Delaware Children's Museum
Interactive museum on Wilmington's Riverfront with STEM-focused exhibits for kids of all ages, featuring a giant tree climb and water play.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more space to play
Delaware Children's Museum
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more space to play
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Interactive museum on Wilmington's Riverfront with STEM-focused exhibits for kids of all ages, featuring a giant tree climb and water play.
"This place has made education fun again for everyone! 1000/1000 HIGHLY RECOMMEND!!! "
Membership Savings :moneybag:
Reciprocal memberships can offer significant savings. Check before you go!
Water Play Fun :droplet:
Bring a change of clothes for the water table; kids love to get wet!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Giant Tree Climb
Center of the museum
An epic netted maze and climbing structure with slides for a thrilling descent. Kids love it!
Interactive Water Table
Water play area
Engage with boats and manipulate water flow in this popular, hands-on exhibit.
Locally Themed Exhibits
Various exhibit areas
Learn about Delaware through fun, interactive displays like a pirate ship and mechanic shop.
Pretend Play & Creative Stations
Various exhibit areas
From pirate dress-up to a cafe and art center, kids can let their imaginations run wild.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Membership Perks & Reciprocal Access
Weather-Dependent Fun & Nearby Activities
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Membership Savings :moneybag:
Reciprocal memberships can offer significant savings. Check before you go!
Water Play Fun :droplet:
Bring a change of clothes for the water table; kids love to get wet!
All Ages Welcome :child:
Even older kids (like 12-year-olds) can have a blast here!
Parking Convenience :car:
Free parking is available, though it can be a short walk on hot days.
Tips
from all over the internet
Membership Savings :moneybag:
Reciprocal memberships can offer significant savings. Check before you go!
Water Play Fun :droplet:
Bring a change of clothes for the water table; kids love to get wet!
All Ages Welcome :child:
Even older kids (like 12-year-olds) can have a blast here!
Parking Convenience :car:
Free parking is available, though it can be a short walk on hot days.
Stay Hydrated :water_wave:
Consider bringing snacks or planning a meal at nearby restaurants.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the Delaware Children's Museum, highlighting its engaging, hands-on exhibits that make learning fun for all ages. The interactive tree climb and water table are particular favorites, and the locally themed displays add an educational twist. While parking is free, it can be a walk on hot days, and some note security could be more robust.
"We went for their monthly $2 admission family night they do & it's such a neat place to take your young children...and if you're like me, it's fun for you too! There's SO many awesome things for the kids to do from the massive interactive water table, pirate ship, train, race car, sports area, giant building blocks, art center, fun photo booth & gift shop, little "racing" area, or maybe even to the giant tree climb in the center of everything where there's a slide to get down or they can climb through this netted maze down to the bottom..this place has made education fun again for everyone! 1000/1000 HIGHLY RECOMMEND!!!
Edit to add: I've went twice, once with my niece & sister to celebrate my nieces birthday and then again with my sister & niece (she's 5, just for reference 🙂) and brought my oldest daughter along with us (she's 12 & had a BLAST as well!)"
Kristen Dziegielewski
"The Delaware Children's Museum is an interactive place for children 3-4 and up. Ot combines sports, sensory and pretend play activities. There is a water play area where children can play with boats or manipulate their own damn. In addition, there is a Cafe kids can go to to pick their own fruits and vegetables by color, pay for them, and serve their guests. Kids can dress up as pirates, use play swords, and steer a ship. There's a quicker tree trunk nook for reading books. I also thought the little mechanic shop was cool. Your little athletes may also play basketball or test their speed at pitching a ball. There is a boardwalk behind the museum with a mini gold area ad well. The only downsides were the small gift shop and parking lot. Parking is free, but it's a little walk on a hot day."
Ebony Harley
"My kids love this place. There is tons to do, your kids won’t get bored. I love that most of the activities are locally themed, so you learn more about Delaware. Staff is super friendly. Membership is very reasonably priced. Great place to go anytime, but especially when the weather keeps you from going to the park."
Dani Houston
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The museum is located on Wilmington's Riverfront at 550 Justison St, Wilmington, DE 19801. It's easily accessible by car, with a large, free parking lot available nearby.
Yes, there is a large, free parking lot available for museum visitors. However, on hot days, it might be a bit of a walk to the entrance.
Information on public transportation options to the Riverfront area can be found on local transit websites. The museum is a popular destination for families visiting Wilmington.
Absolutely! The museum is situated on the Riverfront, which offers other activities and restaurants, making it a great spot for a full day of family fun.
While specific details on stroller accessibility aren't always highlighted, children's museums are generally designed to accommodate families with young children, including strollers.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission is typically around $12 per person. They also offer monthly $2 admission family nights, which are a great way to visit affordably.
