Location: Wilmington
Top Things to do in Wilmington
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The 10 Best Things to do Good for Kids in Wilmington, Delaware (DE)
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. 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.
5. Wilmington and Western Railroad
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 173 reviews
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the Wilmington & Western Railroad is Delaware's only operating Museum. Take a ride on this scenic line and you will be transported back to a Golden Era when passenger trains rolled majestically through the land and steam whistles echoed off the hills. The W&W operates Steam and Diesel train excursions - primarily on the weekends. Special railroading adventures are available for railroaders of all ages. Whether you want to explore history, celebrate holidays, wine & dine or just have fun, The Wilmington & Western Railroad has just the event for you.
6. 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.
7. 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.
8. Frawley Stadium
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 163 reviews
302-888-2015, Home of the Wilmington Blue Rocks Minor League Baseball
Reviewed By 301patrickm - Wilmington, United States
Home to the Blue Rocks minor league baseball team has a hometown feel. Many activities for the family between innings. The food vendors are on the moderate side pricewise. And at the end of the game they had a massive fireworks display.
9. Russell W. Peterson Wildlife Refuge
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 56 reviews
Reviewed By 145leonardh - Newark, United States
The Russell W. Peterson Urban Wildlife Refuge in Wilmington, Delaware is named after a former Governor of Delaware who gained international recognition as an environmentalist, scientist, activist and public servant. The refuge is one of the few urban wildlife areas in the country located on 212 acres on the Wilmington Riverfront.
10. Saint Anthony of Padua Church
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 52 reviews
Reviewed By richardcarvel - Wilmington, United States
Saint Anthony of Padua Roman Catholic Church is situated high on a hill overlooking Wilmington. It is a handsome church on the outside and very beautiful on the inside. Next to it is a manse for the priests and nearby is a fine elementary school. Several blocks away is an upper school that is also affiliated with the church. The church became famous in the 1950s when Grace Kelly and her future husband attended services there. The priest who was in part responsible for their meeting and later marrying, Father Francis Tucker, later moved to Monaco where he served as Princess Grace's confessor. Father Tucker attended seminary with the future Pope Pius XII, with whom he remained close friends for the rest of their lives. The church has a celebrated week-long Festa in June each year, ending on St. Anthony's feat day. There is an extensive offering of Italian foods and crafts as well as rides and other things for children and adolescents. The church is an important part of the Wilmington community and contributes substantially to its culture and welfare.
