Winter Break Adventures in Wilmington: Indoor Fun for the Whole Family

Winter break is here, energy is high, and families across Wilmington are looking for ways to make the most of their time together. When colder weather, rain, or early sunsets limit outdoor options, The Children’s Museum of Wilmington becomes the perfect indoor destination for creativity, discovery, and hands-on learning.

Whether you’re local or visiting family for the holidays, the museum offers festive fun, interactive exhibits, and seasonal activities that make winter break unforgettable.

Here’s how to make your Wilmington holiday break magical without braving the cold.

Holiday Hours and Visiting Tips

CMoW remains open throughout the holiday season, with closures only on:

• Thanksgiving Day

• Christmas Eve

• Christmas Day

Regular hours:

• Tuesday–Saturday: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

• Sunday: 1 p.m. – 5 p.m.

Holiday break is one of the museum’s busiest times, so families are encouraged to secure tickets in advance and arrive early for the best experience.

You can check hours, admission details, and tips for planning your visit here.

A Wilmington Winter Tradition: Hands-On Holiday Fun

During December, CMoW’s educators transform the Art Studio and weekly Daily Programs into joyful, winter-themed learning experiences. Much like the sensory-rich and play-based activities highlighted in past blogs , the museum embraces the season with festive projects designed to spark imagination and curiosity.

Families can look forward to holiday-inspired activities such as:

• Narwhal Crafts

• Gingerbread STEM Challenges

• Shrinky Dink Ornaments

• Holiday Bow Prints

• Star of David Ornaments

• Snowball Balancing Games

Daily programs receive a cheerful seasonal twist too:

• Sea Stars (Tuesdays): Ocean-themed crafts

• Full STEAM Ahead (Wednesdays): Holiday engineering and science

• StoryCooks (Thursdays): Seasonal stories with hands-on snack-making

• Toddler Time (Fridays): Sensory play and themed art activities

• Sci Fri (Fridays): Winter science experiments and discovery

And while the programs are festive, CMoW’s exhibits offer year-round learning and play. Kid favorites for winter break include:

• The Art Studio: A bright space filled with seasonal crafts

• Toddler Treehouse: Ideal for little climbers

• Kid Zone: Open-ended building and problem-solving fun

• Wonders of Water: Interactive water-play learning

• Publix Market & Discovery Diner: Pretend play for all ages

  
  

These hands-on spaces reflect what our mission is all about: learning through play that builds social, emotional, and cognitive skills, as highlighted in museum materials .

Discover the exhibits waiting to be explored.

Special Events You Won’t Want to Miss

New Year’s Noon – Tuesday, December 31st, 9 a.m.–12 p.m.

A beloved CMoW tradition, this celebration gives kids the joy of ringing in the new year before bedtime. Families enjoy countdown crafts, festive activities, and a balloon drop at noon.

Although December’s Sensory Sunday has passed, families can look forward to future sensory-friendly mornings in the new year—ideal for children who thrive in calmer, adjusted environments.

You can explore additional holiday events, rotating educator-led programs, and seasonal art experiences through the museum’s online event calendar.

Membership: The Gift That Keeps Giving

For families looking to give a meaningful holiday gift, a CMoW membership offers a full year of learning, laughter, and hands-on fun—plus an extra perk in December: purchase an annual membership and receive 2 additional months free.

Member benefits include:

• Free access to daily educator-led programs

• Discounts on in-house special events (excluding fundraisers)

• Access to ACM reciprocal museums nationwide

• PassPlay app access to view perks and benefits on the go

  
  

Membership directly supports the museum’s mission of expanding exhibits and programs, just as detailed in CMoW’s nonprofit overview. Learn more about membership options and benefits.

To see where else a membership can take your family, explore the Association of Children’s Museums Reciprocal Network.

Make the Most of Your Visit

A smooth museum day starts with a few simple tips:

• Plan for peak times: Mornings (especially 9–11 a.m.) are the busiest during holiday break.

• Dress comfortably: Many activities involve art, movement, or sensory play.

• Bring snacks or plan a break: Light snacks and juice are available onsite.

• Extend the fun nearby: After your visit, take a walk downtown; the Riverwalk and surrounding streets glow with holiday lights throughout December.

  
  

Explore more wintertime family activities from the WilmingtonandBeaches.com website’s section on winter things to do.

Make CMoW Part of Your Holiday Tradition

The holidays are about connection, and CMoW is where Wilmington families come to learn, laugh, and make memories together. Whether your child is crafting ornaments, exploring hands-on exhibits, or counting down to noon on New Year’s Eve, the museum offers experiences that spark joy and curiosity all season long.

Plan your visit to The Children’s Museum of Wilmington and make playtime the highlight of your holiday break.