The Bronx Zoo lights up at night during the 2024 holiday season. Photo by Ally Noel
Holiday Light Shows, Luna Luna, and More Things To Do in NYC this Weekend with Kids
The Tianyu Lights Festival transforms the Citi Field parking lot into a magical holiday destination with larger-than-life lanterns and kid-friendly activities. Photo courtesy of the festival
Must-Do Christmas Events and Holiday Activities in New York City for Kids
All aboard a festively decorated Polar Express train ride for some holiday magic and memories. Photo by Gwendolyn Tundermann
Polar Express Train Rides and Christmas Trains near NYC
The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade Balloon Inflation is an event unto itself. See the larger-than-life balloons come to life the night before the parade. Photo by Anthony Quintano/CC BY 2.0
See the 2024 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade Balloon Inflation with Kids
Many organizations throughout New York City are offering free turkey giveaways, plus full, hot Thanksgiving dinners this season. Photo by John McCarten for the New York City Council
Where To Find Free Turkey in NYC This Thanksgiving
See the Thanksgiving Day Parade in NYC with our insider's guide and tips!
GUIDE
Guide to Thanksgiving in NYC for Kids and Families
Celebrate Thanksgiving with Leuca. Photo courtesy of the Noho Hospitality Group
26 Restaurants Open on Thanksgiving in NYC
Experience the magic of the Tianyu Lights Festival at Citi Field this holiday season. Photo courtesy of the festival
21 Best Things To Do in NYC November 2024 with Kids
Lightscape at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden has become an enchanting holiday tradition for many families. Photo courtesy of the garden
Holiday and Christmas Events in NYC to Book Now!
GUIDE
NYC Fall Day Trips Guide: Orchards, Farms, Festivals, and Kid-Friendly Getaways 2024
Canstruction is free and open to the public at Brookfield Place through Monday, November 11. Photo by Heidi Lee
39 Free and Fun Things To Do in NYC this November with Kids
Join Jack Skellington, Sally, and Zero on a walk of wonders at NYBG's The Nightmare Before Christmas Light Trail. Photo by Ally Noel
Fall Bucket List for Kids: 35 Top Things To Do in NYC this Fall
Classics, like Tom Turkey, and newbies alike take flight in the 98th annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade 2024.
Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade 2024: Where to Watch, What's New
The 2024-2025 NYC public school calendar is out, and students return to school on Thursday, September 5.
Here's the NYC Public School Calendar for 2024-2025
Visit the 180 Pool at the Crystal Springs Resort. Photo courtesy of the resort
14 Family-Friendly Weekend Getaways near NYC
Climb on platforms dangling from ropes at Hester Street Playground. Photo by Jody Mercier
NYC's Best Playgrounds: 21 Parks Worthy of a Subway Schlep
Diving into the sprinkle pool at the Museum of Ice Cream is a great way to cure rainy day blues. Photo by Jody Mercier
47 Fun Indoor Activities in NYC for a Rainy Day
Kids' classes like art lessons can help your NYC child grow and develop
GUIDE
Guide to NYC Classes for Kids
Explore modern humanity through all-new world-wandering exhibitions at Mmuseumm.
Weird, Wacky, and Wonderful Under-the-Radar Museums in NYC that Kids Love
Hell's Kitchen is a cool coming-of-age piece loosely based on Alicia Keys' life story. Photo by Marc J. Franklin
Best New Broadway Shows This Season Plus Can't-Miss Classics for Families
The Peninsula New York rolls out the red carpet for kids—and their grown ups!
Family-Friendly Hotels in New York City with Perks for Kids
