Let’s Explore Delaware!

October 27, 2026

The Delaware state study page we used is found in the Learn + PLAY USA resource.

You can find it here:

Delaware lesson flat lay with state books, playdough tubs, state cards, and the Playdough Shape page
Our Delaware lesson, all laid out!

This week our state study had us exploring Delaware, the First State! We pulled out our Learn + PLAY USA page, a couple of Delaware books, state cards, and a whole rainbow of playdough. Blood sugar stabilizing snack included- it’s been one of those roller coaster days (IYKYK.)

Coloring the Delaware state flag

We always start our lessons looking through books and collecting interesting facts. Coloring the state flag while we peeked at peach blossoms in the book, Explore the U.S.A. was a favorite part. Getting to see how unique each flag is every week is a highlight. Delaware had a lot of greenish/blue- a win in Rut’s book!

Coloring Delaware on the U.S. map and filling Quick Facts next to The First State Delaware book
Finding tiny Delaware on the map and filling in Quick Facts

Delaware is a tiiiiinnnyy state but we found it on the map! (I think) Then we filled in Quick Facts using the book, The First State: Delaware.

Delaware is called the First State because on December 7, 1787 it was the first colony to ratify the U.S. Constitution and the state’s name comes from Delaware Bay, which explorer Samuel Argall named in 1610 after Virginia's governor, Lord De La Warr.

If you’re curious for a few quick facts:

Its capital is Dover.

Its biggest city is Wilmington.

Its state bird is the blue hen chicken and its state flower is the peach blossom.

It is the second smallest state of all the US states and sits on the Delmarva Peninsula.

In addition to our state information sheet, we like to expand learning with a hands on activity, game, or project. This week we made Delaware out of playdough! We rolled a long snake for the outline and pressed a yellow star in the middle. Fair warning: once your kids start shaping states, you may end up with a whole playdough atlas on the table!

Child pressing a yellow playdough star into a teal Delaware state outline on the Playdough Shape page
Making Delaware out of playdough - I created this cute activity just for this week and want to share it with you for FREE!

Pressing the star into our First State outline

After we collected facts and information about Delaware we took our learning to the digital realm with a couple YouTube videos! If you need a little guidance on places to "visit" or learn more about I made a list for you here:

Here are some of the most visited, family friendly places in Delaware.

We looked them up on YouTube for little tours and insights from travelers.

Delaware Children's Museum in Wilmington sits on the Riverfront with hands-on exhibits built for kids.
Brandywine Zoo in Wilmington is a small, friendly zoo
Delaware Museum of Nature & Science in Wilmington has dinosaurs, wildlife, and science exhibits.
Hagley Museum in Wilmington is the original du Pont gunpowder works on the Brandywine.
Winterthur's Enchanted Woods is a children's garden tucked into the Winterthur estate.
Fort Delaware State Park on Pea Patch Island is reached by ferry from Delaware City
Cape Henlopen State Park in Lewes has beaches, trails, and big Atlantic views.
Air Mobility Command Museum at Dover Air Force Base is packed with aircraft to explore.
Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge near Smyrna is wonderful for bird watching and quiet drives.