Interesting marine-themed art classes, demonstrations, hikes and history lessons and more await you at all of the Delaware State Parks. Here, we focus on two of our local treasures: Delaware Seashore and Cape Henlopen state parks. For a full listing of the park system’s programming, visit DE State Parks.
Both parks have a wide variety of educational and recreational programs. And several are free of charge (with park admission), while others have modest fees between six and ten dollars. A few that include materials cost between $15 and $25. With the exception of the free programs, registration and payment is required up to 24 hours before the event.
With so many learning opportunities, our southern DE lifestyle is enhanced. You just need to keep up with the state parks’ calendar of events. Here’s what the next month will bring. Click here for details and registration links.
Delaware Seashore State Park
- Saturday, Hike the Indian River Bridge ($6). Ongoing. More sessions available.
- Sunday, 3/23: Introduction to Surf Fishing ($20). Note there are more sessions available.
- Thursday, 3/28: Upcycling: Nautical Flag Art ($25)
- Saturday, 3/30: Beach Driving Clinic ($20). Note there are several more sessions available.
- Wednesday, 4/3: Owl Pellet Dissection ($6)
- Friday, 4/5: Squid Dissection: From Pen to Ink ($6)
- Saturday, 4/6: Lantern Tour @ Indian River Lifesaving Station ($10)
- Monday, 4/8: The Great American Eclipse @ Tower 3 (free with park admission)
- Wednesday, 4/10: Sea Glass Jewelry Making ($20)
- Friday, 4/19: All Washed Up at Delaware Seashore ($6)
- Saturday, 4/20: Earth Day: Delaware’s Dunes (free with park admission)
- Sunday, 4/21: Beach Driving Clinic ($20)
Unless otherwise noted, classroom demonstrations take place at the Indian River Life Saving Station (for directions).
Delaware Seashore State Park also offers several Virtual Programs that give a wonderful overview of everything from paddling the bays to history to marine life.
Cape Henlopen State Park
- Tuesday, 3/26: Spring Bird Walks (free with park admission). Several more sessions are available. Check the park website for additional dates.
- Wednesday, 3/27: The Great Egg Case Hunt ($5, suitable for ages 5+ with adult)
- Thursday, 3/28: Squid Dissection ($9)
- Friday, 3/29: Great Delaware Kite Festival. Demonstrations, kite competitions and children’s egg hunt. (Free with park admission. Food and vendors on site)
- Saturday, 3/30: Nature Art: Observing and Drawing ($7)
- Wednesday, April 3: Our Beach Rocks ($6)
- Thursday, 4/4: Dissecting Squid ($6)
- Saturday, 4/6: Woodland Critter Hike (free with park admission)
- Tuesdays, 4/9, 16,23,30: Spring Bird Walks (free with park admission)
- Saturday, 4/13: Welcome Back Shorebirds Hike ($5)
- Saturday, 4/20: Dunes of the Cape Earth Day Hike (free with park admission)
- Sunday, 4/21: Beach Driving Clinic ($20)
Registration for programs that have fees is required in advance, up to 24 hours before the event. Some sell out quickly, so planning and registering early are recommended.
The Friends of Cape Henlopen State Park is an active member, all volunteer organization with its own calendar of events for spring and summer 2024. Events include social fundraisers for park improvements, cleanup days for the trails and beaches, a children’s fishing competition and annual holiday craft fair. Sign up for membership or support them by attending their events and cleanup days.
After all, these state parks are “our own” as residents of Delaware. Take advantage of all they have to offer.
By Bridget FitzPatrick
