Family Activities:

North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher

Attraction

North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher

900 Loggerhead Rd., Kure Beach, NC

Look out for Luna, the albino alligator, who makes his home here with other alligators at this, one of three state operated aquariums. Another super star is Maverick, the Bald Eagle, who greets you at the beginning of your tour. Spaciously laid out in two buildings and three floors, your family will enjoy everything from sea turtles and swampy marshlands to a journey with Salt, the Humpback Whale, who makes her journey up the North Carolina coast each summer.

Some kids may love the bad hair that results from time in the hurricane simulator; others may enjoy quietly sitting with binoculars watching the coastal birds from a back deck. Each summer, new interactive exhibits are installed outdoors; they include everything from dinosaurs to butterflies.

This place gets extremely busy in the summer, so save time standing in line and money if you have a reciprocal membership at other aquariums throughout the country.

A nice outdoor café offers some healthy snacks and drinks, along with hot dogs and such.