Our family loves exploring the beaches of NC and SC, and ever since I-40 was extended, it’s been easier than ever to get there. But let’s face it—some beach days are just too rainy or hot. That’s when we mix it up with a family-friendly day trip to the NC Aquarium at Fort Fisher. Located in Kure Beach at the mouth of the Cape Fear River, this aquarium offers an indoor escape packed with ocean adventures and hands-on fun for all ages.

Explore the Waters of the Cape Fear

Inside the Fort Fisher Aquarium, one of four North Carolina Aquarium locations, you’ll follow “The Waters of the Cape Fear,” a beautiful, immersive journey from freshwater streams to salt marshes, coastline habitats, reefs, and even the open ocean. Along the way, you’ll spot playful otters, sea turtles, sharks, jellyfish, and other fascinating marine life.

Daily Programs & Interactive Exhibits

The aquarium is open 362 days a year (closed only on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day), and there’s always something exciting happening. Be sure to catch some of the daily events included with your Fort Fisher Aquarium tickets:

🦀 Creature Feature at 11:30 a.m. – Meet sea animals like rays, turtles, and crabs up close.
🌊 Ocean Odyssey at 1:30 p.m. – Learn fascinating facts about ocean life.
🐟 Animal Feedings at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. – A big hit with little ones!
🦎 Animal Encounters at 12:30 p.m. – Say hello to reptiles, amphibians, and more.
🌿 Coastal Adventure at 3:30 p.m. – A guided tour of the aquarium’s natural backyard.

Visitor Info: Location, Tickets & Tips

Getting There!

From High Point/Greensboro, expect about a 3.5-hour drive to the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher and about 4 hours from Winston-Salem. Plan to spend 2–3 hours exploring once you arrive. If you’re visiting during April or May, be aware of large weekday school groups between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Online reservations are required during summers because they anticipate a busy summer season.

🎟️ Fort Fisher Aquarium Ticket Prices:

Adults (Ages 13–61): $12.95
Seniors (Ages 62+): $11.95
Military: $11.95
Children (Ages 3–12): $10.95
Ages 2 and under / NC Aquarium Society Members: FREE
NC EBT Cardholders: $3
Thanks to the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) you get 50% off with your Science Center Pass or 100% off with NC Zoo membership.

📍 Address: 900 Loggerhead Road, Kure Beach, NC 28449
🕘 Hours: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. daily

There’s also a seasonal snack bar on-site called Shark Bites, open daily from March through September and weekends in October/November. If you miss it, no worries—there are plenty of great Carolina Beach activities and restaurants nearby.

Big Changes Coming to Fort Fisher Aquarium

The North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher is preparing for its biggest transformation yet. Later this year, the aquarium will begin the first phase of a $65 million expansion and renovation project on their facilities—the most significant in its history. This multi-year initiative will deepen the community’s connection to marine conservation and turn Fort Fisher into the largest aquarium in the state.

At the heart of the redesign will be North Carolina’s largest shark habitat, a stunning, immersive experience for visitors. Featuring a 250,000 gallon tank. Other new additions include a live coral reef habitat, interactive touch pool, a cutting-edge education center with direct access to outdoor learning spaces, and a sky-high rooftop observation deck. These upgrades will create powerful, hands-on opportunities for families, educators, and students to connect with aquatic life in exciting new ways.

The North Carolina Aquarium Society is supporting this effort through Beneath the Surface: The Campaign for the North Carolina Aquariums, which has already raised more than $60 million. Major donations include $7.5 million from The Endowment in New Hanover County and $2 million from the SECU Foundation, with additional community contributions needed to reach the campaign goal.

To support or learn more, visit: www.ncaquariumsociety.com/campaign

🚨 Note: The aquarium will close to the public this fall during construction. Be sure to follow their social media channels for updates and reopening information!

Nearby Attractions to Extend the Fun

Make it a full day of learning and exploring by checking out the Fort Fisher State Historic Site, just a short drive from the aquarium. You can walk the trails, learn about Civil War history, and enjoy scenic views along the shoreline. Other local favorites include the Kure Beach Pier, Carolina Beach Boardwalk, and seasonal ferry rides to Southport.

More Aquariums to Discover

The fun doesn’t stop at Fort Fisher for marine life lovers!! If you’re traveling along the coast, North Carolina is home to three other amazing aquarium locations:

North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores
Jennette’s Pier in Nags Head
Roanoke Island Aquarium

If your family enjoys marine life and hands-on experiences, be sure to add these to your future travel plans. The NC Aquariums are a division of the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources and are accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re dodging a rainy beach day or just looking for a new adventure, the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher is a must-visit destination. Between the engaging exhibits, hands-on programs, and beautiful location near Carolina Beach and Wilmington, it’s the perfect place to blend fun and education.

Ready to go? Don’t forget to grab your Fort Fisher Aquarium tickets online and plan your visit today!

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