For Immediate Release

Wilmington and the Brandywine Valley (August 22, 2018) – Wilmington and the Brandywine Valley offer a variety of options for family fun without breaking the bank. From scenic nature walks, to ever-changing art exhibitions, to themed summer festivals, there’s truly something to appeal to every member of the family ... with no additional charge. Families can make the most out of their time -- and their budgets – while experiencing and exploring Greater Wilmington.

The Great Outdoors:

  • The DuPont Environmental Education Center (DEEC) is a wildlife escape where the city, river and marsh meet. The DEEC features a 10-acre garden park with flower garden path, a quarter-mile pond loop through a freshwater marsh and a four-story education center with panoramic views. Free tip: Staff-led binocular walks and animal encounters take place Tuesday through Sunday.
  • Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge is a 15,978-acre National Wildlife Refuge located along the eastern coast of Kent County, Delaware, on the Delaware Bay. The refuge’s diversity of habitats and wildlife are must-sees for families visiting the area. A 12-mile wildlife drive, five walking trails, three observation towers, picture-perfect wildlife photography opportunities, nature and educational programs, and interpretive displays make Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge the perfect destination for wildlife admirers. The visitor center is open weekdays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. throughout the year, and the wildlife drive is open from half an hour before sunrise to half an hour after sunset daily.


Inspirational and Educational Exhibits and Attractions:

  • The Delaware Contemporary, a non-collecting contemporary art museum, mounts 30 changing exhibitions each year. The exhibits feature works of regional and national artists in seven galleries, ensuring that visitors encounter something new with each visit. The museum is open Tuesday through Sunday.
  • Visitors to First State National Historical Park and Historic New Castle can take in the abundance of colonial history while walking cobblestone streets. Not to be missed, the New Castle Court House Museum was built in 1732 and served as Delaware’s first court and state capitol. Guided tours and exhibitions at the museum highlight Delaware's courts and Assembly, social, cultural, archaeological and Underground Railroad history. On display are period portraits, furniture, artifacts and decorative arts. The museum is open to the public Tuesday through Sunday.


Free Festivals for Families:

  • The annual Holy Trinity Greek Festival transports visitors to the Old Country with authentic Greek food, music and dance. The festival preserves Greek heritage while celebrating and sharing the Greek culture with the local community. The festival takes place annually in early June; next year’s dates are June 4-8, 2019.
  • The DuPont Clifford Brown Jazz Festival is a celebration of the brilliant trumpet player, unforgettable composer and dynamic entertainer whose name and legacy is celebrated each June with live music and events in Rodney Square.
  • Each year in mid-June, the Ladybug Music Festival celebrates women in music. Created in 2012, the festival features women performers as part of a live music block party taking place in the 2nd and Loma neighborhood in downtown Wilmington. The festival continues to grow year after year, with approximately 10,000 people attending in 2018.


Even if your budget for your next family outing is minimal, Wilmington and the Brandywine Valley offer plenty of options. For more information or for help planning a visit to the area, please visit www.visitwilmingtonde.com.

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Wilmington & the Brandywine Valley is in the heart of the Mid-Atlantic region and less than a two-hour drive from both New York City and Washington. Steeped in American history and the legacy of the famed du Pont family, Greater Wilmington is a destination marked by sharp contrasts – town and garden, past and present, historic and hip. From renowned gardens, world-class museums, colonial towns, outdoor adventure, festivals, and an ever-growing craft beer and restaurant scene, each experience is more vibrant, more unique and more authentic than the last. Learn more at VisitWilmingtonDE.com. And to see the beauty of the Brandywine Valley now, watch this: https://youtu.be/KyPWLnciO0E

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