Somewhere in Delaware, kids can climb a 300-year-old tree without ever stepping outside.
I love that detail, because it proves cold weather doesn’t have to cancel the fun.
The surprises keep stacking up. One stop has a dollhouse with 18 rooms and a giant gingerbread house.
Another lets you peek inside a cargo plane so huge it makes a minivan look like a toy.
Thanksgiving weekend is perfect for this kind of wandering.
The turkey is gone, the pie is half eaten, and everyone is a little restless.
A few hours somewhere new can save the whole crew from another round of couch naps and remote control fights.
I put together a list of indoor outings that feel special without needing sunshine.
The list mixes grand mansions, quirky collections, and one rink full of roller skates.
Which one would your family pick first?
Delaware Museum of Nature & Science
Dinosaurs make excellent holiday guests because they never ask for seconds. At this Wilmington museum, they stomp through the PaleoZone alongside other creatures from the Cretaceous period.
The building first opened in 1972 as the Delaware Museum of Natural History. After a major renovation, it reopened in 2022 with a fresh look and a new name.
Once you leave the dinosaurs, the trip goes global. The Global Journey Gallery takes you through ecosystems from around the world.
Closer to home, the Regional Journey Gallery focuses on Delaware habitats. It’s a fun way to learn what lives in your own backyard, or at least down the road.
Little ones get their own spaces in the Discovery Gallery and the Nature Nook. Both areas are designed for young kids who learn best by touching, poking, and exploring.
Want something with a little more flash? The museum offers live animal presentations, a Star Lab, and a virtual reality experience called Dinosaur Evolution.
Science fans may also like knowing about the collections behind the scenes. The museum holds scientific specimens of mollusks and birds, which is a seriously nerdy bonus.
Hungry after all that walking? The Rest, Relax and Recharge café offers prepackaged snacks, coffee, water, and other beverages.
Plan around the holiday, since the museum closes on Thanksgiving Day. Regular hours run Tuesday through Sunday from 9:30 AM to 4 PM, so Friday makes a smart pick.
Weekends can get busy, especially Saturday and Sunday afternoons. Arriving early gives you more elbow room near the dinosaurs.
Address: 4840 Kennett Pike, Wilmington, DE 19807
Winterthur Museum, Garden & Library
A dollhouse with 18 rooms might be the most impressive real estate in the Brandywine Valley this season. It’s one highlight of the Yuletide Tour at Winterthur, running from November 21 through January 3.
Henry Francis du Pont once called this estate home. Today it holds more than 90,000 objects of American decorative arts, a collection described as the most significant of its kind in the world.
During Yuletide, the historic house fills with lavishly decorated Christmas trees and holiday scenes. The theme celebrates the idea of home, which feels just right after a family feast.
Keep an eye out for the large gingerbread house. Over in the Conservatory, a traditional Dried-Flower Tree adds an old-fashioned touch you won’t spot at the mall.
Holiday shopping, live music, and workshops round out the season. That gives you options if part of your group wants to browse while others linger over antiques.
Night owls, take note. Holiday Nights stretch hours until 8 PM on select Fridays and Saturdays, starting Friday, November 27.
The museum closes on Thanksgiving Day, so save this one for the weekend. Regular Yuletide hours run Tuesday through Sunday from 10 AM to 5 PM.
Got kids who need to burn off pie energy? The naturalistic garden includes Enchanted Woods, a whimsical children’s area, if the weather plays nice.
Before you head out, stop by the Visitor Center Café. It serves sandwiches, soup, and sweet treats that pair nicely with a long afternoon of looking at pretty things.
Address: 5105 Kennett Pike, Winterthur, DE 19735
Delaware Art Museum
Pop quiz for the dinner table: which city holds the largest Pre-Raphaelite collection outside the United Kingdom? The answer is Wilmington, at the Delaware Art Museum.
The museum started in 1912 as the Wilmington Society of the Fine Arts. Its founders wanted to honor Howard Pyle, the famous illustrator born right here in town.
Today the collection tops 13,000 objects, focused on American art and illustration. The range stretches from the 19th century to the 21st century.
