Delaware Museum of Nature and Science
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Delaware Museum of Nature and Science

4.6
·1k reviews·Wilmington, United States

Discover dinosaurs, explore global ecosystems, and interact with nature at this engaging museum, perfect for families and curious minds.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday Mornings

Fewer crowds, more space to explore

CrowdLow
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Delaware Museum of Nature and Science

Delaware Museum of Nature and Science

Best Time

Weekday Mornings

Fewer crowds, more space to explore

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Discover dinosaurs, explore global ecosystems, and interact with nature at this engaging museum, perfect for families and curious minds.

4.6
(1k reviews)

"A small museum packed with awesome things and so much to learn!"

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Interactive Fossil Fun

Ask staff about real fossil encounters; they often bring out chests of specimens for kids to touch!

👟 Explore the Outdoor Trail

Don't miss the outdoor trail behind the museum, featuring plant names and animal statues for photos.

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.6 · 1,075 reviews

Type

Museum

👶 Good for kids♿ Wheelchair accessible🅿️ Accessible parking🚻 Accessible restroom

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Dinosaur Discoveries

Dinosaur Discoveries

Paleontology Gallery

Step back in time to meet impressive dinosaur skeletons and learn about prehistoric life. Some exhibits feature real fossils!

Global Journey Galleries

Global Journey Galleries

Alison K. Bradford Global Journey Gallery

Explore diverse ecosystems from around the world, including oceans, the Arctic, savanna, and rainforests. See stunning displays of flora and fauna.

Nature Nook

Nature Nook

Interactive Zone

A special area for younger visitors with live animals, books, and imaginative play opportunities. A hit for toddlers and preschoolers.

Permian Monsters Exhibit

Permian Monsters Exhibit

Special Exhibition Hall

Journey to the Permian Period and discover the fascinating creatures that roamed Earth before the dinosaurs. An educational and engaging experience.

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Planning Your Visit

Plan Your Visit: Reopening & Tickets

The Delaware Museum of Nature and Science reopened in May after renovations. Check their website for current hours and to purchase tickets online in advance, as online sales end at 9 a.m. daily. Walk-ins are welcome, but booking ahead ensures entry. TikTokInstagram

Kid-Friendly Focus & Interactive Fun

This museum is a hit with younger children, offering many touchable exhibits and interactive elements. Look out for special fossil encounters and a dedicated nature nook with live animals and books, perfect for little explorers. InstagramReddit

Best Times

When
Weekday Mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, more space to explore
Crowd
Low
When
Afternoons (post-lunch)
Why
Tour groups may thin out
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekends (early)
Why
Beat the family rush
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Our museum cat turns 14 in March. We’ll reopen in May. #museumtok #museumtiktok #museumcat #DMNHtoDelMNS #cat #museums #delaware
@delmnh
200.2K likes • 866.1K views

🎯 Interactive Fossil Fun

Ask staff about real fossil encounters; they often bring out chests of specimens for kids to touch! InstagramReddit

👟 Explore the Outdoor Trail

Don't miss the outdoor trail behind the museum, featuring plant names and animal statues for photos. Reddit

I cannot handle this level of cuteness. 😭 Swimming with otters in Delaware is hands down one of the coolest things I’ve ever experienced in America. Here’s what you should know before you go: 🦦 The otter swim lasts 45 minutes and is $200/person as a standalone activity or $300/person with the full Encounter Tour. 🦦 As for other encounters, you have the option of petting/feeding a capybara, feeding...
@hunter_traveler
48.5K likes • 760.3K views
✅ Save & Visit Soon! 🦖 Looking for something fun to do in Delaware with the kids? Check out the Delaware Museum of Nature and Science! This fascinating museum is packed with interactive exhibits, captivating displays, and hands-on activities that will ignite your curiosity and spark your imagination. From dinosaurs to ecosystems, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Discover the wonders of t...
firststatedates
0 likes • 2.6K views

📱 Check for Special Exhibits

New exhibits like 'Permian Monsters' offer unique learning opportunities. Check their schedule! Instagram

🚗 Free Parking Available

Plenty of free parking is available on-site, making arrival hassle-free. Reddit

Posted @withregram • @visitwilmingtonde After exploring Delaware, take a trip around the world at the Delaware Museum of Nature and Science. In the Alison K. Bradford Global Journey gallery, explore some of the world’s spectacular ecosystems, including shallow, midwater and deep oceans, the Arctic Tundra, African Savanna, and Tropical Rainforest. The Ellice & Rosa McDonald Foundation PaleoZone fea...
delmns
240 likes • 3.4K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Interactive Fossil Fun

Ask staff about real fossil encounters; they often bring out chests of specimens for kids to touch! InstagramReddit

👟 Explore the Outdoor Trail

Don't miss the outdoor trail behind the museum, featuring plant names and animal statues for photos. Reddit

📱 Check for Special Exhibits

New exhibits like 'Permian Monsters' offer unique learning opportunities. Check their schedule! Instagram

🚗 Free Parking Available

Plenty of free parking is available on-site, making arrival hassle-free. Reddit

📸 Photo Ops Galore

Great photo opportunities with animal statues outside and engaging exhibits inside. TikTokReddit

What Travellers Say

4.6
(1k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise the Delaware Museum of Nature and Science for its engaging, interactive exhibits and friendly, helpful staff. It's a hit with families, especially those with young children, who appreciate the touchable displays and dedicated nature nook. While some note its smaller size, most find it packed with educational value and a worthwhile visit.

