Brandywine Zoo
Small enough to finish before naptime. Big enough to feel like an adventure.
1001 N Park Dr, Wilmington, DE 19802
Hours
10 AM – 4 PM
Show the week Hide the week
| Fri | 10 AM – 4 PM |
|---|---|
| Sat | 10 AM – 4 PM |
| Sun | 10 AM – 4 PM |
| Mon | 10 AM – 4 PM |
| Tue | 10 AM – 4 PM |
| Wed | 10 AM – 4 PM |
| Thu | 10 AM – 4 PM |
Last checked 2026-09-22
- Cost
- Free
- Best for
- 1-8
- Indoor / outdoor
- Outdoor
- Typical visit
- 60-90 minutes
Small zoo you can finish with a toddler; stroller-friendly paths, open every day, and free parking in the park across the road.
The Quick Version
- • It's small — under 5 acres, about 150 animals. That's a feature, not a bug, when you have a toddler.
- • Free parking in Brandywine Park. The zoo entrance is a short walk from the lot.
- • Pair the zoo with Can-Do Playground at Alapocas Run State Park (~1 mile north) — fully accessible, one of the best playgrounds in the state.
- • Budget 60-90 minutes for the zoo.
Best Ages
1-8
Plan For
60-90 minutes
Adults
$9 May–Oct, $7 Mar/Apr/Nov, free Dec–Feb
Kids
$7 May–Oct, $5 Mar/Apr/Nov, free Dec–Feb (ages 3–17)
What to Expect
The Brandywine Zoo is Delaware's only zoo, and it's deliberately small — under 5 acres along Brandywine Creek. That's its strength with young families. You can see every animal, walk every path, and be done before anyone melts down.
The collection includes several kinds of lemurs, a caracal, Andean condors, red pandas, porcupines, small monkeys, snakes and tortoises, binturongs, eagles, a Sandhill crane, a beehive behind glass, and other animals. Hidden Falls, which opened in July 2026, is a year-round mixed-species exhibit — squirrel monkeys, a porcupine, Patagonian mara, an iguana and red-footed tortoises — with a climate-controlled indoor building and an outdoor yard.
Pair the visit with Can-Do Playground at Alapocas Run State Park, about a mile north on the same side of the creek — a fully accessible playground that's a destination in its own right.
Who It's Best For
This zoo is built for little ones. The paths are short, the animals are at kid height, and nothing takes more than 90 minutes. Toddlers can walk the whole thing. Babies in carriers will enjoy the animals up close. Kids over 8 may find it small.
Highlights
Red Pandas
All agesThe zoo's most popular residents. Active, adorable, and visible from the path. The enclosure is well-designed — you can watch them at eye level.
Shaded Rest Area
All agesA shaded seating area with tables and chairs surrounded by animal habitats — useful when little legs need a reset.
Keeper Chats & Feeding Times
Ages 3+Daily talks where keepers explain animal behavior while feeding or enrichment happens. Short (10-15 min), engaging, and educational. Check the schedule at admission.
Education Building
Ages 2+Special programs for all ages take place here, including holiday activities and summer camp programming.
Wildlife Amphitheater
All agesA small stage with natural seating for Story Time, Creature Features, musical and cultural performances, and child play.
What to Skip with Little Ones
- • Rushing through — the whole point is that it's small enough to take your time.
Logistics
Admission
Adults
$9 May–Oct, $7 Mar/Apr/Nov, free Dec–Feb
Kids
$7 May–Oct, $5 Mar/Apr/Nov, free Dec–Feb (ages 3–17)
Under
Under 3 always free
Seasonal pricing. Dec–Feb admission is free (special events excepted). Confirm current rate on brandywinezoo.org before you go.
Membership tip: Delaware Zoological Society members are not charged admission. If you are weighing a membership, confirm current reciprocal benefits before counting on travel perks.
Getting There
Parking
Free parking in Brandywine Park along N Park Drive. Multiple lots — the zoo lot is closest but small. The Baynard Stadium lot (across the bridge) is larger and a 3-minute walk.
Weekend mornings the closest lot fills by 10 AM. Don't stress — the walk from the overflow lot along the creek is pleasant and short.
Entrance
Main entrance on N Park Drive, between the parking lot and the creek. Small admission booth — lines move fast.
Parent Logistics
Fully stroller-friendly. The paths are paved, though the zoo notes its sloping landscape makes some areas easier to get around than others. The loop is tight enough that you won't regret bringing the stroller even if your toddler walks most of it.
Restrooms inside the zoo near the center of the path.
Available in the zoo restrooms.
Good shade throughout — the zoo is set along the Brandywine Creek with mature trees.
Food & Snacks
No food on-site. No restaurant. There's a small snack stand (seasonal) with drinks and packaged snacks.
Snack strategy: Pack a lunch. There are picnic tables and benches throughout the park. The Trolley Square neighborhood (5-minute drive) has restaurants — Kid Shelleen's is family-friendly.
Pro Tips
- ✓ The zoo runs special events (Boo at the Zoo in October, Zoo Brew for adults) — check the calendar.
- ✓ Combine with a walk along Brandywine Creek. The path from the parking lot follows the water and is beautiful.
- ✓ Closest good coffee is Brew HaHa on Lovering Ave (5-minute drive) or in Trolley Square.
- ✓ Daily hours (10 AM – 4 PM, last admission 3:30) are tight — go at opening when animals are active and it's cooler.
When to Go
Best Time to Visit
Weekday mornings are nearly empty — you'll practically have the zoo to yourselves. Weekend mornings are fine but busier. Animals are most active in the morning and before closing.
Seasonal Notes
Open daily, roughly 10 AM–4 PM (last admission 3:30) — confirm current/seasonal hours on brandywinezoo.org. Admission is seasonal, higher May through October when more exhibits run. Spring and fall are the sweet spot: comfortable weather, active animals, manageable crowds.
Rainy Day?
Most of the visit is outdoors, though Hidden Falls has a climate-controlled indoor viewing building and the Education Building hosts special programs. Still mostly a fair-weather venue.
While You're in the Area
Walk Brandywine Park toward Josephine Fountain. Drive a mile north to Can-Do Playground at Alapocas Run State Park. Rockford Park (open fields, great views) is 3 minutes away. Trolley Square for lunch.
Upcoming Events
Creature Features
Oct 24 · Oct 25 · Oct 31
Families can meet one of the zoo's education animal ambassadors, which may be a scaled, furry, or prickly creature. This program offers an opportunity to ask questions and learn more about the animals.
More infoSensory Hour – Halloween
Sun, Oct 25 at 9:00 AM
Families can visit the Brandywine Zoo during a quiet, low-stimulus morning hour designed for guests with sensory sensitivities. The experience offers a less crowded environment to explore the zoo at a relaxed pace, with reduced noise and foot traffic. Advance registration is required — book ahead to secure a spot.
More infoFamilies will join Brandywine Zoo staff and volunteers to collect litter in and around the zoo, Brandywine Park, and surrounding streets in Wilmington. The event includes provided tools, gloves, and trash bags, and participants are encouraged to wear durable, comfortable clothing and closed-toed shoes. Registration is strongly encouraged to secure a spot.
More infoScout Night
Sat, Nov 7 at 4:30 PM
Families will explore the zoo after dark through interactive learning stations designed to support scout badge requirements. The event includes hands-on activities and opportunities to earn a Zoo Fun Patch, available for $2 at the gift shop. Attendees should dress appropriately for outdoor weather conditions.
More infoBirthday parties here
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