Museums for kids in and around New Castle County
Delaware punches above its weight on museums, and a few just over the line are worth the trip. These are the ones that actually hold kids' attention, sorted by what fits your crew. Ages and admission render straight from each museum's page.
1. Delaware Children's Museum
Wilmington
The one built for the youngest — hands-on, indoor, toddler-through-early-elementary.
2. Delaware Museum of Nature & Science
Wilmington
Dinosaurs and a hands-on Discovery Gallery — the widest age range of the local museums.
3. Delaware Art Museum
Wilmington
Walkable, with a kids' studio, family programs, and a stroller-friendly sculpture garden.
4. Hagley Museum & Library
Wilmington
Gunpowder mills, a working machine shop, and a du Pont mansion — surprisingly fun for elementary kids who like how things work.
5. Kalmar Nyckel Foundation
Wilmington
Delaware's tall ship and a small maritime museum on the Christina — best when the ship's in port.
6. Nemours Estate
Wilmington
A French-style estate and gardens that feels like a fairy tale — better for slightly older kids who can take the pace.
7. 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.
8. The Franklin Institute
Philadelphia
Philadelphia's big hands-on science museum — the giant heart, planetarium, and a full indoor day. A real day trip.
Questions parents ask
What's the best children's museum near Wilmington?
The Delaware Children's Museum on the Riverfront for under-7s. For a bigger day out, Please Touch Museum in Philadelphia is the regional flagship.
Which museums work for older kids?
Hagley (how things are made), Nemours (estate and gardens), and the Franklin Institute in Philadelphia all hold elementary-and-up better than the toddler-focused spots.
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More guides
Checked against each place’s current info.
Admission and hours come straight from each place’s guide. Last reviewed June 14, 2026. Confirm anything dated on the source before you go.