Our favorite beach near DC is Bethany Beach Delaware and here are the best things to do! This charming coastal town on the Delaware shore is the perfect blend of relaxation and adventure. With clean beaches, a walkable boardwalk, and tons of kid-friendly activities, it was one of those trips where everyone—from toddlers to grownups—had a blast.
20 Things To Do in Bethany Beach Delaware with Kids Table of Contents
- Beach Fun (5)
- Food & Treats (4)
- Activities & Adventures (5)
- Nature & Educational Fun (3)
- Easy Day Trips (3)
- Where to Stay
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Things to Do in Bethany Beach Delaware Boardwalk
1. Relax on Bethany Beach
- Location: Bethany Beach, DE 19930
- Description: Bethany Beach offers a clean, family-friendly shoreline with gentle waves, making it perfect for a relaxing day by the sea.
- Why It's Fun for Kids: The calm waters are ideal for young swimmers, and the wide sandy beach provides plenty of room for sandcastle building and games.
- Amazon Product: Create A Castle Tower Kit - 6-Piece Premium Sandcastle Building Kit
2. Stroll the Bethany Beach Boardwalk
- Location: Garfield Parkway, Bethany Beach, DE 19930
- Description: The boardwalk stretches just under half a mile and is lined with shops, snack spots, and ocean views.
- Why It's Fun for Kids: Kids love the laid-back vibe, street performers in the summer, and the chance to grab a sweet treat like ice cream or saltwater taffy.
- Amazon Product: Unicorn Folding Chair for Kids
- Website: Visit Delaware – Bethany Beach Boardwalk
3. Fly Kites on the Beach - My Kids Favorite Thing to Do on Bethany Beach Delaware
- Location: Bethany Beach, DE 19930
- Description: The beach’s open skies and steady breeze make it the perfect spot for kite flying.
- Why It's Fun for Kids: It’s active, colorful, and exciting—especially when the kite catches a big gust and soars high.
- Amazon Product: Nylon Easy Kites
- Website: Seaspiration – How to Fly a Kite at the Beach
4. Catch a Show at the Bethany Beach Bandstand in Delaware
- Location: Garfield Parkway & Boardwalk, Bethany Beach, DE 19930
- Description: The Bethany Beach Bandstand offers free live music and family-friendly performances all summer long.
- Why It's Fun for Kids: It’s a great way to end the evening—music, dancing, and entertainment right by the ocean.
- Website: Town of Bethany Beach – Bandstand Schedule
5. Go Shell Hunting Early Morning
- Location: Bethany Beach, DE 19930
- Description: Shell collecting is best in the early morning during low tide, when the shoreline is scattered with new treasures.
- Why It's Fun for Kids: It’s like a nature scavenger hunt—each new shell is a little surprise, and they love showing off their finds.
- Amazon Product: Shell Shovel with Mesh Beach Bag
- Website: Very cool infographic of shells you can find on Delaware Beaches
Food and Treats in Bethany Beach Delaware
6. Eat at Mango’s on the Bethany Beach Boardwalk
- Location: 97 Garfield Parkway, Bethany Beach, DE 19930
- Description: Mango’s offers beachside dining with Caribbean-inspired food, kid-friendly options, and a fantastic ocean view.
- Why It's Fun for Kids: Kids love the colorful decor, people-watching from the upper deck, and the menu’s mix of burgers, tacos, and tropical drinks.
- Website: Mango’s Bethany Beach
7. Get Ice Cream at Maureen’s or Kohr Bros.
- Location:
- Maureen’s Ice Cream: 107 Garfield Parkway, Bethany Beach, DE 19930
- Kohr Bros. Frozen Custard: 115 Garfield Parkway, Bethany Beach, DE 19930
- Description: Maureen’s offers classic scoops with a retro feel, while Kohr Bros. is known for its creamy, swirled custard.
- Why It's Fun for Kids: Nothing says vacation like a messy cone after a beach day—plus, both shops are just steps from the sand.
8. Dine at Bethany Blues BBQ
- Location: 6 N Pennsylvania Ave, Bethany Beach, DE 19930
- Description: A casual, family-friendly BBQ joint with tender meats, fun drinks, and sides that even picky eaters will love.
- Why It's Fun for Kids: Kids’ meals are generous, the atmosphere is laid-back, and there’s often live music that keeps the vibe festive.
