Things to do & places to visit in Wilmington, Delaware, United States

Wilmington, Delaware was first settled by the Swedish in 1638. Over time, the area has also been home to the Dutch, the British and the Quakers, a long diverse history that has left its mark on the surrounding area. Visit Fort Christina and experience what it was like to be one of the first colonists in Wilmington. The Delaware Art Museum, with a extensive collection of American art, celebrates the Brandywine School, a style of painting named for the nearby Brandywine Creek.

Wilmington city in Delaware, United States. Timezone: America/New_York, current date and time: Saturday, May 04, 2024, 22:58.

Top things to do (25)

Top places to visit (30 attractions) view more »

5.0 Can Do Playground (40 reviews)
- Great playground
Playgrounds

A little hard to find...we came from northbound 202, onto weldin rd and it is immediately on your right, kind of hard to see from the road, if you get to a roundabout you've gone too far. Lots of things to climb on, slide down, run, and touch. Mostly sunny with some shaded areas near benches and a couple of places on the playground. Mostly fenced in, just doesn't have a gate at the front but otherwise fenced in and is very far from road traffic. Bathrooms (male/female/family) located just across from the playground next to a picnic pavilion. Vending machines available. Also plenty of room for bikes and scooters. See more..
5.0 Liquid Alchemy Beverages (19 reviews)
- Pure Magic
Saturday: 12:00 PM - 9:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Breweries

Liquid Alchemy Beverages is Delaware's one and only producer of award-winning hand crafted meads (honey-based wines) and hard ciders. We use all locally sourced honey and apples as the base for our products but then add modern technology, old world techniques and a unique combination of fresh fruits and spices to create a truly special drinking experience. Combine this with a funky-industrial inspired decor that includes drinking artifacts all the way back to Medieval times ------- and an awesome 5000 sf outdoor patio, and you have the regions newest and most unique place to go. Open every Wednesday, Friday-Saturday-Sunday and outdoor patio open every nice day we can find!!! Come taste the difference!!!! See more..
4.5 Hagley Museum And Library (813 reviews)
- Great time to spend the day
Saturday: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours History Museums

Hagley is the former industrial site of the original black powder works of the DuPont Company founded in Delaware in 1802 and powered by the natural resources that surrounded it. Today, it is 235 acres of wooded rolling hills along the rushing Brandywine River dotted with hundreds of stone ruins of the black powder industry, dozens of restored buildings associated with the business, and the first du Pont family home built in America. Here, for more than 200 years, the DuPont Company and family experimented, innovated, and pursued the American Dream. Hagley has been accredited by the American Alliance of Museums since 1972. The site is a National Historic Landmark, National Recreation Trail, and a Historic Engineering Landmark. See more..
4.5 Nemours Estate (724 reviews)
- Must See!
Temporarily closed - Closed until Apr 1, 2023 Spent 2-3 hours Historic Sites • Gardens • History Museums

Open Tuesday–Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Last entry at 4 p.m.) Nemours Estate is a masterpiece of Gilded Age design with a 77-room Mansion, 200-acres of formal French gardens and grounds, and a Chauffeur's Garage housing vintage automobiles. See more..
4.5 Grand Opera House (232 reviews)
- A Great Asset to Wilmington
Saturday: 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM Operas • Architectural Buildings • Theaters

We come to the Grand often for shows and in pre-Covid times we were subscribers. We e seen traveling music acts, comedy shows, Delaware Orchestra, Wilmington Ballet, and Opera Delaware. The space is beautiful and historic. There is parking only a block away and the theater and restrooms are always clean. We love the variety and quality of different shows that come to our little city. See more..
4.5 Delaware Art Museum (230 reviews)
- Wilmington’s Masterpiece
Saturday: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Art Museums

A collection of American art from 1840 to the present. See more..
4.5 Frawley Stadium (165 reviews)
- major league experience at minor league prices
Sports Complexes

302-888-2015, Home of the Wilmington Blue Rocks Minor League Baseball See more..
4.5 Bellevue State Park (95 reviews)
- Summer tradition continues
State Parks • Parks

