25 things to do before summer is over in Delaware

In the cold of winter, we warmed our cold, cold hearts by assembling a Bucket List of fun and adventurous things our readers and our news team hoped to make happen before the year ends.

And I'm sure, like us, you have a Summer Bucket List taking up space in your grey matter, things you really want to see or do before the cold reality of Labor Day. Parasailing? Pie-eating contest? Perfect sunset selfie?

We are here to help you avoid summer vibe regret. In that spirit, here are 25 things to inspire you as you make this the best Delaware summer ever!

A Bucket List inside our Bucket List

In spring, we asked Sussex reporter Shannon Marvel McNaught to create a list of the best things to do on a Delaware beach vacation.

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Even if your weeklong beach trip is in your rear view, that doesn't mean you can't find some time to return for a day or a quick overnight.

If so, you'll want to consult her expert list for great ideas to maximize your pleasure.

Ryan Cormier's favorite things to do in Delaware

What to order at the Deer Park Tavern? Nachos grande, burgers, New England clam chowder, fish and chips, eggs Benedict, Bloody Marys.

Want to treat your friends to $2 tacos, see some live music or suck down an Orange Crush?

We asked Ryan Cormier to spill the intel on some of the things he most likes to do in Delaware, many of them summer worthy.

Be like Ryan. We guarantee you'll have fun.

Eat a peach ... at the peach fest

Peach Parade participants ride down Middletown's historic downtown during the annual Peach Festival on Aug. 20, 2022.

It's still prime peach season, but it's going to wane soon so don't miss out.

Delaware honors the peach in several ways, but one of its most well-known traditions is theMiddletown Olde-Tyme Peach Festival, which takes place Aug. 16.

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Read Patricia Talorico's story to learn all about it, and other ways to celebrate Delaware's favorite fruit.

Dont' miss our Summer Guide: Welcome to our 2025 Delaware Summer Guide

Be young again and play some Skee-Ball

Skee ball games inside the Funtivity arcade in Newark.

I am biased but this is one of the absolute best ways to be sure you've "done'' summer right.

Kevin Tresolini takes us on a tour of places to play Skee-Ball, a retro summer tradition.

And guess what? They are not all at the beach!

Walk on the wild side at the zoo

A newborn crowned lemur sleeps nestled on its mother's belly at the Brandywine Zoo in Wilmington on June 11, 2025. Crowned lemurs are an endangered species, with fewer than 100 in zoos worldwide, due to logging, burning, poaching and grazing, according to information at the Brandywine Zoo exhibit.

Sure, you can spud out on the couch scrolling through cute animal videos on TikTok, or you can actually leave the house and walk among some of the world's coolest creatures.

Take some time to visit the Brandywine or Philadelphia Zoo, or ride over to Jersey on the Cape May-Lewes Ferry and check out the Cape May County Zoo, and say hi to the zebras, giraffes, primates and more. (That last zoo is free).

Act like a kid at Funland - or, maybe bring kids, too

Visitors ride on “Super Flip 360” at Funland amusement park along the boardwalk at Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, U.S., August 30, 2024.

Have you spent time at Funland on the Rehoboth Beach boardwalk yet this year? There is still plenty of time to stroll the boardwalk and then make yourself a little bit dizzy on all the fun rides, whether or not you have kids in tow.

Go to a Blue Rocks game

Diehard baseball fans probably hope to make it to a Phillies or Nationals game at some point in the season, but all the joy of the National Pasttime is available more cheaply and with much less of a drive.

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There is still time to take in a Blue Rocks game at Frawley Stadium.

Splash around at a waterpark

Thrill-seekers come out the end of a water slide at Jungle Jim's water park in Rehoboth Beach June 19, 2025.

We've rounded up the best water parks to make a splash in and near Delaware.

Here's what to know, whether you go today to beat the heat or plan a future adventure.

Drink at the Starboard

Drinks, including Orange Crushes, are brought to a table of diners at The Starboard in Dewey Beach during the 2025 Memorial Day weekend.

We've already suggested that if you're over 21, an Orange Crush is a great way to toast summer.

What better place to do it than a USA Today Bar of the Year in Dewey Beach?

It's undoubtedly the hottest summer nightspot at the beaches, and there is still plenty of time to get your time in there.

Hit a farmers markets – including a new one

People stroll around the Josephine Fountain on the opening day of the Brandywine Park Farmers Market, May 3, 2025. The market is scheduled for most Saturdays through October, with some on Sundays due to other events.

Delaware's farmers markets are going strong, what with tomatoes, peppers, berries and of course peaches all in season.

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And Delaware has a new one in Brandywine for you to explore as you plan healthy, seasonal summer picnics, potlucks or just plain dinner.

Can't make it to Brandywine? We have a guide of markets all over the state.

Go on a dolphin watch

Kayaking with dolphins in Lewes July 19, 2025.

This is the best time of year to get out on the water and look for dolphins and maybe even a whale.

Lounging seals and leaping whales are more frequently seen around Delaware’s bay and shores from January to March, while dolphins are most playful and active during the summer season.

If you’re looking for your next dolphin watching adventure, be sure to check out these cruise options in the First State.

Plan a picnic

An outdoor picnic area seen at Brandywine Creek State Park on July 7, 2025.

Bring back picnics this summer.

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Maybe it's a unique idea for your next date. Maybe it's a Sunday lunch for the whole family, the perfect photo opportunity surrounded by friends. Lean in with – woven basket, gingham or another patterned blanket and – depending on the options chosen above or the rules where you are – a bottle of wine.

The obvious choice might be the beach. But Delaware boasts plenty of other compelling settings for a memorable picnic, even up north.

