Museums for kids in and around New Castle County
Delaware punches above its weight on museums, and a few just over the line are worth the trip. These are the ones that actually hold kids' attention, sorted by what fits your crew. The age ranges are our suggestions, not museum rules; confirm hours and prices with the museum before you go.
1. Delaware Children's Museum
Wilmington
The one built for the youngest — hands-on, indoor, toddler-through-early-elementary.
2. Delaware Museum of Nature & Science
Wilmington
Dinosaurs and a hands-on Discovery Gallery — the widest age range of the local museums.
3. Delaware Art Museum
Wilmington
Walkable, with Kids' Corner for hands-on play, monthly family art days, and a sculpture garden on a paved path.
4. Hagley Museum & Library
Wilmington
Gunpowder mills, a working machine shop, and a du Pont mansion — surprisingly fun for elementary kids who like how things work.
5. Kalmar Nyckel Foundation
Wilmington
Delaware's tall ship and a small maritime museum on the Christina — best when the ship's in port.
6. Nemours Estate
Wilmington
A French-style estate and gardens that feels like a fairy tale — better for slightly older kids who can take the pace. Open through December 30; the Sunken Garden is closed for restoration until spring 2027.
7. Please Touch Museum
Philadelphia
Philadelphia's flagship children's museum in Fairmount Park — a full hands-on day for the under-8s. Closed Mondays and Tuesdays; the carousel costs extra.
8. The Franklin Institute
Philadelphia
Philadelphia's big hands-on science museum — the giant heart, planetarium, and a full indoor day. A real day trip.
9. Brandywine Museum of Art
Chadds Ford
Wyeth art in Chadds Ford, and from November 14 to January 10 the Brandywine Railroad: a big model-train layout with buttons kids can press, plus dollhouses, included with holiday admission.
10. Winterthur Museum & Gardens
Winterthur
A du Pont estate whose admission includes Enchanted Woods, a fairy-tale children's garden, plus the galleries. Pick a dry day; the self-guided house tour pauses November 10–20.
Questions parents ask
What's the best children's museum near Wilmington?
The Delaware Children's Museum on the Riverfront for under-7s. For a bigger day out, Please Touch Museum in Philadelphia is the regional flagship.
Which museums work for older kids?
Hagley (how things are made), Nemours (estate and gardens), and the Franklin Institute in Philadelphia all hold elementary-and-up 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.