A Park For All Seasons Bellevue Hall mansion commands a grand view of this historic estate, and its present form reflects alterations made by William du Pont, Jr. Mr. du Pont surrounded his home with the finest facilities: tennis courts, equestrian stables, gardens, and a picturesque pond, amid woodlands and fields overlooking the Delaware River. The park was acquired by the State of Delaware in 1976. The Delaware Division of Parks and Recreation has retained the historic charm of Bellevue while providing many opportunities for recreation. Walking and jogging are popular activities at any time of the year. A 1-1/8 mile fitness track circles a catch-and-release fishing pond while the nearby exercise trail offers a refreshing workout. Hiking trails allow you to explore other parts of the estate. If you prefer cycling, both paved and unpaved paths lead you on a leisurely tour. A popular spot for picnics, weddings and get-togethers. See more..
4.5 Brandywine Creek State Park (91 reviews)
- Nice hike
Saturday: State Parks

This park is lovely and has well maintain trails with good signage. We went with a group of adults and children. The parking is $8 for out of state, which seemed a bit high especially since we took 2 cars, but it was still less expensive than visiting other attractions in the area. See more..
4.5 Rockwood Park & Museum (87 reviews)
- So Much More Than Expected
Saturday: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Historic Sites • History Museums

I have been on many historic house tours, but this one was much more than I expected, and better than the usual tour. The unique thing about this house is that there is so much original furniture and family belongings still in place. You get the feeling that you are a guest of the family rather than just on a tour. The museum staff have used these items to tell a unique story. Also, on the East Coast of the US you get worn out with colonial house tours, and Rockwood Museum gives you an opportunity to experience a completely different era. Not only is the inside of the house a good experience, but the grounds are lovely and an attraction in their own right. The GPS enabled garden tour adds much to the interpretation of the setting. See more..
4.5 Delaware Theatre Company (63 reviews)
- Local GEM!
Saturday: Theaters

Founded in 1979, Delaware Theatre Company (DTC) is the state's largest professional theatre. Recognized as a cornerstone in the Brandywine Valley's rich cultural landscape, DTC has produced more than 150 plays for over one million residents and visitors to its community. For the past 24 years, DTC has been a pioneer in the revitalization of Wilmington's beautiful Christina Riverfront and remains an important piece in the development of Wilmington's cultural district. DTC produces five professional theatrical productions each season along with an array of meaningful education and outreach programs. Visit our website to find out more information about our current season! See more..
4.5 Russell W. Peterson Wildlife Refuge (59 reviews)
- Off The Beaten Path
Saturday: 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM Nature & Wildlife Areas

This is a hidden gem in the mist of a populated city. The grounds are beautiful, clean and very well maintained. The Boardwalk trails are easy walks and handicap accessible. You will get lost in the quiet and tranquility of this place. You will forget that you are in Wilmington! See more..
4.5 Rockford Park & Tower (58 reviews)
- Great Community Space and Dog Park
Parks

This park is a great community space. We've been here in the past for community rallies for BLM, outdoor concerts put on by the city, and for the annual Flower Market. This is a great, safe place to walk after work and enjoy the view across the river from along the stone wall at the far end. During the Flower Market and during some Sunday afternoons, they have the tower open to climb. We did so during the Flower Market and it was a fun, classic Wilmington experience. You can see for miles from the top. We also love coming to the dog park here. It's a nice open space and allows the dogs to run but also have their space unlike other parks that are a smaller fenced in area that can sometimes cause aggressive dog behaviors. This place is historical but also continues to serve the community today. Well worth a visit on a nice day, especially a day when the tower is open for climbing. See more..
4.5 The Delaware Contemporary (54 reviews)
- Delaware Contemporary Art Museum
Saturday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Art Galleries • Art Museums

