What are the general museum hours?
Our normal operating hours are Wednesday-Sunday 10a-5p and Holiday Mondays 10a-3p. We are closed to the public on Mondays and Tuesdays.
What are your holiday hours?
We are open on the following holiday Mondays from 10a-3p: Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Presidents’ Day, Memorial Day, Labor Day, Indigenous Peoples Day, and Veterans Day. Additionally, we are open on New Year’s Eve from 10a-3p. We are closed on Christmas Day, Thanksgiving, and Easter Sunday.
What is your admission?
Our general admission is $12 per person. Children under 12 months are free.
Please note: Children must be accompanied and supervised by an adult (18+) at all times. No adult may enter without a child, unless meeting a confirmed group. Unaccompanied adults must register with the museum admissions desk.
Where can I purchase tickets?
Tickets are purchased at our museum admissions desk when you arrive. We currently do not sell advanced or online tickets.
Do you offer any discounts on admission?
We are proud to offer Community Access Program (CAPs Nights) with $2 admission on the 3rd Wednesday of each month from 5-8 PM. All are welcome! Please check our calendar for exact dates.
Additionally, teachers and military members with valid IDs are free on CAPs Nights and Memorial Day, Labor Day, and Veterans Day weekends. IDs must be shown at the front desk.
Where is your parking?
Our FREE parking lot is located at Riverfront Wilmington’s LOT K at Beech Street and Shipyard Drive. For GPS navigation, use 601 S Madison Street, Wilmington, DE 19801. ALL field trip and summer camp buses and transportation must park in Lot K.
What are busy/slow times at the museum?
The museum is busiest during weekday mornings during field trips, weekend afternoons, rainy days, and holiday Mondays. Slower times tend to be weekday afternoons.
Can we celebrate a birthday at the museum? Do you offer birthday party packages or private rooms?
You are more than welcome to celebrate your child’s special day at the museum in our public spaces. Stop by the front desk to pick up a birthday treat bag, then give your child’s name/age so we can wish them a Happy Birthday over the museum’s loudspeaker. During your visit, make sure to check out our birthday photo spot to snap a pic! Tag #DCMBirthday on Facebook and your child will get a special wish from the Big Yellow Building!
The DCM does not offer birthday packages or private rooms. All guests must pay general admission on the day of the event (no advanced admission). Public tables at the museum are first-come, first serve. DCM will not reserve any public tables for any guest for any reason. On warmer days, feel free to use our outdoor picnic benches for your celebration. Food and drink are allowed. Please note: No balloons are allowed in the museum.
What are the museum rules & manners?
- Use your inside voice
- Keep your shoes on and use your walking feet.
- Take turns, share, and put toys away after play.
- Stay and play with your grown-up; supervision required.
Children must be accompanied and supervised by an adult at all times. No adult may enter without a child, unless meeting a confirmed group. Unaccompanied adults must register with the admissions desk.
The DCM is a SMOKE-FREE campus. NO smoking or vaping including all electronic smoking devices.
The DCM serves families with young children. Our goal and responsibility is to support our mission by providing children and their families a comfortable and accessible, fun and stimulating environment where they can enjoy spending time together. Therefore, any offensive attire or behavior displayed by a guest may be subject to ejection at the discretion of DCM management.
What are the aquarium rules and manners?
- Respect the animals: Treat our fish friends how you would like to be treated! Gently stroke the animals using a two-finger touch only. No poking, grabbing, or tapping on the glass.
- Roll up your sleeves: Before reaching into the tank, please roll up your sleeves and pull back your hair. Paper towel stations are located nearby for drying off.
- Quiet please: Please use your inside voices. Loud noises can upset the animals in our aquarium.
- No outside food or objects: Please keep all outside food an objects away from the aquarium. Remove rings, watches, and bracelets to prevent scratching or bruising on the animal’s skin.
- Respect each other & take turns: As with any of our exhibits, please be kind and take turns at the Touch Tank when the DCM is busy.
Do you have a museum gift shop?
Yes, our museum gift shop, Fun-in-Store, is located at the front of the museum, next to the Admission Desk. The shop has toys, trinkets, DCM branded items, postcards, apparel, and snacks. Additionally, there are lockers in the store for you to store your personal items while at the museum. Lockers are limited and first-come first-serve.
Do you offer food at the museum?
We do not have a museum café; however, a few snack items can be found in our museum gift shop, Fun-in-Store, located next to the Admission Desk. Guests are allowed to bring in outside food and drink. Additionally, there are many restaurants within walking distance to the museum, including Iron Hill Brewery, Big Fish Grill, Delaware Duck Café, and more. A full list can be found here.
Do you offer museum memberships?
Yes, museum information can be found here.
Do you host field trips and/or summer camp groups?
Yes, museum field trip information can be found here.
Do you offer ticket donations for non-profit events?
Yes, we do offer up to four tickets for donation to non-profit events. For qualifications and requesting guidelines, click here.
What else is there to do in the area?
The DCM is located at the Wilmington Riverfront, an area with a robust selection of dining, entertainment, arts, and outdoor activities. Visit riverfrontwilm.com for more information.
Additionally, Riverwalk Mini Golf is located directly next to the museum (open seasonally). Enjoy mini golf, ice cream, and other treats. Visit riverwalkminigolf.com for more information.
