Need a low-cost day trip? 12 Delaware nature centers with indoor and outdoor programs

Ben Mace, Delaware News Journal
Updated ·14 min read

If you’re looking for an easy, low-cost summer “day-cation,” try the nature centers throughout the state. They provide indoor and outdoor education and recreation, with displays and exhibits —  some with live animals — along with places to hike, special programs with nature experts and even picnics and concerts.

For this story, we focused on nature centers operated by the Delaware Nature Society, state parks and the state Division of Fish and Wildlife. Most of them are free but many at state parks require a fee to get into the park before you can visit the nature center.

Here’s a list of those centers with the information you need to know, plus a few examples of special programs this summer.

Delaware Nature Society nature centers

The Delaware Nature Society is a nonprofit with a mission “to connect people with the natural world to improve our environment through education, conservation and advocacy,” said Executive Director Jen Adkins.

“This is going to be a big summer for us. We’re celebrating our 60th anniversary,” Adkins said. “We’ll be featuring different accomplishments through the years and pairing them with special programs.”

With more than 3,000 members and over 1,000 volunteers, the Delaware Nature Society manages more than 2,000 acres, including these four nature centers:

Ashland Nature Center, Hockessin

Address and contact info: 3511 Barley Mill Road, Hockessin; 302-239-2334; delawarenaturesociety.org/centers/ashland-nature-center/

Hours: Trails and grounds open daily from dawn to dusk. Visitor center open Tuesday to Friday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., closed Saturday to Monday.

Fees: Trails and grounds, free. Center is free for members. For non-members, suggested donation: adults $5, children $3.

What to expect: Delaware Nature Society’s headquarters, surrounded by 130 acres of woodlands, meadows, marsh, four miles of trails including pet-friendly trails, Red Clay Creek, a hawk watch, butterfly habitat, bird blind and hummingbird haven. Summer camps, field trips and programs for Scouts and other youth groups.

Sample of upcoming programs:

  • Friday, May 31, 9:30 to 11 a.m., “Knee-high Naturalists: Nature’s Playground,” for ages 3 to 5 and parents, $15 fee, registration required.

  • Saturday, June 29, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., “Dragon Run Canoeing,” for adults, canoeing in Dragon Run Marsh near Delaware City to look for wood ducks, marsh wren, beaver, muskrat and other wetland animals, $45, registration required.

  • Thursday, July 18, 5:30 to 8 p.m., “Summer Evenings at Ashland,” picnic, hike solo or with a guide, s’mores kits on sale for campfire fun. Free for members. Trail fee for non-members. No registration required.

DuPont Environmental Education Center, Wilmington

Address and contact info: 1400 Delmarva Lane at the Wilmington Riverfront, 302-656-1490, delawarenaturesociety.org/centers/dupont-environmental-education-center/

Hours: Pond trail loop and garden open daily from dawn to dusk. Education center open Tuesday to Saturday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 4 p.m.

Fees: Free.

What to expect: At the intersection of the Riverwalk and the Jack Markell Trail for cyclists, joggers and walkers, this nature center features a panoramic view of the Christina River and marsh along with a variety of educational displays and demonstrations. The property includes 212 acres of freshwater tidal marsh, a boardwalk trail, a 10-acre garden along the river, and opportunities for birdwatching, canoeing and kayaking.

Sample of upcoming programs:

  • Thursday, May 30, 8 to 10 a.m., “Bird Walk” for adults, led by experienced bird watcher, good for beginners, binoculars to borrow. Free. No registration required.

  • Saturday, June 22, Noon to 3 p.m., “Family Wetlands Canoeing,” for ages 8 and up. Paddle along the river looking for wildlife and learning about the value of wetlands. Fee $35. Registration required.

Abbott’s Mill Nature Center, Milford

Address and contact info: 15411 Abbott’s Pond Road, Milford; 302-422-0847; delawarenaturesociety.org/centers/abbotts-mill-nature-center/

Hours: Trails and grounds open daily from dawn to dusk. Visitor center open Wednesday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Fees: Free.