The Delaware Contemporary is a dynamic gathering place for the exploration of new ideas in art, design, and technology. Our compelling exhibitions, innovative educational experiences, and access to the artistic process inspire us to infuse creativity into our daily lives. Founded in 1979, The Delaware Contemporary presents exhibitions of regionally, nationally, and internationally recognized artists that explore topical issues in contemporary art and society. Art sales through our galleries and Alternatives Museum Shop support area and exhibiting artists and our commitment to the importance of contemporary art. The Delaware Contemporary offers a variety of educational and outreach programs, integrating contemporary art into public school curriculum and with underserved community groups. See more..
4.5 Saint Anthony of Padua Church (52 reviews)
- A piece of Wilmington/American History
Churches & Cathedrals

... and a beautiful place to celebrate Midnight Mass! This church was built by the Italian immigrants who settled in Wilmington to find a better life. I hope they did, because their craftsmanship has left an indelible mark in their place! See more..
4.5 Old Swedes Church (51 reviews)
- Wonderful experience, don't miss it!
Saturday: 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM Churches & Cathedrals

Located near the landing site of the first Swedish settlers in the Delaware Valley, Old Swedes Historic Site offers tours of Old Swedes Church, the Burial Grounds, and the historic Hendrickson House museum. Opening hours in March are 11 am - 3 pm Wednesday through Saturday; last tour at 2:15 pm. Come visit us and see what life was like in the New Sweden Colony under the Swedish, Dutch, English, and American flags. Learn more about life in the Delaware colony in the years leading up to the American Revolution, and how it came to be known as The First State. We invite you to meander the labyrinth, and churchyard paths, where visitors can discover gravestones that relate four hundred years of American history. Visit us today and take a tour of the 1698-1699 church and the 1690s farmhouse where the story of the New Sweden Colony and its descendants comes alive! Tours: Adult $8, Two Adults $15, Student (age 6-14) $3. See more..
4.5 Alapocas Run State Park (48 reviews)
- Nice Place for a Hike
State Parks

We took our dog for a hike at Alapocas Run while driving through the area. We parked at the ball fields and hiked the trails through the woods. Beautiful trails with access to a couple small waterfalls and other scenic and historical spots. The blue rock cliffs provide the state's only natural rock-climbing cliff. The Northern Delaware Greenway runs through here as well and its a really nice greenway trail. Overall, this is a great place for a hike if in the Wilmington area. See more..
4.5 DuPont Environmental Education Center (46 reviews)
- Nice Walk Near the City
Saturday: 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM Nature & Wildlife Areas

The DuPont Environmental Education Center is located at the 212-acre Russell W. Peterson Urban Wildlife Refuge in Wilmington, where the city, river and marsh meet. The center opened in 2009 and has quickly become a favorite family attraction, thanks to interactive exhibits, free admission and numerous free programs, such as daily nature walks. It is owned by the Riverfront Development Corp. of Delaware and operated by Delaware Nature Society. See more..
4.5 Brandywine Park (38 reviews)
- Cherry blossoms
Spent 2-3 hours Parks

Visited this park at the beginning of April and the cherry blossom trees were in bloom. It was beautiful. Sat on the edge of a fountain to admire for a while, then took a walk along the water. Peaceful and Serene place. See more..
4.5 Delaware History Museum (25 reviews)
- Informative museum of Wilmington history around historic buildings
Saturday: 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours History Museums

In 2016 the Delaware History Museum reopened after extensive renovation. Come enjoy the exhibition, Delaware: One State, Many Stories! The exhibition is suitable for all ages. One of the most striking features of the renovation is a two-story glass connector linking the 18th-century Old Town Hall building to the Delaware History Museum and Jane and Littleton Mitchell Center for African American Heritage. Now fully accessible, Old Town Hall is used for rotating exhibits and education programs. See more..
4.5 Carousel Park & Equestrian Center (22 reviews)
- Where the magic of nature happens
Saturday: Equestrian Trails

This beautiful park reaches and touches its visitors with nice forest landscapes,splendid colors ,fresh air, trails ,friendly animals.... There is a beautiful Enchanted Like in the middle,and hourse farm on the top. You can admire cacophony of natural sounds as song birds call to one another ,and you can also enjoy peaceful sound of silence. You can bring along camera or artist,s pallete to capture any one of the many scenes. Take a walk along,enjoy trials,forest ,and friendly atmosphere you can talk to the animals , specially hourses are very friendly. I loved it.It is celebration of senses. See more..
4.5 Trolley Square (11 reviews)
- Fun Restaurants and People Watching
Neighborhoods
I am reviewing all of Trolley Square. When wanted good Chinese I went to Hong Kong. Only take out but fresh and good. See more..
4.0 Wilmington Riverwalk (432 reviews)
- River Rocks
Hiking Trails

