Location: Wilmington
Top Things to do in Wilmington
Countries
10 Budget-friendly Things to do in Wilmington That You Shouldn't Miss
Wilmington, Delaware was first settled by the Swedish in 1638. Over time, the area has also been home to the Dutch, the British and the Quakers, a long diverse history that has left its mark on the surrounding area. Visit Fort Christina and experience what it was like to be one of the first colonists in Wilmington. The Delaware Art Museum, with a extensive collection of American art, celebrates the Brandywine School, a style of painting named for the nearby Brandywine Creek.
Restaurants in Wilmington
1. Can Do Playground
2. Hagley Museum And Library
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 773 reviews
Hagley is the former industrial site of the original black powder works of the DuPont Company founded in Delaware in 1802 and powered by the natural resources that surrounded it. Today, it is 235 acres of wooded rolling hills along the rushing Brandywine River dotted with hundreds of stone ruins of the black powder industry, dozens of restored buildings associated with the business, and the first du Pont family home built in America. Here, for more than 200 years, the DuPont Company and family experimented, innovated, and pursued the American Dream. Hagley has been accredited by the American Alliance of Museums since 1972. The site is a National Historic Landmark, National Recreation Trail, and a Historic Engineering Landmark.
Reviewed By JPGPhilly - Worcester, United States
Hagley is a gem and definitely worth a visit, even during the abbreviated winter tour schedule. our tour was memorable in large part due to the wit and wisdom of our tour guide / interpreter - Rodney. the tour encompasses two parts - the beginnings of the DuPont fame and fortune as black powder makers and their first manor house on site. honestly Winterthur and Nemours are more impressive, but it all began here at Hagley and the black powder making process is unique. there is a restored and working 19th century water powered machining building on site that is fascinating
3. Delaware Art Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 220 reviews
A collection of American art from 1840 to the present.
Reviewed By suesaut - Delaware, United States
This art museum does a great job of both blending in (it's situated in an amazingly beautiful residential neighborhood) and standing out (largest collection of pre-raphaelite art outside of europe, as well as revolving, thoughtful exhibits). There's also a lovely outside sculpture garden. Lot's of parking behind the museum as well as a lovely cafe and gift shop. Thursday nights in summer there's a happy hour from 5-7PM and admission is free; it's also free on Sundays. Great way to spend a few hours relaxing.
4. Nemours Estate
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 673 reviews
Opening April 1st, 2021 Owned and developed by our founder, Alfred I. duPont (1864-1935), Nemours Estate comprises an exquisite 77-room Mansion, the largest formal French gardens in North America, a Chauffeur's Garage housing a collection of vintage automobiles used on the Estate, and nearly 200 acres of scenic woodlands, meadows and lawns.
Reviewed By rochelleforster - Randolph, United States
We had a few hours before our return home and stopped at this museum. Given the cold weather, we toured the house. It is worth taking a guided tour as we learned so many interesting facts about the family, their possessions and the history of the estate. The furnishings are intact to the time when the family lived here which makes it so neat. And Alfred DuPont was way ahead of his time in so many ideas he created for the house and the things he put into it, like a back up generator; controls in his bathroom to make sure tings were working properly; bottling his water, 2 tanks with 1 for back up and so on. Fascinating to hear the stories too.
5. Rockwood Park & Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 82 reviews
Reviewed By retired605 - Newark, United States
I thoroughly enjoyed our private tour with Leone for Newark History Museum volunteers. She was a wonderful guide and very passionate about the Museum. It was interesting hearing about the Shipley and Bringhurst families and the history of the estate - a part of Delaware history. I was amazed at the number of original artifacts that exist in the house and how impressive the restoration had been on a house that had been sitting untouched for 20 years. I would definitely recommend this tour whenever public tours begin again.
6. DuPont Environmental Education Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 44 reviews
The DuPont Environmental Education Center is located at the 212-acre Russell W. Peterson Urban Wildlife Refuge in Wilmington, where the city, river and marsh meet. The center opened in 2009 and has quickly become a favorite family attraction, thanks to interactive exhibits, free admission and numerous free programs, such as daily nature walks. It is owned by the Riverfront Development Corp. of Delaware and operated by Delaware Nature Society.
7. Delaware History Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 24 reviews
In 2016 the Delaware History Museum reopened after extensive renovation. Come enjoy the exhibition, Delaware: One State, Many Stories! The exhibition is suitable for all ages. One of the most striking features of the renovation is a two-story glass connector linking the 18th-century Old Town Hall building to the Delaware History Museum and Jane and Littleton Mitchell Center for African American Heritage. Now fully accessible, Old Town Hall is used for rotating exhibits and education programs.
8. The Delaware Contemporary
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 53 reviews
The Delaware Contemporary is a dynamic gathering place for the exploration of new ideas in art, design, and technology. Our compelling exhibitions, innovative educational experiences, and access to the artistic process inspire us to infuse creativity into our daily lives. Founded in 1979, The Delaware Contemporary presents exhibitions of regionally, nationally, and internationally recognized artists that explore topical issues in contemporary art and society. Art sales through our galleries and Alternatives Museum Shop support area and exhibiting artists and our commitment to the importance of contemporary art. The Delaware Contemporary offers a variety of educational and outreach programs, integrating contemporary art into public school curriculum and with underserved community groups.
