So, what do you do at the beach when your kids are not feeling particularly “beachy?” Well, we’ve got some fun local activities that just may save your sanity.
FOR FREE The Lewes Public Library has an amazing free children’s program offering story times (at both the library itself and the Lewes Farmer’s Market), lobby exhibits, story walks, outdoor movies and free showings of “Pooh’s Day at the Beach” and “The Wizard of Oz,” performed by Clear Space Theatre’s Saturday Morning Children’s Theatre. Check out the library website for a complete detailed schedule. lewes.lib.de.us
The City of Rehoboth Beach offers free arts and craft activities for children ages 2-12 at 9 a.m. every Monday and Wednesday through Aug. 23 in Grove Park. Additionally, the city hosts special events throughout the summer that include environmental education activities, kite making, magic shows, face painting and even story time yoga. Check their website for specific dates. cityofrehoboth.com
Turtle Bridge, located in downtown Rehoboth Beach, is a wooden foot bridge that is a local secret. It connects the Silver Lake Tot Lot to Rehoboth Beach Elementary (arguably one of the best playgrounds in the area, along with Lewes Elementary School). Turtle Bridge is a nature sanctuary where you are guaranteed to see dozens of turtles, fish, ducks and geese that come out to say hello when you are walking between playgrounds.
Finally, while you do have to pay for park admission, Cape Henlopen State Park has a free aquarium for kids inside the Seaside Nature Center that encourages “please touch” exploration. The park also provides maps for kid-friendly hikes and houses a great playground, beach volleyball court and soccer field.
FOR A FEE Midway Shopping Center on Route 1 is home to not just the Movies at Midway, but also the Midway Speedway and The Hideout Arcade Bar & Grille. Midway Speedway is a go-kart racetrack with year-round racing on five different tracks. They even have a special Kiddie Track and a Kiddie Dune Buggy Track for the littles. The Hideout is a restaurant adorned with superheroes and movie memorabilia, and offers Skee-Ball, pinball, basketball games and a slew of video games including Tetris and Ms. Pac-Man.
Go Paint Ceramics in Milton has Paint-To-Go kits that you can pick up and do at home. They also have kids discount weekends for painting in the studio.
Lefty’s Alley & Eats off Route 1 in Lewes houses a bunch of indoor activities, including a Top Golf Swing Suite, karaoke, ax throwing, bowling and even mini duckpin lanes, plus a ton of arcade games.
If you’re looking for games in Rehoboth Beach, Zelky’s Arcade on the Boardwalk is air-conditioned with three locations, two of which are conveniently located near Funland. Speaking of which, don’t forget Funland. Always any kid’s (or adult’s) first pick on places to hit up after the beach.
