local ambassador favorite

Brandywine Zoo

1001 N Park Dr, Wilmington, DE 19802

Daily, 10:00 AM-3:30 PM

$$

fun-paid-activities, outdoor-adventures

Brandywine Zoo is an excellent stop to stretch your legs when you are in the area with your kiddos!

The Brandywine Zoo is a small zoo in the beautiful Brandywine Park in Wilmington, DE. The zoo is home to around 17 different species of animals and will be growing with the addition of a Madagascar exhibit in the fall of 2020.

Little ones will get to see red pandas (one is named Sherman), condors, snakes, a bald eagle, owls, and more. There is also a barnyard where kids can get up-close and pet barnyard animals such as goats and chickens! The zoo also features a small nature play area as well as “creature encounters” throughout the day.

This zoo is a great pick for families with small children as it’s much more manageable than the large zoos that are found in most cities (it’s also much more reasonably priced!). It took our group, which included two elementary-aged children, about 30 minutes to see the zoo from start to finish. Families with toddlers will likely find that they can spend a bit more time wandering around. (If you’ve got older kids that want a “bigger” zoo day, the Philadelphia zoo is about 30 minutes away).

The zoo has a lot of educational programming scheduled daily, like storytime, keeper talks, and sensory hour, so make sure to check their website to align your trip with one of these experiences. You won't regret it. We recommend packing your own picnic lunch, as the zoo food can be expensive and there is often a line but there is a small concession stand that offers snacks and ice cream.

If you don't pack a lunch and need a meal after your trip to the zoo, visit Iron Hill Brewery. They even have a kids' menu. There is also ice cream at Sweet Lucy's, not too far away if you're looking for a sweet treat.

The zoo also has an area with tables where families can eat food brought from home. (Please Note: the zoo is a “pack in, pack out” facility so families will need to be prepared to take their trash with them!) Restrooms are also available.

When you’re done at the zoo, turn right at the zoo exit and follow the road up the hill. There, you’ll find a large playground that will delight children of all ages. Families can also spend some time wandering the park grounds to get great views of the river, as well as some beautiful gardens. If you need a bite to eat, the downtown Wilmington area is a long walk or short drive and offers many shops and restaurants.  Overall, Brandywine Zoo is a small but well-maintained facility that would be a great addition to any day trip to Wilmington!

Features

Parking Restrooms Petting Zoo Animals
Thoughtfully captured by:
Katie Raspa
Our work in Baltimore is truly a family affair. Husband and wife, Matt and Katie, work together to head up our ambassador team in Charm City. Katie is a Maryland native and has lived in the state her whole life. She moved to Baltimore in 2007 after graduating from the University of Maryland, College Park with a bachelor's degree in early childhood education. She has been working in the field of early childhood education as a teacher and family coach for the past 12 years. Katie also holds a Masters of Education in Literacy from Loyola University. She is passionate about giving kids and families the knowledge and tools that they need to thrive. Matt grew up in the Highlandtown neighborhood of Baltimore. As a city native, Matt is a great resource on all that the city has to offer. After months of helping Katie explore the city for her role at a Happy Active Family, he decided to put his love of writing to use and officially come on board as an ambassador. Matt and Katie have two girls, ages 5 and 7. They spend their weekends camping, hiking, or exploring other hidden gems in their area. Tap into their insider knowledge by downloading the app today!
More activities by Katie
Huge nature facility with tons of options for the whole family.
One of Baltimore's biggest playgrounds!
A diverse, 503 acre park that includes wetlands, meadows, hardwood forests, serpentine barrens, and, of course, Lake Roland.

Recommended Gear