Delaware Museum of Natural History050

This small gem of a museum is a great place to stop when visiting nearby Winterthur Museum and Country Estate or Longwood Gardens. The one floor museum is geared to kids of all ages and features many computers, animation buttons, and activity stations throughout the exhibits.

The DuPont Auditorium, featuring a large screen, surround sound, and reclining seats, shows nature films continuously. The Discovery Room is an interactive hands-on area for kids to explore. Authentic lockers of palentologists and archeologists hold the clothing and tools of these trades for dress-up. An Under the Sea aquarium is surrounded by large fish-shaped pillows for lounging on. Microscopes, books, and a learning tree with hidden lesson panels fascinate kids.

Be sure to venture outside to the museum's Larry Scott Nature Trail and butterfly garden. The short trail features many different varieties of wood and grass, and the garden holds pretty flowers that attract a large number of hummingbirds.

A wide variety of educational opportunities exist for children at the museum. In addition to ongoing science and nature classes, the museum offers summer camp and programs for homeschoolers. Check the website for details.

While food and drink are not allowed in the museum galleries, the Coral Reef Canteen is a self-vending cafe where visitors can enjoy a snack or a tasty meal. There are also picnic tables on the west side of the building, and a patio with outdoor seating.

Restrooms are at the front of the museum and have diaper-changing facilities. The gift shop is small but well-stocked.

Museum membership includes free admission; summer camp, workshop, and museum store discounts; a subscription to the museum newspaper; invitations to Members' Only events, and half-price admission to special children's events. The Dino Club is available to museum members ages four to 10 who want to learn more about dinosaurs, wildlife, ecology, fossils, and more. Members receive a Dino Club card, and are invited to exclusive film showings, a party, and an overnight. The cost is $10 per member child.