Train rides & boat rides for kids near Wilmington
There's something about a real train or a boat that lands with kids in a way nothing else does. These are the train and boat rides near Wilmington — from a heritage railroad and a tall-ship sail close to home to the scenic trains worth a longer drive. Confirm seasons and schedules on each one before you go; most run weather- and season-dependent.
1. Wilmington & Western Railroad
Wilmington
The local heritage railroad out of Greenbank Station. The 2026 holiday lineup includes the Santa Claus Special and Holiday Lights Express; reserve ahead and check the train description for equipment and ride length.
2. Kalmar Nyckel Foundation
Wilmington
A seasonal 90-minute Christina River cruise aboard Delaware's tall ship. The published 2026 Wilmington cruise season ends in October; for a November or December visit, consider the year-round Copeland Maritime Center ashore instead.
3. Lums Pond State Park
Bear
Seasonal pedalboat and kayak rentals on Delaware's biggest freshwater pond. Confirm the rental concession's opening dates before planning a water outing; the trails are a separate option.
Good to know
- • Strasburg Rail Road in Lancaster County runs steam-train excursions through farm country. Its regular ride is about 45 minutes round-trip; holiday trains have their own schedule and ticket types. Choose the ride before making the drive. source
- • River Taxi: confirm current service, departure times, and boarding points with Riverfront Wilmington before planning a ride. Don't assume a summer timetable or Family Nights apply to your date. source
- • Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway in Jim Thorpe, PA is a longer day trip. Ride lengths vary: regular trains are 70 minutes round-trip, Autumn Leaf trains 45 minutes, and most holiday trains 80 minutes. Choose the train type and check its schedule before booking. source
Questions parents ask
Where can kids ride a real train near Wilmington?
The Wilmington & Western Railroad out of Greenbank Station is the local one — steam and diesel trains on themed family rides. For a bigger day, Strasburg Rail Road in Lancaster County (~75 min) runs classic steam trains.
Can you go on a boat ride in Wilmington?
Kalmar Nyckel offers seasonal Christina River cruises, and Lums Pond has seasonal boat rentals. Neither is a dependable winter drop-in outing: check the operator's calendar first. The Copeland Maritime Center is a year-round shore-based alternative.
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 June 15, 2026. Confirm anything dated on the source before you go.