It's generally recommended to check their official website for the most up-to-date information on ticket purchases and availability, especially for special events.
Yes, the museum offers reasonably priced membership options, which can be a great value if you plan to visit multiple times. Reciprocal memberships with other museums are also a possibility.
The museum is typically open Wednesday through Sunday, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. It's always a good idea to verify hours on their website before your visit.
Yes, the museum hosts kindergarten field trips and likely offers group rates. Contact them directly for specific details on booking group visits.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Don't miss the giant tree climb, the interactive water table, the pirate ship, and the locally themed exhibits that teach about Delaware.
Yes, the museum is designed for children aged 3-4 and up, with many interactive exhibits perfect for younger visitors.
Absolutely! Even 12-year-olds have reported having a blast, and the tree climb and various pretend play areas appeal to a wide age range.
One reviewer noted that security might be a bit light, so it's important to keep a close watch on your children throughout your visit.
Yes, parents are encouraged to participate alongside their children, making it a fun and educational experience for the whole family.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The museum has a cafe where kids can engage in pretend play with fruits and vegetables. However, for actual meals, there are restaurants located nearby on the Riverfront.
While not explicitly stated, many museums allow outside snacks and drinks for children. It's best to check their policy or bring items that are easy to consume discreetly.
Yes, the Riverfront area has several restaurants, including Grotto Pizza, which is a popular choice for families visiting Wilmington.
The cafe offers a pretend play experience where children can select and serve fruits and vegetables, adding an educational element to mealtime.
Yes, there is a small gift shop where you can purchase souvenirs. Payments for the gift shop are handled at the front desk.
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, visitors are generally welcome to take photos and videos for personal use. It's a great way to capture the fun memories!
While personal photography is usually allowed, it's always a good idea to be mindful of other visitors and avoid flash photography that might disrupt exhibits or other guests.
The giant tree climb, the colorful water table, and the various themed play areas like the pirate ship offer great photo opportunities.
Many creators share their experiences on platforms like TikTok and Instagram, so personal vlogging is likely permitted. Just be respectful of others.
Yes, the museum features a fun photo booth where families can capture memorable moments.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Young Children
Many exhibits are designed with younger children in mind, offering sensory experiences and opportunities for imaginative adventures. The museum's focus on hands-on learning ensures that even the youngest visitors are engaged and entertained. Remember to bring a change of clothes for the water play area to maximize the fun!
💰 Budget-Conscious Families
Additionally, exploring reciprocal membership benefits with your existing children's museum membership can lead to significant savings on admission. The free parking also helps reduce overall costs for your visit.
Day-Trippers from Nearby Cities
Consider arriving in the morning to beat the crowds and allow ample time for your children to explore all the exhibits. The museum's engaging nature ensures that kids will be entertained, making it a worthwhile stop on your family's road trip.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Interactive Exhibits for All Ages
Beyond these large-scale attractions, the museum offers a variety of themed areas. Kids can step into a pirate ship, engage in pretend play at a cafe where they select their own fruits and vegetables, or get creative in the art center. There's also a mechanic shop and areas for sports like basketball and pitching, ensuring there's something to spark every child's interest. Many exhibits are locally themed, offering a fun way to learn about Delaware's history and culture.
Reviewers consistently praise the museum for making education fun. The variety of activities ensures that children won't get bored, and parents often find themselves enjoying the exhibits just as much as their kids. The staff is also frequently mentioned as being super friendly, contributing to a positive overall experience.
Riverfront Location & Nearby Fun
Adjacent to the museum, you'll find a boardwalk with a mini-golf area, perfect for extending your family's outing. The Riverfront also hosts various restaurants, offering convenient dining choices for families. This proximity allows for a flexible day, where you can enjoy the museum, grab lunch, and perhaps take a bike ride along the river, as some visitors have done.
This integration of the museum with its surroundings makes the Delaware Children's Museum more than just an indoor attraction; it's a gateway to a broader family-friendly experience in Wilmington. The ability to leave and re-enter with a day pass further enhances this flexibility, allowing families to explore the Riverfront and return to the museum to finish their day.
Planning Your Visit: Tips from Travelers
For those visiting with younger children, especially for the water play area, it's wise to bring a change of clothes. This ensures that kids can fully enjoy the interactive water exhibits without discomfort. While parking is free, be aware that on hot days, the walk from the lot might be a bit lengthy.
Reviewers often highlight the museum's affordability, particularly mentioning monthly $2 admission family nights. This makes it an accessible option for many families. The staff's friendliness and the museum's engaging, educational approach are consistently praised, making it a highly recommended destination for a fun-filled family day.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit