Things to Do in Wilmington

Brandywine Zoo is located in the park of the same name. A small, five-acre gem, this palatable spot is a perfect place to take younger children.

Walking through the Copeland Sculpture Garden is one of the best things to do at the Delaware Art Museum. Giant works are peppered throughout the area behind the museum, inspiring even the most unartistic of visitors. The outdoor labyrinth is a favorite with younger visitors.

Winterthur Museum, Garden & Library is located an easy 15-minute drive northeast of Wilmington. The museum houses a collection of close to 90,000 artifacts dating back as far as 1640 in its 175 rooms. Yes, you read that right. This is a big house!

The Delaware Children's Museum goes above and beyond to make learning fun. You can't miss this top family attraction, set in a blindingly bright yellow building just off the Riverwalk. Inside, you'll find interactive exhibits geared at children of all ages, including tweens, as well as parents and grandparents.

The Wilmington & Western Railroad opened on October 19, 1872. Over the years, it served as an important mode of transport for both people and products between towns in the region. As time went on and other methods of transport became more prevalent, the railroad's position changed.

A welcome respite in the middle of a busy city, the Russell W. Peterson Urban Wildlife Refuge boasts 212 acres of a natural wonderland and over 400 species of plants and animals.

The DuPont Environmental Education Center (DEEC) lies at one of the most interesting intersections in Wilmington. Set at the point where the city, Christina River, and freshwater tidal marsh meet, this unique center offers visitors an optimal view of the Russell W. Peterson Urban Wildlife Refuge. In fact, the DEEC acts as the refuge's centerpiece, but more on that below.

It's impossible to feel stressed when visiting Mount Cuba Center, especially if you arrive on a warm, sunny day. A 600-acre preserve located 20 minutes northeast of downtown Wilmington, this elysian spot is a haven for nature lovers.

You'll be hard-pressed to find a more unique and ornate mansion than Nemours Estate. Once home to industrialist Alfred I. duPont, this historic estate is both vast (it's set on 200 acres) and opulent.

Wilmington's Riverwalk is a 1.75-mile path that follows the bank of the Christina River, right in the heart of Wilmington. Providing easy, walkable access to the city's best attractions, this pretty path is also lined with restaurants, which makes it easy to spend an entire day strolling its length. Don't miss a meal at the always bustling Big Fish Grill.