Things to see and do in and around the Delmarva Peninsula!
Dover Downs Hotel & Casino in Dover, Delaware, has harness horse racing, live table games, slots, entertainment, dining, and highly-rated luxury accommodations. It is a sure bet that Dover Downs has many of your favorite table games and one-armed bandits, with over 2,200 slot machines, including progressives. Dover Downs is a fun and exciting environment to hang out with old friends and meet new ones.
The Nascar Races are regularly hosted at the Dover International Speedway in Dover, Delaware, in alliance with Dover Downs. The world-famous "Monster Mile" Race has been held there annually since 1969. Many famous drivers, including Jimmie Johnson, Matt Kenseth, and Dale Earnhardt Jr. have competed regularly at Dover. Nascar events at the Speedway are a fantastic way to get your family together for a fun and exciting weekend of thrills, excellent food, and shopping for official Nascar gear and memorabilia.
The annual Firefly Music Festival takes place in the Woodlands of Dover International Speedway over the span of 3-4 days in June. Many notable artists from all over the country come to Delaware to perform live for an audience of thousands. Artists that have performed at Firefly include Paul McCartney, Tom Petty, Bob Dylan, The Red Hot Chili Peppers, Eminem, John Legend, Kendrick Lamar, Tame Impala, The Arctic Monkeys, and The Black Keys. There is a campground within the festival grounds, as well as plenty of food and drink vendors. There are many additional festival events, including a Silent Disco in which people dance and party to music listened to on wireless headphones rather than using a speaker system. There's also "The Nook," a comfy place to relax and chill with friends on hammocks. Attending the Firefly Music Festival for a long weekend of fun, music, and colorful scenery is a great experience to share with friends and family.
The Delaware Beer, Wine & Spirits Festival is the only statewide event of its kind. In addition to featuring tastings of many of Delaware's own brews and vintages, the event also offers gourmet food, live music, outdoor games, and special exhibits. Live performances provide the background music as you enjoy samples of favorite Delaware beers, wines, and spirits. Admission to the Festival is restricted to adults 21 and over.
Rehoboth Beach is a world-famous resort town in Southern Delaware. In addition to the beach itself, there's a lively boardwalk with popular local restaurants, amusements, and unique shopping venues that offer beachwear, fashion, jewelry, and gifts. Rehoboth Beach is also well-known as the home of many factory outlet discount stores, including names such as Nike, Calvin Klein, Coach, Victoria's Secret, Kay Jewelers and Van Heusen. And don't forget; shopping is TAX-FREE in Delaware! There are also many acclaimed pubs, bars, and seafood restaurants along Coastal Highway, including Fins Ale House & Raw Bar, Crabby Dicks Restaurant, Claws Seafood House, and The Crab House. Head to Rehoboth for amazing waves, a relaxing time on the beach, enjoyable shopping, and fine dining!
Just north of Rehobeth Beach is Cape Henlopen State Park, another world-famous coastal attraction in Southern Delaware. Cape Henlopen offers scenic hiking trails alongside its undeveloped beachfront for those that prefer a more natural setting. Cape Henlopen is a celebrated camping spot as well and is popular with surfers, beach-goers, and fishermen. Air stations just along the park's road make driving your vehicle on to the beach safe and easy (A current Delaware surf fishing vehicle permit is required, and hours and areas in which vehicles may be present on the beach are limited).
Killen's Pond State Park has several great hiking trails, some of which are several miles long. Canoes, kayaks, and pedal boats can be rented during the summer, and there's even a water park featuring 27-foot-high twisting waterslides, a kiddie pool, beach volleyball & more. The nature center offers fun and educational activities for both kids and adults. Killen's Pond State Park is one of the most popular pet-friendly camping sites in Central Delaware. In addition to accommodating campers and tents, family cabins are available.
The Great Delaware Kite Festival is held at Cape Henlopen state park every Spring just before Easter. The festival begins with an Easter Egg hunt for kids and proceeds with world-class kite and kite flying competitions. There are different age divisions, so everyone has a chance to win a prestigious award. Many fun, unique and creative Kites are offered for sale during the festival as well.
The Annual Dover Days Festival is one of Delaware's oldest and biggest free events, celebrating and showcasing more than two centuries of Delaware history. Traditionally held annually in early May, Dover Days offers a multitude of fun family activities, including a parade, games and activities for children, and local food and drink. There are even tethered hot air balloon rides! One of the oldest Dover Days traditions is the Maypole dance, which happens at the conclusion of the parade on the Green of downtown Dover. In traditional dress, local children give a highly choreographed performance decorating a tall pole garlanded with greenery, flowers, and ribbons.
The Bridgeville Apple-Scrapple festival is held annually in early October to honor Delaware's favorite breakfast food. In addition to anything and everything within and between apples and scrapple, there are wings, fries, pies, funnel cakes, crab cakes, BBQ, cheesesteaks, and more! There are also amusement rides, contests, and fun exhibits, so a good time for the whole family is guaranteed.
The Summer Vibes Fest highlights Southern Delaware beach culture with surfing, skimboarding, skateboarding, paddle-boarding, music, art, and more. Held annually in early August, it's a multi-day celebration in both Dewey and Rehoboth Beach. Lessons are available for kids and beginners, and this event is an absolute must for anyone who loves the beach!
If you're looking for a place that offers memorable family and group fun, Sky Zone and Shell We Bounce are world-famous trampoline parks.
Sky Zone is in Newark, Delaware, while Shell We Bounce is in Lewes. Shell We Bounce also has trampoline dodgeball and basketball, as well as a game arcade if you need to take an occasional break from bouncing. Sky Zone has an arcade as well, along with a SKYSLAM, ultimate dodgeball, a foam pit with soft landings, and a freestyle jump. Kids of all ages will have an absolute blast at either of these venues.