Delaware’s small size hides a surprising variety of places where science comes alive, from hands-on discovery centers to nature-focused sites along the coast and inland. Whether you’re planning a family day, a school trip, or a solo outing, the state’s museums offer compact, easy-to-reach experiences that reflect local ecosystems and scientific themes.
There are 7 Science Museums in Delaware, ranging from Abbott’s Mill Nature Center to White Clay Creek Nature Center. For each entry, you’ll find below the City, Top exhibits, Admission (USD) so you can compare locations, highlights, and costs at a glance — you’ll find those details below.
Which of these museums are best for young children and school groups?
Most venues include kid-friendly, hands-on exhibits and educator-led programs; nature centers like Abbott’s Mill are great for outdoor exploration, while indoor discovery centers offer tactile science exhibits suited to preschool and elementary ages. For school visits check group rates, curriculum connections, and reservation requirements on each museum’s site.
Do hours, exhibits, or admission prices change seasonally?
Yes — many sites (especially outdoor centers) alter hours by season and rotate temporary exhibits, and museums sometimes offer free or reduced-admission days and changing program schedules; always verify current hours, exhibit availability, and ticket prices on the museum’s official page before you go.
Science Museums in Delaware
| Name | City | Top exhibits | Admission (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Delaware Museum of Natural History | Wilmington | Fossils and dinosaurs,Bird and mammal dioramas,World-class shell collection | 12 |
| Abbott’s Mill Nature Center | Milford | Restored 1828 mill,Wetland boardwalk and tower,Wading bird viewing | Free |
| Ashland Nature Center | Hockessin | Native plant gardens,Woodland trails,Children’s discovery area | Free |
| Seaside Nature Center (Cape Henlopen State Park) | Lewes | Touch tanks and tanks,Beach ecology exhibits,Salt marsh trails | Free |
| Delaware Center for the Inland Bays | Rehoboth Beach | Estuary exhibits,Living shoreline demos,Interactive kid’s activities | Free |
| Mt. Cuba Center | Greenville | Native plant collections,Meadow and woodland habitats,Conservation research displays | 12 |
| White Clay Creek Nature Center | Newark | Creek ecology displays,Interactive wildlife exhibits,Trailhead access | Free |
Images and Descriptions
Delaware Museum of Natural History
A long-running natural history museum with hands-on family exhibits, fossil displays, and one of the country’s notable shell collections. Visitors come for fossils, regional wildlife dioramas, rotating exhibits, and regular kids’ science programs and events.
Abbott’s Mill Nature Center
Historic grist mill and nature center focused on wetlands and wildlife. Features boardwalks, birdwatching, guided nature programs and seasonal events that introduce visitors to marsh ecology, local plants, and conservation practices.
Ashland Nature Center
Small, family-friendly nature center with trails, native plant displays, and regular education programs. Great for hands-on nature exploration, seasonal nature camps, guided walks, and learning about local ecosystems close to Wilmington.
Seaside Nature Center (Cape Henlopen State Park)
Park-run marine and coastal education center with touch tanks, exhibits about beach and marsh ecology, and interpretive programs. Ideal for families wanting hands-on marine life experiences and easy access to seashore trails and historic fort sites.
Delaware Center for the Inland Bays
Focused on coastal science and estuary conservation, this education center offers hands-on exhibits, touch tanks, watershed demonstrations, and programs about water quality and habitat restoration—good for coastal explorers and students.
Mt. Cuba Center
Botanical garden and native-plant research center emphasizing conservation science. Visitors enjoy curated native-plant gardens, habitat restoration exhibits, seasonal blooms, guided walks, and educational programs about plants’ role in healthy ecosystems.
White Clay Creek Nature Center
State park nature center focused on local creek and woodland ecosystems. Offers hands-on exhibits, family programs, guided hikes, and easy access to trails for birding, stream study, and seasonal outdoor education.
