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Spend a whole day catching some rays, people-watching, window-shopping and exploring all that the historic Riverwalk has to offer without breaking the bank. Start by taking a tour of the absolutely must-see USS North Carolina where admission is free for kids 5 and under! Next, grab some tokens and level-up at the Carolina Beach and Poppy's Palace arcades. Finally, head over to the Wilmington Railroad Museum, where tickets are cheap and the kids can play conductor for a day.

Wilmington's Historic District is 230-square-blocks of museums, mansions, shops and galleries, and so much more. Head off the beaten path and visit the Oakdale Cemetery to see gravestones dating back to the Confederacy. Pack a picnic and explore the Poplar Grove Plantation on your own for free, or you can take the $12 guided tour of this antebellum peanut plantation. Then, check out historic Fort Fisher where you can walk the pier, learn about the historical significance of the fort, and snap some awesome vacation photos of the Federal Point Lighthouse.

Made famous by the Hollywood film (and remake) of the same name, the Cape Fear River is a hotspot for local fun. Get the best views of Wilmington when you hop on the Cape Fear River Sightseeing Cruise—the oldest riverboat excursion in the area. Tickets are just $5 for kids and $12 for adults for a one hour tour. Get a learning experience (and have fun doing it) at the Cape Fear Museum. Originally built to house a collection of Confederate artifacts, the museum now focuses on the region’s history, science and cultures. And for more creepy-crawly fun, take a walk through the weird and wild at the Museum of the Bizarre.