Delaware Children's Theatre
Live theater made for kids — classic stories staged in a historic Wilmington playhouse.
1014 Delaware Ave, Wilmington, DE 19806
Hours
Hours not posted
Last checked 2026-10-08
- Cost
- $20 for most shows adult · $16 for most shows child
- Best for
- Ages 3–10 sweet spot
- Indoor / outdoor
- Indoor
- Typical visit
- About 1.5–2 hours (a show)
A children's theatre - the show is the outing, so there is nothing to walk up to without a ticket.
The Quick Version
- • A long-running children's theater on Delaware Avenue in Wilmington, staging full productions of classic kids' stories — fairy tales and family musicals — for young audiences.
- • Performance season runs October–May, Saturday and Sunday afternoons only; summer brings theater workshops and camps for kids (June–July).
- • Ticket prices vary by show; most are $20 for adults and $16 for children. The building opens at 1 PM and the curtain is around 1:30 on performance days.
- • A reliable indoor, weather-proof outing for kids who love a story.
Best Ages
Ages 3–10 sweet spot
Plan For
About 1.5–2 hours (a show)
Adults
$20 for most shows
Kids
$16 for most shows
What to Expect
The Delaware Children's Theatre is a long-running, kid-focused playhouse on Delaware Avenue in Wilmington that stages full productions of classic children's stories — fairy tales and family musicals performed for young audiences.
The performance season runs October through May, with shows only on Saturday and Sunday afternoons (the building opens at 1 PM and the show starts around 1:30), and in summer it shifts to theater workshops and camps for kids in June and July.
Tickets for most shows are $20 for adults and $16 for children, there are snacks for sale at intermission, and it's a reliable indoor, weather-proof option. Set expectations: it's a sit-and-watch live show, so it lands best with preschool- and elementary-age kids who can settle in for a story; very wiggly toddlers may struggle. Check the show calendar and book ahead, since productions run on specific weekends. It's right by Trolley Square for a meal before or after.
Who It's Best For
It's a sit-and-watch live show, so it lands best with preschool- and elementary-age kids who can settle in for a story. Very wiggly toddlers may struggle. Older kids who like theater also enjoy the summer workshops.
Highlights
Live productions of classic kids' stories
Ages 3–10Fairy tales and family musicals staged specifically for young audiences.
Weekend afternoon shows
All agesSaturday and Sunday afternoons, October–May; most shows are $20 for adults and $16 for children.
Summer theater workshops
Ages 5+Camps for kids in June–July — a chance to go from the audience to the stage.
Weather-proof indoor outing
All agesA naturally rainy-day-safe cultural pick.
What to Skip with Little Ones
- • A very wiggly toddler in a seated show — it's best for kids who can sit for a story.
- • Walking up without tickets — productions run specific weekends; book ahead.
- • Summer expecting a show — that's the workshop season; performances are October–May.
Logistics
Admission
Adults
$20 for most shows
Kids
$16 for most shows
Under
—
Ticket prices vary by show; most are $20 for adults and $16 for children (the theatre confirmed this in October 2026). Reserve for the show you want. The building opens at 1:00 PM and the theatre at 1:30 PM on performance days.
Getting There
Parking
Street parking and nearby lots along Delaware Avenue.
Arrive a little early (doors open at 1 PM) to park and get seats.
Entrance
1014 Delaware Avenue; doors open at 1 PM on performance days.
Parent Logistics
It's a seated live show — park the stroller in the lobby; it's best for kids who'll sit through a performance.
Restrooms at the theater.
Not confirmed — plan ahead.
Indoors.
Food & Snacks
Snacks are for sale during intermission; there's no meal service. Trolley Square and downtown are close for lunch.
Snack strategy: Eat lunch before the show — Trolley Square is right nearby — and bring a little money for an intermission snack.
Pro Tips
- ✓ Check the season calendar (October–May) and reserve for the show you want.
- ✓ Doors open at 1 PM for ~1:30 performances — arrive early for seats; snacks are sold at intermission.
- ✓ Summer is workshop/camp season if your kid wants to be on stage.
- ✓ Pair it with a meal in Trolley Square nearby.
When to Go
Best Time to Visit
Performance weekends, October–May (check the show calendar). Shows are Saturday and Sunday afternoons only. Summer (June–July) is theater-workshop/camp season.
Seasonal Notes
Performance season runs October–May, Saturday and Sunday afternoons only; summer theater workshops and camps for kids run June–July. Check the schedule and book tickets.
Rainy Day?
An indoor live-theater outing — naturally rainy-day-proof.
While You're in the Area
Trolley Square dining is next door; Rockford Park and the Brandywine Zoo are minutes away.
Upcoming Events
Families can enjoy a theatrical performance featuring the resourceful character Matilda. The Victorian Theatre will be decorated for the holiday season, providing a festive atmosphere for attendees.
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