Wilmington · New Castle County, DE

Cheap things to do in Wilmington

Scout analyzed 92 Wilmington places and surfaced the ones that actually fit cheap day out.

Places analyzed

92

Matches

24

Typical spend

$25

Typical visit

1.5 hr

Scout-verified spots

River Walk

Riverfront

River Walk

The River Walk is suitable for a free, relaxed stroll or bike ride, easily paired with exploring nearby downtown attractions or dining. Plan for about an hour of walking, with some effort for parking.

OutdoorsViewsRelaxed
4.7$0 typical1.5 hr visitmoderate parking
Wilmington State Parks

Outdoors

Wilmington State Parks

Wilmington State Parks is good for a half-day family outing, offering trails, picnic spots, historic sites, and a zoo. Parking is generally free for the park, with potential entry fees for the zoo.

OutdoorsSportsHistory
4.6$0–$20 typical2 hr visiteasy parking
Big Fish Grill on the Riverfront

Riverfront

Big Fish Grill on the Riverfront

Big Fish Grill is a casual seafood spot perfect for a family meal or relaxed date night on the riverfront. Expect to spend 1.5 hours and around $30-70 per person for hearty platters.

FoodViewsRelaxed
$30–$70 typical1.3 hr visitmoderate parking
La Fia Bistro

Food & Drink

La Fia Bistro

La Fia Bistro is suitable for a dinner outing, offering globally inspired dishes and outdoor seating. Expect to spend $50-100 per person for an experience lasting around 90 minutes.

FoodCocktailsOutdoors
$50–$100 typical1.3 hr visitmoderate parking
Bean Head Coffee Bar

Trinity Vicinity

Bean Head Coffee Bar

Bean Head Coffee Bar is suitable for a quick stop to grab a drink or a casual, quiet place to relax for about 30 minutes, costing around $5-$15 per person. It can serve as a starting point for a day out or a brief break.

FoodShoppingRelaxed
$5–$15 typical45 min visitmoderate parking
Winterthur Galleries

Arts & Culture

Winterthur Galleries

Winterthur Galleries is suitable for a 2-3 hour educational visit, pairing well with a local lunch. Expect to spend around $20-25 per person on admission.

ArtsHistoryRelaxed
$20–$25 typical2 hr visiteasy parking
Rockwood Park & Museum

Arts & Culture

Rockwood Park & Museum

Rockwood Park & Museum is suitable for a 2-hour family or solo visit to explore a historic manor house and walk through gardens. The park grounds are generally free, while museum tours typically cost under $10 per person.

ArtsOutdoorsHistory
$0–$10 typical2 hr visiteasy parking
The Copper Dram

Nightlife

The Copper Dram

The Copper Dram is a suitable stop for an evening drink and American-style food, especially good for a casual date night or catching up with friends. Expect to spend $30-$75 per person for drinks and some food, with a typical visit lasting 1.5-2 hours.

FoodCocktailsRelaxed
$30–$75 typical1.5 hr visitmoderate parking
Brandywine Zoo

Family

Brandywine Zoo

The Brandywine Zoo is suitable for a 2-3 hour family outing, costing around $10-20 per person for entry. It pairs well with a picnic in Brandywine Park or a nearby lunch.

OutdoorsAnimalsViews
$10–$20 typical2 hr visiteasy parking
Urban Air Trampoline and Adventure Park

Family

Urban Air Trampoline and Adventure Park

This is a great indoor option for active kids and families, especially for birthdays or a weekend outing. Expect to spend 2-3 hours and $20-$40 per person for jumping time.

OutdoorsSportsWellness
$20–$40 typical1.5 hr visiteasy parking
Rodney Square

Arts & Culture

Rodney Square

Rodney Square is a public historical landmark suitable for a brief outdoor stroll or relaxation. It's a free stop, perfect for an hour or less, and pairs well with exploring nearby downtown Wilmington attractions.

HistoryOutdoorsViews
$0 typical30 min visitmoderate parking
Funcity Adventure Park

Family

Funcity Adventure Park

Funcity Adventure Park is an indoor playground good for a 2-3 hour family outing with younger kids. Expect to spend $15-30 per child for entry and activities.

