This summer, there is plenty to do outdoors at Sussex County’s state parks that hopefully won’t break the gasoline budget. The following are just some of the ways to keep cool and have fun in the area.
Cape Henlopen State Park
The park will hold campground programs, including a Night Hike on Fridays, June 20-Aug. 15, from 8:30-9:30 p.m. in June and July and from 8-9 p.m. in August. Campfire Circles that will include World War II stories of Fort Miles and songs will be held Saturdays, June 21-Aug. 16, from 8:30-9:30 p.m. in June and July and from 8-9 p.m. in August. Grab the family for a hayride at the beach on Tuesdays, July 1-Aug. 22 from 5-6 p.m.
Kayak tours are planned, including a summer solstice tour on June 21, the longest day of the year, from 6-8 p.m. Take someone special out for a sunset kayak tour Wednesdays, June 2-Aug. 13 from 6:30-8:30 p.m. in July and 6-8 p.m. in August. Rentals are also available for those who have experience Wednesdays-Sundays, June 13-Aug. 31 from 12:30-4 p.m. Cost is $15 per person for one hour and $30 for two; single and tandem sit-on-top kayaks are available.
Activities will also be held at Fort Miles, a key part of the nation’s coastal defense during World War II, including games for kidsand a war re-enactment for The Dog Days of War on Aug. 2.
For more information or to register for activities, call 645-6852.
Delaware Seashore State Park
The Indian River Life-Saving Station Museum will hold Breeches Buoy Demonstrations, where participants will learn how the U.S. Life-Saving Service brought shipwrecked sailors safely back to shore. The dates are June 26, July 5 and 20, and Aug. 9, 14 and 23, from 1-2 p.m. The activity is free for children 5 and under.
A Rehoboth Bay kayak trip will be held Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays, June 24-Aug. 30, from 9:30-11:30 a.m. Assawoman Canal trips will also be held Sundays, July 6 and 20 and Aug. 3, 17 and 31, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Other activities include pontoon boat tours, stargazing at Holts Landing, beachcombing, osprey watch, shorebird walk and a hike on Sea Hawk Trail
The park is open 8 a.m. to sunset. For more information, call 227-6991.
Trap Pond State Park
Several recreational and educational programs are available for nature enthusiasts. There will be hayrides on Thursdays beginning June 12 from 6-7:30 p.m. and on Saturdays from June 7-Aug. 16 from 5-6 p.m. National Trails Day is June 7; the park has eight trails for hikers, bicyclists, horses and even canoes and kayaks.
