Philadelphia day trips with kids (from Wilmington)
Philadelphia is close enough that its big kid attractions make easy day trips from Wilmington — 40 minutes to an hour, mostly up I-95. These are the ones that reliably earn the drive. Plan the nap around the car and make a day of it. Facts come from each place's page.
1. Please Touch Museum
Philadelphia
Philadelphia's flagship children's museum — a full, hands-on day for the under-8s, about 40 minutes up I-95.
2. The Franklin Institute
Philadelphia
The big hands-on science museum — a planetarium, the walk-through heart, and enough to fill a full indoor day.
3. Philadelphia Zoo
Philadelphia
America's first zoo — a full day and the big-animal upgrade, about 45 minutes up I-95.
4. Sesame Place Philadelphia
Langhorne
A Sesame Street theme park in Langhorne. Water attractions are closed for the season; fall and winter visits are about dry rides, shows, and holiday events on select dates. Check the operating calendar before buying tickets.
Questions parents ask
What's the best Philadelphia day trip with little kids?
Please Touch Museum for the under-8s (~40 min) and Sesame Place in Langhorne (~1 hr) are the most little-kid-focused. The Franklin Institute and Philadelphia Zoo suit a wider age range.
How far is Philadelphia from Wilmington?
Most of these are 40 minutes to an hour, mostly up I-95. Confirm hours and tickets on each place's page — several need timed or advance tickets.
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.