Reviewed By PaleoGypsy - Philadelphia, United States
Located a stone’s throw away from I-95, The Delaware Contemporary is adjacent to Wilmington’s Riverfront. If you don’t like cities, the good news is that you don’t have to go deep into the city to see the collection. The parking lot is surprisingly spacious. Two handicapped parking spots are available. The building, in-and-of-itself, is a work of art. The signage from I-95 to the attraction is very helpful. While you may enter for FREE, a donation of $12.00 per adult is suggested. $6.00 per child is suggested. Anyone who is 18 and under MUST be accompanied by an adult. Assess the readiness of your child’s ability to deal with some of the sensitive and controversial subject matter of the collection. Not everything is about rainbows and unicorns, if you catch my drift. As I only had a twenty dollar bill, I got change from the person who worked in the gift shop. Exact change is better because there is no guarantee that the twenty-dollar-bill, or whatever denomination you have, may be broken. The artworks are nicely displayed. The “security guard” seemed to be more interested in looking at his phone than anything else. Look for the binder that shares each artist’s mission statement. The artists are local to the area. During certain times of the year, special events take place for children in a small classroom. Lessons are offered and directly relate to the artists whose works are displayed. Children have the opportunity to learn about the artists and create art as well. The person who greeted me was so very kind and helpful. He shared a lot of interesting information about The Delaware Contemporary. If you are in the mood to see some contemporary art, feel free to visit. The bathrooms are very clean. There is an area to place your coat and umbrella. Tours are available if you make arrangements ahead-of-time.
9. Rockford Park & Tower
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 56 reviews
Reviewed By kirinlenz - Naples, United States
As a Wilmington native, I know this park well. Large, unfenced area to bring your dogs to run, socialize or just roll in the grass. There is large shady tree at top of hill with bench for hot days. There are also picnic benches in shady area. Doggie poop bags provided right next to trash cans so PLEASE RESPECT RULES AND PICK UP AFTER YOUR PUP.???? Top of Rockford has new tennis courts and baseball fields. There are tours of towers that are rare. CONS:bathrooms frequently locked up. Many drivers speed through park roads even though there are speed bumps. Be mindful of off leash boundary area posts. Be careful and watch your dog closely as it can easily be hit by car since roads on both sides if park. $92 ticket if off leash out of the boundary and there are park rangers.
10. Delaware Theatre Company
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 61 reviews
Founded in 1979, Delaware Theatre Company (DTC) is the state's largest professional theatre. Recognized as a cornerstone in the Brandywine Valley's rich cultural landscape, DTC has produced more than 150 plays for over one million residents and visitors to its community. For the past 24 years, DTC has been a pioneer in the revitalization of Wilmington's beautiful Christina Riverfront and remains an important piece in the development of Wilmington's cultural district. DTC produces five professional theatrical productions each season along with an array of meaningful education and outreach programs. Visit our website to find out more information about our current season!
Reviewed By daisyferret1 - Bear, United States
We attended the Delaware Theatre Company's Merry & Bright light show, synchronized to music, this holiday season. We reserved the FREE tickets online since the outdoor standing space was limited due to the pandemic. We attended the last show on the last night of the event. The night of the event we headed out & parked in the reserved parking lot for the Theatre. Once we got out, there were no signs guiding us where to go to enter the outdoor theatre. So, we just walked back out the way we had entered and spoke with the gentleman directing traffic. He instructed us to follow the sidewalk down towards the theatre. Once we got closer, there were signs pointing the way. Here we checked in with staff and waited in a socially-distanced line to be admitted. Once we were admitted we just picked a spot to stand facing the Delaware Theatre's steps (stage). The show started with a light show synchronized to music. That was pretty amazing. Then a 3 member band came out to play guitar/keyboard and sing. They played various Christmas carols and even encouraged a dance party to one pre-recorded song as the lights once again danced to the music. This was to help keep us all warm on this chilly night!! After the brief dance party, the lights came back up and they preformed a few more songs. Then they said they were going to play a special song that incorporated an accordion. This song was used to encourage Santa to visit us. It worked because part way into the song, Santa appeared on the roof of the Delaware Theatre Company. Santa appeared, greeted us all, told some silly jokes and recited a poem he had written. Santa said farewell and one more song was sung to send us on our way. As we exited, we were given candy canes & thanked for visiting with them. Overall, we really enjoyed this show. Staff were very gracious and expressed how grateful they were to finally have a chance to perform after many, many months of being unable to perform in the theatre to live audiences. We felt so welcome. The band did a great job and the light show was spectacular. Staff did their best to limit the number in attendance in order to make it a safe & socially distanced event. I would without a doubt return to see this show next year if it is offered again. It was a great way to spend the evening.
