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The best things to do in Bethany Beach with kids are an evening on the boardwalk, the Bethany Beach Nature Center, a round of dinosaur mini golf at Nick’s Dinoland and a beach day at Fenwick Island State Park. The boardwalk is the one that makes the town. In summer there are concerts and outdoor movies most evenings, it is wide enough for strollers, and ice cream is never far away. The Nature Center breaks up beach days with trails and hands-on exhibits, and Fenwick Island, a short drive south, is the quieter undeveloped beach with lifeguards in summer.
| Activity Name | Best For | Key Highlight | Recommended Age | Booking Options |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bethany Beach Boardwalk | Evening Relaxing | Nightly events | All ages | |
| Bethany Beach Nature Center | Educational Breaks | Coastal learning | School-aged | |
| Nick’s Mini Golf Dinoland | Afternoon Fun | Dinosaur theme | School-aged | |
| Fenwick Island State Park | Quiet Beach Days | Pristine sands | All ages |
Top Things to Do in Bethany Beach with Kids
Bethany Beach Boardwalk
The boardwalk is the center of town, a classic seaside walk with room for kids to run, and an easy after-dinner outing.
- The Fun: Summer evening concerts and movies under the stars.
- Best Age Group: All ages. It is wide and easy with a stroller.
- Tip: Get an ice cream and sit on a bench to watch everyone go by.
Good to know: Weekend evenings are crowded. Arrive early for a good spot at the show.
Bethany Beach Nature Center
The Nature Center has hands-on exhibits and walking trails about the local coastal wildlife, a good break from the sand.
- The Fun: Spotting wildlife and trying the hands-on displays.
- Best Age Group: Best for school-aged children who can appreciate the trail walks.
- Tip: Check the calendar for guided wildlife programs.
Good to know: The trails are buggy in summer. Bring bug spray.
Nick’s Mini Golf Dinoland
Captain Jack’s Pirate Golf closed in 2024 after 15 years. For mini golf in town, try Nick’s Mini Golf Dinoland on Coastal Highway, an 18-hole course with animatronic dinosaurs, a waterfall and a volcano.
- The Fun: Putting past the moving dinosaurs.
- Best Age Group: Ideal for school-aged kids who can handle a putter.
- Tip: Go at opening, before the heat and the lines.
Good to know: Some holes are hard for small kids, so play loosely.
Fenwick Island State Park
A short drive south, Fenwick Island State Park has long, undeveloped beaches and far fewer people than town, and lifeguards patrol from Memorial Day through Labor Day (Delaware State Parks).
- The Fun: Sandcastles and shell hunting on a wide beach.
- Best Age Group: Great for all ages, with lifeguards in summer.
- Tip: Pack lunch in a cooler so you do not have to leave the sand.
Good to know: There is very little shade. Bring an umbrella or tent.
Where to Stay in Bethany Beach
We book the room first and build the days around it. Here is what Bethany Beach has open, with hotels on one side and family sized rentals on the other.
FAQs About Things to Do in Bethany Beach with Kids
Is Bethany Beach good for toddlers?
Yes. The Bethany Beach Patrol guards the town beach from Memorial Day Saturday to Labor Day Monday (Town of Bethany Beach), and the boardwalk is easy with a stroller. Set up near a stand with small children.
When is the best time to visit these spots?
Early morning or late afternoon for mini golf and the boardwalk, when the crowds are smaller.
Do I need to book these activities in advance?
Most are walk-in, but check online in peak summer for special events.
What are the best things to do in Bethany Beach with kids?
Most families start with Bethany Beach Boardwalk and Bethany Beach Nature Center.
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