Delaware Beaches Offers Activities for All

While the Delaware Beaches is absolutely one of the most relaxing coastal vacation destinations around, it can also be one of the most exhilarating. There are so many exciting, family-friendly ways to spend your time in the region.

Spend a Day on the Water

Surfing

Since the waves here are simply perfect year-round, why not use your vacation as the perfect opportunity to learn how to surf? There are plenty of shops where you can rent a surfboard and get private lessons from a local pro. From first-timers to the casual surfer looking to learn new tricks, surf instructors work with people of all ages and skill levels.

Fishing

Fishing opportunities are a cinch in the Delaware Beaches. Go on a headboat charter or do some surf fishing. You’ll be excited to know that flounder, sea bass, tautog, yellowfin tuna and marlin are several fish in Delaware’s local waters. Sailing out of nearby Ocean City, Maryland, Miss Ocean City offers a family-friendly bay fishing adventure.

Kayak

Take a ride down Delaware’s watery nature trails. Peaceful and equally pleasurable, make sure you take advantage of the many miles of bayfront coastline aboard a kayak. There’s nothing quite like enjoying the cool breezes from your own waterfront view. Start making plans by contacting Coastal Kayak.

Stand-Up Paddleboard

More serene, yet with extra strength required, learn the popular pastime of stand-up paddleboarding. All you need is a board and paddle, which Coastal Kayak also rents, and you’re set to go. You’ll enjoy incredible views of the horizon and possibly even catch glimpses of dolphins.

Tiki tours

Cruise around the Delaware waterways onboard a festive tiki boat. These unique tours offer visitors a fun way to sightsee along Delaware’s shores and party in style. Guests onboard Island Time’s tiki boat can look forward to tour times throughout the week, a large bar and lounge area, cheerful lighting and much more.

Other Outdoor Activities

Area Amusement Parks

Enjoy a day packed with family fun at Jolly Roger Amusement Park, celebrating their 60th anniversary in 2024. The Jolly Roger at 30th Street location in Ocean City is home to Splash Mountain and Speedworld, plus you will find the classic amusement park rides everybody knows and loves from a carousel and fun slide to swings and bumper cars, a train and much more. 

Waterpark

Thunder Lagoon Waterpark will add even more excitement to your visit. With a Lazy River ride, six slides, activity pool and kiddie pool, the entire family will make a splash here. 

Mini Golf

Mini golf is a popular summertime activity that’s perfect for all ages. With locations both indoors and outdoors, your family will love wandering through a jungle safari or hitting the high seas with pirates. Have a ball at Old Pro Golf’s themed indoor and outdoor courses or try out one of the entertaining courses offered at Nick’s Mini Golf, including their brand new indoor-outdoor location with a Jurassic theme in Rehoboth Beach. Find more great adventures at Viking Golf, where you will also learn about Viking history while wandering through the course’s captivating landscaping. After doing some souvenir shopping at the Sea Shell Shop, stay around for a 19-hole game of miniature golf at the charming beachcomber-themed Shell We Golf course adjacent to the store.  

Nature Parks

Spending time at scenic Delaware Seashore State Park will be entertaining for the whole family. With miles of both ocean and bay shoreline, the area offers fun water activities such as surfing, kayaking, fishing and more. Set aside some time to tour the interesting Indian River Life-Saving Station and learn the history of Tower Three, which recently opened to the public after more than 15 years of renovation efforts. 

Animal Encounters

Experiencing wildlife up-close is a special activity the whole family can enjoy together. Located in Frankford, Coastal Wilds is a zoological park featuring a range of fun opportunities to spend time with adorable animals, such as Encounter Tours, Otter Swims and Sippin’ with Sloths. Red Kangaroo, Eurasian Lynx, Fennec Fox, Green Iguana and Capybara are some additional amazing species to come see!

Indoor Activities

Bowling

Get ready to knock down some pins with a few rounds of bowling. Bowling is a classic game for young and old, and these stylish local lanes elevate the traditional experience. Between sets, enjoy some tasty snacks and drinks, including some adult beverages, for a full-service experience. For an ultimate bowling experience plus many other attractions, such as axe throwing and top golf swing suite, head over to Lefty’s Alley & Eats in Lewes. 

Arcades and Game Rooms

How about brushing up on your gaming skills? Battle with your teens (in a good way) at a local arcade. Lefty’s Alley & Eats features arcade games as part of its lineup of entertainment attractions. It’s the perfect time to try something new together, like a puzzling escape room. Join forces as a team and beat the clock, or work on your tactical skills with some laser tag. 

Local Museums

Feed your appetite for knowledge with something new this vacation by exploring a nearby museum. Check out event schedules to see what programs and exhibits are on display.

Trampoline Park 

If you’re looking to spend time out of the sun or rain, and burn off some energy, why not head to the trampoline park? The Shell We Bounce Trampoline Park is open daily and provides hours of entertainment for the whole family, including trampolines, a Kid Zone, an arcade and even a cafe.

Tax-Free Shopping

A main reason Delaware shopping is so special is that it is tax-free, seven days a week, 365 days a year. While significant, that’s just part of why shopping here is incredible. From the quaint antique shops in Lewes to the eclectic boutiques in downtown Rehoboth, shopping takes on many forms in the Delaware Beaches. People come from all over to stroll the streets of our charming towns and shop the expansive variety of stores here. 

Beach Shops 

While at the beach, purchasing some beach-themed gifts is a must. At the Sea Shell Shop discover nautical gifts, shells, art, collectibles, hermit crabs, homemade fudge and even mini golf! golf! Also be sure a visit to Seaside Country Store, in Fenwick Island, is on your agenda for unique coastal gifts, tasty food items and much more. A short road trip south to The Country House offers another incredible shopping experience full of all kinds of Eastern Shore-inspired gifts and keepsakes.

Pick up some last-minute beach gear at Holly’s Treasure Chest before you hit the beach or stock up on groceries at Weis Markets so you’re covered for any meals or snacks while you are in town. Satisfy your sweet tooth by stopping by a favorite local staple, Candy Kitchen. Delicious fudge, salt water taffy, hand-dipped chocolates, you’ll find all this and many other treats! 

Antiques & Repurposing Shops

Those with a flair for antiques or repurposed furniture will love exploring these scenic, rural towns for one-of-a-kind furniture and goods. There are actually more than 500 antique dealers in southern Delaware in the form of antique shops, flea markets and auctions. 

Fenwick Island is home to vintage and reclaimed furniture shops, where you can purchase their pieces or bring in your own piece for a custom application. If you’re looking for vintage furniture with modern elements, then head to Lewes for the latest new furniture collections.

Outlets

Browse through well-known shops, as well as stores only found in Delaware, as you discover apparel for all ages, along with accessories, entertainment stores, dining and more all in one area. You will find yourself walking out of one store and quickly spotting your next stop to continue shopping for jaw-dropping deals and tax-free items. With all the trendiest brands the outlets have to offer, you will have no choice but to treat yourself.

No matter what kinds of items you have on your shopping list, you will be sure to find whatever you are looking for in the Delaware Beaches.