30 Things to Do in Delaware this Summer with Your Family

Summer is the perfect time to explore various things to do in Delaware with your family! (Spring can also be a great time to visit for families.) From scenic beaches and state parks to unique attractions and local events, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Whether you are a resident or a visitor, there are plenty of family-friendly activities to discover throughout the state. In this post, we will explore some of the top things to do in Delaware during the summer months, organized by county. So pack your sunscreen, grab your camera, and prepare for a summer of fun and adventure in the First State!

Things to Do in Delaware in New Castle County:

New Castle County, Delaware, offers a variety of activities for visitors and residents of all ages. From exploring historic landmarks and scenic parks to experiencing unique cultural attractions and dining at local restaurants, there is something for everyone in this county. Whether you’re looking to learn about the state’s colonial history, enjoy the great outdoors, or discover new forms of art and entertainment, New Castle County has plenty of options to choose from.

1. Brandywine Zoo: The Brandywine Zoo is a small zoo in Wilmington with various animals, including red pandas, river otters, and bald eagles.
2. Delaware Children’s Museum: The Delaware Children’s Museum is an interactive museum that offers hands-on exhibits and activities for children of all ages.
3. Wilmington Riverfront: The Wilmington Riverfront is a vibrant area along the Christina River with shops, restaurants, a movie theater, the Riverwalk mini-golf course, and a seasonal outdoor concert venue.
4. Cozy Quarters Farm: Cozy Quarters Farm is a quaint farm offering a horseback riding experience. Families with littles can also participate in the “farm experience” of collecting eggs and feeding goats, pigs, and chickens.
5. 3 Palms Zoo and Education Center: This petting zoo has several opportunities for visitors to learn more about animal conservation, animal behaviors, and habitats. Costing less than $10 to enter, this is a must-visit location.
6. Hagley Museum and Library: The Hagley Museum and Library is a historic site on the grounds of the original DuPont gunpowder factory. Visitors can tour the restored mills and workers’ community.
7. Sail on the Kalmar Nyckel: The Kalmar Nyckel is a historic ship that was originally built in Sweden in the 17th century. Today, a replica of the Kalmar Nyckel is a floating museum and educational resource in Delaware. The ship is docked in Wilmington and offers a variety of programs and activities for visitors of all ages, including guided tours, sailing trips, and educational programs.
8. Frawley Stadium: Frawley Stadium is a minor league baseball stadium home to the Wilmington Blue Rocks. You can also catch an awesome fireworks show on the 4th of July.
9. Northern Delaware Greenway: The Northern Delaware Greenway is a 10-mile trail from Bellevue State Park to Brandywine Creek State Park, perfect for biking or hiking.
10. Go Ape: Go Ape is the treetop adventure course, which features zip lines, rope bridges, and other obstacles suspended high above the forest floor. Visitors can climb, swing, and zip their way through the course while enjoying stunning views of the surrounding woods.

Things to do in Kent County, Delaware:

Kent County, Delaware, is a hidden gem that offers a plethora of exciting activities for visitors of all ages. Situated in the heart of Delaware, this county offers several landmarks, outdoor recreation opportunities, and cultural events that showcase the rich heritage of the region. Whether you’re interested in exploring the history of Delaware’s colonial past, spending time in the great outdoors, or discovering new forms of art and entertainment, Kent County has something to offer. Let us take a closer look at some of the top activities to do in Kent County, Delaware, to help you plan your next adventure in the First State.

1. Air Mobility Command Museum: The Air Mobility Command Museum is located on the grounds of Dover Air Force Base and features vintage aircraft and exhibits on military aviation.
2. Killens Pond State Park: Killens Pond State Park has a lake for swimming and fishing, hiking trails, picnic areas, and a water park.
3. Johnson Victrola Museum: The Johnson Victrola Museum has exhibits on the history of recorded sound and the Victor Talking Machine Company, which was based in Delaware.
4. Delaware Agricultural Museum and Village: The Delaware Agricultural Museum and Village has exhibits on the history of agriculture in Delaware. In addition, the village has restored historic buildings that give a glimpse of life in rural Delaware in the past.
5. Biggs Museum of American Art: The Biggs Museum of American Art is a museum that features American fine and decorative arts from the 1700s to the present day.
6. Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge: The Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge has over 16,000 acres of wetlands and is home to over 250 bird species and other wildlife like deer and foxes.
7. Delaware State Fair: The Delaware State Fair runs in late July and early August and has a variety of rides, games, exhibits, and concerts.
8. Downtown Dover: Downtown Dover has many buildings from the 18th and 19th centuries that have been preserved and restored.
9. Abbott’s Mill Nature Center: Abbott’s Mill Nature Center is a non-profit organization located in Milford, Delaware, that is dedicated to promoting environmental education, conservation, and outdoor recreation. The organization is centered around the historic Abbott’s Mill. This water-powered gristmill was built in 1795 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
10. Fifer Orchard: Fifer Orchards is a family-owned and operated farm in Wyoming, Delaware. Fifer Orchards is open to the public throughout the year and offers a variety of activities for visitors, including pick-your-own fruit, hayrides, corn mazes, and seasonal events.

Things to do In Delaware based in Sussex County:

Known for its beautiful beaches, charming small towns, and picturesque countryside, Sussex County, Delaware, offers various activities for visitors of all ages. Next, I will highlight some of the top activities to do in Sussex County, Delaware, to help you plan your next visit to the First State.

1. Visit the Rehoboth Beach Boardwalk: The boardwalk has shops, restaurants, and attractions like Funland amusement park.
2. Spend a day at the beach: Sussex County has several beautiful beaches, including Cape Henlopen State Park, Bethany Beach, and Rehoboth Beach.
3. Visit the DiscoverSea Shipwreck Museum: The museum has a collection of artifacts from shipwrecks along the Delaware coast and offers tours and educational programs.
4. “Pirates of Lewes” Exhibit: The “Pirates of Lewes” exhibit is an interactive museum exhibit at the Lewes Historical Society in Lewes, Delaware. The exhibit is designed to transport visitors back to the Golden Age of Piracy when notorious pirates like Blackbeard and Captain Kidd roamed the seas.
5. Go to Jungle Jim’s Water Park: The park has water slides, a lazy river, and other attractions for all ages.
6. Explore the Delaware Seashore State Park: The park has a variety of outdoor activities, including swimming, fishing, and hiking.
7. Go to the Georgetown Speedway: The speedway hosts races throughout the summer, including stock car and modified races.
8. Spend a day at the Indian River Marina: The marina offers fishing charters, boat rentals, and other water-based activities.
9. Visit the Zwaanendael Museum: The museum has exhibits on Delaware’s history, including the early Dutch settlement of the area.
10. Junction and Breakwater Trail: The Junction and Breakwater Trail is a 6-mile trail from Lewes to Rehoboth and is a scenic route for biking or walking.

With so many family-friendly activities to choose from, Delaware is the perfect destination for a summer getaway. From outdoor fun to beautiful beaches and museum experiences, there is no shortage of things to see and do. So whether you want to relax on the beach, explore a state park, or sample delicious local cuisine, Delaware has something to offer every family member. So begin planning your next summer vacation in the First State and create memories that will last a lifetime!

What activity do you think your family would enjoy the most?

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