Whether you're spending a day with the grandkids or friends, the "Quiet Resorts" offer many options from beaches to inland bays to arts and music events.
A Day with the Grandkids
Go outside!
Enjoy the beaches of Bethany Beach and Fenwick Island! The best part about a day in the sand and sun is that the beaches are free.
Spend time at a playground. There are numerous options including Evans Park in Millville, the Joy West Playground in Ocean View, the Municipal Children Playground in Bethany Beach, and the playground at Holts Landing State Park.
Teach the kids about Natural Resources
Make a Stop at the Bethany Beach Nature Center. Open year round, the Nature Center offers event-specific activities designed to encourage awareness of our Inland Bays and Wetlands while providing hands-on fun for kids of all ages. It has a small playground, programs every Saturday at 10:30, and a short boardwalk to the marshes that includes a fun scavenger hunt.
James Farm Ecological Preserve is an oasis of wild land on Indian River Bay, located just a short drive from Bethany Beach. Enjoy short trails to the bay where the grandchildren can explore the beach and marine critters. Nets and water shoes optional.
Have some fun!
Mini Golf is always a family favorite. There are many options such as Captain Jacks in downtown Bethany and Shipwrecked Mini Golf and Ice Cream in Ocean View. In addition there is the Millville Boardwalk with mini golf, an arcade, and don't forget ice cream!
For Visitors and Locals of All Ages
Downtown Bethany Beach
Bethany Beach offers many options. From concerts at the Bandstand to the farmers market to a 4th of July Celebration, there is something for everyone! Find updates on the town's website for activities such as movies, exercise classes, camps, and more.
Go Outside
Delaware Seashore State Park offers events and activities for all ages such as hiking, kayaking, crabbing, clamming, crafts, life saving station tours, lantern tours, re-enactments and more. Check their calendar at destateparks.com. Annual Passes for over 62 are only $18 & include admission and parking for 12 state parks.
Dont miss the only botanic garden in southern Delaware: Delaware Botanic Gardens at Pepper Creek. A world-class, inspirational, educational, and sustainable public botanic garden. Enjoy beautiful, short meandering trails through the gardens and forest.
For Art and Music Lovers
The Freeman Arts Pavilion is beginning its 14th season. Visit their website for a schedule of their many upcoming performances.
In addition to the Bethany Beach concert series and the offerings at the Freeman Arts Pavilion, in the past there has been free concerts at John West Park, Holts Landing State Park, and Delaware Seashore State Park throughout the summer.
Many area restaurants feature live music to enhance your dining experience. Check out Hammerheads Dockside, Sea Level, Harpoon Hannas, or Lobster Shanty for water views.
The Art League of Ocean City's Center for the Arts is a must see for artists and art lovers. Located on 94th Street on the Bay, the facility features a spacious two story gallery, a pottery studio, classrooms, art library and five working artist studios. The galleries display new exhibits of regional and local artists monthly, some of whom are Art League of Ocean City members. If you're feeling creative, there are in person and online drawing, painting, jewelry making and pottery classes for artists of all abilities and ages. Events such as Originals Only, First Fridays, and the Ocean Film Festival are outstanding and well attended. An artisan inspired gift shop offers unique gifts and most of the art art work in the galleries can be purchased.
If you need more ideas for things to do
Check out the Bethany-Fenwick Chamber of Commerce too on Coastal Highway. They have an abundance of info and a friendly staff to guide you.
Take time to enjoy the beaches, bays and communities!