Free things to do with kids in New Castle County
Some of the best family mornings in New Castle County don't cost a thing. These are the parks, trails, and nature spots we go back to when we want a good outing without a ticket. Where a park adds a seasonal car fee or an attraction charges admission, we say so.
1. Brandywine Park
Wilmington
Creek trails and a playground along a free stretch of the Brandywine — Wilmington's default when you just need to get outside. The zoo inside the park charges admission March–November and is free December–February (except special events).
2. Wilmington Riverfront
Wilmington
A free riverwalk with mini-golf, ballgames, and the Children's Museum strung along it — you only pay for what you choose to do.
3. DuPont Environmental Education Center
Wilmington
A free wetland boardwalk and observation tower right on the Riverwalk — short, flat, and easy with little ones.
4. Glasgow Park
Newark
A big inclusive playground, a fishing pond, and Thursday-night summer concerts — free, with easy parking on the Newark side of the county.
5. Ashland Nature Center
Hockessin
Delaware Nature Society's free trails in Hockessin, open daily sunrise to sunset, with a real nature-play feel. The Butterfly Habitat is a summer draw, best July–September.
6. Delaware Art Museum
Wilmington
General admission is free for everyone Thursdays 4–8 PM, April–December, and kids 6 and under are always free — Kids' Corner is the family stop.
7. Can-Do Playground
Wilmington
A fully accessible playground built for every kid. The playground itself is free; the surrounding state park charges a per-car fee March 1–November 30 ($5 Delaware plates, $10 out of state), and none December–February.
Questions parents ask
What can families do for free in New Castle County?
Parks, the Wilmington Riverwalk, and nature centers like the DuPont Environmental Education Center and Ashland are all free to enjoy — you only pay if you add a paid activity.
Do any of these charge a parking fee?
Most are free. Can-Do Playground sits in a state park that charges a per-vehicle fee March 1–November 30; we note fees on each place's page, so check it before you go.
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.