The beach is one of the biggest perks of being a Wilmingtonian. However, there’s a limit to how much you can swim and sunbathe. After a week or so, you get tired of rinsing sand off of everything and sunscreen starts to feel like a second skin.
Which really makes you wonder, what else is there to do in the Wilmington area during the summer? The short answer: plenty. The longer answer is a list and map compiled by a group of our favorite moms who were looking for family attractions in the area. The list of thirty-one attractions features restaurants, camps, and activities that are perfect for summer. The map is a handy tool if you’re looking for directions or just want to see what’s near you.
(1) Battle House – Tactical Laser Tag
Battle House – Tactical Laser Tag is a new kind of laser tag with more advanced weapons and complicated missions. The sprawling 10,000 square foot facility is built to mimic an urban setting and gives the feel of an entire city built indoors.
Website: https://www.battlehouseilm.com/
Contact: https://www.battlehouseilm.com/contact/
(2) Battleship North Carolina
Downtown Wilmington – Battleship North Carolina
Brought to permanently sit on the Cape Fear River in 1961, the Battleship North Carolina is a piece of WWII history sitting directly across from downtown Wilmington. Tours are available regularly.
Website: http://www.battleshipnc.com/
Contact: http://www.battleshipnc.com/contact/
(3) Britt’s Donuts
Britt’s Donuts
Only open seasonally from Memorial Day until Labor Day, Britt’s really is the best donut you’ll ever eat. There is no competition.
Website: https://www.facebook.com/BrittsDonutShop/
Contact: (910) 707-0755
(4) Brrrberry
Brrrberry Frozen Yogurt
Even Brrrberry’s name implies that it can help you cool off during the summer. Serving up delicious frozen yogurt with a plethora of fresh toppings, Brrrberry is an excellent choice for a summer treat.
Website: http://www.brrrberryyogurt.com/
Contact: http://www.brrrberryyogurt.com/locations
(5) Cape Fear Paddleboarding
Cape Fear Paddleboarding offers paddleboarding rentals, excursions, lessons, and fitness classes. Paddleboarding is one of the fastest growing outdoor activities and Cape Fear Paddleboarding makes it accessible for all ages and skill levels.
Website: http://www.lovetosup.com/
Contact: http://www.lovetosup.com/contact/
(6) Cape Fear Riverboats
Cape Fear Riverboats offers scenic boat rides and tours along the Cape Fear and Black Rivers. The trips include narration by the captain, who details the history and wildlife of the area.
Website: http://cfrboats.com/
Contact: http://cfrboats.com/contact/
(7) Cape Fear Serpentarium
The Cape Fear Serpentarium hosts a wide variety of rare reptiles including alligators, snakes, and lizards. The venue lets patrons safely view these dangerous creatures up-close. Just don’t tap the glass.
Website: http://www.capefearserpentarium.com/
Contact: http://www.capefearserpentarium.com/contact.html
(8) Causeway Café
An area institution since 1987, Causeway Café is a great place for a classic breakfast, brunch, or lunch.
Website: https://www.facebook.com/pg/Causeway-Cafe-121669727867478/about/?ref=page_internal
Contact: https://www.wilmingtonandbeaches.com/listing/causeway-cafe/157/
(9) Defy Gravity
Trampolines come in all shapes and sizes. Some are an angled against a wall. Some are formed into dodgeball arenas. Some catapult you into a giant foam pit. Defy Gravity has all the shapes and sizes and is perfectly suited for the whole family.
Website: http://www.defygravity.us/wilmington
Contact: http://www.defygravity.us/wilmington/Contact
(10) Duck Donuts
Duck Donuts takes donuts and makes works of art. On their own, the donuts are delicious, but each donut is made to order and can be topped as desired.
Website: https://duckdonuts.com/locations/wilmington-nc-mayfaire-community-center/ and https://duckdonuts.com/locations/wilmington-nc-the-point-at-barclay/
Contact: https://duckdonuts.com/locations/wilmington-nc-mayfaire-community-center/ and https://duckdonuts.com/locations/wilmington-nc-the-point-at-barclay/
(11) Five Guys Burgers
Routinely voted one of the best fast burgers in the country, Five Guys is a great place to stop-in for a quick bite.
Website: www.fiveguys.com
Contact: http://gofiveguys.com/menu/wilmington
(12) Horsedrawn Carriage Rides
Horse and Carriage in Wilmington NC
Horsedrawn tours offers carriage rides around downtown Wilmington, highlighting some of the local history and entertainment.
Website: http://www.wilmingtondowntown.com/go/horsedrawn-carriage-rides
Contact: http://www.wilmingtondowntown.com/go/horsedrawn-carriage-rides
(13) Johnnie Mercer’s Pier
Johnnie Mercer’s Pier
The only concrete pier along the North Carolina coast, Johnnie Mercer’s Pier is a longtime landmark of Wrightsville Beach. Originally built in 1939, the pier was destroyed in 1996 but Hurricane Bertha and Hurricane Fran. Rebuilt and reopened in 2002, the pier remains a popular destination for casual beachgoers and dedicated anglers.
Website: https://www.wrightsvillebeach.com/johnnie-mercers-pier.html
Contact: http://www.johnniemercerspier-nc.com/contact.htm
(14) Jungle Rapids Family Fun Park
Filled with go karts, a water park, arcade games, and more, Jungle Rapids Family Fun Park is a child’s dream—and for those of us adults that remain children at heart.
Website: http://junglerapids.com/
Contact: 910 791-0666
(15) KBueno, k38, Tower 7, Café Del Mar, Cruz
Serving up tasty and creative dishes, all of the live.eat.surf restaurants are go-to restaurants for fresh Baja Mexican food.
