12 fun things to do with kids before schools reopen in Delaware

Andre Lamar, Delaware News Journal
Updated ·5 min read

Nobody has to remind you Labor Day is feverishly approaching, spelling the end of summer for many kids in Delaware, which also means you finally can reclaim your home.

But this doesn't mean you and your little ones can’t end this season with a bang before they strap on those backpacks.

Here are 12 fun things to do with your children before Labor Day.

Watch 'Batman' outdoors

DOVER COMIC CON: Nelson Vasquez and his daughter Mia, 4, of Dover, dressed as Batman at the second annual Dover Comic Con, Aug. 8, 2015.
DOVER COMIC CON: Nelson Vasquez and his daughter Mia, 4, of Dover, dressed as Batman at the second annual Dover Comic Con, Aug. 8, 2015.

While superhero films are on an all-time high, you can take your children back in time to watch a classic hero film outdoors on the big screen with the original "Batman." The 1989 movie is part of Batman Fest, an event for all ages, featuring dishes from food trucks, a comic book-themed costume contest, live music and family games. Parents can sip on Revelation's new beer that's being crafted specifically for Bat Fest.

Hudson Fields (29763 Eagle Crest Road, Milton) on Saturday, Aug. 26. Gates open at 5 p.m. Free admission. Visit therevivalhousetheater.com.

Play laser tag

A young man has his laser gun during a game of laser tag at Main Event in Newark.
A young man has his laser gun during a game of laser tag at Main Event in Newark.

There's nothing like an adrenaline rush from ducking laser beams aimed all over you. This pastime gives children the best of both worlds: It allows them to feel like they're in a video game, while also providing them with exercise. Some Delaware places for laser tag include Main Event and Diamond State Laser Tag.

Diamond State Laser Tag (4621 N. Dupont Highway, Dover); Visit diamondstatelasertag1.com or (302) 698-7014.

Main Event (2900 Fashion Center Blvd., Newark); Mainevent.com/experiences/ or (302) 722-9466.

Hit the beach

A young visitor dips his feet in the ocean at Rehoboth Beach on Saturday, May 27, 2023. Rip currents restricted swimmers to knee-deep entry into the ocean in selected areas of the beach.
A young visitor dips his feet in the ocean at Rehoboth Beach on Saturday, May 27, 2023. Rip currents restricted swimmers to knee-deep entry into the ocean in selected areas of the beach.

Whether it's playing in the sand, reading a book under a giant umbrella or splashing in the water, visiting the beach is one of the most coveted ways for many folks begin summer. That means it'll be extra special to put a bow on the season with one last hurrah to any of Delaware's many beaches. As a heads-up, it should be less crowded if you can make it on a weekday before Labor Day. See our weekly Beach Guide for updated advice.

Delaware Children's Museum

Instructor Patrick Liberatore of Bear leads a group of children through a new Delaware Museum of Natural History exhibit in 2014.
Instructor Patrick Liberatore of Bear leads a group of children through a new Delaware Museum of Natural History exhibit in 2014.

The name says it all. A new world opens up to kids when they explore Delaware Children's Museum, which includes lots of hands-on fun and activities related to STEM (science, technology, engineering, math). Their End of Summer Bash is Friday, Sept. 1; the museum's last day (before it reopens in October) is Monday, Sept. 4.

Delaware Children's Museum (550 Justison St., Wilmington). Open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Wednesday through Sunday. Final day of summer is Monday, Sept. 4. Admission is $12. Free for kids age 1 or younger. Visit delawarechildrensmuseum.org or (302) 654-2340.

Munch on funnel cake

A funnel cake stand at the Delaware State Fair.
A funnel cake stand at the Delaware State Fair.

It's a Delaware tradition for people to nosh on funnel cake, especially during the warmest season of the year. This is how you end summer on a sweet note. (Worried about calories? Go play laser tag!)

