Wilmington, NC Kid Friendly Events - 2024 Schedule

The North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher turns into a winter wonderland at this annual event that is sure to be a delightful highlight of the holiday season for Cape Fear and Wilmington-area residents and visitors alike. During the Cape Fear Festival of Trees, the aquarium will be decked out with roughly 50 trees that are glittering with lights, adding a new and dazzling perspective to one of Fort Fisher’s most treasured attractions.

The North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher turns into a winter wonderland at this annual event that is sure to be a delightful highlight of the holiday season for Cape Fear and Wilmington-area residents and visitors alike. During the Cape Fear Festival of Trees, the aquarium will be decked out with roughly 50 trees that are glittering with lights, adding a new and dazzling perspective to one of Fort Fisher’s most treasured attractions.

The aptly-named Pleasure Island is the place to be in the Cape Fear region to ring in the new year, thanks to a hopping beach boardwalk, music and dancing, plenty of refreshments, and a beautiful backdrop next to the Atlantic Ocean. The Island of Lights New Year's Eve Celebration lives up to its name with a traditional fireworks show and a grand beachside party that is sure to have everyone in the family ready to ring in the new year with style.

The small community of Currie, North Carolina, has a remarkable history that predates the formation of America, and new visitors can learn all about this storied legacy at this unique event that combines history with miles of fun. The Anniversary of the Battle of Moores Creek Bridge is an annual event that pays homage to the first Patriot victory prior the Declaration of Independence, the Halifax Accord and the war for Independence, and is an interactive tour of the battle, and how it shaped the formation of America.

Head to the scenic Riverfront Park in the heart of Wilmington to celebrate St. Patty’s Day with style by attending the annual St. Patrick's Day Festival. A local tradition for roughly 20 years, this annual event features a world of ways to show your Irish spirit thanks to a bustling combination of food, drinks, music, activities, and plenty of great times to go around.

For more than 75 years, the North Carolina Azalea Festival has reigned supreme as one of the biggest and best festivals along the southeast coastline, and newcomers are welcome to join in the fun to experience full days of vendors, live music, parades, and other events that shine a spotlight on the lively city of Wilmington. Founded in 1948, the North Carolina Azalea Festival has emerged as one of the most anticipated events in the state, and the celebration attracts visitors from all over the world who want to discover how enchanting the Cape Fear region can be.

Ring in the Easter holiday with a world of fun for the youngest vacationers in your crew by attending the annual and aptly named Spring Eggventure. Held at the Halyburton Park in Wilmington, which is a beloved spot for exploring the wild terrain of the Cape Fear region, this morning event features an array of games, activities, and a popular Easter Egg hunt to the delight of nature fans of all ages.

Celebrate the arrival of warm weather and sunny days along the waterfront with a stop at the always engaging Southport Spring Festival. This two-day festival that takes place in late March features a wealth of activities and attractions for visitors of all ages, and is sure to be a highlight of any getaway to the coastal Cape Fear region.

Both kids and adults alike can join in the fun of this Easter Egg hunt which is a challenging evening treasure hunt that will delight attendees of all ages. Held in the heart of Holden Beach, this annual Easter Egg hunt challenges friends and family members to scour the grounds of a popular public park in search of tons of colorful eggs that will be even more hidden when the sun sets.

The skies over Carolina Beach are brimming with stars and natural wonders, and visitors and locals alike can learn more about this beautiful canopy by attending the Star Party at Carolina Beach State Park. Free and undeniably fun for stargazers of all ages, the Star Party features plenty of events including outdoor shows, telescope viewings, vendors, and other activities to help starry-eyed visitors discover all there is to know about this distinct and always stunning nightly display.

Kids of all ages will have a ball while learning a little bit more about our precious planet at the annual Earth Day Celebration which is held in the heart of Wilmington. During this special afternoon event, the Long Leaf Park in the central region of the Port City will be transformed into a fun, festival atmosphere complete with exhibits, drinks, food, and live music, which all combine to provide an educational yet entertaining day that kids and adults alike will adore.

Get active while enjoying the start of the beautiful spring and summer weather that the Port City is known for by attending the always fun and highly energized Healthy Kids Day. Celebrating its 14^th year in 2025, this annual event has a focus on getting outside, getting active, and having a ball that will resonate with kids of all ages, and which will show just how much fun exploring Wilmington can be.

Revered as one of the oldest Independence Day celebrations in the state, the North Carolina 4th of July Festival is a big event that attracts visitors from all along the coastline and miles beyond to the charming town of Southport. Boasting a parade, a fair-style collection of vendors, a myriad of shows and activities, and a stunning display of fireworks over the water, this annual event lives up to its reputation as one of the most beloved 4^th of July celebrations on the coast.

The Fourth of July is easily one of the most festive days on Bald Head Island, and visitors can join in the fun with a wide array of activities that are found around town. The annual Bald Head Island Fourth of July Celebration is packed with tours, games, food, and fun – as well as a famed annual parade – and is a great way to truly enjoy everything this island community has to offer.

The Bald Head Island or “Old Baldy” Lighthouse is distinguished along the Carolina coastline as one of the oldest lighthouses still standing in the country, and visitors can learn all about this history while having a ball at the annual National Lighthouse Day Weekend. Generally held in early August, this weekend-long event features an array of corresponding activities and attractions that shine a light on this special local landmark, and which provide hours of fun and entertainment for visitors of all ages.

Second only to the springtime Azalea Festival in terms of size, activities and attendance, the annual Riverfest is an all-encompassing festival that celebrates life by the water. Featuring a lineup of events that include exhibits, vendors, competitions, kid activities, fireworks, and so much more, this family-friendly event ignites the Wilmington downtown area with miles of fun to go around.

Celebrating its 31st year in 2025, the annual Bark in the Park is a playful competition that pits high flying canines of all varieties in a number of competitions that will delight participants and their human spectators alike. Featuring a number of activities, and absolutely free to the public, Bark in the Park is a great outing for family members of all varieties, and especially the furry ones who love to make new friends and show off their stuff at one of the coolest parks in Wrightsville Beach.

There’s a world of fun to discover at the Festival Latino, which is an event that celebrates a multi-cultural atmosphere with a wealth of food, music, and entertainment. From special activities designed for kids to dancing lessons and live music, this lively event is a great way to discover the unique global flavors and influences that are found right in the heart of the Cape Fear area.