8 Awe-Inspiring Things to Do With Kids When School is Out

When school ends, can bored kids be far behind? Keep your kids busy (and away from electronic screens) with some of the terrific activities Wilmington has for kids when school is out! Here are a few of our favorites:

1. Fort Fisher Aquarium is Geared Up for Kids

The NC Aquarium at Fort Fisher is always interesting, but they’re set for summer with some fun exhibits and special events. Don’t miss the Lorikeet exhibit with free-flying birds that land on your arms, weeklong summer camps designed for your child’s age and amazing programs where kids can try surf fishing and crabbing, canoeing, and feeding the aquarium fish!

2. Jungle Rapids is Your Kids’ Summer Destination

Jungle Rapids Family Fun Park in Wilmington NC is a huge facility with something everyone.

Buy a pass to the water park—cool off with no sharks! But don’t forget that Jungle Rapids has go-karts, laser tag, an arcade, miniature bowling and golf, rock wall climbing and more to keep your kids busy when school is out.

3. Make Some Friends at Tregembo Animal Park

Meet some new critters at the Tregembo Animal Park! Wilmington’s zoo has more than 100 kinds of animals, including a White Bengal Tiger and Snow Macaques—it’s a perfect trip for when the kids are out of school.

4. Act Up with Thalian Association Youth Theater

Thalian Association Children’s Theater[/caption]Starting in July, audition for a play at Thalian Association Youth Theater Program! Upcoming shows include Hairspray and Beauty and the Beast.

5. Turn Over at Carolina Gymnastics Academy

Register your tumblers now for summer classes for all ages at Carolina Gymnastics Academy. All-day summer camps offer indoor and outdoor activities including field trips to the pool at Legion stadium. Kids will cool off with water play at the morning summer camps, too.

6. Island Book Shop Has the Perfect Read

Island Book Shop in Carolina Beach, NC has plenty of great summer reading available.

Hot summer afternoons are perfect for curling up indoors with a good book. Find new and used books for kids and grownups alike at the friendly Island Book Shop in Carolina Beach.

7. Museum of the Bizarre is Creepy Fun

Gracie the two-headed calf is on display at The Museum of the Bizarre in downtown Wilmington, NC.

Crazy oddities abound at Wilmington’s Museum of the Bizarre. Here your kids will discover a unicorn horn, a ghost deer, the Fort Fisher Mermaid, a possessed clown, and much more.

8. Help the Turtles with Wrightsville Beach Sea Turtle Project

Learn more about sea turtles at one of Wrightsville Beach Sea Turtle Project’s free turtle talks! Meet the turtle folks at 7 p.m. every Tuesday evening in June, July, and August at the N.C. Coastal Federation’s office on West Salisbury Street in Wrightsville Beach. You can even sign up to volunteer all season long.