What to expect: The 376-acre site features a grist mill, 20-acre pond, trails including a handicapped-accessible boardwalk trail, picnic area, garden for wildlife and the visitor center with its live animals and taxidermy displays. Abbott’s Pond has a public boat ramp for personal motor boats, kayaks and canoes. Fishing is allowed with a fishing permit required for ages 16-64.

Sample of upcoming programs:

  • Music at the Mill free concerts, second Thursday of each month from June to September, 5 to 7:30 p.m., with live music, food trucks, cash bar; bring lawn chairs or blankets for seats; safe lawn games allowed like cornhole.

  • Wednesday, June 19, 10 to 11:30 a.m., “Knee-high Naturalists: Water is Important,” for ages 2 to 5 and parents, $15 fee, registration required.

  • Thursday, July 11, 3 to 4 p.m. “Book signing with children’s author Aimee Isaac” who will talk about her journey as an author, give tips for being a good environmental steward and sign her newest book, “The Planet We Call Home.” Free event with books on sale. Registration required.

Coverdale Farm Preserve, Greenville

Address and contact info: 543 Way Road, Greenville; phone 302-239-2334; website listed with delawarenaturesociety.org.

Hours: Farm and market, April to November, Friday 2 to 7 p.m., Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Free. No dogs allowed.

Fees: Free to tour the grounds. Market sells a variety of items.

What to expect: This 377-acre property includes 200 acres of rolling countryside and a 177-acre farm with livestock, trails and a picnic area. The market sells eggs, meats, fruits, vegetables, honey, baked goods, flowers and starter plants for home gardens. The farm offers summer camps, birthday parties and classes on farming and cooking.

Sample of upcoming programs:

  • Free concerts, “Fridays at the Farm,” June 14, July 5, Aug. 16 and Sept. 6, 5 to 7:30 p.m., with live music, food trucks, cash bar. Bring lawn chairs or blankets for seats. Safe lawn games allowed like cornhole.

  • Saturday, June 22, 11 a.m. to noon, “The Breakfast Club." Learn about chickens and collect, wash and pack a half-dozen eggs to take home. Fee $15. Registration required.

  • Saturday, July 6, 1 to 2 p.m., “Farm Hike.” Free. Registration optional but limited to 30 people.

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State of Delaware nature centers

Under the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control, nature centers are operated by state parks and the division of fish and wildlife throughout Delaware. For this story, we focused on centers that will have regular visiting hours this summer.

The nature centers are the hub of learning for field trips and day camps, and many have exhibits about natural and cultural resources at that site, said Shauna McVey, communications manager for the division of parks and recreation. Some centers have meeting space for education programs and can be rented for meetings or private events.

McVey recommends the “Passport” program at the nature centers which allows visitors to earn a free park pass and state parks swag upon completion.

Blue Ball Barn, near Wilmington

Address and contact info: Alapocas Run State Park, 1914 W. Park Dr., near Wilmington; phone 302-577-1164; destateparks.com/Centers/BlueBallBarn

Hours: Park open daily, 8 a.m. to sunset. Center open daily, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Fees: Park $4. Center free with park fee.

What to expect: This barn, progressive in its environmental design, is the home of the Delaware folk art collection. See art exhibits and tour displays highlighting the history of the barn and surrounding landscape. Renovations have created a conference event center, gallery space meeting rooms, a banquet room and secluded courtyard.

Sample of upcoming programs:

  • Thursday, April 25, 7 p.m., concert by singer and guitarist Rory Makem. Tickets $29 for adults, free for ages 17 and under with paid adult. For tickets, see greenwillow.org or call (610) 566-4932.

  • Saturday, May 25, 9:30 a.m., “Introduction to Rock Climbing,” for ages 8 to adult, but children under 18 must be accompanied by parent or guardian. Lessons on safety and climbing the natural rock wall. Helmets, harness and ropes provided. Fee $30. Registration required.

