Looking for something to do but not in the mood to spend money? Well, you don’t have to be a big spender to have fun in Wilmington! Take a look at this guide to see what’s free in Wilmington, DE with all of our thrifty finds.
Connect with nature!
DuPont Environmental Education Center – Open to the public year-round, the DEEC is where the city, river, and marsh meet. This is one of the best ways to access nature in Wilmington! This location boasts acres of fresh tidal marsh with animals like ducks and beavers, an ornamental garden, and also a visitor center!
Jack A. Markell Trail – Connecting Wilmington to Historic New Castle, this trail is a perfect and accessible way to explore more of Delaware! Trailhead access can be found at the above mentioned DEEC and then continues along a boardwalk, bridge, forest, and more fun elements for 5.5 to 7.9 miles, depending on how much New Castle you want to explore.
Summer Concerts – Delaware State Parks hosts a free concert series every summer. In Wilmington, concerts are at Rockford Tower in Rockford Park on Mondays and additionally the Sugar Bowl in Brandywine Park on Wednesdays. Check out their website to see who’s playing!
Rockford Park – In the summer, Rockford Tower in Rockford Park is open to the public every Sunday from 1-3pm. Come view the city from the top of this 100-year-old historic building! You can also bring your dog to enjoy the dog park.
Brandywine Park – We’ve already mentioned the Sugar Bowl, but Brandywine Park is also a great place to stroll along the river and even stop and smell the roses in the beautiful Jasper Crane Rose Garden. You can also get in a workout using the equipment on the fitness trail!
H. Fletcher Brown Park – The final state park in Wilmington, this is a small, intimate park that is also the gateway to downtown. A great place to have lunch with a friend or just to sit and enjoy the sun. Check out the music garden to generate your own soothing atmosphere!
Brandywine Creek State Park – Distinct from Brandywine Park, this state park is a favorite for birders. Head to the specific Hawk Watch parking lot to search the skies for magnificent raptors during their fall migration. Also, check out their FREE Back Porch Birding program on July 15th at 2pm!
Museum Days!
Delaware Art Museum – See current exhibitions like My Life, My Voice: Occupying Spaces (La vida de uno y el lugar que ocupamos) and INTO LIGHT Delaware for free on Thursdays from 4-8pm and Sundays.
Rockwood Museum – Admission to the museum is free on the first Sunday of each month! From 12-4pm, explore the grounds from the apothecary garden and botanical collection then head to the museum itself!
Cool places to poke around
Cool World Vintage – Spend a day looking through their collections of records, tapes, stereo equipment, music gear, art, memorabilia, books, furniture, clothes and more!
Bellefonte Vintage – Specializing in antique and up cycled furniture and decor, this is a great place to look around and get some inspiration for DIY-ing in your space.
The Zeppelin and The Unicorn Antique Shop – This spacious shop boasts rooms upon rooms of cool vintage items. You can spend your whole day here getting lost in time and finding treasures!
Willow Tree Antiques – Only open 3 days a week (Fri-Sun) from 12-4, this hidden gem is a great way to spend a weekend afternoon exploring antique pieces and blasts from the past.
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