Brandywine Zoo
1001 N Park Dr, Wilmington, DE 19802
Daily, 10:00 AM-3:30 PM
$$
fun-paid-activities, outdoor-adventures
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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!