year after year); The Ivy Cottage (the largest furniture consignment store in the southeast); Mayfaire Town Center (featuring over 80 shops, restaurants and a cinema) or Lumina Station (upscale boutiques and fine dining). You’ll also find dozens of art galleries and antique shops. There’s even a Fourth Friday Gallery Walk."

"If there’s time, take in some unique shopping at Old Wilmington City Market (a historic building housing an eclectic collection of shops); The Cotton Exchange (eight restored buildings connected by open-air courtyards and home to 30 specialty shops and restaurants); Blue Moon Gift Shops (voted “Best Gift Shop in Wilmington” year after year); The Ivy Cottage (the largest furniture consignment store in the southeast); Mayfaire Town Center (featuring over 80 shops, restaurants and a cinema) or Lumina Station (upscale boutiques and fine dining). You’ll also find dozens of art galleries and antique shops. There’s even a Fourth Friday Gallery Walk."