Pyle’s illustrations are a big draw, along with work tied to the Brandywine School. Pre-Raphaelite fans can admire Dante Gabriel Rossetti’s unfinished painting called Found.
Timing is on your side this year. Transcendent: Landscapes of the Hudson River School runs from October 10, 2026, to January 10, 2027.
Those sweeping landscapes might be the closest thing to a nature hike that doesn’t require a coat. Afterward, you can step outside to the sculpture garden and labyrinth if the sun shows up.
Inside, there’s a café for a snack break and a museum store for early gift hunting. Families with kids will appreciate the children’s learning area too.
Now for the scheduling part. The museum closes on Thanksgiving Day, and its usual Thursday evening hours don’t apply that week.
Regular hours run Wednesday through Sunday from 10 AM to 4 PM. Mornings on Friday and Saturday tend to be quieter, which is great for slow, thoughtful gazing.
Bring a sketchbook if someone in your crew loves to draw. Inspiration is pretty much guaranteed.
Address: 2301 Kentmere Pkwy, Wilmington, DE 19806
Delaware Children’s Museum
Climbing a 300-year-old tree indoors sounds like a tall tale, but kids can do exactly that in Wilmington. The Delaware Children’s Museum is the First State’s only children’s museum.
Sitting along the Riverfront, the building welcomes toddlers to teens. Its exhibits center on STREAM, which stands for science, technology, reading, engineering, arts, and math.
Don’t worry, the learning sneaks in quietly. Kids are usually too busy playing to notice they’re picking up new skills.
Young designers can try thinking like an architect. Others can discover local plants and animals or get messy creating art.
Climbers will head straight for the giant Kokoun climber. Builders get giant blocks, which means bigger towers and louder crashes.
The fun keeps rolling with a water table, a pretend food market, and a rope maze. There’s also a scooter race track, so expect some friendly competition.
Parents of babies will appreciate the nursing room and changing tables. A gift shop near the end makes a handy bribe, or reward, depending on the day.
Mark your calendar carefully, because the museum closes on Thanksgiving Day. Normal hours run Wednesday through Sunday from 10 AM to 5 PM.
Saturday and Sunday afternoons tend to be the busiest stretch. Friday morning could be your sweet spot for fewer lines at the water table.
Free parking is available in Riverfront’s Lot K. For GPS, use 601 S Madison Street, Wilmington, DE 19801.
Pack a change of clothes for the little splashers. Trust me, the water table usually wins.
Address: 550 Justison St, Wilmington, DE 19801
Hagley Museum
Gunpowder and holiday decorations don’t usually share a sentence, yet both show up at Hagley. The site sits on the original DuPont gunpowder works, founded by E.
I. du Pont in 1802.
Along the Brandywine, you can explore restored mills and a workers’ community. Eleutherian Mills, the ancestral du Pont home, shows off its gardens and its history.
During the holidays, the family home gets dressed up in Christmas decorations. Guided house tours add stories that make the old rooms feel lived in.
Prefer gears and sparks to garlands? A machine shop demonstration shows how things got built back in the day.
Then comes a crowd favorite, a powder demonstration that ends with a bang. Kids who think history is boring may quickly change their minds.
Inventors get their moment too. A patent model museum displays clever creations, and you’ll also find a steam-powered exhibit.
Car lovers can check out old automobiles and horse-drawn carriages. It’s a fun reminder of how people got around before minivans and traffic apps.
Hagley carries some serious credentials. It became Delaware’s first Smithsonian Affiliate on June 2, 2014, and has held American Alliance of Museums accreditation since 1972.
Holiday hours can shift, so check the schedule before you drive over. The museum’s regular calendar lists Wednesday as its closed day.
Dress in layers, since the site spreads across several buildings along the river. A gift shop gives you one last chance to grab a souvenir for the cousins.
Address: 200 Hagley Creek Rd, Wilmington, DE 19807
New Castle Farmers Market
Grand openings don’t usually stay relevant for 70 years, but this one does. The New Castle Farmers Market opened on October 29, 1954.
You’ll find it at the historic Hare’s Corner, where Route 13 meets Route 273. Inside, more than 70 individual shops share space under one roof.
