Delaware Museum of Nature & Science image

Delaware Museum of Nature & Science

Tourist attraction Museum Natural history museum

Cozy, kid-friendly museum featuring dinosaurs, shells, a butterfly garden & interactive exhibits. People often mention museum, exhibits, family, children, friendly, kids, time, great, staff, area,


Address

4840 Kennett Pike, Wilmington, DE 19807, United States

Website

delmns.org

Contact

+1 302-658-9111

Rating on Google Maps

4.50 (901 reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Thursday: 10 am to 4 pm
  • Friday: 10 am to 4 pm
  • Saturday: 10 am to 4 pm
  • Sunday: 10 am to 4 pm
  • Monday: 10 am to 4 pm
  • Tuesday: 10 am to 4 pm
  • Wednesday: 10 am to 4 pm

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: museum (24) exhibits (11) family (11) children (11) friendly (10) kids (10) time (9) great (8) staff (8) area (7)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 5/5 Cat L. 2 years ago on Google • 315 reviews
    This place has been recently renovated and they did a great job. First, we spent three hours here from start to finish. It is very much centered on being kid friendly, however, it was just myself and my husband and we really enjoyed the visit. There is a short trail outside that focuses on an evolution timeline. Halfway through our visit we stopped at their small cafe and had coffee and cookies. They have light fare including a variety of sandwiches. You can also bring in your picnic lunch. For those with mobility issues, I was able to navigate all of the exhibits with my scooter. They also had benches around the museum although I think they could use more. The bathroom was easily accessible. Lastly, they have a small gift shop which was nice. We purchased the Brandywine Passport for $99 which gives us family admission for two adults and two kids to many museums in the area. We have been to most of these places but we will definitely revisit.
    11 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Linda F. 2 years ago on Google • 85 reviews
    Brought my grandchildren here to check out the new look, we hadn’t been in a few years. We were not disappointed! It’s so fresh and bright and updated! The kids loved Al the interactive stations and the tunnels and bubbles in the displays. There’s something for every age, and we enjoyed the walking trails and wildlife blind out back. Wonderful place to take children and grandchildren!
    16 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 L H. 11 months ago on Google • 75 reviews
    We were here for the Family Fun Day event. The museum is not huge, it is the right size for younger kids family like us. All the people we met are super friendly, helpful, and knowledgeable. There is a hall displaying all the fish, animals, and living things along the Delaware shore. We learned that there is Sand Tiger Shark living there, which is pretty amazing to us. My kids loved everything within Be The Astronaut Exhibition. We feel that you need to be at least 6 years or older to get the best experience because there are lots of learning things and hands on works. But they prepared the little ones with puzzles, books, and space tents :) which is very sweet and thoughtful.
    5 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Caitlin Z. 1 year ago on Google • 24 reviews
    We had no idea what to expect for a 1.5 and 3.5 year old but it was PERFECT! There is an entire room (the nature nook) filled with books, art, STEM and sensory activities for little kids. We could have easily spent hours there and it was way more manageable with 2 toddlers than a bigger children's museum. They were doing a story time when we were there, as well. Even though the rest of the museum is tailored more to older kids and adults, it was still extremely accessible for the little guys, with plenty to see, touch and hear. It's really a beautiful facility! Everyone we encountered on the staff was warm, lovely and encouraging to my little kids. No one made us feel bad for being excited or noisy. There are rooms around the facility for sensory breaks/breastfeeding. There is also a nice little cafe with DELICIOUS (and surprisingly reasonably priced) food. ($2.50 brownies, $4 salads, etc).
    5 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Tiffany M. 1 year ago on Google
    Great place for kids and I’ll admit for adults too. It’s smaller than I had anticipated but it’s packed full of knowledge. It was a great way for family and extended family to meet up, stay cool and gain knowledge!
    5 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Caralee Crary MA MEd NCP L. 1 year ago on Google • 98 reviews
    This museum is the perfect size for smaller children between the ages of 1 1/2 and 8 but is also totally appropriate for people interested in animals and history. We were particularly impressed with how clean and well-kept the museum was how friendly inappropriate all of the staff were! The exhibit and displays are very hands-on and just lovely and the play area to construct is very well done as is the snack bar with actual high quality foods for adults LOL! The drive here from Pennsylvania was a very easy as was parking! Even though it was raining so we couldn’t really explore the ground they have a gorgeous walking path in the back and butterfly garden as well. We feel very blessed to live around so many wonderful areas of beauty and museums!
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Sally Y. 1 year ago on Google • 21 reviews
    It’s a small museum but they have a variety of habitats and it’s areas throughout the museum. They also have education material on the local habitat as well as a little play/ interactive area for children to learn. Definitely fun place to bring your younger children or children who likes nature things to explore.
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Anna A. 1 year ago on Google • 64 reviews
    A very cute museum perfect for my 2 year old. A lot to do, to touch and to explore! A very nice children’s play area inside with a cave, trees, books and plenty of toys. There is also an outside trail you can go on, not long, with picnic tables. Cafe is a plus! Will definitely be back
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Alex D. 5 months ago on Google • 135 reviews
    I have not visited the museum in years but went for a free event about the community hosted at the facility. I was not expecting to see how beautiful the building and exhibits were for a family friendly expierence. There was a re-modeling that took place over the past few years, and they have done a fantastic job. To get the best experience I would prepare for a slower paced exploration diving into each of the exhibits and areas of focus. The museum caters to children but also provides great information and exhibits for all members of the family.

