Summertime Free Family Fun-2018

Looking for free or low cost entertainment for the kids? Here’s a listing of Summer 2014 Events and Activities for Families with kids of all ages.

Hours:

Hours vary for all events—visit Access Wilmington’s Events Listings appearing daily on our Home Page.

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Fun Things To Do In Wilmington, NC

Wilmington, NC, has a lot to offer both locals and visitors, especially during the Summer. Many family activities, those suitable for all ages, are available for FREE or at low admission prices. Here is a partial listing of many of the events we’ve found for your family to do this Summer 2018.

Board Game Night (free)

Join the Wilmington Board Game Group for a free night of Board Gaming at Cape Fear Games. No experience necessary. Starts May 29th. 6:00 pm to 11:00 pm at Cape Fear Games
3608 Oleander Drive See details

Family Movies

Regal Cinemas at Mayfaire Town Center has a regular offering of Family Movies, appropriate for kids of all ages. Click on the link below to see what’s coming.
Call for movie times and film titles. (910) 256-1857 view website

Boardwalk Blast Family Night (free)

Boardwalk Blast Family Night occurs Tuesday nights in Carolina Beach (Cape Fear Blvd. and Canal Drive), and features karaoke, bouncy fun, line dancing, face painting, and more. The fun starts at 6:30 pm every Tuesday during the Summer. View Details

Fireworks by the Sea and Boardwalk Music Blast (free)

Fireworks by the Sea and Boardwalk Blast Music in Carolina Beach features free concerts on the Boardwalk Stage starting at 6:30 pm followed by a fabulous fireworks show over the Atlantic Ocean around 9 pm. This event happens every Thursday during the Summer in Carolina Beach. Check on Access Wilmington weekly for current performers. View Details

Boogie in the Park (free)

Boogie in the Park takes place Sundays in the summer at Ocean Front Park in Kure Beach, NC. Every week features a local or traveling band. HOURS: 5:00 pm-8:00 pm. Check on Access Wilmington weekly for current performers. Bring a beach chair or blanket and enjoy the music!

Summer Concert Series At Kure Beach (free)

The Summer Concert Series at the Fort Fisher Military Recreation Area in Kure Beach, NC encourages guests to bring blankets, chairs, and a picnic (beverages will be for sale). Features local bands. Please, no pets or beverages. HOURS: 6:30-8:30pm. Check on Access Wilmington weekly for current performers.

Sounds of Summer Concert (free)

Wrightsville Beach Parks & Recreation Department presents its Sounds of Summer Concert Series. Live music performances each week during the Summer. Bring a picnic, lawn chairs, and blankets for an evening of family fun. HOURS: 6:30-8pm. Check on Access Wilmington weekly for current performers.

Music on the Town Concerts (free)

The 10th Annual Music on the Town Concert Series at Mayfaire Town Center in Wilmington, NC, features free live music on Friday evenings through July. Bands set up on the Mayfaire Event Field located behind Ulta and World Market, and there is plenty of free parking. Bouncy House available for the kids, and coolers, chairs and blankets are welcome. HOURS: 6pm to dark. Check on Access Wilmington weekly for current performers.

Cape Fear Shakespeare on the Green (free)

Cape Fear Shakespeare on the Green (CFSOTG) is among Wilmington’s most anticipated summer traditions. Since 1993, visitors and residents have enjoyed free productions of the Bard’s works in a family atmosphere at Greenfield Lake Amphitheater. Located in the heart of Wilmington on the lake’s edge, the stage is surrounded by stately moss-draped cypress trees and well-manicured gardens of Greenfield Park. With 900 seats, the amphitheater is the only one of its kind in Southeastern North Carolina and is among Wilmington’s largest entertainment venues. Most importantly, we are able to offer FREE admission to the public, staying true to our mission of artistic excellence available to all. Performances weekly during the Summer. Check on Access Wilmington weekly for current performances, dates and times. See website

Kids Super Fun Time

TheatreNow presnts Super Fun Time Saturdays during the month of June, starting June 7th. Live performances for ages 8 and older start at 3:00 pm. Call for more information. 910.399.3NOW

Story Time by the Sea (free)

The Town of Kure Beach presents Story Time by the Sea at Ocean Front Park. Fun activities for both boys and girls are available following the story, as well as time for photos with the Mermaid Princess. Activities rotate weekly. HOURS: 10-11:30am. This 1 ½ hour event is free and activities will rotate weekly until August 28th.

Movie at the Lake (free)

Carolina Beach Lake Park hosts Movies at the Lake each Sunday evening through Sept. 1. Guests are welcome to bring chairs, food and drinks, and the venue offers popcorn, candy, soft drinks, cotton candy, and more for sale. Movie begins at dusk. Movies are subject to change and are weather permitting. Check on Access Wilmington weekly for the current movie title.

Family Movie Night in the Park (free)

Bring the family and enjoy a movie under the stars in Wrightsville Beach Park.  Each Wednesday from July 7th through August 11th.  Activities begin at 8:30 p.m. and concessions will be available. See details

Summer Evening Nature Series ($5)

The Summer Evening Nature Series at Halyburton Park in Wilmington is presented by the N.C. Aquariums. HOURS: 6:30-7:30pm. Pre-registration required. Call for dates and times. (910) 341-0075

Film Club For Kids (free)

Film Club for Kids at the Main Library downtown Wilmington allows children ages 8 and older to make their own movies. Each session, kids learn how to act, film, edit and animate. HOURS: 2-4pm. Call for dates and times. (910) 798-6348

Little Explorers Nature Program (free)

Little Explorers Nature Program at Halyburton Park in Wilmington, NC, offers kids ages 2 to 5 a chance to discover nature through stories, songs, hands-on activities, hikes and crafts. HOURS: 10-11am. PRE-REGISTRATION REQUIRED. See details

Wilmington Sharks Baseball Game

See classic Americana in action as college and semi-pro players from various small town baseball teams join together for hometown pride for Wilmington Sharks baseball. Tickets are very inexpensive and concessions are available. Kids love baseball games. See details

Notable Quotes

“Shakespeare On The Green is a true gift for Wilmington. The summer series of free performances allows kids and adult to get their bard on.”
“A summer visits to Carolina Beach always include the Sunday Movie at the Lake Park. Even if we’ve seen the movie, it’s a treat to see it outdoors in a wonderful setting.”
“What a blessing. Weekly kids movies at Mayfaire Cinema. The kids are entertained and mom gets to shop.”
“There’s a great band every week on Friday’s at Mayfaire. We now have a regular spot and have made new friends. The bands rock”
“The Wilmington Sharks Baseball games are a slice of Americana. There’s everything you expect and its affordable. Take me out to the ballpark.”
“Museums in Wilmington are educational and fun. The Cape Fear Museum, Serpentarium, Kids Museum, Art Museum, Airlie Gardens. So much to do!”