Treat it like a scavenger hunt with snacks. Antiques, collectibles, vintage watches, bicycles, and video games are just part of the mix.
Food is a huge part of the appeal. The Pennsylvania Dutch section sells fresh Lancaster County meats, baked goods, and produce.
Craving something cheesy? Mama Gina’s serves Italian pizza, while the Pretzel Factory twists up Philadelphia-style pretzels.
Leftover turkey fatigue is real, and this place offers a tasty cure. You can graze your way through a meal without a single dish to wash.
Holiday shoppers can hunt for one-of-a-kind gifts here. Vintage finds often make better presents than another gift card, and they come with stories.
Regular hours run Thursday from 9 AM to 3 PM, Friday and Saturday from 9 AM to 8 PM, and Sunday from 10 AM to 5 PM. Holiday schedules can change, so confirm before heading out on Thanksgiving Day.
One heads-up for Sunday visitors. The Pennsylvania Dutch food section at Entrance 3 closes on Sundays.
Saturdays tend to draw the biggest crowds. Friday evening is usually calmer, which makes browsing easier.
Bring a reusable bag, or maybe two. Your trunk will thank you, even if your wallet sighs a little.
Address: 110 N Dupont Hwy, New Castle, DE 19720
Christiana Skating Center
Few things burn off pumpkin pie faster than gliding in circles to music. At Christiana Skating Center in Newark, that’s the whole plan.
This family-friendly roller rink keeps the calendar packed. Classes, leagues, theme nights, and special events give skaters plenty of reasons to return.
The rink features a well-kept wood floor. Smooth wood means fewer wobbles, though no promises about your uncle’s balance.
Music sets the mood here, and the staff keeps tunes fitting for the crowd. Younger skaters and grown-ups can both roll along without awkward song choices.
Planning a group outing? The center has a party area, which makes it handy for cousins, friends, or a big family reunion.
Thanksgiving weekend lines up nicely with the session schedule. Friday has an evening session from 7 PM to 10 PM, plus a late session from 11 PM to 2 AM.
Saturday offers three chances to roll. Sessions run from 11 AM to 2 PM, 3 PM to 6 PM, and 7 PM to 10 PM.
Sunday brings an afternoon session from 1 PM to 5 PM. That’s a great option for families who need to get home before school starts Monday.
Holiday schedules can change, so double-check before you pack the car. Weeknight sessions also run on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6:30 PM to 9 PM.
New to skating? Take it slow, stay near the wall, and laugh at yourself early.
Falling down is basically a rite of passage. Getting back up is the part worth remembering.
Address: 801 Christiana Rd, Newark, DE 19713
Biggs Museum of American Art
Dover has a quieter side, and it hangs on gallery walls. The Biggs Museum of American Art brings a serious collection to the state capital.
Established in 1993, the museum focuses on art from Delaware and the Mid-Atlantic region. It’s accredited, which is a fancy way of saying it meets high professional standards.
The collection spans American fine and decorative arts. You’ll spot works by the Peale family, Albert Bierstadt, and Gilbert Stuart.
Furniture fans can admire early American pieces. Regional silver adds a little shine, which feels right for the holiday season.
Illustration lovers have a real treat waiting. The museum holds one of North America’s largest collections of works by Frank Schoonover.
Schoonover studied under Howard Pyle, the famous Brandywine illustrator. Seeing his work here pairs nicely with a visit to Wilmington’s art scene.
Changing exhibitions keep things fresh. Topics range from historical to contemporary art, so repeat visits rarely feel the same.
The museum’s size makes it easy to enjoy in an afternoon. You won’t hit museum fatigue, and grandparents won’t need a nap halfway through.
Plan your holiday visit with care. The museum closes on Thanksgiving Day but opens Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 10 AM to 5 PM.
Its regular schedule runs Thursday through Sunday. Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays are closed, so the weekend really is prime time.
Military families can take advantage of active military discounts. A gift shop also offers a chance to pick up something artsy for the holidays.
