As the back-to-school season approaches, it’s the perfect time to embrace both family time and learning opportunities during your trip to the coast. Whether you’re traveling with kids or enjoying a quiet getaway, the Delaware beaches offer more than just sand and surf. From hands-on exhibits to fascinating local history, this area is full of places where visitors of all ages can learn something new. Exploring local history and art isn’t just for school. Lifelong learning is an enriching part of any vacation experience.
Whether you’re interested in aviation, agriculture, colonial life, or decorative arts, there’s a museum or historical site nearby ready to inspire. Many of these attractions are also ideal things to do with kids in Delaware, adding depth and education to your beach retreat.
History of Delaware
Delaware is a small state with a long history. Known as “The First State,” Delaware was the first to ratify the U.S. Constitution in 1787. Over the centuries, it’s played essential roles in maritime trade, agriculture, military history, and industry. From the colonial-era town of Lewes to the more urban landscape of Dover, Delaware’s coastal towns have preserved key pieces of the past, offering visitors the chance to explore how the state helped shape American history.
Best Museums to Visit in Delaware
If you’re looking for Delaware Beach things to do beyond the shore, museums offer interactive learning experiences. These top Delaware museums are ideal stops for families, history buffs, and anyone interested in United States culture and heritage.
Rehoboth Museum
Located near the Rehoboth Beach boardwalk, the Rehoboth Museum explores the transformation of this popular beach town from a 19th-century religious camp meeting site to one of today’s top coastal destinations. The museum features seasonal exhibitions, vintage photographs, and memorabilia that capture the area’s evolving culture and seaside traditions. It’s a great stop during a stroll through town and an easy way to add educational value to your day by the water.
Zwaanendael Museum
The Zwaanendael Museum in Lewes offers an engaging look at Delaware’s early European settlements. Modeled after a Dutch city hall, this museum focuses on the region’s maritime and colonial past, including exhibits on shipwrecks, trade, and early explorers. The building itself is an architectural highlight, and its displays are engaging for both adults and kids eager to learn about Delaware’s colonial foundations.
Delaware Agricultural Museum
Located in Dover, the Delaware Agricultural Museum tells the story of the state’s deep roots in farming and rural life. With historic tools, exhibits on crop production, and a recreated 19th-century village, this museum brings the region’s agricultural past to life. It’s a hands-on way for kids to learn how people lived and worked in early rural Delaware. Whether you’re a local or visiting for the week, it’s a unique stop that ties the past to the present.
Air Mobility Command Museum
A short drive from the beach towns, the Air Mobility Command Museum, located near Dover Air Force Base, is one of the most popular Delaware museums for aviation enthusiasts. The museum features dozens of aircraft, including cargo planes, tankers, and a flight simulator. Visitors can explore the interior of the plane and learn about the crucial role of air mobility in military operations. It’s an exciting and interactive day trip option, ideal for those planning a more extended stay. The Air Mobility Command museum is the perfect destination at the end of a scenic drive near Delaware beach towns.
Other Historical Attractions
In addition to traditional museums, Delaware offers several historical landmarks and estates that deliver rich learning experiences.
Winterthur Museum, Garden & Library
Winterthur, just north of Delaware’s beach region, is a renowned museum of American decorative arts. Housed in the former home of Henry Francis du Pont, the museum features hundreds of rooms furnished with antiques, art, and rare textiles. The surrounding gardens offer miles of walking paths, making it an immersive escape into American history and design.
Nemours Estate
Another DuPont legacy, the Nemours Estate in Wilmington features a grand mansion inspired by French architecture and over 200 acres of formal gardens. Visitors can take guided tours of the home and enjoy the landscaped grounds. This is an excellent spot for anyone interested in architecture, history, and decorative arts.
Lewes Historical Society
The Lewes Historical Society operates multiple historic properties across town, including the 17th-century Ryves Holt House, a schoolhouse, and a blacksmith shop. Throughout the year, they host walking tours and living history demonstrations, providing immersive learning experiences for all ages. It’s a top pick for families looking to explore one of Delaware’s oldest coastal towns in more depth.
Dover Green
Dover Green is a preserved historic square where significant events in Delaware’s statehood and early government took place. Visitors can walk the grounds, explore nearby buildings like the Old State House, and learn about the state’s political and legal history. It’s a free and educational stop during a trip to the capital, connecting well with visits to other nearby attractions, such as the Delaware Public Archives or Legislative Hall.
Fort Delaware
Located on Pea Patch Island in the Delaware River, Fort Delaware is a restored Civil War-era fortress that once held Confederate prisoners of war. Today, it serves as a living history museum with costumed interpreters, cannon demonstrations, and historical reenactments. Reaching the fort requires a short ferry ride from Delaware City, making the journey part of the adventure. While it’s not directly in the beach towns, Fort Delaware is a rewarding day trip that combines history, nature, and family fun. It also gives kids a deeper understanding of the Civil War and daily life in a 19th-century military post.
Plan Your Visit
Discover the perfect spot for your next coastal getaway with our Delaware beach vacation rentals. From family-friendly homes to romantic seaside escapes, there’s something for everyone. Browse our collection and book with Long & Foster today for a smooth, stress-free vacation experience.
Book Your Delaware Beach Vacation Rental with Long & Foster
Planning a beach trip doesn’t mean you have to leave learning behind. With numerous educational and entertaining attractions nearby, Delaware is the ideal destination for families and curious travelers alike. At Long & Foster, we offer a wide selection of Delaware Beach vacation rentals in top locations like Rehoboth Beach, Dewey Beach, Bethany Beach, and Fenwick Island. Whether you’re searching for a cozy condo or a spacious home for the whole family, we have the perfect property for your needs. Our Delaware Beach vacation rentals are conveniently located, allowing you to enjoy the best of both beach relaxation and cultural exploration.
Whether you’re looking for things to do with kids in Delaware, indoor attractions for a rainy day, or simply want to explore the many fascinating Delaware museums, these destinations make it easy to enrich your vacation. Spend your mornings on the sand, and your afternoons discovering the state’s stories, past and present. Plan your trip today and experience the perfect blend of fun, learning, and relaxation on the Delaware coast.
