Philadelphia day trips with kids (from Wilmington)
Philadelphia is close enough that its big kid attractions make easy day trips from Wilmington — 40 minutes to an hour, mostly up I-95. These are the ones that reliably earn the drive. Plan the nap around the car and make a day of it. Facts come from each place's page.
1. 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.
2. The Franklin Institute
Philadelphia
The big hands-on science museum — a planetarium, the walk-through heart, and enough to fill a full indoor day.
3. Philadelphia Zoo
Philadelphia
America's first zoo — a full day and the big-animal upgrade, about 45 minutes up I-95.
4. Sesame Place Philadelphia
Langhorne
A Sesame Street theme park in Langhorne, about an hour up — rides and water play for the little-kid set. A planned, ticketed day; go early.
Questions parents ask
What's the best Philadelphia day trip with little kids?
Please Touch Museum for the under-8s (~40 min) and Sesame Place in Langhorne (~1 hr) are the most little-kid-focused. The Franklin Institute and Philadelphia Zoo suit a wider age range.
How far is Philadelphia from Wilmington?
Most of these are 40 minutes to an hour, mostly up I-95. Confirm hours and tickets on each place's page — several need timed or advance tickets.
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Checked against each place’s current info.
Admission and hours come straight from each place’s guide. Last reviewed June 15, 2026. Confirm anything dated on the source before you go.