Delaware Children’s Museum, Wilmington

The Delaware Children’s Museum (DCM), located on the Wilmington Riverfront, is the state’s first and only museum dedicated entirely to hands-on, child-centered learning. Since its opening in 2010, the museum has been igniting young imaginations with a playful approach to STEM and STREAM education. With over 37,000 square feet of interactive exhibits and activities, DCM offers a safe and stimulating environment where toddlers to preteens-and their families-can explore, experiment, and connect through creative fun.

DCM’s mission is rooted in accessibility and inclusion, creating a space where families from all backgrounds feel welcome. The museum presents content across disciplines-from ecosystems to architecture to human anatomy-in a way that encourages open-ended exploration and play. Whether climbing into a simulated 300-year-old tree, experimenting with a model water cycle, or running a make-believe lemonade stand, children learn through doing, discovering new skills and ideas along the way.

Highlights include the “ECOnnect” exhibit featuring native fish and flora, the “Bank On It” room with a massive slide and basic financial literacy games, and “Training Wheels,” where children try their hands at tire changes and gear mechanics. For energetic visitors, “The Power of Me” offers physical challenges like basketball hoops and pitching speed tests. A rotating exhibit space keeps the experience fresh, often featuring seasonal installations or collaborative art projects.

Beyond the exhibits, DCM also offers family programs, summer camps, and birthday party rentals, making it a dynamic year-round destination. Designed by one of the nation’s top museum firms and supported by leaders in children’s education, DCM remains a beloved resource for locals and visitors alike-an essential stop for any family looking to learn, laugh, and play together.