New Hanover County Arboretum
About
Free 7-Acre Arboretum With Japanese Tea House
New Hanover County Arboretum is a free 7-acre teaching garden run by NC Cooperative Extension. Ten themed gardens include a Japanese garden with authentic tea house, military Contemplation Garden, water garden with koi, and a dedicated Children's Garden.
What Kids Can Do
The Children's Garden features a miniature stone cottage kids climb in, a bug-safari scavenger hunt, and interactive musical instruments built into the landscape. The Koi pond in the water garden draws kids who can buy fish food from the office. Japanese Garden tea house and bridges invite quiet exploration. Demonstration gardens teach what grows in coastal NC climate. Spring brings the Master Gardener plant sale [marked: Children's Garden musical instruments may be removed for winter - check before visiting October-February].
What's Included
Free day-use of all gardens. Master Gardener help desk staffed weekdays. Plant clinics and educational workshops priced separately.
Experience
Plan 1-2 hours. Almost entirely outdoor - bring sun protection. Stroller and wheelchair accessible throughout. About 5 miles east of downtown Wilmington. Free on-site parking. Open daily 8am-5pm.