Best Beaches in Delaware for Kids

Delaware is an acclaimed family-friendly destination with many attractions for endless fun in the sun but are you familiar with the best beaches in Delaware for kids? The stunning oceanfront coastline of Delaware is home to some of the most sought-after beaches from kid’s parents for plenty of reasons, as they present a variety of activities, safety features, and amenities tailored to ensure that both kids and their parents have an unforgettable experience. If you are daydreaming about soft sand in hues of gold, cool gem-blue waters and top family attractions, then behold the list to the sun-fueled fairylands of Delaware aka the Best Beaches in Delaware for kids.

Rehoboth Beach: All Time Classic Kid’s Favorite 

Rehoboth Beach is one of the best beaches in Delaware for kids providing an ideal balance of entertainment, safety, and conveniences. Rehoboth Beach is famous for its mile-long boardwalk filled with family-friendly attractions. Funland, a renowned amusement park on the oceanfront, offers rides ideal for children of all ages, from mild carousels for babies to more thrilling rides for older children. The beach is patrolled by alert lifeguards, who ensure a safe swimming environment. The beach’s gentle slope and relatively calm waves make it a great location for small kids to wade and splash around. 

The Rehoboth Beach Boardwalk is a mile long and one of the city’s most popular attractions, aside from the beautiful beaches nearby. Highlighting a variety of diverse shops, eateries, and family entertainment options, ranging from Funland amusement park to Funnel Cake Factory and Bandstand, you will rarely find such a complete kid-friendly place elsewhere.  It’s no wonder that National Geographic declared this beautiful coastal attraction as one of the country’s ten best coastal boardwalks.

Rehoboth Beach also offers educational activities such as the Discover Sea Shipwreck Museum and the Rehoboth Beach Museum, which can provide a fun and educational break from the sun and sand.

Bethany Beach: The Quiet Resort

Bethany Beach is an excellent choice for families seeking a more relaxed beach experience as it is the less commercialized version of Rehoboth Beach. A similar stretch of stores and fancy restaurants can be found on and around a much smaller boardwalk. Bethany Beach is a home away from home for families with young kids, even toddlers, as everything is designed with care and respect for all ages that is why it is always one of the best beaches in Delaware for kids.

The beach here is long, warm and inviting to kids, whether they are preparing for a cooling dive paired with some snorkeling or they are getting ready to build the tallest and most fearsome castle in the sand. Water quality is excellent, and the lifeguards are always present, watching and protecting your most precious treasures. 

Apart from the beach and the cute boardwalk, Bethany boasts many educational activities and attractions that amaze kids just the same as having fun and playing games in the sand. 

The Bethany Beach Nature Center, the South Coastal Library and the Shore Fun Family Center should be on your must-visit list, especially if you have older kids.

Lewes Beach: History Unveiled 

Situated on Delaware Bay, Lewes Beach offers a family-friendly atmosphere paired with historical charm. Because it is the safest beach in the state, with quiet waters with few to no waves, large and clean shorelines, and lifeguards who are certified by the Red Cross, this immaculate beach is among the best beaches in Delaware for kids. Making sandcastles or sand sculptures with the kids, playing in the cold and shallow waters, and exploring for seashells on the coastline are all fun activities to do in Delaware with kids while on vacation at Lewes Beach.

Lewes has a long and rich history, providing plenty of educational opportunities for kids. Families can visit the Zwaanendael Museum, which offers exhibits on the area’s maritime history, and take historical tours offered by the Lewes Historical Society.

This nearby state park is a family favorite, offering a variety of activities such as biking on the paved trails, exploring the nature center, and visiting the WWII observation towers. The park also has its own beach areas, which are less crowded and provide a more serene environment for family picnics and beachcombing.

Lewes has numerous family-friendly restaurants and cafes. Whether you’re in the mood for seafood, classic American fare, or sweet treats, Lewes’ dining scene has something for everyone.

Fenwick Island: More than an Island- A Kid-Friendly Retreat 

The Fenwick State Park Beach is the ultimate kid-friendly beach retreat in Delaware. There you can spend quality time with your loved ones engaging in fun activities such as surfing, surf fishing, sailing, boating, windsurfing or just enjoying long swims in the crystal-clear waters of the sea.

The beach’s amenities include a bathhouse complete with restrooms, changing rooms and showers to conveniently get refreshed after a sun-kissed day, there is also a gift shop where you can purchase souvenirs and plenty of concessionaires selling yummy snacks and drinks, it is no wondr that Fenwick island is considered one of the best beaches in Delaware for kids.

The nearby Fenwick Island State Park offers additional family-friendly activities such as hiking, fishing, and wildlife watching. It’s a great place to introduce kids to nature and the local ecosystem. For some more gaming and fun, in close distance you will find more kids activities like Viking Golf Amusements & Thunder Lagoon Water Park, where your family can enjoy waterslides, go-karts, or putt-putt.

Broadkill Beach: A white sandy kid-friendly haven 

A charming beach that is gradually gaining popularity is Broadkill Beach.In addition, it is one of the rare beaches in Delaware with no entrance fees and should be laabelled one of the best beaches in Delaware for kids.

The wide shoreline paired with the white sand is a wonderful combination and the entire scenery is awesome. Broadkill Beach is the ideal place to unwind, sunbathe, or just chase your kids around while playing games of tag or catch. Building white castles in the sand and collecting the prettiest shells will also steal the hearts of your little beloved ones. The waves are usually gentle, and this is an excellent opportunity to teach your youngsters swimming, surfing, kayaking, fishing, or even stand-up paddleboarding. In terms of amenities, please be aware that this is not the most organized beach in Delaware with only 2 restrooms and one small store onsite, so make sure you have packed all essentials beforehand. 

Slaughter Beach: Nature at its best

Slaughter Beach, despite its creepy name, is a great alternative place for kids as there you can introduce them to the splendor of nature. Contrary to other beaches in Delaware, this one is more serene and virgin and its ideal especially for older kids that will understand better its unique habitat.  You can set up a tent and enjoy the stunning views of the ocean with your loved ones, or you can take a stroll and go beachcombing while keeping an eye out for rare coastal birds and horseshoe crabs. The Horseshoe Crab is an ancient much revered creature and Slaugher Beach is a sanctuary for this rare species. 

The facilities at Slaughter Beach include picnic tables where you can comfortably eat your snacks, restrooms and showers so you don’t have to search for them when you need them, and a close-by parking spot for easy unpacking.

Read Also: Top 10 Family-Friendly Travel Destinations For A Perfect Summer Vacation

Best Beaches in Delaware for Kids. Why they are perfect for every family.

The best beaches in Delaware for kids, apart from their unique concept and features, share some common characteristics. They are easily accessible from many major US cities on the East Coast so if you are located in Washington, Philadelphia, Baltimore or even New York, you can drive your way safely to Delaware with your family and spend a weekend or even a full week of summer vacation.

When you reach the beaches, you will easily find nearby parking to unpack and move comfortably with your family to the main areas of the beaches. Family essential amenities are also present to a satisfactory degree in each and every Delaware Beach. Furthermore, all the best beaches in Delaware for kids are clean and safe and most of them have lifeguards on duty throughout the summer season, thus ensuring complete safety. 

In addition to the amazing family experience offered at Delaware Beaches, the absolute kids highlights include nearby themed parks and activities, we can safely state that Delaware is a fairytale land for kids. 

Last but not least, the abundance of accommodation options ranging from beachfront hotels to self-catered houses, apartments and campgrounds, guarantee that you will find the perfect place to stay in Delaware that will fit your budget and needs.