Wilmington is filled with tons of historical attractions that are sure to entertain the entire family. Because it is a coastal community, there are a great number of water sports and activities that take place near the beach. You can go sailing or cruise around the area, or just hang out on the beach and do some things in the water. As is the case in many tourist locations, there are tons of mini golf courses, batting cages, go-cart tracks, and other family-oriented activities to do. If you want to teach the kids a little about history, or are just a history buff yourself, you can go to the battleship U.S.S. North Carolina , located on the Wilmington Riverfront. This is a monument to the men and women from North Carolina who fought in World War II. The battleship was actually used in combat and survived a direct hit from a torpedo in 1942. You can also head to the Bellamy Mansion Museum. This is a four story, 22 room mansion that was built in 1861. It serves as a reminder of what architecture and life was like in North Carolina before the Civil War. The Cape Fear Museum is another spot worth checking out. There, you can learn about the history and culture of the area, as well as looking at some interesting works of art representative of the area.