  • 5/5 Chelsea A. 2 years ago on Google
    Had such a great time here today! Took my son for the first time, and it was my first time being there since I was his age. Honestly? My son is the type of kid who gets bored, quick. He LOVED it here. It was just big enough where there's different options to look at without the size of the building being overwhelming, and very time you go through an exhibit there's something more to notice that you didn't catch the first time. The staff were all very friendly and personable, and I was so pleased with the fact they have an EBT recipient discount for DE as well as PA! For me and my son we got in with an affordable fee of $4 with the discount, but discount or not I would definitely recommend visiting!!
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Julz B. 1 year ago on Google
    I agree with other reviews that the museum updates are well done. However, it is definitely made for small children. The museum is very small...two rooms...so if you don't read everything, you could run through the place in 15 minutes. You'll want to have other activities in the area planned if you're traveling more than 30 minutes to get there.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 mykl a. 1 year ago on Google
    Nice little museum of natural things for all ages. Displays of plants, land and sea animals, from ages long past two present. A great place to take your younger children but also a place that has a lot to interest adults. Highly recommend. Veterans get in free.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Jay H. 1 year ago on Google
    New exhibits look great! The museum recently underwent an extensive renovation, with displays for climate change, Delaware conservation issues, and world biomes. They also have a kids section, outdoor seating space, and an events /conference room.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Speedy 2 years ago on Google
    The new museum is really terrific. Lots of interactive exhibits and lots to see. Beautiful area to play outside, as well.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Ktol 1. 11 months ago on Google
    Fun day at the museum. The staff is incredibly friendly. Greeting guests at every passing. Geared more towards children with an emphasis on Delaware's natural wonders. Most segments of the museum are hands on geared towards learning. Though small I highly recommend it for curious and adventurous kids. Makes for a good day away from the television.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Danielle A. 5 months ago on Google • 49 reviews
    My kindergartener loved this museum. It was a last-minute addition to our long weekend trip, and we wish we had planned longer than the 90 minutes we were able to spend. They really pack a lot into the space and all the exhibits are super kid-friendly while still being engaging for adults. The staff is friendly and helpful, and the exhibits are visually appealing and informative. We especially enjoyed the wildlife displays and the puzzle exhibit!

  • 5/5 Phillip G. 1 year ago on Google
    I really enjoyed my visit at the Delaware Museum of Nature and Science. The exhibits, including the Delaware and global exhibit, are interesting and relevant with a focus on conservation. The tour guides do a really good job of bringing the material and content of the exhibit closer to the audience and providing more insights. Moreover, everything looks very modern and is interactive which makes the experience even better. Cannot recommend it enough!

  • 5/5 Margaret T. 11 months ago on Google
    Super interesting place to visit! I feel like I learned a good bit today even as an adult. The exhibits are very detailed, and the flip-books allow you search for each species like “I spy.” Every employee we talked to was nice and engaging. It was raining pretty hard today, and one employee kindly gave people trash bags to wear as ponchos (for those who forgot jackets) as we left. Visit and see why this elephant bird egg is so special, I was fascinated!

  • 4/5 NKP M. 11 months ago on Google
    Very wonderful staff who are friendly and educational oriented. Small but not overwhelming museum which peaks young children’s curiosity. They even have a lactation room for nursing mothers ! Snack bar very limited and expensive, so bring your own treats, and no senior or military discount which would have been nice but good experience for a family

  • 5/5 Tess 10 months ago on Google
    Well staffed with very friendly and helpful employees! I was worried my 4 year old would be too young for this museum but he had a wonderful time and already wants to go back.

  • 5/5 Brian F. 10 months ago on Google
    We attended an after-hours event and had a great time in a great space. Most displays are focused on the State of Delaware area and provid insight into archeological and biological events that happened there.

  • 5/5 Julia S. 4 months ago on Google • 13 reviews
    I recently had the pleasure of visiting the Delaware Museum of Nature and Science with my family, and I must say, it exceeded all our expectations! From the moment we stepped inside, we were greeted with warmth and enthusiasm by the staff, setting the tone for a fantastic experience ahead. As a family, we were all thoroughly impressed by the wide array of exhibits and interactive displays that the museum had to offer. From exploring the wonders of the natural world to delving into the mysteries of science, there was something to captivate each member of our diverse group. One particular highlight of our visit was the hands-on activity where we got to make "pizzas" out of wooden "ingredients." The attention to detail and creativity in this activity truly stood out to us. With a specific time limit, we found ourselves fully immersed in the challenge, racing against the clock to assemble our perfect pizzas. It quickly became a friendly competition among us, with the "ham" ingredient proving to be the most popular choice, always running out first! Not only was this activity incredibly fun and engaging, but it also provided a wonderful opportunity for us to bond as a family and practice teamwork. Working together to create our pizzas taught us the importance of communication, collaboration, and problem-solving – valuable skills that extend far beyond the walls of the museum. Overall, our visit to the Delaware Museum of Nature and Science was a memorable and enriching experience for our entire family. We left feeling inspired and eager to return, eager to explore even more of what this fantastic institution has to offer. A heartfelt thank you to the museum staff for providing such a welcoming and educational environment. We'll definitely be back for more pizza-making fun and countless other adventures!


Call +1 302-658-9111 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Accessibility
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible toilet
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible car park
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible entrance

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