1. Bike & Hike & Brews Presented by Dogfish Head Craft Brewery
Hagley Museum and Library
Wednesdays through August 26, 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Stroll, jog or bike through Hagley’s spectacular grounds along the Brandywine, and enjoy award-winning Dogfish Head beer. On two special “Dog Days,” July 29 and August 26, you can bring your leashed pup along for the fun too! Pack your own picnic or order one for pick up at Hagley from Caffé Gelato. The event is weather dependent. Click here for more details.
2. Movie Nights
Frawley Stadium
Fridays and Saturdays through Early Fall
Movies start at 8 p.m.
The series kicks off with ‘The Sandlot’ on Friday, July 24 followed by ‘The Goonies’ on Saturday, July 25. Socially distanced seating is available on the entire third base side of the seating bowl, providing prominent visibility of the state-of-the-art LED big screen located on the infield. Tickets include socially distanced general admission seating, a bottle of water and a bag of popcorn. Click here to buy your tickets.
3. Summer Concert Series
Rockford Park
Mondays through the end of August, 6:30 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Bring your family and friends (including the four-legged variety), picnic blankets and lawn chairs, and enjoy the sounds of summer at these free concerts. More info.
4. Introduction to Top Rope Rock Climbing
Alapocas Run State Park
Courses will start in August
Check the park’s Facebook page for the latest info.
Discover the basics of outdoor top rope climbing. Get harnessed up and climb on the park’s natural rock wall after a brief introduction to equipment, climbing and safety. Helmets, harnesses and ropes are provided. This activity is for ages 8 and up. Those under 18 must be accompanied by a guardian.
5. Nature on the Go
Alapocas Run State Park
Tuesdays and Thursdays, 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Stop by the Blue Ball Barn to pick up your free guide for naturalist-created activities then go out and explore Alapocas and Wilmington State Parks. This year’s theme is all about energy: sound, potential and kinetic, gravity, and more. What’s interesting is that you can experience and learn about all these forms of energy in the park environment. It’s hands-on fun for the whole family!
6. Intro to Photography Camp
Bellevue State Park
Starts Monday, August 3 at 9 a.m.
Check the park’s Facebook page for more details.
This hands-on workshop lets kids explore different photography techniques each day. Parents will be invited to an art show on Friday afternoon highlighting campers’ work throughout the week. All supplies, including two disposable cameras and photo printing costs, are included in the camp fee.
7. Summer Zumba on the Patio
Bellevue State Park
Tuesdays through August 18 from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Come shake your booty with a licensed Zumba instructor for a groovy hour of fun exercise! Classes are suitable for all levels, and no experience is needed. Classes are free and open to ages 16 and up. You must pre-register the business day before by 4 p.m. as space is limited.
8. Monthly Full Moon Hikes
Bellevue State Park
Full moon nights throughout the year
Check the park’s Facebook page for the latest info.
Take an hour-long hike through the park and enjoy the nocturnal life at Bellevue. Starting locations vary, so be sure to confirm the meeting spot. Visit the front office to register or call (302) 761-6963.
9. Summer Nature Talk Series
Brandywine Creek State Park
Summer Saturdays, start times vary
Check out the park’s Facebook page for the latest info.
Meet up for an easy hike, and enjoy talks on the park’s natural and cultural resources. This season’s topics are pollinator gardens, rock walls and meadows.
10. Astronomy Nights
Check the park’s Facebook page for upcoming dates.
Stargaze and learn folklore, what constellations are most visible during summer months, and what makes the summer sky different from the winter sky. This is one of the best spots to stargaze in the region!
11. Firefly Fridays
Brandywine Creek State Park
Summer Fridays at 9 p.m.
Learn about fireflies as well as their habitat loss and how we can help them. Enjoy their spectacular light show in the meadow and along the forest edge. Pre-registration required as space is limited. Call 302-655-5740 to register. This is a free event.
12. Dip-Netting Discovery
Lums Pond State Park
Select Saturdays at 11:00 a.m.
Check the park’s Facebook page for upcoming dates.
Join naturalists to discover just what lies beneath the surface of Lums Pond, Delaware’s largest freshwater pond.
13. Guided Hikes
White Clay Creek State Park
Specialty hikes include a harmony hike, a silent hike just before sunset and a full moon hike. Panning for Creek Gems looks at local geology through the garnets, magnetite, and other shiny treasures.
We’ve just given you a small taste of what New Castle County’s state parks have to offer. There are hawk watches, owl prowls, dog-friendly guided hikes, themed camps, and much, much more this summer and throughout the year! Download the full Delaware State Parks 2020 Summer Guide here. And the best resources for the most up-to date event information are the Facebook pages of our individual state parks. Just click the “Events” tab, and you will be set!
Summer fun in Greater Wilmington and the Brandywine Valley is the perfect prescription for unplugging, unwinding and destressing. Be sure not to miss the spectacular outdoor programs and activities going on all around us right now. For many more ideas for your summer-to-do list, be sure to visit www.visitwilmingtonde.com.
