Bethany Beach, Delaware, is a great vacation spot for families looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city and relax in the sun and sea breeze. This peaceful coastal town sits surrounded by beaches, parks, and nature preserves, so there’s never a shortage of family-friendly activities. If you’re planning to book a Bethany Beach vacation rental and you’re looking for fun things to do with your kids during your stay, check out this list of the top 10 activities in the area.
1. Spend the Day at Fenwick Island State Park – Fenwick Island, Delaware
Located just 6 miles from Bethany Beach, Fenwick Island State Park is a great place to spend the day or night, as it offers a wide range of amenities that include a beach, picnic areas, boat rentals, and campgrounds. Beach chairs and umbrellas are available for rent if you want to relax near the water, and picnic tables are readily available for family gatherings. Pack up some camping gear and spend the night in the great outdoors, or visit during daytime hours and take advantage of the day-use area and hiking trails.
2. Check Out the Fenwick Island Lighthouse – Fenwick Island, Delaware
The Fenwick Island Lighthouse sits approximately 6 miles away from Bethany Beach, and this historic landmark is a must-see attraction for anyone visiting the area. This massive landmark was first lit in 1859, and its light can be seen up to 19 miles away. The lighthouse is open for tours to the public during the week, and your kids are bound to enjoy climbing to the top.
3. Play Some Pirate Golf at Captain Jack’s – Bethany Beach, Delaware
Captain Jack’s Pirate Golf is a treat for kids and adults alike, as this unique mini-golf course is designed to resemble a pirate ship, complete with a talking skeleton. Take on the challenging course with your kids, then enjoy a pizza or some snacks at the concession stand. Stop by the pro shop for some pirate’s booty. Best of all, everyone who plays golf gets a free bag of fresh-popped popcorn.
Find the perfect Bethany Beach vacation rental on Tripping.com. Tripping.com is the world's #1 vacation rental search engine with over 10 million properties!
4. Have Some Fun at Arnie’s Playland – Bethany Beach, Delaware
For a day of skee ball, arcade games, and a whole lot of fun stop by Arnie’s Playland. Located on the Bethany Beach Boardwalk, Arnie’s is a great place to stop and take a break from sightseeing. Pop in and play some games with the kids, then pool your winning tickets and pick out a big prize at the prize counter.
5. Splash Along the Shoreline at Bethany Beach – Bethany Beach, Delaware
Enjoy the sun and surf without venturing too far from your vacation rental by spending the day at the beach the town was named for. Build sandcastles, stroll the shoreline hunting for shells, or walk along the Bethany Beach boardwalk and take in the sights and sounds. When you’re ready for lunch, stop by Mango’s Restaurant along the boardwalk and enjoy some fresh gulf shrimp while your little ones snack on “fried shrimpies” from the kid’s menu.
6. Hunt for Coins at Coin Beach – Rehoboth Beach, Delaware
For a fun day of treasure hunting, head over to the coastline just north of the Indian River Inlet, also known as Coin Beach. Known for its abundance of shipwrecked coins, Coin Beach is often packed with folks hoping to dig up a windfall. Bring a bucket or two and let your kids go exploring, or increase your chances at finding a buried treasure with a metal detector. The beach is approximately 13 miles away from Bethany Beach, making it a great spot to take a short day trip.
7. Hike the Assawoman Canal Trail – Ocean View, Delaware
For a day of fresh air and recreation, take the family on a group hike along the Assawoman Canal Trail in Ocean View, just 2 miles away from Bethany Beach. The trail stretches 2 miles through a wooded area, and you’ll find fun activity stations throughout your journey. Make sure to pack a pair of binoculars, as the area is known for its abundant bird population, and you may spot some blue herons and cardinals.
8. Visit James Farm Ecological Preserve – Ocean View, Delaware
If you’re hoping to partake in a bit of outdoor adventure, visit James Farm Ecological Preserve. Located 2 miles away from Bethany Beach in Ocean View, the preserve is both educational and fun. Take a self-guided walking tour of the forests and fields, or sign up for a guided kayaking excursion through the marshes and bays. The preserve also offers several walking trails that are perfect for bird-watching and exploring.
9. Go Paddleboarding in Rehoboth Bay – Rehoboth Beach, Delaware
If your kids feel like burning off some energy in the ocean, paddleboarding is fun and easy, and several surf shops offer lessons for beginners. Sign up for a guided stand-up paddleboarding tour with DelMarVa Stand-Up Paddle, then hit the waves at Rehoboth Beach, located approximately 13 miles away from Bethany Beach. You can also sign up for a paddleboard eco-tour and get a close-up view of local wildlife in its natural habitat. All guided tours start with an instructional session, and the tours are suitable for all skill levels, making it easy to bring the kids along.
10. Get Back to Nature at Bethany Beach Nature Center – Bethany Beach, Delaware
Bethany Beach Nature Center is one of the area’s most popular attractions for kids, as it stays open year-round and offers a host of nature-centric indoor and outdoor activities. On Saturdays, the center hosts the Kidz Nature Adventure, where children take interactive tours of the wetlands and marshes, learn about wildlife, play games, and much more. The center sits surrounded by forests and marshlands with walking trails, so you can also explore the area at your own pace.
Ready to go? Check out these amazing Bethany Beach vacation rentals on Tripping.com.