Day Trips from Wilmington
← All Wilmington day tripsDay Trips from Wilmington: Family Activities & Kid-Friendly Fun
The best family-friendly activities and kid-approved destinations within driving distance of Wilmington, DE. Zoos, amusement parks, interactive museums, and outdoor fun the whole family will enjoy. Drive times, ratings, and budget estimates included.
12 family activities near Wilmington
Amazonia
Washington, DC 20008
Just 2 hrs 8 min from Wilmington, rated 4.7 stars by 1,001 visitors, family-friendly with activities for all ages.
Best time to visit: Summer and school breaks are busiest. Weekdays offer shorter lines and lower prices.
Storybook Land
Egg Harbor Township, NJ 08234
Just 1 hr 14 min from Wilmington, rated 4.7 stars by 3,692 visitors, family-friendly with activities for all ages.
Best time to visit: Summer and school breaks are busiest. Weekdays offer shorter lines and lower prices.
Jenkinson's Aquarium
Point Pleasant Beach, NJ 08742
Just 1 hr 45 min from Wilmington, rated 4.6 stars by 5,279 visitors, family-friendly with activities for all ages.
Best time to visit: Summer and school breaks are busiest. Weekdays offer shorter lines and lower prices.
The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk
Norwalk, CT 06854
Just 2 hrs 52 min from Wilmington, rated 4.6 stars by 7,364 visitors, family-friendly with activities for all ages.
Best time to visit: Summer and school breaks are busiest. Weekdays offer shorter lines and lower prices.
Adventure Aquarium
Camden, NJ 08103
Just 41 min from Wilmington, rated 4.6 stars by 19,196 visitors, family-friendly with activities for all ages.
Best time to visit: Summer and school breaks are busiest. Weekdays offer shorter lines and lower prices.
Essex County Turtle Back Zoo
West Orange, NJ 07052
Just 2 hrs 1 min from Wilmington, rated 4.6 stars by 14,243 visitors, packed with outdoor activities and adventure.
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for most outdoor activities. Winter for snow sports where available.
Electric City Aquarium & Reptile Den
Scranton, PA 18503
Just 2 hrs 16 min from Wilmington, rated 4.5 stars by 2,584 visitors, family-friendly with activities for all ages.
Best time to visit: Summer and school breaks are busiest. Weekdays offer shorter lines and lower prices.
Woodbridge Aquarium & Wildlife
Woodbridge, NJ 07095
Just 1 hr 39 min from Wilmington, rated 4.5 stars by 8,674 visitors, family-friendly with activities for all ages.
Best time to visit: Summer and school breaks are busiest. Weekdays offer shorter lines and lower prices.
Lehigh Valley Zoo
Schnecksville, PA 18078
Just 1 hr 30 min from Wilmington, rated 4.5 stars by 4,879 visitors, packed with outdoor activities and adventure.
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for most outdoor activities. Winter for snow sports where available.
Plumpton Park Zoo
1416 Telegraph Rd, Rising Sun
Just 36 min from Wilmington, rated 4.5 stars by 2,406 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.
Trimper Rides of Ocean City
Ocean City, MD 21842
Just 2 hrs 12 min from Wilmington, rated 4.4 stars, family-friendly with activities for all ages.
Best time to visit: Summer and school breaks are busiest. Weekdays offer shorter lines and lower prices.
Treehouse World
West Chester, PA 19380
Just 41 min from Wilmington, rated 4.4 stars, packed with outdoor activities and adventure.
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for most outdoor activities. Winter for snow sports where available.
Frequently Asked Questions About Family Activities Day Trips from Wilmington
What are the best family activities near Wilmington, DE?
The best family activities near Wilmington include zoos, children's museums, amusement parks, state parks with easy trails, and interactive science centers. Check the cards above for top-rated spots with real drive times.
What are cheap things to do with kids near Wilmington?
State parks, nature preserves, and many community attractions near Wilmington are free or under $15 per person. Pack a picnic and make a day of it. Check the budget estimates on each card above.
Are there indoor family activities near Wilmington for rainy days?
Yes. Children's museums, aquariums, indoor water parks, and science centers near Wilmington are all great rainy-day options. Look for "Family" tagged destinations above.
How far should I drive for a family day trip from Wilmington?
For families with young kids, 1-2 hours is the sweet spot. Longer drives (2-3 hours) work well with older kids and are worth it for standout destinations like major zoos or amusement parks.
Don't know where to go?
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