"We took our kids here recently and they loved it (5 and 2 years old). It is small but lots of things to look at, learn about, and touch. When we went into the Dino area an employee came over with a chest and let us look at some real fossils! Very cool. Everyone was kind and helpful. We walked some of the trial but didn't do any of the group lead activities this time. We will definitely be back."

Dee D

"I visited from out of state. I can say that it was very cool! It's small but has a ton of awesome things! You can learn so much from here. A bunch of educational things along with taxidermy animals to give a feel of what the animal is like. They also have an outdoor area I didn't get to go to but definitely will if we ever come back! There is also an awesome little nook room. Great for younger kids. Has live animals, toys, a cave and books! Only thing I wish is the cafe had more options. Though overall amazing experience and would recommend! Super nice employees I must add!"

Em Fisher

"First time visiting this place. We went with my family as a field trip since they are home schooled. I was very impressed with the exhibits and the layout. The building is not huge but they really cover a lot in there. They have it broken down into section, with various geographical locations specified. When we were there they had an animatronic dinosaur exhibit on display. There was also a room where the kids could see a live turtle, snake and tarantula. They have a nice gift shop and also a place to eat. Admission was around $30 per person. There is an outdoor area as well but it was raining when we were there."

PhillipsVision YT

What People Like

Friendly and knowledgeable staff
Interactive exhibits
Great for young kids

What People Dislike

Limited cafe options

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The museum is located at 4840 Kennett Pike, Wilmington, DE 19807. It's easily accessible by car, with plenty of free parking available on-site. InstagramReddit+1

Information on public transportation options can be found on the museum's official website or by checking local transit schedules for routes serving the Wilmington, DE area. TikTok

The museum is conveniently located near other popular attractions like Longwood Gardens and the Winterthur Museum, making it ideal for a day trip. Instagram

Yes, the museum is thoughtfully designed to be accessible, ensuring everyone can enjoy the exhibits and experiences. Instagram

Generally, only service animals are permitted inside the museum. Please check the museum's specific pet policy on their website. TikTok

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

General admission for ages 3 and up is $15.50. Toddlers (ages 1-2) are $5.50, and infants under 12 months are free. Museum members receive free admission. Instagram

It's recommended to buy tickets online in advance, as online sales end at 9 a.m. each day. Walk-ins are welcome if space is available. InstagramReddit

While a specific discount code wasn't found, paying with cash for tickets might offer a discount according to one review. Check the museum's website for any current promotions. Reddit

The museum is typically open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily for general admission. It's always best to verify current hours on their official website before your visit. Instagram

Refund policies can vary. It's advisable to review the museum's ticketing terms and conditions on their website or contact them directly for specific refund inquiries. Instagram

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

Highlights include the dinosaur exhibits with real fossils, the immersive Global Journey galleries showcasing world ecosystems, and the interactive Nature Nook for younger children. TikTokInstagram+1

Yes, it's highly recommended for toddlers and young children. The Nature Nook, touchable exhibits, and friendly staff make it a great experience for them. InstagramReddit

Absolutely! The museum is known for its interactive exhibits, including opportunities to touch real fossils and engage in imaginative play in the Nature Nook. InstagramReddit

This special exhibit explores the creatures and conditions of the Permian Period, offering a unique look at life before the dinosaurs and its connection to today. Instagram

Yes, the museum offers a room for those who need a sensory break, and the staff are noted for being great with both children and adults. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Yes, there is a place to eat inside the museum. However, one reviewer noted that the cafe could offer more options. Reddit

Outside seating is available, suggesting you can bring your own food to enjoy on the grounds. Reddit

The museum is located in Wilmington, DE, which offers a variety of dining options. You can find local eateries and cafes in the surrounding area. Instagram

While specific menus aren't detailed, museum cafes often offer snacks, light meals, and beverages. It's best to check their website for the most current offerings. Reddit

Pricing for museum cafes can vary. It's a good idea to budget accordingly or consider bringing your own snacks if you're on a tight budget. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Yes, photography is generally allowed for personal use. However, flash photography might be restricted in certain areas to protect exhibits. Reddit

Definitely! The museum grounds feature animal statues that are great for photos, especially for kids. Reddit

The dinosaur skeletons, the diverse ecosystems in the Global Journey galleries, and the live animals in the Nature Nook are popular subjects for photos. TikTokInstagram

Professional photography or the use of tripods may require special permission. It's best to contact the museum's visitor services in advance to inquire about their policy. TikTok

While not explicitly stated, it's always respectful to avoid photographing areas with 'no photography' signs or during special events where restrictions might apply. TikTok

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