Brandywine Zoo
Small enough to finish before naptime. Big enough to feel like an adventure.
The Quick Version
- • It's small — 12 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.
- • The adjacent Boundless Playground (27,000 sq ft, fully accessible) is as big a draw as the zoo itself.
- • Budget 60-90 minutes for the zoo, plus time for the playground.
Best Ages
1-8
Plan For
60-90 minutes (zoo) + 30-60 minutes (playground)
Adults
$8
Kids
$6 (ages 3-17)
What to Expect
The Brandywine Zoo is Delaware's only zoo, and it's deliberately small. 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 red pandas, otters, capybaras, bald eagles, bobcats, monkeys, and a good reptile house. The enclosures are close to the path and at kid height — your toddler will actually see the animals, unlike at bigger zoos where everything is behind a moat.
But honestly, the adjacent Boundless Playground might be the bigger draw. It's a 27,000-square-foot fully accessible playground with adaptive swings, climbing structures, a sensory area, and water features. Many families spend as much time here as in the zoo itself.
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.
Otter Exhibit
All agesNorth American river otters playing, swimming, and being generally entertaining. The underwater viewing window is a hit.
Boundless Playground
Ages 1-1027,000 sq ft of fully accessible play space right next to the zoo. Adaptive swings, climbing structures, sensory elements, water features (seasonal). Free — no zoo admission needed.
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.
Reptile House
Ages 2+Small indoor building with snakes, turtles, and lizards. Climate-controlled — a welcome break on hot days. The turtles are a toddler favorite.
What to Skip with Little Ones
- • Rushing through — the whole point is that it's small enough to take your time.
- • Skipping the playground. Even if you came for the zoo, leave time for it.
Logistics
Admission
Adults
$8
Kids
$6 (ages 3-17)
Under
Under 3 free
Cash or card. The Boundless Playground is free and doesn't require zoo admission.
Membership tip: Zoo membership is $65/yr for a family and includes reciprocal admission to 100+ AZA zoos. Pays for itself fast if you visit 3+ times or travel.
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 and relatively flat. 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. Additional restrooms at the Boundless Playground.
Available in the zoo restrooms and at the Boundless Playground restrooms.
Good shade throughout — the zoo is set along the Brandywine Creek with mature trees. The playground has shade structures but the main play areas are exposed.
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 near the playground and benches throughout the park. The Trolley Square neighborhood (5-minute drive) has restaurants — Kid Shelleen's is family-friendly.
Pro Tips
- ✓ Visit the playground AFTER the zoo, not before. If kids start at the playground, good luck getting them to leave for animals.
- ✓ 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.
- ✓ The closest good coffee is Brew HaHa on Lovering Ave (5-minute drive) or in Trolley Square.
- ✓ If you're visiting in summer, the zoo opens at 10 AM and closing is at 4 PM. Go at opening — animals are active, it's cooler, and the playground isn't crowded yet.
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 year-round but reduced hours November-March. Summer is prime time with full programming (keeper chats, enrichment activities). Spring and fall are the sweet spot — comfortable weather, active animals, manageable crowds.
Rainy Day?
Limited rain options — the reptile house is the only real indoor space. This is a fair-weather venue. Save it for a nice day.
While You're in the Area
Brandywine Park stretches along the creek — walk north toward the Josephine Fountain area. Rockford Park (great views, open fields) is a 3-minute drive. Trolley Square for lunch.