Winterthur Museum and Country Estate

Last week my kids and I took a field trip to Winterthur Museum and Country Estate, which is located in Wilmington DE about a 30 minute drive from Delaware County. Many people hear museum and they don't think of it as a place to take their kids, but the gorgeous estate is a lot of fun for the little ones.

We started out our tour on a tram car that took us to the Enchanted Woods for kids. Well that won the kids over right away, riding in a special car throughout the beautiful gardens. Once we arrived at the Enchanted Woods the kids loved exploring the fairy-tale garden. The garden is on a three-acre plot at Winterthur. The story behind the Enchanted Woods is that it has been taken over by the woodland fairies who transformed the woods into a place of enchantment, mystery, and discovery. It's a great place for the kids to play and explore, we also saw many families who brought a picnic and were eating lunch there.

Once we finished in the garden we took another tram to the mansion. My oldest thought the house was so fancy and wanted to live there. On Tuesday they have a program called Terrific Tuesdays in July and August. Kids can learn about life, long ago through fun, hands-on programs that run at 11:30 am and again at 1:30 pm. Other activities are offered at the museum and garden from 10 am to 3 pm each day. This is perfect if you have kids who love arts and crafts.

They also have a program on Wednesdays called WOW! Wee Ones at Winterthur. Now offered twice monthly (repeated program)! First, check-in or register at the Visitor Center, then walk or take the shuttle over to the Galleries Reception Area of the main museum building to begin the program at 10:15.
Program lasts approx. 1 hour.
For ages 3-5 and an adult caregiver(s)


Next we made our way to the Touch It Room. My kids couldn't believe that they were allowed to touch everything in the room. It was great that the kids had the chance to play with the old toys like tops and Jacobs ladders. The room also has a general store area as well as hands-on displays and activities about lighting, kitchenware, and crafts. The tea set, puzzles, dress-up clothes, and basket of wooden toys provide a playful way to learn about early American life.

Wintherthur also has an exhibit called K is for Kids. This exhibit offers kids an alphabetical look at Winterthur's diverse collection. The exhibit includes items from an aquarium to zoo animal cards with a fire bucket, a globe, and more in between! Rhyming descriptions accompany the items.

We spent a wonderful day at Winterthur, the only downside is, it was very hot so we didn't get a chance to explore the gardens as much as we wanted to.




For more information: www.winterthur.org/

Location: Route 52
(5105 Kennett Pike)
Winterthur DE 19735

Cost: $18 for adults
$5 for kids