It’s hard to believe, but occasionally, we promise, just occasionally…it rains on Pleasure Island. However, that doesn’t mean the fun stops during your Carolina or Kure Beach vacation. A few raindrops only means the fun goes inside and here on Pleasure Island we have so many fun things to do and see a little rain won’t ruin the day. Here are several fun ways to spend a rainy day.
Spend The Day At The NC Aquarium At For Fisher
One of the best attractions in the area is the Aquarium at Fort Fisher. The aquarium features loads of interesting and interactive exhibits the whole family will enjoy. One of the best exhibits is the tank where the audience can interact with a diver as he swims with the sharks and eels in a giant tank. There is even a dinosaur exhibit, and everyone loves dinosaurs. Don’t miss the Butterfly Bungalow which is a favorite among the little one. Finally, make sure to check the Aquarium’s website regularly for family and special events.
Wrightsville Beach History Museum
Learn all about Cape Fear’s original vacationers with a visit to the Wrightsville Beach Museum of History. Located in nearby Wrightsville Beach. This museum which is cleverly housed within a historic beach cottage. It is like taking a walk through time, beach time, that is. As you explore the museum, you’ll explore rooms filled with antiques and unique memorabilia from generations of vacationers. There is an impressive display of historical items including, postcards, bathing suits, and fascinating exhibits about local events. There are seasonal and special exhibits throughout the year. Come explore over 100 years of beach history at the Wrightsville Beach Museum of History.
Battleship U.S.S North Carolina
Spend a day exploring the Battleship North Carolina. Moored across the river from downtown Wilmington, you’ll be treated to a rare opportunity to walk through history. Visitors will get a hands-on look at the daily lives of those who served on this warship. The Battleship saw action in the Pacific Theatre during World War II. Now resting quietly here in Wilmington she shares her past through oral histories, photographs, and interactive histories that everyone in the family will enjoy learning about.
Visit Fort Fisher
Known as the “Gibraltar of the South,” Fort Fisher served as a Confederate Fort during the Civil War. Originally the fort was nothing more than a shore battery of 12 guns. The central defensive feature of the fort was provided by the natural sand dunes of the area. But there is much more to the fort. From 1862 to today there is a rich history you’ll want to explore. While there is an outside component to visiting the fort, you can still enjoy the visitors center and interactive exhibits on a rainy day. Getting to Fort Fisher is easy from any of our Kure Beach vacation rentals. Located just down the road at 1610 Fort Fisher Blvd S. Kure Beach, NC 28449. Phone (910) 251-7343 The Fort is open to the public free of charge. Hours of operation are from Tuesday through Saturday, from 9 am-5 pm and Sundays from 12 pm-5 pm. The fort is open from Memorial Day through Labor Day weekend.
Have A Day at the Arcade
If you think a rainy day is a good day to be the new “pinball wizard”, well then we have the perfect place for you…Poppy’s Place Arcade! Jim and Jennifer Kitts opened the arcade in honor of Jim’s grandfather. His “Poppy” used to take him to arcades while on vacation in the Outer Banks. Jim and his wife wanted to give the opportunity to a new generation of visitors. Poppy’s Palace Arcade is open from 12 noon to 9 and is a family-friendly place where mom and dad will have as much fun as the kids.
Wilmington Railroad Museum
Everybody loves trains and the Wilmington Railroad Museum is the perfect place for train lovers to learn all about the history of the area’s railroads. This museum features interactive exhibits that kids and adults alike will enjoy. It may be rainy outside, but the fun continues inside in this unique museum. On-site there is a full-size caboose and steam engine to explore. The little ones will love the Thomas The Train exhibit. Finally, perhaps the best part of the museum are the dozens of model train displays. These displays are exquisite in their detail and lifelike designs. You’ll feel like you’re on the train itself as your watch these dioramas. Have fun at the museum and enjoy one of our areas hidden attractions.