Delaware Field Trip Guide

Delaware may be the second smallest state in terms of land mass, but it certainly does not lack in history, culture, performing arts and educational programs. Famous for tax-free shopping, and the fact that a majority of Fortune 500 companies are Delaware entities, the state also has a reputation for rich historic and cultural sites, museums with wonderful STEM programs and more, which makes Delaware a great state for field trips. Along with its energetic beaches and boardwalks, pristine woodlands and rivers, Delaware is sure to please every student in your group.

History & Heritage Field Trip Ideas in Delaware

Delaware was the first of the original 13 colonies to ratify the U.S. Constitution to become a state on December 7, 1787—hence its official nickname “The First State.” Student groups will enjoy learning about Wilmington’s Swedish origins through a Kalmar Nyckel (Key of Kalmar) field trip. Kalmar Nyckel is a full-scale, award-winning replica of the colonial ship that brought European settlers to the Delaware Valley in 1638. Ship and maritime center programs last for four hours, including sailing on the ship and stops at four interactive stations on land.Field trip groups can also learn about Delaware’s most famous family, the du Ponts, at Nemours Mansion and Gardens. Also located in Wilmington, the 300-acre estate provides interpretive guides for the 77-room mansion, formal French-style gardens and the chauffeur’s garage which features a vintage collection of automobiles. Groups are encouraged to picnic on the grounds and enjoy the scenery.

Delaware Performing Arts Field Trips

From field trips with big stages to small opera houses, exciting opportunities for the performing arts range throughout Delaware. The Delaware Theatre Company has enriched the vitality of the Wilmington area through artistic programming, education and community service and since 1979 with professional performances and youth summer-on-stage programs and theatre labs. Founded within an abandoned firehouse, this unique 389-seat venue has impacted over 100,000 people through its Education and Community Engagement programs.Also located in Wilmington, Delaware Children’s Theater is dedicated to providing creative expression to youths with plays, music, workshops and more. Located between Dover and Wilmington, Smyrna Opera House provides young talents a beautiful venue for all event types from September through June, along with summer camps during off season and classes year-round. Nearby, students can enjoy the outdoors at Blackbird State Forest with its abundant nature and wildlife areas, as well as some water fun at Kula SUP.

Arts & Culture in Delaware

The fine arts are well represented in Delaware, including at the Delaware Art Museum. Located in Wilmington, the museum was founded in 1912 in honor of the artist Howard Pyle. Its collection of some 12,000 objects focuses on American art and illustration from the 19^th to the 21^st century, and on British pre-Raphaelite art. Founded in 1912 as the Wilmington Society of the Fine Arts, the Delaware Art Museum provides youth and child camps throughout the year, some of which include art experiment opportunities such as pendulum painting, fluid art and making musical instruments.

At the Nanticoke Indian Museum in Millsboro, visitors will find a collection of handmade jewelry, pottery, spears, arrow points and other artifacts designed to interpret and honor the culture of the Native Americans who have long called Delaware home. Experience oral presentations by Nanticoke people in this National Historic Landmark building.

Located in Dover, the Johnson Victrola Museum highlights the history of the Victor Talking Machine Company, which pioneered the development of the sound-recording industry and was founded by Delaware’s native son, Eldridge Reeves Johnson. Here, visitors will find displays of phonographs, recordings and memorabilia. Based in Wilmington, the Delaware Symphony Orchestra offers multi-faceted educational outreach programs, including guided activities and performances.

Marine & Aquatic Adventures in Delaware

Part of the Delaware State Parks, the Seaside Nature Center spotlights the different habitats and creatures that exist within the scenic Cape Henlopen State Park. The centerpiece is a 300-gallon two-level touch tank, complete with viewing windows. The nature center also features five 1,000-gallon tanks with local fish, exhibits that explain the different habitats within the park and a live Osprey cam provided by the Friends of Cape Henlopen. The Center can help educators plan an environmental nature program including guided nature walks and birding trips.

STEM for Educational Field Trips in Delaware

Kalmar Nyckel is also an excellent site for STEM (Science, Math, Technology & Engineering) programs. Field trip groups will delve into mathematics and engineering through the eyes of a sailor, exploring the principles of buoyancy, points and angles of sail, celestial navigation, dead reckoning and more.Located in New Castle County outside of Wilmington, along the banks of the beautiful Brandywine Creek, the Hagley Museum and Library offers a plethora of STEM opportunities across 235 acres. Not only will student field trip groups enjoy learning about the history of the grounds, STEM programs vary for everyone’s interests, ranging from learning coding for robotics to assisted invention creation where students can apply for a Hagley patent. The site is also the first U.S. home and gardens of the du Pont family.Main photo: Kalmar Nyckel is a full-scale, award-winning replica of the colonial ship that brought European settlers to the Delaware Valley in 1638.