It's true! Some of the best things in life are free -- at least in Wilmington, Delaware. In fact, there’s lots of great things to see and do in Wilmington that don’t cost a dime! And a few more that are almost free.
Free All the Time!
The Delaware Center for the Contemporary Arts is not only free, but close to the shops and waterfront restaurants on the Christina Riverfront. It’s housed in a 35,000-square-foot building with seven galleries, 26 on-site artist studios, an auditorium, a museum shop, and a classroom, that the Philadelphia Inquirer described as "one of the most innovative and prominent facilities of its kind on the East Coast." Parking is always free, as well, and the Museum is on the Wilmington Trolley line.
The Dupont Environment Education Center at the Peterson Urban Wildlife Refuge is within walking distance of the Center for Contemporary Arts. It’s a brand-new $14,000,000 facility overlooking the Christina River wetlands. Be sure to bring your binoculars to enjoy the flora fauna or participate in one of the free educational programs. The Center is located just beyond the southern terminus of the beautiful one and a quarter mile Christina Riverwalk. And there’s lots of free parking along the route.
The Court House in historic New Castle (just ten minutes south of Wilmington) is a National Historic Landmark. The courthouse is one of the oldest surviving courthouses in the country and Delaware’s colonial capital. In the Assembly Room, the legislature passed the resolution on June 15, 1776 to separate from both Great Britain and Pennsylvania, creating the State of Delaware. Three months later, on September 20, 1776, the first Constitution for the Delaware State was adopted. In 1777, during the Revolutionary War, the capital moved to Dover.
And while you’re in New Castle, be sure to spend some time on “The Green” or in Battery Park. New Castle is renown for its glorious open spaces and they’re free to enjoy year ‘round. “The Green” is completely surrounded by historic houses, churches and public buildings. Battery Park is right on the Delaware River and a great place to picnic. Be sure to check out the historic marker and remnants of Delaware’s first railroad, the New Castle and Frenchtown Railroad near the circular parking area.
Brandywine Park is a Wilmington treasure and one of the most pristine urban riverfront parks in America. The park is located on both sides of Brandywine Creek from its connection to Rockwood Park in north Wilmington all the way to the King Street bridge in the heart of the city. But the parking lots near the dam offer the prettiest views and vistas. Wilmington Sister Cities also maintains a seasonal garden in the park.
Finally, Delaware Park Thoroughbred Racing & Casino is also completely free. You probably don't think of a racetrak as a family attraction, but "The Grove" at Delaware Park is very family-friendly. If you enter at the interesection of Routes 4 and 58 (near Christiana Hospital) you can park within a few feet of the picnic area complete with a playground. And the kids can watch the horses come and go from the track up close and personal. The casino is behind the grandstand, so families can come and go (if they want) without ever seeing the casino area.
Free Some of the Time
The Delaware History Museum is free every Friday from 11:00 am to 4:pm. The Museum is located on the Wilmington campus of the Delaware Historical Society, which also includes a Research Library, Old Town Hall, and several historic houses surrounding a beautiful urban courtyard. It houses two major galleries, the Delaware Store, and “Grandma‘s Attic” as well as a conference room and several classrooms. One gallery houses a permanent exhibition tracing the history of the First State, entitled “Distinctively Delaware.” The second is a changing exhibition gallery featuring exhibitions of special interest on timely topics.
The Delaware Art Museum is free every Sunday. The Museum is known internationally for its Pre-Raphaelite and Howard Pyle collections, is about ten minutes from downtown, just east of beautiful Rockford Park. The normal admission price for adults is $12, so you can really save a lot by visiting on Sundays!
Almost Free
There’s no better way to tour downtown Wilmington than to step back in time on the Wilmington Trolley. It runs from the center of the city through the Market Street National Historic District to the newly-developed Wilmington riverfront twice an hour Monday through Saturday. Visitors can take the Trolley from Wilmington’s Amtrak Station, jump on board at the Shipyard Shops where parking is free, or catch it at any of the stops along the route. The one-way fare is just $.25 and you can ride all day with a $2.40 daily pass. Plus, you can take two children with you for free all day if they are 46 inches tall or less!
Delaware is blessed with several "Outrageously Scenic Byways" that are free for the price of the gas. Two of the most beautiful drives are "Circumnavitating the Brandywine Valley" and the "Route 9 Coast Heritage Scenic Byway". A family could easily spend an entire day enjoying these picturesque thoroughfares.
So the next time your kids say "I'm bored," you won't have to spend an arm or leg to have a great time with the whole family IN WilmINgton!
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