Go for a paddle

Kayakers carrying their kayak to the Rehoboth Bay in 2018.
Kayakers carrying their kayak to the Rehoboth Bay in 2018.

A family that rows together grows together.

Late summer is a great time to hit a waterway and add to your birdwatching life list, enjoy some nature and just unwind before the September busy season.

Older kids make great paddle partners. Check out our guide to kayaking and canoeing in Delaware, as well as safety tips.

Throw a pizza party with homemade pie

A close-up of finalist Margherita's Pizza cheese pie is featured during the Delaware's Favorite Pizza Challenge bracket finals held in the News Journal's newsroom in New Castle, Monday, March 27, 2023.
A close-up of finalist Margherita's Pizza cheese pie is featured during the Delaware's Favorite Pizza Challenge bracket finals held in the News Journal's newsroom in New Castle, Monday, March 27, 2023.

There's always an excuse to nibble on pizza. This time, however, you can bake your own. Of course, if you're not interested in tearing up your kitchen, you can take the safe way out and order pizza. But there's nothing like that feeling of accomplishment of kneading your own dough and sprinkling as much cheese on your pie as you can handle.

Have ice cream for dinner

The Blue Scoop is an ice cream shop in Selbyville with unique flavors and a flair inspired by all things Delaware beaches.
The Blue Scoop is an ice cream shop in Selbyville with unique flavors and a flair inspired by all things Delaware beaches.

Sure, you want to model healthy eating habits to your children. But rules are made to be broken sometimes, and what better excuse to serve a nutritious breakfast and lunch and then announce that dinner will be ice cream sundaes! If you want to discover a new place to score a cone, shake or split, we've got you covered with this guide to nine Delaware ice cream spots.

Wake-up call: When is the first day of school in Delaware? Start dates vary across public schools

Have a picnic

Picnics are a fun way to end the summer anywhere, especially in Delaware.
Picnics are a fun way to end the summer anywhere, especially in Delaware.

When is the last time you plopped onto a blanket and enjoyed a nice meal with your little ones? Even if you recently did this, you can run it back and try different a cuisine this time for your outdoorsy excursion. Check out our guide to New Castle County parks.

Complete a puzzle

If you're feeling really ambitious, your family can team up and attempt to finish a jigsaw puzzle. There are a bunch of different options out there, from nature and animal-themed puzzles to ones featuring famous cartoon and superhero characters.

It's bowling time

The bowling alley at Great Wolf Lodge in Maryland, which just opened its doors in June.
The bowling alley at Great Wolf Lodge in Maryland, which just opened its doors in June.

Rolling a thunderous ball down a wooden lane, with the intent to destroy all pins standing in your way, is like the grown-up equivalent of playing Skee-Ball. Bowling gives your family a chance to show off their competitive side and fight for bragging rights. And if your children aren't good enough to outscore you, you can artificially boost their self-worth by giving them an eighth-place trophy.

There are bowling alleys across the state you can visit, such as Wilma's in Wilmington, Doverama Bowling, Milford Bowling Lanes and Lefty's Alley & Eats in Lewes.

Wilma's (900 N. Market St., Wilmington). Visit goodtimewilmas.com/bowling or (302) 400-7766.  

Lefty's Alley & Eats (36450 Plaza Blvd., Lewes). Iloveleftys.com or (302) 864-6000.

Doverama Bowling (1600 S. Governors Ave., Dover). Doverama.com or (302) 734-7501.

Milford Bowling Lanes (809 Dupont Blvd., Milford). Milfordbowl.com or (302) 422-9456.

Card or board games

There's Uno, Monopoly, Pokémon Trainer Trivia Game and many other card and board games that you all can knock yourselves out with.

If you have an interesting story idea, email lifestyle reporter Andre Lamar at alamar@gannett.com. Consider signing up for his weekly newsletter, DO Delaware, at delawareonline.com/newsletters.

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This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: 12 fun Delaware things to do before kids head back to school