Summer Fun Kids Will Love in Wilmington & the Brandywine Valley

We know traveling with kids (and planning the perfect family summer getaway) can be stressful. But if you choose Wilmington for your family escape, you’ll find plenty of things to do to keep the kids entertained without feeling rushed or overwhelmed. We’ve got kid-friendly outdoor activities, hands-on attractions, easy outings, and seasonal experiences that will leave the whole family with unforgettable summer memories.

Outdoor Summer Fun 

While the Brandywine Valley has several wonderful spots for the little ones, the Can Do Playground in Alapocas Run State Park in Wilmington is Delaware’s first Boundless Playground, designed to be accessible to all children. It has an accessible play surface, wide ramps, lots of slides and swings, sensory exploration stations, and a storybook trail. 

Animal lovers of all ages will enjoy meeting the creatures at the Brandywine Zoo, especially the red pandas, lemurs, and porcupines. There are several family experiences that give kids a chance to learn more about the animals, ask questions, and see them up close. The Zoo is located in Brandywine Park, which has plenty of other activities for younger visitors. Have a picnic, hike along the river, find the fountains and monuments, and visit the Jasper Crane Rose Garden, all in this urban park in the heart of Wilmington. 

Fifteen minutes outside the city in the Winterthur Gardens is an Enchanted Woods — a three-acre playground designed to transport children into their own fairytale and encourage them to imagine and play. Check their calendar for story times and special events in the fairy garden.

Hands‑On Attractions 

No family trip to Wilmington would be complete without a trip to the Delaware Children’s Museum, conveniently located on the riverfront. Interactive, hands-on exhibits on various STEAM topics encourage curious explorers to touch, climb, paint, design, and more. The museum is also the first on the East Coast to feature Kokoun, an immersive crocheted play net, and is unveiling a new 10-foot accessible crocheted net maze, expanding opportunities for creative, active play in an inclusive environment. Learning has never been so fun! 

The Delaware Museum of Nature and Science has plenty for kids and adults to enjoy. The dinosaur fossils in the PaleoZone are always a huge hit for all ages. Young children will enjoy exploring different habitats in Nature Nook, while older ones can do hands-on science in the Discovery Gallery. 

In addition to galleries and exhibitions for adults, the Delaware Art Museum has an Interactive Kids’ Corner, where mini adventurers can climb, play, and interact with colorful murals and artwork. 

Longwood Gardens is a world-renowned wonderland that appeals to every generation. Before you arrive, download a children’s map to navigate your family to its most kid-friendly sights, including the Children’s Garden. 

Short & Easy Outings

If you’re looking for an easy activity in between naps, consider a casual stroll down the Riverfront. The mile-long riverwalk provides beautiful views of the Christina River and passes by several kid-friendly attractions, including the Delaware Children’s Museum. Stop at Riverwalk Mini Golf for 18 holes of family fun — and maybe an ice cream cone.

Speaking of ice cream, while there are many tasty frozen treat parlors throughout the Brandywine Valley, little ones will love visiting the cows at Woodside Farm Creamery and then choosing from the large menu of farm-fresh ice cream flavors. 

For an easy adventure with a big impact, book a ride on the Wilmington & Western Railroad. Your whole family will enjoy the beautiful scenery as you ride on a historic train. Most rides last less than two hours, so it’s not a big-time commitment.

Seasonal Experiences 

Several of Brandywine Valley’s annual summer events are filled with kid-friendly activities that will have your family asking to return to Wilmington year after year. Children can sample the best local ice cream at the New Castle Old-Fashioned Ice Cream Festival, a summer celebration filled with summer fun: tasty treats, carnival games, family entertainment, and fireworks! Even better, kids 12 and under are free with a paying adult. 

Every August, the Middletown Olde-Tyme Peach Festival celebrates this sweet, locally grown fruit with a peach parade, music and performances, children’s games, a petting zoo, pony rides, plus plenty to eat and drink, like peach ice cream, peach lemonade, peach dumplings, and non-peach-related food. 

A few weeks later, the Arden Fair marks the end of summer with a celebration of the arts for all ages that’s been around for more than 100 years. Kids will love the rides, games, music, and food, while parents will enjoy the artwork on display and all the handcrafted items for sale. 

Spend a summer afternoon or evening watching a Wilmington Blue Rocks Baseball game at their stadium along the riverfront. With entertainment, giveaways, and special theme nights, it’s always a fun time at the ballpark! 

Planning a Summer Trip 

We know that when you’re traveling with little ones in tow, it’s important to leave space for downtime and flexibility. There’s no need to cram everything into a single trip; you can always come back! We’re here to help you plan your visit and explore more family summer activities in the region so you can shape your perfect itinerary.