Southern Delaware is home to some of DC’s favorite beach destinations. With five family-friendly destinations to choose from, it can be hard to narrow the choices and pick which beach town is just right for your family. From kid-friendly eats to rainy day fun, we rounded up the best family activities in each destination to help you make the best choice. Once you settle on your home base, be sure to check out our guides to near-by Lewes, Reboboth Beach, Dewey Beach, Bethany Beach and Fenwick Island for more fun things to see and do in Southern Delaware.
About Fenwick Island
If you want to balance the hustle-and-bustle of Ocean City with the serenity of state parks and quiet beaches, Fenwick Island is the ideal location. Straddling the Delaware Maryland state line, Fenwick Island is just steps away (literally) from the action-packed fun of Ocean City. Spend nights on the Ocean City boardwalk, ride the amusement park attractions at Jolly Roger or Trimper Rides and then retire to quieter digs in this family-friendly town. Fenwick Island has its fair share of beach attractions, as well, like Viking Golf & Go Karts and Thunder Lagoon Water Park. Fenwick is known to have some of the cleanest beaches in the area. Stretch out anywhere on the 3-mile stretch or head north to Delaware Seashore State Park. To the south, you”ll find Assateague Island where horses roam free.
What to Do with Kids on Fenwick Island
Fenwick Island State Park is a peaceful, clean 3-mile beach that’s well known for its sea glass findings and excellent surfing conditions. The park often hosts Wild Crab Chases at night where a guide will help you find ghost crabs, a fun activity for all ages from toddlers to teens. For fun on the water, check out the bay side of this park where you can rent stand up paddle boards and kayaks.
Twenty miles south of Fenwick Island is Assateague Island National Seashore. If you’ve got a horse lover in the family, this is a must-do. Bands of horses ranging from groups of 2 to twelve roam the island freely, but be careful and keep your distance. These horses are used to visitors and will try to eat out of your hand (warning: they bite!). Learn more about these wild animals at the Visitor’s Center where you can watch a short film on the horses, see aquatic life unclose and explore touch tanks.
Rainy Day Fun on Fenwick Island
Fenwick Island is neighbors with Ocean City, MD, another popular destination with families, and a great place to hang on a rainy day. Head to the Carousel Hotel for a free ice skating performances every day at 6:30 p.m. (except Fri.) all summer long. Admission is $6/person for non-hotel guests and skates are $4. You can find more indoor fun at the Old Pro Golf’s 136th St. Indoor Course. Tickets are $11, but for $18 you can play all day.
Where to Eat on Fenwick Island
If you spend any time at Viking Golf & Go Karts and Thunder Lagoon Water Park, you’re going to want to refuel with a hearty meal. For quick tasty bites that won’t break the bank, head across the street to Grab & Go Taco. Fill your tortilla with shrimp, fish, chicken, steak or veggies. For a sweet treat after, Fisher’s world famous popcorn next door. They’ve been scooping up and serving golden kernels since 1937!
Where to Stay on Fenwick Island
Fenwick Island is home to a number of refurbished motels that are great value accommodations. The Fenwick Islander is just one block from the beach and offer a small kitchenette with a microwave and refrigerator in each room. Hilton’s Fenwick Shores is a boutique hotel just steps from the beach. Many of the rooms feature views of Assawoman Bay. Amenities at this hotel include rooms with kitchens and an outdoor pool.
For more information: fenwickisland.delaware.gov
Need some fresh ideas?
Related reads
