Trying to keep kids busy all summer without spending a fortune? Same.
The good news: Wilmington, DE has plenty of free and budget-friendly family fun, from parks and playgrounds to library programs, splash pads, outdoor concerts, local trails, and easy no-spend adventures.
If you’re looking for free things to do with kids in Wilmington, DE, cheap summer activities for families, or budget-friendly places to take kids near Wilmington, DE, our 2026 guide is a great place to start.
Here are 25+ free and cheap things to do with kids in Wilmington, DE this summer.
Please note: Delaware State Parks is an advertising partner.
More Summer Fun in Wilmington, DE
- Browse our full Summer Fun Guide
- Get a free printable summer fun bucket list
- Find camps in our Summer Camp Guide
- See what’s happening this week on our Events Calendar
Outdoor Adventures
|
Water Fun
14. Pan for gems at White Clay Creek State Park 15. Rent a boat or kayak at Lums Pond 16. Go dip netting at Bellevue or discover marsh creatures at DEEC 17. Skip rocks, search for treasures, or look for gems at White Clay Creek. 18. Go on a boat ride: Fort Delaware, Coastal Cruises, or the Kalmar Nyckel 19. Take a sunset walk along the Riverfront or Newark Reservoir 20. Set up backyard water play with sprinklers, buckets, or water balloons. 21. Go tubing down the Brandywine or Kayaking on the Christiana 22. Cool off at Brandywine Creek State Park, Rittenhouse Park, or White Clay Creek State Park |
|
Free Events & Entertainment in Wilmington
23. Attend a free outdoor concert at a State Park.
25. Check the upcoming free museum days or family days
27. Browse a local farmers' market and let kids pick one small treat or snack. |
|
Quick win for this week: New free and cheap events are added all the time. Check the Macaroni KID Wilmington, DE calendar before the weekend so you don’t miss something easy, fun, and close to home.
Library & Learning Fun
| 28. Sign up for a summer reading program 29. Add a painted rock to Rocco in Jester Park 30. Check out the Library of Things 31. Take learning outside with a learning trail 32. Check out museum passes, activity kits, or other free family resources from library. 33. Attend a free craft, STEM, music, or performance event at the library 34. Free 2nd Saturday Creative Art 35. Make a weekly library visit to your favorite library branch, part of your summer routine. 36. Fill up a Little Free Library |
Cheap Places to Take Kids in Wilmington
37. 🎳 Kids Bowl Free (14 & Under) • 2 FREE games daily • Pleasant Hill Lanes
38. See a $1-$3 Movie
39. 🎟️ $2 Nights at Delaware Children’s Museum • 3rd Wednesday • 5 - 8 pm
40. Use a family membership to make repeat visits cheaper.
42. Plan a small treat outing to a local ice cream shop, donut shop, bakery, coffee shop, or snack spot.
43. ⛸️ Kids Skate Free (12 & Under) • Christiana Skating Center • Skate rental: $4
44. Attend a festival
45. Record your adventures thanks to our Summer Passport
46. Subscribe for more Family FUN!
Before You Go
Prices, hours, deals, and free offerings can change, so it’s always smart to double-check details before heading out.
Don’t Lose This List!
Bookmark this page and check back throughout the summer. New free events, cheap activities, and family-friendly ideas pop up all season long in Wilmington.
Better yet, subscribe to our free weekly newsletter so you don’t miss a thing this summer. We’re always adding new events, free activities, local guides, and family-friendly ideas for Wilmington families.
Subscribe to Macaroni KID Wilmington-New Castle →
