Beach Bonanza

Sure, the sand, sun and sea are fun. But there are lots of other family activities to do along Delaware’s coast. Here are several ways to keep the kids—and the adults—busy at the beach.
 

WATER

Pirates of Lewes Expeditions, 400 Anglers Road, Lewes.  When: Tues.-Sun. departures at 9:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m.  What: A fantastical voyage filled with exciting pirate adventures.  Contact: 249-3538, www.piratesoflewesexpeditions.com.
 

Cape May-Lewes Ferry, park at 1200 Lincoln Blvd., North Cape May, N.J.; 43 Cape Henlopen Drive, Lewes, or take the shuttle.  When: Check the website for shuttle locations and ferry dates/times.  What: View historic lighthouses and scenic harbors on the 17-mile cruise between New Jersey and Delaware.  Contact: (800) 643-3779, www.cmlf.com.
 

Dewey Beach Parasail, 113 Dickinson St., Dewey Beach; 39415 Inlet Road, Bethany Beach.  When: Opens 8 a.m., daily.  What: Take a sky-high trip with experienced parasail operators and enjoy impressive views of the Delaware coast.  Contact: 877-FLY-DEWEY, 227-9507, www.flydewey.com.
 

Alley-Oop Skim, 1904 Coastal Hwy., Dewey Beach.  When: Lessons can be scheduled by request, times listed on website.  What: Kids learn to skimboard, skateboard or surf from the riders that do it best.  Contact: 227-7087, www.alleyoopskim.com.
 

Delmarva Boat Sport Adventures, 19470 Coastal Hwy., No. 5, Rehoboth Beach; 39084 Harpoon Road, Fenwick Island.  When: Rehoboth: Mon.-Sat. 9 a.m.-6 p.m., Sun. 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; Fenwick Island: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. daily.  What: Enjoy windsurfing, paddleboarding and kayaking as a family.  Contact: 260-9008, www.delmarvaboardsportadventures.com.
 

Crab Claw Adventures, 39415 Inlet Road, Rehoboth Beach.  When: 8:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. daily.  What: Kids catch blue crabs while parents enjoy views of the Indian River.  Contact: 260-4347, www.crab-claws.com.

FOR YOUR AMUSEMENT

Funland, 6 Delaware Ave., Rehoboth Beach.  When: Games open June 13 at 10 a.m.; rides always at 1 p.m.  What: Whether you’re riding the classics, winning prizes or playing games, this amusement center offers entertainment for the whole family.  Contact: 227-1921, www.funlandrehoboth.com.
 

Jungle Jim’s River Safari Waterpark, 36944 Country Club Road, Rehoboth Beach.  When: Opens 10 a.m. daily.  What: Explore the wild “jungle” and slip down the water slides, splash in the kiddie pool, meander along the lazy river and more.  Contact: 227-8444, www.funatjunglejims.com.         

Viking Amusements and Thunder Lagoon Waterpark, 38960 Island St., Fenwick Island.  When: 10 a.m.-7 p.m.  What: Challenge yourself to 18-hole miniature golf, take a spin around the go-kart track or cool off at Thunder Lagoon.  Contact: 539-4027, www.vikinggolfamusements.com.
 

Midway Speedway Park, 8645 Coastal Hwy., Rehoboth Beach.  When: Midway Speedway & Fire Mountain Golf: 10 a.m.-12 a.m. daily. White Water Mountain: 10 a.m.-8 p.m. daily.  What: Lots of activities for the whole family at an affordable cost.  Contact: 645-8064, 644-2042, www.midwayspeedwaypark.com.
 

NATURE

Delaware Seashore State Park, 39415 Inlet Road, Rehoboth Beach.  When: 8 a.m.-sunset daily.  What: This 2,825-acre park is a perfect destination for beach lovers.  Contact: 227-2800, www.destateparks.com/park/delaware-seashore/park-office.asp.
 

Fenwick Island State Park, Del. 1, Fenwick Island.  When: 8 a.m.-sunset daily.  What: Three miles of sand, surf and sun.  Contact: 227-2800, www.destateparks.com/park/fenwick-island.
 

Cape Henlopen State Park and Campground, 42 Cape Henlopen Drive, Lewes.  When: 8 a.m. to sunset daily.  What: Take your family on a picnic in the pavilion, soak in the sun or explore the nature trails and Seaside Nature Center.  Contact: 645-8983, www.destateparks.com/park/cape-henlopen/index.asp.
 

Bethany Beach Nature Center, 807 Garfield Parkway (Del. 26), Bethany Beach.  When: Saturday, 10 a.m.-noon.  What: Kids take part in fun-filled indoor and outdoor activities, including stories and projects. Learn about monarch butterflies, horseshoe crabs and other wildlife. (There’s no charge, but children must be accompanied by an adult.)  Contact: 226-8105, www.inlandbays.org/stuff-for-kids.
 

Atlantic Cycles, 18 Wilmington Ave., Rehoboth Beach.  When: 7 a.m.-7 p.m. daily.  What: There’s no better way to spend a morning than by riding family and kid-friendly bicycles.  Contact: 226-2543, www.atlanticcycles.net.
 

Bike To Go, 174 Rehoboth Ave. Rehoboth Beach.  When: Mon.-Sun. 8 a.m.-9 p.m.  What: Boardwalk cruisers, strollers, youth bikes, child seats and more. Contact: 227-7600, www.atlanticcycles.net.
 

CULTURE

Cinema by the Canal, 211 Front St., Lewes Canalfront Park, Lewes.  When: Every other Thursday, starting July 2. Movies start at dusk. Free admission.  What: Movies the whole family will enjoy.  Contact: 645-9095, www.rehobothfilm.com.
 

Clear Space Theatre Company, 20 Baltimore Ave., Rehoboth Beach.  When: Check out the theater’s website for dates and show times.  What: Enjoy shows like “Grease,” “Rent” and “Seussical the Musical.” Acting classes are offered, too.  Contact: 227-2270, www.clearspacetheatre.org.
 

The Lightship Overfalls, 219 Pilottown Road, Lewes.  When: Monday, Thursday-Saturday 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; Sunday noon-4 p.m.  What: Tour one of the last remaining lightships built from 1820 to 1952.  Contact: 644-8050, www.overfalls.org.
 

Museums of the Lewes Historical Society, 110 Shipcarpenter St., Lewes.  When: 11 a.m.-4 p.m. daily.  What: Catch a glimpse into the past at museums like Cannonball House or the Midway School. $5 for adults; free for members, students with ID cards and children.  Contact: 645-7670, www.historiclewes.org.
 

Zwaanendael Museum, 102 Kings Hwy., Lewes.  When: For tour dates and times, visit the museum’s website.  What: The museum commemorates the founding of Delaware’s first European settlement by the Dutch in 1631. Free admission.  Contact: 645-1148, history.delaware.gov/museums/zm/zm_main.shtml.

SWEET TOOTH

Hopkins Farm Creamery, 18186 Dairy Farm Road, Lewes.  When: 11 a.m.-11 p.m. daily.  What: Enjoy farm-made, hand-scooped cups or cones of ice cream, milkshakes, ice cream pies and more.  Contact: 645-7163, www.hopkinsfarmcreamery.com.