For an only-in-NYC experience, head to the Top of the Rock to enjoy the view. Photo by Jody Mercier
Best Attractions and Things To Do near NYC that are Kid-Friendly
Summer camps help kids develop social skills and have fun
GUIDE
NYC Summer Camp Guide
Tea Around Town combines a sumptuous meal with a unique view NYC landmarks! Photo by Jody Mercier
25 Best NYC Tours for Families: From Boat Rides to Free Walking Tours and More
Twinkle Playspace in Williamsburg offers action-packed fun for kids of all ages.
21 Top Indoor Play Spaces in New York City
The American Museum of Natural History's blue whale is an NYC icon, and the entire museum is one of the best children's museums in NYC. Photo by R. Mickens/courtesy of AMNH
Best Museums for Kids in NYC: Children's Museums and Family-Friendly Museums in NYC
Free activities for Kids in NYC include the Children's Museum of the Arts, which has pay-what-you-wish Thursdays from 4-6pm. Photo courtesy of the museum
GUIDE
Free Things To Do in NYC with Kids
GUIDE
Guide to Kids' Birthday Parties in NYC
Registration is now open for the reasonably priced summer camps at YMCA locations in NYC.
Free and Cheap Summer Camps in NYC for Kids
There's always a cool new piece of public art to see and interact with in NYC. Photo by Jody Mercier
101 Free Things To Do in NYC with Kids
The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk has 75 animal exhibits and is home to more than 7,000 animals. Photo courtesy of the aquarium
Best Aquariums to Visit from the NYC Metro Area with Kids
Get a Broadway-caliber serenade during a birthday dinner at Ellen's Stardust Diner.
Best Fun Restaurants for Kids' Birthdays in NYC
Photo courtesy of PLAY Greenpoint.
GUIDE
Indoor Playgrounds, Play Spaces, and Fun Zones in NYC
See the skyline from a whole new vantage point on the Roosevelt Island Tram. Photo courtesy of NYCGo
100 Things To Do in NYC With Kids Before They Grow Up
Get a birds eye view of the skyline from the Edge observation deck at Hudson Yards. Plan a visit near sundown to watch the city lights come to life. Photo by Jody Mercier
3 Days in NYC with Kids: Ultimate Itinerary by a Local Mom
Feed a crowd with extra large, classic, New York-style pizza slices without breaking the bank. Photo by Jody Mercier
NYC on a Budget: Cheap Things To Do and Money Saving Tips for Families
These boredom-busting activities turn a stuck-at-home day into a lasting memory.
75 Indoor Activities for Kids on a Rainy Day
The Met offers pay-what-you wish admission at all times to New Yorkers and kids always attend for free. Photo by Jody Mercier
Free Museums and Free Museum Days in NYC for Kids
No visit to NYC is complete without an up-close encounter with the Statue of Liberty. Photo by Jess Laird
40 Best NYC Attractions to Do with Kids Right Now
Teach 'em to tie during downtime.
65 Life Skills to Teach Kids at Every Age
Take a hike with your little one on a family day trip from NYC.
GUIDE
Family Day Trips and Weekend Getaways for NYC Kids
Creating a baking soda volcano is a classic science experiment for kids. Photo by Sara Marentette Nighswander
67 Easy Science Experiments for Kids To Do at Home
The Ausable Chasm has been described as the Grand Canyon of the Adirondacks and it's one of our top 100 things to do in New York State with kids. Photo by Anna Fader
100 Things To Do in New York State with Kids Before They Grow Up
Hester Street Playground. Photo by Jody Mercier
GUIDE
Playgrounds & Parks NYC Guide
Kids can while away hours of a day with a set of watercolors and a stack of new paper for painting. Photo by Sara Marentette
Crafts for Kids: 100 Awesome Art Projects
Suncatcher_Liz Baill @creativishmom
GUIDE
Boredom Busters for Kids