Chambers House Nature Center, near Newark

Address and contact info: White Clay Creek State Park, 1475 Creek Road, near Newark; 302-368-6560; destateparks.com/Centers/ChambersHouseNatureCenter

Hours: Park open daily, 8 a.m. to sunset. Center open May to September on Saturdays and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., and in October on Saturdays and Sundays from 12-2:30 p.m.

Fees: Park $4. Center free with park fee.

What to expect: Built about 1820, the Chambers House serves as the nature center, office for park staff and the main building for the park’s Discovery camps.

Sample of upcoming programs:

  • Monday, May 20, 2 p.m., “Guided Hike.” Naturalist leads hike with information about different trails. Free. Registration required.

  • Saturday, May 25, 1 p.m., “Creek Exploration.” Use buckets and nets to see what’s living in White Clay Creek. Learn about the animals and the geology of the area. Be prepared to get your feet wet. Free with park fee. Registration required.

Indian River Life-Saving Station Museum, south of Dewey Beach

Address and contact info: 25039 Coastal Highway, a Rehoboth Beach address south of Dewey Beach and north of the Indian River Inlet; phone 302-227-6991; destateparks.com/Centers/IRLifeSavingStation

Hours: Museum open April and May on Wednesday to Saturday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.; June to September on Monday to Saturday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., with the last admission 30 minutes before closing time. Reduced hours in fall, call for times. Nearby Delaware Seashore State Park is open daily, 8 a.m. to sunset.

Fees: Museum is free if you park in the museum's lot. If you also want to visit Delaware Seashore State Park, the park fee is $5.

What to expect: What’s now a museum was built in 1876 for the United States Lifesaving Service to respond to shipwrecks, the precursor to the Coast Guard. In 1877, it was moved about 400 feet inland to its present location, and in the 1990s was restored to its 1905 appearance. See displays and information about shipwrecks and rescues that are part of Delaware’s maritime history.

Sample of upcoming programs:

  • Wednesday, May 22, 8 p.m., “Shipwreck Lantern Tour.” Learn how shipwreck victims were rescued over 100 years ago with tales of tragedy and mystery. For ages 8 and up. Fee $10. Registration required.

  • Thursday, May 30, 1 p.m., “All Washed Up.” See the variety of objects that have washed up along the coast, from seashells to warheads. For ages 7 and up. Fee $6. Reservations required.

Lums Pond Nature Center, near Glasgow

Address and contact info: Lums Pond State Park, 1068 Howell School Road, near Glasgow; 302-368-6989; destateparks.com/Centers/LumsPondNatureCenter

Hours: Park open daily, 8 a.m. to sunset. Center open Wednesday to Sunday, 12-4 p.m.

Fees: Park $4. Center free with park fee.

What to expect: A 500-gallon freshwater fish tank, tanks with live reptiles and amphibians and a floor-to-ceiling window with views of the forest and wetlands.

Sample of upcoming programs:

  • Saturday, May 26, 10 a.m., “Hike with a Naturalist.” Learn about physical traits of wildlife and how to track them, then go on a short hike to see examples in person. Free with park fee. Registration required.

  • Sunday, June 16, 11 a.m., “Dip-Netting Discovery.” Using dip nets, catch and release creatures in the pond. Free with park fee. Registration required.

Killens Pond Nature Center, near Felton

Address and contact info: Killens Pond State Park, 5025 Killens Pond Road, near Felton; 302-284-4299; destateparks.com/Centers/KillensPondNatureCenter

Hours: Park open daily, 8 a.m. to sunset. Center open May to September, Monday to Friday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday and Sunday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; April and October, Monday to Friday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday and Sunday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; November to March, Tuesday to Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Fee: Park $4. Center free with park fee.

What to expect: Live animal exhibits featuring native reptiles and amphibians, and a covered outdoor deck to see and hear birds or enjoy a picnic.

Sample of upcoming programs:

  • Saturday, May 11, 11 a.m., “Discovery Hike,” geared to ages 5-10 accompanied by a parent or guardian. Free with park fee. Registration required.

