Delaware Children's Museum
The Riverfront's indoor playground for toddlers and preschoolers — rain or shine.
The Quick Version
- • Indoor, interactive, and designed for ages 2-8. It's basically a curated play space with educational theming.
- • Paid parking on the Riverfront — budget $5-8 for the garage or meters.
- • Plan 90 minutes to 2 hours. There's enough to fill the time but it's not a full-day destination.
- • Best rainy-day option in NCC for the toddler/preschool set.
Best Ages
2-7
Plan For
90 minutes - 2 hours
Adults
$15
Kids
$15 (ages 1+)
What to Expect
DCM is a hands-on children's museum on the Wilmington Riverfront. It's not the Please Touch Museum (nothing in Delaware is) — it's smaller, simpler, and more low-key. But for NCC families with kids under 7, it's the go-to indoor play option.
The museum has themed zones: a water play area (bring a change of clothes), building/construction zone, art space, train table, pretend play kitchen and market, and a toddler-specific area for the youngest visitors. Everything is interactive and designed to be touched, climbed on, and explored.
The vibe is casual and community-oriented. It's not flashy. Parents chat on benches while kids run between exhibits. On weekday mornings, you might be one of three families there — which is great for little ones who need space.
Who It's Best For
The sweet spot is ages 2-6. Everything is built at their scale. Toddlers love the water play area and the train table. Preschoolers get into the building zone and pretend play areas. Kids 8+ will be bored within an hour.
Highlights
Water Play Area
Ages 2-6The most popular section. Water tables, channels, and flow experiments. Kids will get wet — there are smocks available but bring a change of clothes.
Building Zone
Ages 2-7Blocks, magnetic tiles, and construction materials at kid height. Good for extended parallel play. The big foam blocks are a toddler favorite.
Pretend Play Area
Ages 2-6Play kitchen, grocery store, and dress-up. Classic children's museum fare, well-stocked and maintained.
Toddler Zone
Ages 0-3Enclosed area for the youngest visitors with soft climbing, sensory panels, and age-appropriate toys. A safe space for crawlers and early walkers.
What to Skip with Little Ones
- • Visiting on a Saturday morning during school break — it gets packed and overwhelming for little ones.
- • Expecting a full-day activity. It's good for 90 minutes to 2 hours, then kids are ready to move on.
Logistics
Admission
Adults
$15
Kids
$15 (ages 1+)
Under
Under 1 free
Same price for adults and children. Slightly steep for what it is, but standard for children's museums.
Membership tip: Family membership is $150/yr. Worth it if you visit monthly — especially as a rainy-day backup plan. Includes reciprocal ACM benefits.
Getting There
Parking
Paid parking. The Justison Street Garage is closest ($2/hr). Street meters available on Justison St ($1.50/hr). The Riverwalk lots are an option on weekends (often free on Sundays).
Street parking on Justison is easiest. The garage is fine but adds cost. Don't park in the Westin lot — they'll tow.
Entrance
Front entrance on Justison Street. Small lobby with admission desk. Stroller parking inside the front door.
Parent Logistics
The museum is one floor and stroller-accessible, but most people park strollers at the entrance. It's easier to let toddlers walk — the space is designed for them to roam. Elevator access available.
Restrooms on the main floor. Kid-sized toilets and sinks — a nice touch.
Changing tables in the restrooms. Clean and well-stocked.
Indoor venue — not applicable.
Food & Snacks
No food on-site. No food service inside the museum. Vending machines only.
Snack strategy: Pack snacks. There's a small seating area inside. For a meal, walk to the Riverfront — Iron Hill Brewery, Timothy's, and several other restaurants are within a 5-minute walk.
Pro Tips
- ✓ Arrive right at opening (10 AM) on weekdays for the quietest experience.
- ✓ Bring a change of clothes for the water area. Trust us on this one.
- ✓ Combine with a Riverwalk stroll afterward — the Riverwalk is flat, paved, and stroller-friendly.
- ✓ The museum runs drop-in programs (story time, art projects) — check the calendar for the schedule.
- ✓ If you're deciding between DCM and Please Touch Museum in Philadelphia, DCM wins on convenience and cost. PTM wins on scale and programming. For a quick local outing, DCM is the right call.
When to Go
Best Time to Visit
Weekday mornings are best — small groups, no waiting. Saturday mornings get crowded by 10:30 AM. Sunday mornings are a good middle ground.
Seasonal Notes
Year-round indoor venue — at its most valuable in winter and on rainy days. Summer weekdays can be quiet (everyone's outside). Check for special programming around school breaks.
Rainy Day?
This IS the rainy-day plan. The whole point of DCM is indoor play. Pair it with lunch on the Riverfront for a 3-hour outing.
While You're in the Area
The Wilmington Riverfront has plenty to pair with: the Riverwalk path, Constitution Yards (seasonal beer garden), Frawley Stadium (Blue Rocks games), and Launch Trampoline Park (for older kids). Iron Hill Brewery is a solid family lunch option.