Now that the weather is warming up, it’s time to get out and enjoy the beautiful coastal climate the Wilmington area offers. We are all feeling the need to get out of the house these days. Here are some of our favorite outdoor activities to beat the summer heat.
Spend an afternoon at Long Leaf Park, centrally located in New Hanover County, a brief drive from downtown Wilmington and Wrightsville Beach. Stroll around the tree lined paths or watch the kids enjoy the playground. And be sure to cool off on the splashpad. You and your family will surely enjoy the interactive fountains and other water features.
If you are looking for a complete family entertainment center, Jungle Rapids is the stop for you. Jungle Rapids features a water park with a million-gallon wave pool, lazy river, various slides, and a 7,000 sq. ft. kiddie splash pool, just to name a few of the water features. With a plethora of water activities, Go-Karts and a large arcadewith other indoor activities, there is sure to be plenty of ways for the whole family to cool off.
Wrightsville Beach is an obvious choice for one of the best places to splash around town. The crystal-clear water and white sand beaches are second to none. While visiting the beach, be sure to stop in to Harbor Way Gardens, situated on the west end of Wrightsville Beach Park. Here you’ll discover a quiet oasis and respite from the summer heat. This one-acre garden allows visitors to rest in the shade of the mature trees while they enjoy native plants and flowers. Set among paved paths, visitors can rest on benches surrounded by large trees and reflect on seasonal flowers in bloom. Kids of all ages can run through the reclaimed water sprouting from the multi-spray Children’s Fountain.
Community pools are another great way to beat the heat. Robert Strange Pool in downtown Wilmington and the Legion Stadium Pool near Greenfield Lake, offer visitors public swim opportunities that are sure to help relieve that summer swelter.