Deep in the heart of the enchantingly beautiful state of North Carolina, where the Blue Ridge Mountains stretch high into the cotton candy clouds and the golden beaches whisper tales of the majestic Atlantic Ocean, a peculiar spectacle is unfolding. A brave and daring group of youngsters, known as the Carolina Cloudswingers, are challenging gravity itself as they engage in the captivating activity of Aerial Arts. Among these gravity-defying gymnasts, there's a character that stands out as much as a rainbow unicorn in a field of grey donkeys: a boy named Tumble Tuffington. With a hairdo as wild as the Great Smoky Mountains and a smile as infectious as a summer song, Tumble is the heart and soul of the Cloudswingers. Every day after school, Tumble and his fellow Cloudswingers gather at their secret hideout, an old barn refurbished to resemble a circus! They twist, twirl, tuck, and turn on hoops, silks, and trapezes, creating a swirling spectacle of colors that could make even a kaleidoscope jealous. As they swoop and swing high in the air, the Cloudswingers appear to be more like a flock of vibrant birds, painting the sky with strokes of audacious freedom and cheeky fun. Tumble, never missing a chance to astonish his audience, would perform his signature move: a lightning-fast somersault followed by a cheeky wave and a wink that would send the barn into peals of laughter. Life in North Carolina for these kids is a wondrous kaleidoscope of adventure, filled with laughter, challenges, and a whole lot of aerial acrobatics. If you happen to journey through this magnificent state, be sure to keep an eye out for the Carolina Cloudswingers, especially the one and only, Tumble Tuffington.
Read morebest aerial-arts programs in Wilmington, NC
The Happy Hive is an inclusive play space designed to spark joy and connection for every child. With a special focus on comfort and accessibility for neurodivergent kids, our environment welcomes children of all abilities to explore, move, and create at their own pace. From climbing walls, swings, and zip lines to dedicated zones for pretend play and art, The Happy Hive offers both high-energy fun and creative outlets. While we cater to children ages 1-13 for neurotypical kids, we have no age limit when it comes to kids with special needs—because play should have no boundaries. At The Happy Hive, we believe every child deserves a space where they can feel safe, included, and free to be themselves.
Wilmington’s Department of Parks and Recreation is committed to helping city residents live their best lives. By offering high-quality programming and maintaining its parks and facilities, the department provides a range of opportunities for recreational, social, cultural, employment, and educational activities. The Department of Parks and Recreation is dedicated to promoting holistic well-being for its residents. From offering parks and recreational facilities to providing educational and employment opportunities, the department is working to ensure all city residents have access to the resources they need to thrive. The City of Wilmington Department of Parks and Recreation is an invaluable asset in the community, providing a wide variety of services that support the health and wellbeing of its residents. From maintaining parks and facilities to offering recreational, social, cultural, employment, and educational activities, the department is committed to helping city residents live their best lives.