Delaware Museum of Natural History

I was fortunate to receive two 2015 Brandywine Treasure Trail Passport tickets which gives you access to 11 amazing attractions throughout Wilmington and the Brandywine Valley’s top attractions and this was one of them. The Brandywine Treasure Trail Passport was valid from May 23, 2015 through September 7, 2015 and couldn’t be used during special events. We had no issues using them at the admission office and just waited for our passport stamp which was cool.
I had my 15 year old goddaughter who loves museums and we were both shocked how small their exhibits were and all on the ground floor. The museum itself was still educational and to me catered to younger children. There were a lot of interactive activities for younger children and the children that were there seemed to be having a great time.
I don’t know, I was expecting a little more for it to be the Museum of Natural history. However, we were in and out within 40 minutes. I was happy we didn’t pay regular admission because then I would’ve been disappointed. Overall, great for the kiddies, okay for the adults, just my two cents!

Be forewarned this place is tiny. You can tell it’s small from the outside, but once inside they let you know the museum is only one floor, so it’s a bit disappointing.
Admission is only 9 dollars so it’s not ridiculous for an hour or two of educational entertainment. Plus they currently have the Titanoboa exhibit complete with a to scale model of what a giant snake would look like. Strangely, no one seemed interested in it except us.
There’s dead animals in the form of taxidermy as far as the eye can see, some of which are really creepy because they didn’t give them glass eyes! It’s still very interesting, especially their large collection of exotic birds. Not to mention their dinosaur skeletons, which are huge and very well preserved.
In addition they have quite a collection of bird eggs from around the world. However most are filed away so you cannot see them. I hope eventually get a better display for the eggs so that you can look at more of them.
I’m glad I saw this place, however due to the small size I don’t think I’ll be returning. Worth the trip if you have a child you’d like to expose to science, adults might want to stick to the larger museums.

I think I may be spoiled by enjoying the Smithsonian museums in Washington, D.C., because this was disappointing. So very small. I was hoping to make a day of visiting the museum and we were done touring within 2 hours.

This is a great little museum, especially if you have young children. It is short and sweet, and you don’t have to go all the way to NYC or DC. My favorite exhibit is the shell gallery.

The Museum which specializes in mollusks is actually a hidden gem. During Memorial Day weekend the staff held a brief, behind the scenes look at the inner workings of the museum. Very insightful! I hope this museum grows.

This is a lovely museum located on 52. It’s not a big museum but it gives you a big run through on natural history. My daughter first trip to the museum and she was a little scared of the big black and polar bears. Lol cute how she closed her eyes to them. Everyone working there are so helpful and friendly. They treat you like good friends coming in for a visit. Will be back soon

Seeing as for 2012 we are members of another science museum we decided to put the excellent reciprocal privileges of ASTC membership to the test by hitting the road to visit the DMNH.
The museum itself is nicely put in the middle of nowhere and at least you don’t have to deal with a lot of the BS of going into Philly in terms of crowds and parking issues as this place was not that crowded and the parking is close and free.
Upon entering we showed our membership card from the place where we are members and we were on our way quickly.
Pros:
Good stuff on dinosaurs and about the archaeological digs for them.
Nice dioramas on numerous mammals and birds that both inhabit the Delaware area and beyond.
Easy to see everything in 2 – 3 hours tops
Cons:
You shouldn’t need anything to eat or drink because it doesn’t take that long to see everything but if you do other than a few crappy vending machines there is squatola.
The Nature Nook area was badly overrun with people and their note on the website of only allowing a thirty person maximum capacity is laughable because there was at times closer to double that in the small area.
Easy to see everything in 2 – 3 hours tops.
Overall my impression of the DMNH is that if you like the Academy of Natural Sciences you’ll like this place because there are a lot of similarities in some cases to the point that you would almost think that this was the Delaware branch of the Academy. (aka. Diorama Wonderland)
In all honesty I can’t imagine a need to come back but the drive was pleasant enough and it was good to see once but past that there really isn’t enough here to warrant a second visit, at least not anytime soon.

DUNG BEETLES!
Ok, now that I have your attention, Id like to talk to you about the Deleware Museum of Natural History. First, however, let me widen the scope. Since my oldest child could walk, we have made it a point to become members at some type of museum or institution for the year. Usually, we just do one at a time so we dont get overwhelmed. Zoo, aquarium, museum, arboretum… we liked to keep it fresh.
I cant begin to extoll the advantages orf becoming a member as opposed to the one time visit. Usually, the money difference is about $ 10 to $ 20 dollars so if you can go once for $ 30 or unlimited for a year for about $ 50 you can do the math yourself. If you still arent convinced, know that they also give you a list of similar sites around the country where you can also go for free or at a discount. We have utilized this option numerous times while on vacation, saving hundreds of dollars over the years. Did I mention discounts? It also usually includes free parking and a discount at the gift shop, and if your kids are as greedy as mine, this is also useful.
A little about me… I hate going into the city… to the point of it being an anxiety disorder. For the Franklin, Zoo or Aquarium, I always knew the exact route where I can get in and the *beep* out of the city with the least amount of exposure. Therefore I was delighted to discover a place where we could become members far away from dastardly Philly. I didnt even know the Deleware Museum of Natural History even existed. We came the first time to see one of our favorite local musicians, John Flynn do a kids concert.
The DMNH is a very cool place. One of the things I like about it is that its chock full of stuff but you can see it all in one day. Places like the Franklin and the Zoo are also great but often, since there is so much to see, you have to make Sophies Choice to fit things in — CMON KIDS! BEARS OR LIONS! CHOOSE NOW! WE CANT SEE IT ALL!
Smaller places like DMNH make it so you feel you didnt miss out on anything, but while still getting your moneys worth.
Lest you think that going more that once will be boring, they have travelling exhibits usually 4 or 5 a year to keep it fresh (coming up… BUGS!) They once had a great sports exhibit where I eventually let the other «kids» throw footballs into targets and pitched for speed.
Here are some random thoughts that pop up when I think of DMNH…
— The Dung beetles I mentioned… theres a large one pushing a (fake) ball of dung in the lobby and of course there is a picture somewhere of me pretending to «make» the dung.
— There is a lifesize dinasaur skeleton. nuff said.
— my favorite area is the aquatic section because in the hallway, the floor becomes plexiglass and reveals a reef under your feet. Its cool by itself but sit here for awhile and watch the toddlers who dont understand that its glass and not water. They wont walk on it! and when a mean parent (yes me) picks them up and puts them in the middle of it, their look of confused terror is priceless.
— The cafeterias are clean and no snackbar, but the vending machines are plentiful.
— not once since we have been going has it been so busy that you cant enjoy things like some places in the city.
Ok, If you arent convinced yet your heart is as cold and black like Mr Burns. Its a hike, but its worth it, especially for the suburbanites. One thing more, if theres another sports exhibit, dont even try to score on the virtual Hockey Goalie cause that bastard is mine.