Local guide · Wilmington
The Children’s Museum of Wilmington
Four floors of hands-on play spread across three historic downtown buildings, built for kids from babies to about age 10. There’s a research ship to board, a flight simulator, a retro diner and a toddler treehouse.
Why families go
Families with toddlers and early grade-schoolers love the variety. The mini grocery market, the ship and the toddler treehouse are favorites, and several families left with memberships. It’s smaller than the big children’s museums in Raleigh. A recent review found some exhibits closed or worn, so manage expectations with older kids.
Don’t miss
- The Research VesselBoard a ship to play scientist, or listen to ocean mammals below deck.
- Toddler TreehouseClimbing, crawling and a reading nook for kids 4 and under.
- Flight ForceA flight simulator that teaches the four forces of flight.
- Discovery Diner and Community MarketA retro diner and kid-sized grocery store.
- The Science CenterMicroscopes, an interactive floor and a skeleton exhibit.
Photos: The Children’s Museum of Wilmington
Before you go
- Buying tickets online ahead is encouraged to manage capacity.
- There’s no museum lot; use street parking or a downtown deck. The step-free entrance is on 2nd Street.
- Closed Mondays outside the summer season.
Plan your visit
- Where: 116 Orange St., Wilmington, NC 28401
- From Topsail: About 45–50 minutes from central Surf City.
- Hours: Tuesday to Saturday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday 1 to 5 p.m.; also Mondays in summer.
- Admission: Paid (adults and children the same); under 12 months free.
- Tickets: Tickets and visit info
- Official site: playwilmington.org
- More nearby: more family fun in Wilmington
A short drive from the island. Browse our Topsail Island vacation rentals, all cared for by our local team.
Based on official information from the attraction and on recurring themes in public reviews; checked October 2026. Hours, seasons and prices change, so confirm before you go.