Photo: Imre Pólik
Photo: Michael LeGay
Photo: Luis Lluberas
Wilmington Railroad Museum
★4.7(896 reviews)$Museum
🕑 1.5-2 hours👶 Best for ages 2-12. Toddlers and preschoolers love climbing on the real train cars and watching the model trains in motion, while elementary-aged kids appreciate the historical aspects and hands-on exhibits. Train-obsessed kids of any age will be thrilled.🧡 Saved by 23 families
About
All aboard for an interactive journey through railroad history! The Wilmington Railroad Museum delights young train enthusiasts with real vintage locomotives and train cars they can climb aboard and explore. The intricate model train displays captivate children and adults alike, making this a perfect rainy day adventure or educational outing in Wilmington.
Highlights
- ✓Climbing aboard authentic vintage locomotives and cabooses
- ✓Elaborate model train layouts with moving trains and miniature scenes
- ✓Historic Atlantic Coast Line Railroad artifacts and memorabilia
- ✓Interactive exhibits where kids can ring bells and explore train controls
- ✓Outdoor train car collection for hands-on exploration
Pro Tips
- 1.Visit on weekday mornings right when they open at 10 AM for the quietest experience and better photo opportunities on the trains
- 2.Don't miss the outdoor train cars behind the museum - kids can actually climb inside several vintage cars and cabooses
- 3.Bring a camera for conductor photos, and pack hand sanitizer since kids will be touching everything
- 4.The museum is compact, so consider pairing it with a walk along the nearby Riverwalk or a visit to Battleship North Carolina for a full day out
- 5.Ask staff about Thomas the Tank Engine events and special themed days throughout the year
Best Time to Visit
Weekday mornings (Tuesday-Thursday) offer smaller crowds and more relaxed exploration. The museum is also an excellent rainy day activity. Avoid visiting on sunny weekend afternoons when it tends to be busiest with tourists and birthday parties.
What to Know
Admission is budget-friendly (typically under $10 for adults, less for children). Street parking is available on Nutt Street, and the museum is stroller-accessible. There's no café on-site, but downtown Wilmington restaurants are just a short walk away.
Seasonal Notes
Open year-round (closed Sundays). The museum hosts special Thomas the Tank Engine events and holiday-themed train displays during winter months. Summer can be warm in the outdoor train car area, so plan accordingly.
Nearby Eats
Head to Benny's Big Time Pizzeria (0.3 miles away) for kid-friendly pizza in a casual atmosphere, or try The Basics (0.4 miles) which offers comfort food including mac and cheese and burgers that kids enjoy.
More Activities Near Wilmington
Museum
Burgwin-Wright House and Gardens
★4.7$❤️132
Step back in time at this beautifully preserved 1770s colonial home where kids can experience authentic Revolutionary War history through engaging guided tours and hands-on programs. The stunning period gardens offer a peaceful outdoor space for children to explore while learning about colonial life, and the interactive historical demonstrations make this more than just looking at old furniture,it's a genuine adventure into America's past.
Museum
The Children's Museum of Wilmington
★4.4$$❤️72
The Children's Museum of Wilmington is a hands-on wonderland designed specifically for young learners to explore, create, and imagine. With interactive exhibits spanning art, music, and dramatic play areas, this engaging indoor space keeps little ones entertained while encouraging creativity and discovery through touch-and-play experiences that go far beyond traditional museums.
Activity
Wrightsville Beach
Free❤️18
Wrightsville Beach is one of North Carolina's most family-friendly coastal destinations, featuring gentle waves perfect for young swimmers, vigilant lifeguards on duty during peak season, and a welcoming atmosphere that keeps families coming back year after year. The beach's manageable size makes it easy to keep track of kids, while the nearby Loop area offers convenient access to ice cream shops, casual restaurants, and beach supply stores just steps from the sand.
Adventure
Fort Fisher State Historic Site
★4.8$❤️26
Fort Fisher State Historic Site offers families a unique combination of Civil War history and coastal adventure. Kids can explore authentic fort remains, bunkers, and earthworks while learning about the largest naval battle of the Civil War, then hit the nearby beach and nature trails for outdoor fun,all in one visit.