This area is a treasure w/ miles of easy walking along the Christina River w/ plenty of nature to enjoy. Hotels, restaurants, & other cultural experiences are readily available. Several large hotels make it easy to stay along the river & the Amtrak station allows for easy travel from distant parts. See more..
4.0 Delaware Children's Museum (189 reviews)
- Be creative
Saturday: 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM Children's Museums

Located in Wilmington fue steps from riverfront,if you have kids this is a place to be. Open from Wednesday to S uunday admission is only 12$ Just be creative there are ,summer camps,exhibites and also space for the birthday party You can also get out and enjoy the nature and take a walk along the beautiful Christiana river,or you can dine with your kids in some of your favorite restaurants. Spend creative and quality time. See more..
4.0 The Queen (84 reviews)
- Great concert venue
Saturday: 5:00 PM - 12:00 AM Theaters

I recently discovered The Queen in Wilmington, DE. It is usually a general admission venue for concerts. Many of the shows are tribute bands (I have seen three in the last four weeks). They have all been excellent. Parking in the area is easy - there is a parking garage as well as plenty of street parking nearby. The staff there is always polite and helpful. See more..
4.0 Kalmar Nyckel Foundation (47 reviews)
- Best time ever!
Saturday: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Speciality Museums

The Kalmar Nyckel is docked in Provincetown while I'm here every year it seems. This year I decided to go on a sailing excursion. We had the most amazing time! When given the chance to work with the crew, I jumped at it. I joined the crew raising and trimming the sails. It was hard but exhilarating work. It was much more affordable than I thought it would be. $60/adult for a 3 hour sail. If toy are wherever they are docked, go! It's worth it See more..
4.0 Concord Mall (47 reviews)
- A nice, little mall!
Shopping Malls

Despite it's small size, it has a variety of stores and makes it a lot easier to shop tuan King of Prussia or Christiana. The food court isn't anything spectacular - but it has great food! (I reccomend China Express for all those Chinese lovers!) Overall - a nice mall! See more..
4.0 Riverfront Market (24 reviews)
- Fresh produce market and very good take-out restaurants
Flea & Street Markets

This is a low-key local favorite for a variety of take-out foods (or, you can sit inside at tables). I particularly like the Water Street Deli for its fresh, delicious sandwiches, but you can also find sushi, Thai food, Mexican (among other choices) and you have the option of picking up fresh produce, salads, and fruit at the produce market in the middle of the hall. Parking lot available, but employees at the Riverfront business district, walk. See more..
3.5 Delaware Park (293 reviews)
- Very nice visit
Spent 2-3 hours Casinos • Horse Tracks

Well I was really surprised at how well they did with the temperature scanning which flowed so well. The place had alot of hand sanitizer. and staff always kept the atm's, ticket redemption machines and machine cleaned. Was very comfortable in there especially , this being the first place to be in outside of a grocery stire since covid-19 I commend them on the way they really has handled everything with cleanliness and sanitation. My favorite restaurant " On a roll" had a limited menu but did have my favorites. Very different look with only a third of the slot machines on but still was nice. Also the area to play the horses was great proper distancing and the tellers kept line flowing well. Look forward to my next visit there. See more..
3.5 Brandywine Zoo (181 reviews)
- Small and free
Saturday: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Zoos

Accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, the Brandywine Zoo sits in scenic Brandywine Park in Wilmington, Delaware. This 4.5-acre zoo features endangered species such as Andean condors, red pandas, crowned lemurs, bald eagles and more! Brandywine Zoo works to educate the public, connect people with animals, and strengthen global conservation. Open 10AM to 4PM year-round (weather and events depending - check social media and website). We offer Zoo Camp, internships, sponsorship opportunities, birthday parties, and Scout Programs to name a few. See more..