Best Activities Near Rehoboth Beach: A Local Guide for Families Visiting the Delaware Coast
If you’re searching for the best family activities in Rehoboth Beach, you’re likely trying to figure out how to make the most of your time here without overplanning every minute.
This guide focuses on the places and experiences that families actually enjoy year after year. Not just the obvious stops, but the ones that feel easy, memorable, and worth building your trip around. Keep reading to the end where I share some of my favorite hidden gems in the area.
What to Do in Rehoboth Beach with Kids
Living nearby and photographing families along the Delaware coast for years, I see firsthand what works, and what tends to feel like too much. The recommendations below are based on that perspective: a mix of well-loved staples, quieter spots, and simple rhythms that help your time here feel relaxed rather than scheduled.
Whether you’re visiting for a long weekend or a full beach week, these are the activities that consistently lead to the kinds of moments families remember for years to come.
Spend an Evening on the Rehoboth Beach Boardwalk
The boardwalk is the center of everything, and it’s best experienced in the evening.
- Grab ice cream from Kohr Bros or saltwater taffy from the classic Dolle’s Candy
- Let kids explore the arcades and small gift shops
- Walk the full stretch as the sun goes down
It’s crazy busy in peak summer, but that energy is part of the experience.
Funland Rehoboth
This is one of the few places that still feels unchanged in the best way. I am a total fan of all things vintage, and Funland is filled with nostalgia. I take my kids here every summer and they love riding the classic rides!
If you and your kids are looking for some thrill seeking fun after spending a day in the sunshine at Rehoboth Beach, visiting Funland is your sure ticket to a great time! With twenty rides to choose from, perfect for younger children to several thrill rides for the tweens and teens, there is a ride that entertain your crew. I always buy a pack of tickets each summer season- the best part is they never expire!
Here’s what to love about Funland:
- Old-school rides
- Pay-per-ride system
- Ideal as part of a relaxed evening on the boardwalk
- Tickets never expire so save the leftovers for next season!
Then, when you are ready for a break from the rides, you can head on over to the Midway games where you can choose from exciting Derby races to hoop shooting. In addition, they have your back parents and deven have a few select games where everyone is a winner. Too, they offer a limited amount of treats and snacks to hold you over while you’re enjoying your time riding throughout the park.
What to do in Rehoboth Beach
Zelky’s Arcardes
Located right on the boardwalk, Zelky’s is the best family arcade in Delaware! With three different locations along the boardwalk to choose from, it is hard to miss. They have skee-ball, crane games and a tempting selection of arcade prizes. This will be a huge hit with your kids! Not too far from Funland, be sure to check out Zelky’s Donut Rings. A great way to end your evening with a sweet treat.
Best Activities Near Rehoboth Beach: Jungle Jims Water Park
If you didn’t get enough water fun at Rehoboth Beach, be sure to check out Jungle Jim’s Water Park! With several giant water slides, a wave pool, lazy river and kiddie pool – you are sure to get cooled off on a hot summer day. When you are ready for a little time out of the water, you can hop on over to one of the two mini golf courses. These golf courses aren’t your typical course – they are life like with dazzling landscaping, water hazards, special terrains and more. No wonder Jungle Jim’s mini golf courses are the two nicest mini golf courses in the Rehoboth Beach area! And when everyone’s appetite is ready, you’ll be able to walk right over to the River Safari Cafe for cheeseburgers, hot dogs, salads and more.
Explore the State Park Beaches: Towers Beach
To escape the crowds at the main beaches, try out a state park beach nearby that has lifeguards, bathrooms and showers, and a concessions stand along with plenty of easy parking! Towers Beach is just south of Rehoboth Beach and makes for a much calmer experience with all the conveniences of the main beaches. These lifeguards have rescued my children more than once, and I always feel more at ease there.
Hidden Gems in Rehoboth Beach for Families
Most families stick to the boardwalk and main beach, but some of the best moments tend to happen just outside of those areas. After years of photographing families along the Delaware coast, I’ve found that these quieter spots often create the most relaxed and memorable experiences—whether you’re exploring on your own or planning time with a Rehoboth Beach family photographer.
1. Walk Out to the WWII Observation Tower
Fort Miles Historic Area Observation Tower
Most families go to the beach—but not everyone takes the extra 10 minutes to explore this.
- You can climb to the top for a panoramic coastal view
- It adds just enough adventure for kids
- It breaks up a long beach day without feeling like “an outing”
This is especially good for families with kids who need movement beyond the sand.
2. Skip the Main Beach and Try North Shores
Just north of the main boardwalk area, this stretch of beach is noticeably quieter.
- Fewer crowds, especially in peak season
- More space for kids to move freely
- Easier to settle in without constant noise and foot traffic
Ideal for families who want the to be close to Rehoboth but without the crowds. Pack a cooler, as there are no restaurants in this area!
3. Grab Ice Cream Off the Boardwalk
Hopkins Farm Creamery in Rehoboth and the Marigold Creamery in Lewes are both truly worth the lines!! Anyone who knows me knows I have to stop for ice cream after my family photo sessions near Rehoboth Beach.
The boardwalk spots are classic, but these two spots are where locals go.
4. Sunset at the Fishing Pier
Cape Henlopen Fishing Pier
Most people stay on the main beach for sunset—but this is a quieter alternative and shhhhh it gets better sunset light.
- Calmer, less crowded vantage point
- Easy for kids to walk and explore
- Beautiful sunset light and biew of the lighthouse without the chaos of peak beach crowd
- There are bathrooms nearby, along with kayak rentals
5. Gordon’s Pond Trail
If you are hoping to get away from the hustle and bustle and enjoy a more relaxing nature filled day, be sure to head to Gordon’s Pond Trail. This 5 mile trail is a great bike ride through the salt marsh of Coastal Delaware. This trail connects in and out of resort towns through Lewes and Rehoboth, if you’d like a shorter bike ride. You’ll be amazed at the 900 acre saltwater lagoon and be enchanted with the most beautiful views in the area.
I hope you enjoyed taking a look at the best family activities near Rehoboth Beach! It truly is a classic family getaway for families near Rehoboth Beach and those from afar.
If you’re searching for someone excellent with children and family members of all ages for an amazing family photo session experience, I’m a Rehoboth Beach Family Photographer.
Want to chat more about booking a family photo session? Click the link above to learn more and reach out when you’re ready!
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