27 Reasons for Families To Visit Wilmington, Delaware

4/6/18 - By Kristen Sullivan

There is so much to see and do in Wilmington, Delaware. And with its proximity to Philadelphia, families can consider making a day trip or a weekend stay. A straight shot down I-95 (and even accessible by Amtrak), this family-friendly city is a delight for parents and kids alike. From sites along the Riverwalk to museums and outdoor adventures, Wilmington will have you coming back for more. Here is our roundup of the top 27 things to do as a family in Wilmington.

Still not sure where to take your next day trip? Check out our city guides for more ideas!

OUR LATEST VIDEOS

  1. Encounter dinosaurs, see a giant squid replica, explore the shell gallery, and say hello to the life-sized mammals at the African watering hole at the Delaware Museum of Natural History.
     
  2. Wander about the Enchanted Woods, a unique three-acre children’s garden, at the Winterthur Museum, Garden & Library. Kids in strollers can take a squeaky wheels tour throughout the gardens and museum, and truck and tractor lovers won't want to miss the annual Truck and Tractor Day held every October.
     
  3. Budding engineers can participate in monthly Junior Engineer programming while those interested in testing out scientific hypotheses can experiment with Try Science events at the Delaware Children’s Museum. Save a few dollars on admission by visiting on $2 Nights.
     
  4. If you still have energy to burn after the museum, bounce it off at the Stratosphere Trampoline Park.
     
  5. Learn about where city, river, and marsh meet at the DuPont Environmental Education Center. 
     
  6. Visit the small but quaint Brandywine Zoo, located in the beautiful Brandywine Park. To extend the learning and gain additional insight on how the animals are cared for, sign up for an Animal Enrichment Workshop or a Career & Animal Science Workshop which are offered monthly.
     
  7. Take a dockside tour of the Kalmar Nyckel, a seaworthy recreation of the ship that brought the Swedes to Delaware in 1638. In the spring, the fort hosts Festival at the Fort, a family-friendly experience.
     
  8. Get a unique glimpse of what life was like in the 19th century for the rich and the working class at the Hagley Museum and Library. Stop by on a Saturday to experience Science Saturday.
     
  9. Experience the history of the Underground Railroad at the Tubman-Garrett Park, a one-mile walkway along the Wilmington riverfront. 
     
  10. Learn about the history of Delaware at the Delaware History Museum. Monthly Family Saturday events engage children of all ages in exploration and discovery.
     
  11. Enjoy a family-fun round at the Riverfront Mini Golf, followed by a delicious milkshake.
     
  12. Grab lunch at the Riverfront Market, with a European style marketplace featuring local farm goods and café style eating
     
  13. If you are tired of walking on the Riverfront, and have older kids, rent a canoe and take a unique self-guided tour.
     
  14. Take a hike in the Brandywine Creek State Park, which features 14 miles of trails, as well as fishing, picnic areas, and seasonal events.
     
  15. Tour the river with the Christina Riverboat Company, easily accessible from six docks throughout the city. A great way to take in the sights!
     
  16. Try your hand at some low-level rock climbing in the Alapocas Run State Park. Kids can run off energy while grown-ups and teens test their skills.
     
  17. Take an old-fashioned train ride aboard the Wilmington and Western Railroad and enjoy unique views of the countryside. Special train rides are offered at Halloween, Easter, and Christmas.
     
  18. Check out a Wilmington Blue Rocks game! Now that the Camden Riversharks are gone, you need a new minor league team to cheer for!
     
  19. For families taking a group trip or making it a special birthday surprise, check out Bump n Play, which is basically playing soccer in a giant bubble. Better for kids 8 and up. Not into playing? Contact them and watch a league game.
     
  20. Check out some adorable animals at the Carousel Park Kids Corral, featuring alpacas, miniature donkeys, pygmy goat, and a variety of peacocks.
     
  21. Be amazed by the 100-year-old Rockford Park Tower, which looks like it belongs in medieval England. This is another great hiking site for families.
     
  22. Watch an off-beat, “off-Broadway” show with older kids at the Delaware City Theater Company.
     
  23. Laugh or cry at a comedy show or dinner theater event at the New Candlelight Theater. 
     
  24. Spend a cultural afternoon with tweens and teens at the Delaware Center for Contemporary Arts.
     
  25. Learn what life was like in the 1700s at the Dutch House.
     
  26. See a children's show such as Aladdin Jr. which is on stage now at Delaware Children's Theatre.
     
  27. Head to the Delaware Art Museum and find inspiration with the works of art on view. Visit on a Friday to participate in Glory of Stories, the museum's weekly storytime or on the second Sunday of the month for Sunday Studio.

Places featured in this article:

Delaware Museum of Natural History
The Delaware Children’s Museum
Dupont Environmental Education Center
Hagley Museum and Library
Brandywine Creek State Park
Christina River Boat Company
Delaware Center for the Contemporary Arts