SportsAnimalsPlayful
$15–$30 typical2 hr visiteasy parking
Kids Empire Bear

Family

Kids Empire Bear

This indoor playground is good for an hour or two of active play with kids, especially on a weekend. Expect to spend around $15-25 per child for entry. It pairs well with a casual meal afterwards.

AnimalsSportsOutdoors
$15–$30 typical2 hr visiteasy parking
YogaSix

Wellness

YogaSix

This is a good spot for a solo wellness break, offering a range of yoga classes typically lasting about an hour. Expect to spend $20-35 for a drop-in class, often with introductory offers available.

SportsWellnessRelaxed
$20–$35 typical1.3 hr visiteasy parking
Legal Grounds Cafe

Food & Drink

Legal Grounds Cafe

Legal Grounds Cafe is a solid spot for a casual breakfast or lunch, easily paired with errands or a local park visit. Expect to spend about an hour and $10-25 per person for a meal and coffee.

FoodWellnessRelaxed
$10–$25 typical45 min visiteasy parking
Drip Cafe

Food & Drink

Drip Cafe

Drip Cafe is a good spot for a casual breakfast or lunch, offering locally sourced ingredients. Expect to spend 1-2 hours and $10-$25 per person for a meal and coffee.

FoodShoppingRelaxed
$10–$25 typical45 min visiteasy parking
Lums Pond State Park

Outdoors

Lums Pond State Park

Lums Pond State Park is ideal for a half-day or full-day outdoor escape, offering trails, fishing, and boat rentals. Expect to spend a small fee for park entry or rentals. This spot pairs well with a picnic.

OutdoorsAnimalsSports
$0–$10 typical1.5 hr visiteasy parking
Docklands Riverfront

Riverfront

Docklands Riverfront

Docklands Riverfront is suitable for a casual meal or drinks by the water, especially when seeking a relaxed atmosphere with live music. It works well as a standalone outing for 1-2 hours, with per-person costs typically ranging from $30-$60 depending on food and drinks.

FoodCocktailsLive music
$30–$60 typical1.5 hr visitmoderate parking
Banks' Seafood Kitchen and Raw Bar

Riverfront

Banks' Seafood Kitchen and Raw Bar

Banks' is good for an upscale dinner with riverfront views, often paired with a post-dinner stroll. Expect to spend 1.5 hours and $50-100 per person.

FoodCocktailsViews
$50–$100 typical1.3 hr visitmoderate parking
Can-Do Playground

Family

Can-Do Playground

This is a free outdoor playground suitable for families with young children for an hour or two of play. It pairs well with a picnic or a nearby park visit.

OutdoorsPlayfulRelaxed
$0 typical1.5 hr visiteasy parking
First State National Historical Park

Arts & Culture

First State National Historical Park

Visit First State National Historical Park for a free, educational outing combining outdoor green space and a historical courthouse museum. Expect to spend 1-3 hours exploring the grounds and exhibits, good for a relaxed weekend family activity.

OutdoorsArtsHistory
$0 typical2 hr visiteasy parking
Fox Point State Park

Outdoors

Fox Point State Park

Fox Point State Park is ideal for a free family outing or solo walk on the trails, offering scenic riverside views and a playground. Plan for 1-2 hours of outdoor activity.

OutdoorsViewsRelaxed
$0 typical1.5 hr visiteasy parking
Delaware Museum of Nature & Science

Arts & Culture

Delaware Museum of Nature & Science

This museum is good for a 2-3 hour family outing, especially with younger children, and costs around $10-20 per person for admission. It can be paired with a local park or lunch spot.

ArtsAnimalsHistory
$10–$20 typical2 hr visiteasy parking
Bardea Food & Drink

Food & Drink

Bardea Food & Drink

Bardea is an elevated Italian dining experience suitable for a date night or special occasion. Expect to spend 1.5 to 2 hours here, with costs typically ranging from $75 to $150 per person.

FoodCocktailsRomantic
$75–$150 typical1.3 hr visitmoderate parking

What Scout found

  • 60 of the 92 analyzed Wilmington places fit cheap day out.
  • 37% of matches are outdoor or partly outdoor.
  • 60% have easy parking.
  • Dominant moods: Relaxed, Social, Scenic, Adventurous, Quiet, Playful.

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