Or perhaps you'd rather picnic in a graveyard.

Play some minigolf

Zelky's Arcade now owns and runs the Rooftop Terrace Mini-Golf Course, located above their South Arcade on the Rehoboth Beach Boardwalk. The family renovated the site on top of the historic Playland building. It opened Memorial Day weekend. 6/3/2025

Delaware boasts plenty of golf courses to enjoy.

But there are also lots of places to take it down several notches and play the iconic summer passtime of mini-golf. (Our guide above also offers info on bowling alleys and arcades.)

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If you're on the boardwalk, be sure to visit the retro and refurbished Rooftop Terrace Mini-Golf Course.

Ice cream for dinner

An ice cream salesperson is featured during the annual National Night Out at Glasgow Park in Glasgow on Aug. 5, 2025. Night out brings New Castle County Police and community together seeking to build community and foster strong police-community partnerships.

It's supposed to get hot again, folks. We will not judge you one bit if you decide ice cream makes a great dinner.

Delaware has plenty of great ice cream spots to explore, whether you want to get your brainfreeze with traditional flavors, Soft-Serve, sundaes or something exotic.

Enjoy a day a Delaware nature center

The Nature Center at Brandywine Creek State Park as seen on July 7, 2025.

If you’re looking for a low-cost summer “day-cation,” try the nature centers throughout Delaware.

They provide indoor and outdoor education and recreation, with displays on history, art and the environment – some with live animals – along with places to hike, special programs with nature experts and even picnics and concerts. Some also offer day camps for kids.

Beat the heat in a lake or pond

Getting to the beaches on a hot, sunny summer day can be a traffic nightmare. Especially coming from the Wilmington area, the drive can get clogged all the day down to Rehoboth Beach.

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But, there are some quieter spots with much calmer water and crowds where you can cool off.

Some locals may know some other spots that might be physically dicey or on private property. But, there are some public places where you can swim in some natural water.

Explore Historic New Castle

The facade of a house is featured in Old New Castle on Feb. 8, 2024.

Nestled along the Delaware River lies a hidden historical treasure that rivals Colonial Williamsburg.

Historic New Castle, Delaware's oldest continuously occupied town, stands as a living museum of American colonial history. But this charming town offers visitors a rich blend of history, art, nature and modern amenities.

Here are five experiences you won't want to miss.

Go horseback riding

Donna Estey (left) and Ellie Ro lead Memphis, a therapeutic lesson horse, to the stables at Carousel Park on Monday, September 16, 2024.

If you’re looking for your next adventure to have an equestrian theme, this guide to horseback riding in Delaware has you covered.

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Whether you are a seasoned horseback rider or are interested in learning, Delaware has equestrian offerings for all ages and levels of experience.

Here’s where you can find horseback riding lessons for all ages, the best trails Delaware has to offer, and summer camps for future equestrians.

Make a splash trying a watersport

When you're looking for something a little more thrilling and outside-the-box, the First State has you covered.

From paddle boarding and jet skis to parasailing and skydiving, adventures for all levels await along Delaware's shoreline.

Vendors in Delaware and surrounding areas, like Maryland, provide lessons in water sports and equipment rentals, offering a way for thrill seeks to push their comfort zones and raise their heart rates.

Go surf fishing

Surf-fishing at The Point at Cape Henlopen State Park in September 2024.

Delaware loosened the rules this summer on surf fishing reservations.

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If you have longed to fish from the beaches, here's what to know so you can haul your catch home and have a fishy feast.

Sip a beer in the sunshine

Thompson Island Brewing Co. near Rehoboth Beach has a rear outdoor area.

There are certain great combos in life. Baseball and hot dogs. Dogs and frisbees.

Craft beer in an outdoor space in summertime.

There are plenty of places to bend a tanned elbow and enjoy a good brew in Delaware.

More brewery news: Live music returns to Delaware brewery (with a catch) after years-long battle

Pitch a tent and go camping in Delaware

Leah Kuyken of Newark prepares breakfast on a new picnic table for herself and husband Scott while camping at Lums Pond State Park Campground in 2016. The campground just underwent several renovations for visitors.

Camping might not be the first thing that comes to mind when you're planning a summer activity in Delaware. But high-quality campgrounds can be found in every part of the First State.

In every county, there are places to pitch a tent or park a recreational vehicle and enjoy a cool night. Because public land is not easy to come by in such a small state, state parks are your best bet for finding an easy and accessible campsite in Delaware.

Play some pickleball

(Left to right) Lauren Cassady, Director of Operations and Sales, James Cassady, Owner of Dill Dinkers Newport, and Ron Pinsky, Director of Pickleball, pose for a photograph prior to the business' opening on Monday January 13, 2025.

A number of private pickleball facilities have popped up across Delaware, seeking to meet the growing demand for year-round pickleball.

It's a great way to get out, get exercise and perhaps make some new friends.

Get paddle happy by going kayaking

A visitor rows in Lums Pond at Lums Pond State Park near Glasgow on July 22, 2025. Visitors can enjoy various activities in the pond, including boating, kayaking, canoeing, and fishing.

One sure way to know you made the most of a beautiful day is to go kayaking on a lake, in a river or among the salt marshes.

Both fresh and saltwater kayaking is abundant in Delaware, and the season extends into fall.

Here are a few more fun things happening in August

We know that even if you did all 24 things above this summer, you may still have an afternoon or evening free.

Turn to Andre Lamar's events guide to grab one more serving of summer fun.

And you can also count on Shannon's weekly Beach Guide, which will extend into early fall.

Look to Andre and Shannon to guide you through fun festivals, concerts and other events headed our way in September and beyond.

This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: 25 things to do before summer ends in Delaware