Address: 406 Federal St, Dover, DE 19901
Delaware Agricultural Museum
Thanksgiving is basically a giant thank-you note to farmers. The Delaware Agricultural Museum in Dover lets you see where that gratitude belongs.
Tractors and farm equipment fill the exhibit halls. Some machines look big enough to need their own parking space.
The museum shares Kent County’s farming history through artifacts, photos, and documents. It’s a down-to-earth look at how families once grew, harvested, and stored their food.
Next door sits a village from the 1890s. A barn and windmill help show what rural life looked like in the late 1800s.
Kids may fall hardest for the chicken coop. Visitors can feed and pet the chickens, which beats staring at another screen.
Train fans, there’s something for you too. A model train exhibit adds a fun twist to the farm theme.
Demonstrations bring old skills back to life. One example is warping a big loom, a task that takes more patience than untangling holiday lights.
The timing fits the season perfectly. After a big feast, learning about harvest traditions feels like the natural next chapter.
Regular hours run Wednesday through Saturday from 10 AM to 4 PM. Sunday hours are shorter, from 1 PM to 4 PM.
Mondays and Tuesdays are closed. Holiday hours can shift, so check before you head out on Thanksgiving week.
Active military discounts are available. The gift shop is worth a peek for small gifts.
Bring your questions. You may leave with new respect for the farmers behind your mashed potatoes.
Address: 866 N Dupont Hwy, Dover, DE 19901
Air Mobility Command Museum
Some airplanes feel roomy, and then there’s the C-5, a giant that visitors may be able to tour when a museum guide is available. You’ll find it at the Air Mobility Command Museum on Dover Air Force Base.
The museum tells the history of Dover Air Force Base from a restored World War II hangar. That setting alone makes the visit feel like a trip through a time capsule.
Cargo and refueling planes take center stage here. Aircraft like the C-141, C-5, and KC-10 sit on display outside.
Inside, history gets even more personal. A restored C-47 that flew on D-Day shares the space with a B-17G.
Standing near a plane from D-Day hits differently than reading about it in a textbook. It’s the kind of moment that sparks great conversations on the ride home.
Hands-on fans can try a flight simulator. Informative exhibits explain military air mobility and the role these aircraft played over the years.
Aviation buffs will want extra time to study the details. Younger visitors usually just want to see the biggest plane, and honestly, fair enough.
Regular hours run Wednesday through Sunday from 9 AM to 4 PM. Mondays and Tuesdays are closed, and holiday hours may vary.
Saturday afternoons tend to be the busiest time. Sunday mornings and Thursdays are often quieter, perfect for a relaxed look around.
The base address can sound intimidating, but the museum welcomes families. Free parking is available on site.
Grab a souvenir from the gift shop before you leave. Little pilots in training will be talking about wings for weeks.
Address: 1301 Heritage Rd, Dover AFB, DE 19902
Zwaanendael Museum
A Dutch city hall in Delaware sounds like a geography mix-up. In Lewes, the Zwaanendael Museum is a replica built to honor the state’s first settlement.
The building itself is a big part of the charm. Its design nods to Dutch heritage, which ties back to those early settlers.
Inside, the museum explores local history across two floors. Exhibits cover Dutch roots, shipwrecks, and the whale hunting era.
Shipwreck stories are a great hook for kids. Adults may find themselves just as curious about what lies off the coast.
Art displays add another layer to the visit. They help bring the town’s seafaring past into focus.
Best of all, admission is free. After holiday shopping, a free outing feels like finding money in your coat pocket.
The museum is small and easy to cover in one visit. That makes it perfect for families with short attention spans or long drives ahead.
Lewes is a charming coastal town, so you can pair the museum with a stroll. A nearby park with a fountain offers a quick breather.
Check hours carefully before you go. The museum opens Wednesday through Saturday from 10 AM to 4:15 PM and closes Sunday through Tuesday.
Holiday schedules may change for Thanksgiving Day itself. Friday and Saturday are your safest bets that weekend.
Knowledgeable staff can help answer questions about the exhibits. Ask about the whaling history if you want a story to share at the next family dinner.
Address: 102 Kings Hwy, Lewes, DE 19958