9. Check Out the Farmers’ Market
- Location: Garfield Parkway & Pennsylvania Ave, Bethany Beach (Sundays in summer)
- Description: A seasonal open-air market with fresh produce, baked goods, handmade crafts, and local treats.
- Why It's Fun for Kids: Kids can sample fruits, help pick out snacks, and explore the stalls while parents grab coffee or souvenirs.
- Website: Bethany Beach Farmers’ Market
Activity Things to Do in Bethany Beach Delaware
10. Mini Golf at Captain Jack’s Pirate Golf - Classic Thing to Do in Bethany Beach Delaware
- Location: 21 N Pennsylvania Ave, Bethany Beach, DE 19930
- Description: A pirate-themed mini golf course with 18 holes, waterfalls, and fun surprises around every corner.
- Why It's Fun for Kids: From pirate ships to treasure chests, the whole course feels like an adventure. Great for kids of all ages (and adults who still love a good mini golf challenge).
- Website: Captain Jack’s Pirate Golf
11. Try Crabbing Off the Dock in Bethany Beach Delaware
- Location: James Farm Ecological Preserve (just outside Bethany) or local canal docks
- Description: Grab a crab line, some bait (chicken necks work great), and a bucket—then try your luck at catching blue crabs.
- Why It's Fun for Kids: It’s simple, hands-on, and super exciting when you pull up a crab. No special skills needed—just patience and curiosity.
- Amazon Product: Crab Trap Kit with Line and Rope
- Website: How to Go Crabbing in Delaware
12. Play Arcade Games at Millville Boardwalk
- Location: 35287 Atlantic Ave, Millville, DE 19967 (about 10 minutes from Bethany Beach)
- Description: A small but fun boardwalk-style arcade with skee-ball, claw machines, and more—plus mini donuts and frozen custard right outside.
- Why It's Fun for Kids: It's the perfect spot for a break from the sun and sand. Kids love trading tickets for silly prizes.
- Website: Millville Boardwalk
13. Ride Bikes on the Assawoman Canal Trail in Bethany Beach DE
- Location: Trail entrance at Town Park on Central Blvd, Ocean View, DE
- Description: A flat, shaded trail that runs along the Assawoman Canal—ideal for biking, walking, or scootering.
- Why It's Fun for Kids: It’s low-key and scenic, with lots of chances to stop and look for turtles or birds.
- Website: Assawoman Canal Trail
14. Paddleboard or Kayak on the Salt Pond
- Location: The Salt Pond, access via Bethany Beach Nature Center or local rental shops
- Description: Calm, shallow waters perfect for paddleboarding or kayaking. Rentals and guided tours are available locally.
- Why It's Fun for Kids: Even beginners can do it, and it feels like a big adventure without ever leaving town. Keep an eye out for crabs, turtles, and birds!
- Amazon Product: Blow Up Kayak - We bought this one from Amazon and it was actually really amazing!
- Website: Bethany Beach Nature Center
- Alternate Activity: Check out this Kayak rental on Dewey Beach only a little ways away from Bethany Beach!
Nature Things To Do in Bethany Beach Delaware
15. Visit the Bethany Beach Nature Center
- Location: 807 Garfield Parkway, Bethany Beach, DE 19930
- Description: This small but wonderful nature center offers interactive exhibits, a butterfly garden, and a raised boardwalk through marshland. Admission is free.
- Why It's Fun for Kids: Kids can explore touch tanks, check out turtle habitats, and walk the short nature trail while spotting wildlife and birds.
- Website: Bethany Beach Nature Center
16. Catch a Sunset at Indian River Inlet
- Location: Just north of Bethany Beach via Route 1 at the Indian River Bridge
- Description: One of the most scenic places to watch the sunset along the coast, with parking, restrooms, and easy beach or jetty access.
- Why It's Fun for Kids: It’s a peaceful way to wind down the day—bring snacks or dinner and let the kids look for crabs and seashells while the sun dips low.
- Amazon Product: Lightweight Foldable Beach Blanket with Stakes
- Website: Indian River Marina
17. Visit Delaware Seashore State Park
- Location: 39415 Inlet Rd, Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971 (about 10–15 minutes north of Bethany)
- Description: A large coastal state park with wide beaches, nature trails, a historic lifesaving station, and access to the Indian River Inlet.
