Family Activities in Dewey Beach
Dewey Beach is one of the best family vacation spots on the East Coast. Since the bay and ocean are just blocks apart, you can easily go from sunrise walks to sunset bonfires in a matter of minutes.
Here is your insider's guide to the best family activities in Dewey Beach.
The Best of Both Worlds: Ocean and Bay
Ocean Side: Perfect for boogie boarding, skimboarding (Dewey is the skim capital, after all!), and building sandcastles.
Bay Side: For families with toddlers or young children, the Rehoboth Bay side is a game-changer. The water is calm, shallow, and warm - often bathwater temperature by August - making it relaxing for little ones.
Insider Tip: Head to the end of Van Dyke Street or Dagsworthy Street for small, sandy bay beaches that are perfect for quiet family play.
Weekly Traditions: Movies & Bonfires
Dewey Beach treats its visitors to free family entertainment right on the sand.
Monday Movies: Every Monday night at dusk (starting around 8:30 PM in summer), the town sets up a giant inflatable screen on the beach at Dagsworthy Avenue. Bring a blanket and watch family favorites like Moana or The Little Mermaid under the stars.
Wednesday Bonfires: On Wednesday nights, head back to Dagsworthy Avenue for a community bonfire. It's a wholesome slice of Dewey life with s'mores, glow sticks, and often live acoustic music or a DJ playing kid-friendly tunes.
Playgrounds and Recreation
When the kids need a break from the sand, Dewey has options right in town.
John Waples Memorial Playground: Located on Dagsworthy Avenue (bayside), this is a fenced-in, playground with slides, swings, and a climbing structure. It's a great spot for parents to relax in the shade of the gazebo while the kids burn off energy.
Miniature Golf: You don't have to leave town to putt! Nick's Mini Golf is located at the north end of Dewey Beach (Swedes St & Hwy 1). It's a classic beach pastime and a fun way to spend an hour before dinner.
Water Sports and Boating
For families with older kids and teens, the bay offers endless adventure.
Jet Skis & Pontoons: Head to the marina areas near the Rusty Rudder or Hyatt Place on the bayside. You can rent pontoon boats for a family cruise (some fit up to 12 people) or zip around on jet skis.
Paddleboarding & Kayaking: Because the bay is so calm, it's the perfect place to learn to stand-up paddleboard (SUP) or kayak. Companies like Delmarva Board Sport Adventure and East of Maui offer rentals and even eco-tours where you might spot herons or dolphins.
Parasailing: For the brave, Dewey Beach Parasail launches right from the Rusty Rudder dock, offering incredible views of the coastline from hundreds of feet in the air.
Sweet Treats: Ice Cream & More
No family beach day is complete without a sugar rush.
The Dewey Post: Located at 1205 Coastal Highway, this spot has a Parisian vibe and serves famous Bassett's ice cream.
Rita's Italian Ice: A refreshing staple for a hot afternoon, located centrally on Highway One.
The Jolly Trolley to Rehoboth Boardwalk
One of the most fun things to do is simply getting to the next town over.
The Ride: Hop on the open-air Jolly Trolley! It runs a continuous loop between Dewey and Rehoboth Beach. Kids love the breeze and the bell ringing.
The Destination: The trolley drops you off right near the famous Rehoboth Boardwalk. From there, you can walk to Funland (an affordable, old-school amusement park with rides and games), grab a bucket of Thrasher's French Fries, or visit the arcades before heading back to the quieter vibe of Dewey for bed.