Worth the drive from Wilmington
Some places are worth leaving the county for. These are the day trips within about 45 minutes of Wilmington that reliably earn the drive — pack snacks, plan the nap around the car, and make a day of it. Each links to its full place guide.
1. Longwood Gardens
Kennett Square
World-class gardens, seasonal fountains, and a giant indoor conservatory about 35 minutes up Route 1 — a half-day that works in most weather. The conservatories close for a few days in mid-November for the holiday changeover.
2. 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. Closed Mondays and Tuesdays. Closed Mondays and Tuesdays.
3. Linvilla Orchards
Media
Animals, a farm market, and ticketed hayrides and picking in season on a big farm in Media, PA — the classic day trip, busiest in fall; Pumpkinland ends in early November.
4. Milburn Orchards
Elkton
A polished farm just over the Maryland line — summer u-pick, a farm market, and the paid BIG BackYard in fall. No apple picking in 2026 after a spring freeze.
5. Tyler Arboretum
Media
Woods, meadows, and gardens in Media, PA, about 30–40 minutes away — mostly paved paths, with grass and mulch to reach some areas, so bring a stroller with bigger tires. Open daily (9–4 in winter) except Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day.
Questions parents ask
What's the best rainy-day day trip from Wilmington?
Please Touch Museum in Philadelphia is fully indoor. Longwood Gardens' large conservatory makes it a strong half-day when the weather turns — check it's open, since it closes for a few days in mid-November.
How far are these from Wilmington?
All are roughly 30–45 minutes — Longwood up Route 1, Please Touch up I-95 into Philadelphia, and the farms just over the PA and MD lines. Confirm hours on each place's page before you set out.
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.