Leaf peeping is one of our favorite family activities, and we found the best places for the whole family to enjoy together. Wide-open green spaces, gorgeous fall colors and beautiful backdrops for tons of family photos together. We found great places to eat and stay, too, so keep reading to plan your weekend away in Delaware. 

Winterthur Museum, Garden & Library

We skipped the museum and library to go straight to the Enchanted Woods with our kids. It truly felt enchanted to see the kid-sized hobbit-like houses, over-sized bird’s nest and climbing spots your kids will love. 

I liked the sweet storybook trail where you could read your way through the gardens. It is so cute!

We also enjoyed riding the tram around the grounds and learning about Henry Du Pont. The gardens are easily walkable, but a tram is an excellent option for little legs and grandparents alike. 

We saw the Enchanted Woods and the surrounding areas before lunchtime, but I feel we could have spent the entire day exploring together. 

Where to Eat

Head to La Pizzeria Metro for dinner and a show. While we waited for our patio table, we sat at the pizza bar, and my kids had so much fun watching their pizza turn round and round in the huge oven. 

Hagley Museum

If you had told me we’d spend our fall afternoons exploring historical gardens and locations with our toddlers, I would have laughed in your face. Now, they are some of our best memories. Since we all love the outdoors, the Hagley Museum was a perfect choice for my crew.

The history is fascinating, and the scenery is captivating. Your kiddos can watch a cannon firing, learn about gun powder manufacturing and see the leaves changing over the peaceful waterfall.  

Head up the hill to see the Delaware Discoveries artwork installation, and take a photo together. You’ll need Instagram proof, right? 

Where to Eat

If you’re looking for a delicious takeout spot, the Charcoal Pit is the place. We found something yummy for everyone, and the ice cream selections were epic. 

Mt. Cuba Center

Recently voted the best botanical gardens in the country, we knew we couldn’t miss this stop. We were sad to miss the beautiful spring blooms but excited to see the fall foliage in full color. Usually, most of my photos are of my kids, but I couldn’t stop taking pictures of the scenery. 

We felt like we were on a scenic hike that ended in the formal gardens. I love it when I can let my kids run while my hubby and I take in the autumn views.    

Where to Eat

We stopped for Sunday brunch on the patio at Buckley’s Tavern, and we weren’t disappointed. I had the Shrimp and Grits, my favorite, and my kids loved the big children’s menu. I highly recommend the fish tacos too. And, don’t forget to order something off the dessert menu also—worth the vacation calories.  

Where to Stay

The two-bedroom suite at the Homewood Suites was our home away from home for the weekend. We stayed with the 3-2-1 Getaway package (good through November 22, 2020) that offers free admission to three attractions with any two-night stay in participating hotels.

 With two bedrooms, two bathrooms and room to spread out, this was the perfect choice for our family. I was very impressed by how clean everything was, and the hotel staff took every precaution. Our free breakfast was sent up on disposable dishes wrapped in plastic.

Our family weekend in Wilmington, Delaware, was full of breath-taking fall foliage and tons of outdoor family fun together. Don’t miss it when you’re planning your leaf-peeping getaway.