Smart Start of New Hanover County

06/16/2026

How Moments in Nature Help Kids Thrive -
Helping our kids find awe in the wonder of the natural world is good for them and for us as parents.

- Check out your local City of Wilmington, NC Government park -
wilmingtonnc.com/parks-and-recreation/
- Here is an interactive map of parks to check out - parks.nhcgov.com/340/Interactive-Parks-Map

Read more from The Greater Good Science Center at buff.ly/x4Z5tuy

New Hanover County Parks & Gardens City of Wilmington, NC Government Resiliency Task Force New Hanover County

06/13/2026

Try this game! Kitchen Music

Going back and forth in a game like this helps your child pay attention and remember the pattern of noises. It’s a great brain builder! www.vroom.org

Check out Early Learning Resource Center for more fun ideas! Link in comments. ⤵️

Vroom

06/10/2026

Check out all the ways to inspire reading this summer!

Find more FREE books in 's Little Free Library at 725 Wellington Ave!

Summer Reading Programs 2026

06/10/2026

Last Saturday, we hosted a Block Party and kids had a blast building with our Block Fest, experimenting with science, learning in our Early Learning Resource Center, finding free books in our Little Free Library, sharing snacks, and so much more!

If you missed this event, we invite you to stop by our Early Learning Resource Center to learn more about our FREE programs! Learn more about at www.newhanoverkids.org.

Check out what our participating partners offer, too -
Coastal Horizons Center Child First The Children's Museum of Wilmington GE Food Bank of Central & Eastern North Carolina Wawa Coastal Horizons Open House Transitional & Maternity Housing Program

06/09/2026

Start a garden at home with young children using these resources.
kidsgardening.org/resources/ece-garden-starting-a-garden-at-home

Check out the free Seed Library at Maides Parkhttps://www.wilmingtonnc.gov/files/assets/city/v/1/parks-amp-rec/documents/rec-programs/seedlibrarybrochure.pdf

KidsGardening.org City of Wilmington, NC Government

06/06/2026

Try this game! Still as a Statue

Your child concentrates to stay in the statue pose, & learns to tune out distractions to achieve a goal. This game is all about focus & self-control. www.vroom.org

Check out Early Learning Resource Center for more fun ideas! Link in comments. ⤵️

Vroom

06/05/2026

Families seeking a welcoming and accessible museum experience for Children with sensory, developmental, and physical needs will have the opportunity to attend Sensory Sunday events free of charge for the remainder of 2026 at the Children’s Museum of Wilmington.

06/02/2026

It's time to prepare for Hurricane Season!

Did you know that you can build an inexpensive emergency sanitation kit for safer formula preparation? Find the kit from North Carolina Breastfeeding Coalition at www.ncbfc.org/safe

Read more about how the SAFE Team is working to fill the gap of safe feeding in emergency care at safeinfantfeeding.org.

Breastfeeding Family Friendly Communities New Hanover Disaster Coalition

06/01/2026

Pre-K Jumpstart Enrollment is OPEN!

Find details and registration at https://buff.ly/wJ4R42L

Our partner Soaring As Eagles Outreach Ministry Inc. structured an early-learning program for children ages 3–4 (Pre-K3 and Pre-K4), designed to prepare both students and for a successful transition into .

learn in a safe, nurturing, and engaging environment where academic, social, and emotional development are intentionally integrated. Through play-based instruction, early literacy, and hands-on activities, students build foundational skills in language, communication, early math, problem-solving, and physical development. Daily routines, including a hot breakfast, reinforce consistency, independence, and positive approaches to learning.

05/29/2026

BIG NEWS, New Hanover County families! Registration is NOW OPEN for Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library!

Children under age five can receive a FREE, high-quality book mailed directly to their home every month, helping build a lifelong love of reading, one story at a time.

Register your child today at link in comments. ⤵️

Dolly Parton's Imagination Library