  • Sunday, June 2, 11 a.m., “Leave It to Beavers,” led by a naturalist, with information about beavers and what they do at the park. Free with park fee. Registration required.

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Seaside Nature Center, near Lewes

Address and contact info: Cape Henlopen State Park, 15099 Cape Henlopen Drive, near Lewes; 302-645-8983; destateparks.com/Centers/SeasideNatureCenter

Hours: Park open daily, 8 a.m. to sunset. Center open June 14-30 and Aug. 16 to Sept. 4, Wednesday to Monday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.; July 1 to Aug. 15, daily from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Sept. 4 to Oct. 21, Wednesday to Monday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., closed Oct. 22-31 for the Fantasy Trail.

Fees: Park $5. Center free with park fee.

What to expect: Two-level touch tank with a variety of animals, complete with viewing windows, along with five 1,000-gallon fish tanks and a gift shop.

Sample of upcoming programs:

  • Tuesday, May 14, 8 a.m., “Spring Bird Walk,” for beginning and intermediate birders focusing on spots where notable birds have been seen lately. Binoculars available to borrow or bring your own. Free with park fee. Registration required.

  • Saturday, May 25, 11 a.m., “Seining the Bay.” Use a seine net to catch and release fish, crabs and other creatures and learn how the bay is like a nursery. For ages 5 and older, accompanied by a parent or guardian. Dress to get wet. No flip-flops. Fee $7. Registration required.

Baldcypress Nature Center, near Laurel

Address and contact info: Trap Pond State Park, 33587 Baldcypress Lane, near Laurel; phone 302-875-5163; destateparks.com/Centers/BaldcypressNatureCenter

Hours: Park open daily, 8 a.m. to sunset. Center open daily April to mid-October, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and mid-October to March 31, Wednesdays to Sundays, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Closed Dec. 19-31.

Fee: Park $4. Center free with park fee.

What to expect: A 500-gallon aquarium and waterfall showcasing the fish found at Trap Pond, a virtual pontoon tour of the pond, an 18-foot replica of a baldcypress with information about the park’s northernmost stand of naturally-occurring baldcypress trees, along with displays showing the connection between area waterways and the Chesapeake Bay.

Sample of upcoming programs:

  • Saturday, May 25, 11 a.m., “Make a Hiking Staff.” Create your own personalized hiking staff or walking stick using carving tools and wood-burning tools. Materials and tools provided. For adults and ages 12 and up accompanied by a parent or guardian. Fee $15. Registration required.

  • Sunday, June 16, 1 p.m., “Pontoon Boat Tour,” a one-hour guided trip through the cypress swamp. Adults $8, children 12 and under $4. Reservations required.

DuPont Nature Center at Mispillion Harbor Reserve, Milford

Address and contact info: 2992 Lighthouse Road, a Milford address, near Slaughter Beach east of Milford; phone 302-422-1329; facebook.com/DupontNatureCenterMispillionHarbor; Facebook page at Dupont Nature Center Mispillion Harbor.

Hours: Observation deck open daily, dawn to dusk. Center open 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in April on Wednesdays and Saturdays; May through August Tuesdays to Saturdays; September on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Closed October through March.

Fees: Free.

What to expect: Exhibits on the environmental and historical importance of the Mispillion Harbor, saltwater tanks showcasing a variety of aquatic species from horseshoe crabs to diamondback terrapins and a large deck overlooking the harbor to watch wildlife including birds and horseshoe crabs, with guided tours April to September.

Sample of upcoming programs:

  • Saturday, April 20, 10 a.m., “Earth Day Kids Crafts,” educational craft about Earth Day and recycling. Free.

  • Monday, April 22, 10 a.m. and 1 p.m., “Beach Cleanup at Slaughter Beach,” two sessions, volunteers welcome. Trash bags and pick-up sticks provided. Meet at the nature center.

Reach reporter Ben Mace at rmace@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: 12 Delaware nature centers to visit this summer for low-cost adventure