Best things to do with elementary-age kids (5–10) in New Castle County
Once kids are out of the toddler phase, they want more to do — to climb, build, skate, and figure things out. These New Castle County outings hit the 5-to-10 sweet spot: enough challenge to hold them, still squarely for kids. Facts come from each place's page.
1. Delaware Museum of Nature & Science
Wilmington
Dinosaurs and a hands-on Discovery Gallery — it lands squarely in the elementary sweet spot.
2. Hagley Museum & Library
Wilmington
Mills, a working machine shop, and a mansion — for the kid who wants to know how things work. Closed Wednesdays. Closed Wednesdays.
3. Kalmar Nyckel Foundation
Wilmington
Delaware's tall ship and its maritime center, with a walk-on model of the main deck. Deck tours of the real ship run on winter Saturdays when she's in port — call ahead. Best for kids old enough to follow a hands-on tour.
4. Lums Pond State Park
Bear
Trails year-round, plus a seasonal treetop ropes course and paddleboats — enough physical challenge for bigger kids. Go Ape courses have height minimums.
5. Fred Rust Ice Arena (UD)
Newark
Public skating on scheduled dates — mostly weekend afternoons, with extra sessions over the winter holidays — once they're steady on their feet.
6. Judy Johnson Field at Frawley Stadium
Wilmington
A Blue Rocks game in spring or summer — a low-stakes first ballgame they're old enough to follow.
7. Wilmington & Western Railroad
Wilmington
A real heritage train ride from Greenbank Station — the holiday Santa Claus Special and Holiday Lights Express trains fill up fast, so book ahead.
Questions parents ask
What is there to do with a 7-year-old in New Castle County?
Hands-on spots win at this age — the Delaware Museum of Nature & Science, Hagley's machine shop, and the Kalmar Nyckel tall ship all reward curious elementary kids. In season, add a ropes course at Lums Pond or a Blue Rocks game for energy.
What's good for kids who've outgrown the toddler places?
Anything with a challenge or a story — the tall ship, Hagley's how-things-work mills, the Lums Pond ropes course, and ice skating all hold 5-to-10s better than the toddler-focused spots.
Get the good ones before they fill up
One countywide shortlist every Friday morning, with ages, cost and logistics on each pick. Free.
More guides
Checked against each place’s current info.
Admission and hours come straight from each place’s guide. Last reviewed October 23, 2026. Confirm anything dated on the source before you go.