Delaware may be one of the smallest states but we know how to stay entertained and busy by packing in the fun within our small walls. When the weather is too cold or too wet to visit the beaches, state parks or playgrounds in our area we head to one of the many indoor attractions located in New Castle, Kent and Sussex Counties.
When visiting museums, playlands or historical settings be sure to call ahead to confirm hours of operations, admission fees and exhibitions. As a parent I’m always curious to find out if I can bring in my own drinks or snacks or if those things can be purchased inside that particular place of interest. Taking a few moments to plan ahead can make for an easy day when you know what to expect from your intended destination.
Don’t forget to ask the guest relations or help desk is there are any hidden gems in the area that aren’t on your list. You might find something like the world’s largest Doctor’s Bag or the Fountain of Youth
Vince’s Sports Center
14 Gender Road
Newark, DE 19713
302-738-4859
Vince’s features a 9-Hole, Par-3 Golf Course, Indoor Baseball and Softball Batting Cages, two Miniature Golf Courses, and a huge Video and Ticket Arcade.
Delaware Children’s Museum
550 Justison St.
Wilmington, DE
302-654-2340
Unique exhibits that educate and inspire kids in art, architecture, banking, the environment and more
Delaware Museum of Natural History
4840 Kennett Pike
Wilmington, DE
302-658-9111
Encounter life-sized dinosaurs, look beneath the seas, experience an African watering hole, come face-to-face with a jaguar, marvel at the diversity of birds and shells from around the world.
Hagely Museum and Library
200 Hagley Road
Wilmington, DE
302-658-2400
Our scenic 235-acre campus along the banks of the Brandywine River includes the original mills of the DuPont Company, working machinery, a restored workers’ community, and more. Explore this microcosm of American industry and discover the fascinating links between history, science, and technology.
Christiana Mall Small Wonder Play Area
132 Christiana Mall (in front of Target)
Newark, Delaware 19702
(302) 731-9815
This 800 square foot play area showcases some of Delaware’s most beloved attractions.
Mount Cuba Astronomical Observatory
1610 Hillside Mill Road
Greenville, DE
302-654-4807
One of the world’s greatest astronomers, Miss Annie Jump Cannon, was a native of Delaware and Mt Cuba Observatory was established in her honor. On select public viewing days guests are invited to view the planets, moon, or other objects of special interest through the 4.5″ F. G. du Pont refracting telescope.
Winterthur Museum, Library & Garden
5105 Kennett Pike
Wilmington, DE 19735
800-448-3883
Winterthur (pronounced “winter-tour”) is the premier museum of American decorative arts, reflecting both early America and the du Pont family’s life here. Its 60-acre naturalistic garden is among the country’s best, and its research library serves scholars from around the world. Winterthur closed to the public January 6–February 28, 2014.
Center for the Creative Arts
410 Upper Snuff Mill Row and Route 82
Yorklyn, DE
302-239-2434
Explore drawing, painting, sculpture, pottery, glass work, mixed media, theater and much more with a variety of classes at this community center!
Bowlerama
3031 New Castle Avenue
New Castle, DE
302-654-0704
Bowlerama offers 62 lanes of bowling, arcade and redemption area, Dunkin’Donuts, a restaurant and sports bar.
Pump It Up
103 S James St
Newport, DE 19804
302-998-1144
Play areas filled with gigantic inflatables and colorful party rooms where your child is treated like royalty.
801 Christiana Road
Newark, DE 19711
302-366-0473
Classic roller skating fun.
The Pond Ice Arena
101 John F. Campbell Drive
Newark, DE 19711
302 266-0777
The Pond is open year-round and offers a variety of programs for recreational, figure and hockey skaters of all ages and abilities including daily open/public skate
Mid-Atlantic Grand Prix Indoor Karting
4060 N Dupont Hwy
New Castle, DE
302-656-KART
8 minute, 6 mile Go-karting races for ages 8 and up. Birthday party packages available.
Hullabaloo Amusement Center
44 Fox Hunt Dr
Bear, DE 19701
302-261-6169
Crawl, climb, slide and zip around in 2500 sq foot softplay area which includes softy climbing wall, ball guns and zip line.
Delaware Art Museum
2301 Kentmere Parkway
Wilmington, DE
302-571-9590
The Delaware Art Museum connects people to art, offering an inclusive and essential community resource that through its collections, exhibitions, and programs generates creative energy that sustains, enriches, empowers, and inspires. Family and Youth programs are available multiple times a month.
Abbott’s Mill Nature Center
15411 Abbott’s Pond Road
Milford, DE
302-422-0847
The nature center manages the 373-acre Milford Millponds Nature Preserve with hiking trails, boardwalks and teaching stations provide unique education opportunities.
xbōs Family Fun Center
456 W. Glenwood Ave
Smryna, DE 19977-1087
302-653-1800
Safe and fun-filled family environment with largest soft play on East Coast, bowling and arcade
DiscoverSea Shipwreck Museum
708 Coastal Highway
Fenwick Island, DE
302-539-9366
One of the most comprehensive collections of shipwreck artifacts on the Delmarva Peninsula. There are thousands of items on display ranging from gold and Silver bars, coins, weapons, china and items used aboard early day sailing ships. The seashells, marine life tanks and our working lab will help to educate guests of all ages about the aspects of treasures from our ocean’s depths.
Chuck E. Cheese (2 locations)
3601 Silverside Rd.
Wilmington, DE, 19810
302-478-4420
1275 N. DuPont Hwy.
Dover, DE, 19901
302-736-9881
Free admission for games, rides, prizes, food and entertainment for the whole family.
McDonald’s Restaurant w/ Playland (multiple locations)
1401 Governors Place
Bear, DE
302-836-1308
Rt 404 & Rt 13
Bridgeville,DE
302-337-7882
2351 S College Ave
Glasgow, DE
302-733-0818
580 Middletown Warwick Rd
Middletown, DE
302-378-3936
653 North Dupont Hwy
Milford DE
302-422-5161
374 East Main St
Newark DE
302-737-0502
4527 Rt One
Rehoboth Beach DE
302-645-4885
4625 Kirkwood Hwy
Wilmington DE
302-999-8170
Not in Delaware but still looking for more fun indoor places for play and activities? Try these other lists created from my friends in New Jersey and Pennsylvania.
Pennsylvania
Berks County Indoor Play Areas
Bucks County Indoor Play Areas
Chester County Indoor Play Areas: Northern and Eastern
Chester County Indoor Play Areas: Western and Southern
Delaware County/Greater Philadelphia Indoor Play Areas
Delaware County Indoor Play Areas
Delaware County Indoor Play Areas
Lancaster County Indoor Play Areas
Lehigh County Indoor Play Areas
Montgomery County Indoor Play Areas: Western
Montgomery County Indoor Play Areas: Eastern
Philadelphia Indoor Play Areas: Center City
Philadelphia Indoor Play Areas: Beyond Center City
Schuylkill County Indoor Play Areas
New Jersey
Atlantic County Indoor Play Areas
Burlington County Indoor Play Areas
Camden County Indoor Play Areas
Cumberland County Indoor Play Areas
Cape May County Indoor Play Areas
Essex County Indoor Play Areas
Gloucester County Indoor Play Areas
Passaic County Indoor Play Areas
Salem County Indoor Play Areas