Website: http://www.liveeatsurf.com/
Contact: http://www.liveeatsurf.com/contact/
(16) Mellow Mushroom
For a different kind of pizza, Mellow Mushroom is a great place to go. With a funky vibe and some inventive pizzas, the restaurant brings something unique to the table.
Website: http://mellowmushroom.com/store/wilmington
Contact: http://mellowmushroom.com/store/wilmington
(17) North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher
North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher
The North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher has a plethora of exhibits showcasing wildlife native to southeastern North Carolina and across the globe. Tours, adventures, camps, and free daily programs are available for visitors.
Website: http://www.ncaquariums.com/fort-fisher
Contact: http://www.ncaquariums.com/fort-fisher-contact-us
(18) Ogden Skatepark
Ogden Skatepark
Open to public use, the Ogden Skatepark is a brand new skatepark constructed and opened in February. New Hanover County partnered with Gridline Skateparks to design and construct the 10,000 square foot park.
Website: http://parks.nhcgov.com/ogden-skatepark/
Contact: http://parks.nhcgov.com/ogden-skatepark/
(19) PT’s Olde Fashioned Grill
PT’s Olde Fashioned Grill serves up everything from burgers to hot dogs to chicken. The fries are the pièce de résistance. (Recommendation: ask for extra crispy fries. It’s like crystallized pieces of fried potato goodness.)
Website: http://www.ptsgrille.com/
Contact: http://www.ptsgrille.com/
(20) Redix
Carrying a range of clothing, apparel, and convenience items, Redix serves as both a stop on the way to the beach and a shopping destination.
Website: http://www.redixstore.com/
Contact: http://www.redixstore.com/index/page/static/subpage/store_locator
(21) Regal Mayfaire Stadium 16
One of Wilmington’s newest movie theaters, Regal Mayfaire Stadium 16 features new comfy recliner seating and an IMAX theater.
Website: https://www.regmovies.com/theaters/regal-mayfaire-stadium-16-imax/10859
Contact: https://www.regmovies.com/theaters/regal-mayfaire-stadium-16-imax/10859
(22) Shredders Surf Camp
Shredders Surf Camp is a week-long camp at Wrightsville Beach where kids are safely taught how to how surf. All instructors are CPR certified and at least one lifeguard certified is always present for each day of camp.
Website: http://www.shredderssurf.com/info/
Contact: http://www.shredderssurf.com/contact/
(23) Slice of Life
Voted Best Pizza in Wilmington since 2005, Slice of Life is the best place for pizza in the city.
Website: http://www.grabslice.com/
Contact: http://www.grabslice.com/find-us.php
(24) Sweetwater Surf Shop
Sweetwater Surf Shop carries a range of men and women’s apparel, reflecting the attitude of the Wrightsville Beach area.
Website: http://www.sweetwatersurfshop.com/
Contact: http://www.sweetwatersurfshop.com/contact/
(25) The Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Rescue and Rehabilitation Center
Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Rescue and Rehabilitation Center
The Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Rescue and Rehabilitation Center is an organization dedicated to the conservation and protection of sea turtles in the area. Tours of its facility are available and a great opportunity to see some rare wildlife up-close.
Website: https://www.seaturtlehospital.org/
Contact: https://www.seaturtlehospital.org/contact/
(26) The Swamp Park
The Swamp Park is a perfect place to reconnect with nature. Ranked by TripAdvisor as the number one thing to do in Ocean Isle Beach, Swamp Park offers zipline tours, an aerial adventure park, and boat tours of the surrounding nature.
Website: http://www.shallotteriverswamppark.com/
Contact: http://www.shallotteriverswamppark.com/contact/
(27) Trolly Stop
With a few locations around Wilmington, Trolly Stop hot dogs are a must-have summer meal.
Website: http://www.trollystophotdogs.com/index.html
Contact: http://www.trollystophotdogs.com/contact.html
(28) Wild Wing Café
Wild Wing Café has a casual atmosphere, terrific food, and offers live music on the weekend during the summer.
Website: http://www.wildwingcafe.com
Contact: http://www.wildwingcafe.com/locations/wilmington-nc
(29) Wilmington Hammerheads
The Wilmington Hammerheads are a professional soccer club and member of the United Soccer League. The Hammerheads partner with MLS team the New York City Football Club.
Website: http://www.wilmingtonhammerheads.com/
Contact: http://www.wilmingtonhammerheads.com/contact/
(30) Wilmington Ice House
The Ice House is Wilmington’s ice skating rink, offering fun for the whole family throughout the year. Lessons, figure skating, and hockey leagues are also available.
Website: http://wilmingtonicehouse.com/
Contact: http://wilmingtonicehouse.com/
(31) Wilmington Sharks Baseball
Wilmington’s summer league baseball team, the Sharks are a member of the Coastal Plain League, which has produced some impressive talents of the years including AL MVP and Cy Young award winner Justin Verlander. Sharks’ games are an affordable and fun night out during the summer.
Website: http://www.wilmingtonsharks.com/
Contact: http://www.wilmingtonsharks.com/contact
Whether you’re looking for food, fun, or a little bit of both, there’s something for you in Wilmington. Half the time, the beach is the perfect option for hot summer days when you need to cool off. But there’s so much more to explore than that.
It’s like this one time when I was in college. My roommates and I shopped for groceries together. Ice cream was buy one, get one free. Thinking critically about the situation, we bought twelve gallons of it, so we could get more flavors. The moral of that story: Don’t just hit up one or two of Wilmington’s family attractions this summer when there are so many more to enjoy!