- Why It's Fun for Kids: Great for exploring tide pools, hiking short trails, or learning about maritime history. There’s also a playground and picnic areas.
- Amazon Product: Outdoor Explorer Kit & Bug Catcher Kit with Binoculars, Compass, Magnifying Glass, Critter Case and Butterfly Net
- Website: Delaware Seashore State Park
Easy Day Trips from Bethany Beach Delaware
18. Take a Day Trip to Rehoboth Beach
- Location: Rehoboth Beach, DE (about 25 minutes north of Bethany Beach via Route 1)
- Description: Known for its lively boardwalk, amusement rides, and shopping, Rehoboth Beach makes for a perfect day trip with kids.
- Why It’s Fun for Kids: The rides at Funland are a favorite—small enough for toddlers, fun enough for big kids. Don’t forget the arcade and classic boardwalk snacks!
- Website: Funland Rehoboth Beach
19. Visit Fenwick Island Water Park
- Location: Thunder Lagoon Waterpark, 38960 Island St, Fenwick Island, DE 19944 (about 20 minutes south)
- Description: This compact water park includes small slides, a lazy river, and a separate kiddie area—great for a half or full day of water fun.
- Why It’s Fun for Kids: With slides sized for younger kids and a pirate-themed play area, it’s an easy and exciting way to cool off without the ocean.
- Amazon Product: Waterproof Phone Pouch Lanyard (Set of 2)
- Website: Thunder Lagoon Waterpark
20. Take a Day Trip to See the Assateague Wild Ponies
- Location: Assateague Island National Seashore, MD (about 1 hour south of Bethany Beach)
- Description: Explore the island by car, foot, or bike to spot the famous wild ponies roaming the dunes and marshes.
- Why It’s Fun for Kids: It’s like a real-life nature safari—kids are fascinated by the wild horses, and there’s a good chance of spotting egrets, crabs, and deer too.
- Amazon Product: Our 100% favorite binoculars! We've had these for 6 years and still on our windowsill every day to see nature outside our window!
- Website: Here's the best places we found to see the wild ponies in Assateague and Chincoteague!
Where to Stay in Delaware's Bethany Beach
If you're planning a family trip to Bethany Beach, finding the right place to stay can make all the difference—and for us, the Bethany Beach Ocean Suites Residence Inn by Marriott was everything we hoped for and more.
Located right on the boardwalk, this hotel offered unbeatable ocean views and direct beach access, which made it so easy to go back and forth with kids in tow. We loved having a suite setup with a mini kitchen, separate sleeping areas, and even a balcony to enjoy our morning coffee while watching the waves.
The hotel also has a heated indoor pool which my kids loved, a small spa, and complimentary breakfast—huge bonus when traveling with kids who wake up hungry. Everything was clean, modern, and just steps away from the shops and restaurants in town.
We genuinely loved our stay and would absolutely book it again for a future trip.
- Location: 99 Hollywood St, Bethany Beach, DE 19930
- Website: Bethany Beach Ocean Suites Marriott
- What We Paid: Prices vary seasonally, but expect around $250–$500/night depending on room type and time of year.
And check out more photos of the hotel on my Spring Break in Bethany Beach blog post.
Map of Bethany Beach Delaware Things To Do
Full List of Things to Do in Bethany Beach Delaware
- Relax on Bethany Beach
- Stroll the Bethany Beach Boardwalk
- Fly Kites on the Beach
- Catch a Show at the Bandstand
- Go Shell Hunting Early Morning
- Eat at Mango’s on the Boardwalk
- Get Ice Cream at Maureen’s or Kohr Bros.
- Dine at Bethany Blues BBQ
- Check Out the Farmers’ Market
- Mini Golf at Captain Jack’s Pirate Golf
- Try Crabbing Off the Dock
- Play Arcade Games at Millville Boardwalk
- Ride Bikes on the Assawoman Canal Trail
- Paddleboard or Kayak on the Salt Pond
- Visit the Bethany Beach Nature Center
- Visit Delaware Seashore State Park
- Catch a Sunset at Indian River Inlet
- Take a Day Trip to Rehoboth Beach
- Visit Fenwick Island Water Park
- Take a Day Trip to See the Assateague Wild Ponies
And check out my full list of Delaware with Kids Activities here!
