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Cape Henlopen State Park
Lewes, Delaware
Open Daily 8 a.m. to Sunset
Jr. Lifeguard Program
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2010 Summer Camps
Looking for summer fun and recreation for your child? Be sure to sign up early for one or more of our exciting camps!
Download park programs in .PDF format
Delaware Breakwater Kayak Trips
- DATE:
- TIME: 10 a.m. - Noon
Wednesday through Sunday, beginning June 12
Experienced naturalists and trained instructors take you on a guided tour in sit-on-top kayaks. Trips are designed for beginner paddlers, but can be strenu¬ous depending on weather conditions. All equip-ment is provided. Bring plenty of drinking water and sunscreen, and be prepared to get wet. Closed-toe shoes are required. Limited to 10. Solo pad¬dlers must be at least 13. Pre-registration is required. $25 for solo-kayaks, or $35 for tandem
Kayak Rentals at the Fishing Pier
- DATE:
- TIME: 12:30 - 4 p.m.
Wednesday through Sunday, beginning June 12
Sit-on-top kayak rentals include PFD, seat and paddle. Participants must have paddling experience. Closed-toe shoes required. For information, call (302) 645-6852 or (302) 644-6720. No reservations will be taken. Single or Tandem Sit-on-Top: $15 per person per hour.
Hooray for Spring Exploration
- DATE: March 20, 2010
- TIME: 2 p.m.
Spring has sprung and the frogs, toads and other wildlife are hopping! Hike the Pinelands Trail in search of the sights and sounds of spring in the park. Wear shoes that can get wet.
[top]Lantern Battery Tour
- DATE: March 20, 2010
- TIME: 5 – 6:30 p.m. (1700 – 1830)
Tour the Fort Miles Gun Battery by lantern light. Discover what it might have been like to defend our coast from a potential night attack during World War II. Limited to 30; pre-registration required. Meet at the Orientation Building in the Fort Miles Historical Area. Please pre-register for program by calling (302) 645-6852 or (302) 644-5005. $5 per person
[top]Bird Walks at Cape Henlopen
- DATE: March 20, 2010
- TIME: 8 – 10 a.m.
Join a naturalist on a journey to Cape Henlopen State Park’s birding hot spots. Beginning and intermediate birders are welcome. Binoculars and field guides are available, but bring your own if you have them. All trips begin at the Nature Center.
[top]Friday Under the Full Moon
- DATE: March 26, 2010
- TIME: 7 p.m.
Explore Cape Henlopen under the light of the full moon and learn about our nocturnal inhabitants. Hot chocolate provided. Pre-registration required. $2 per person.
[top]Pinelands Past and Present
- DATE: March 27, 2010
- TIME: 11 a.m.
Explore the Pinelands Trail with a naturalist and historical interpreter and learn about the environmental and man-made changes to this part of the park.
[top]Lunch and Learn: No Fooling!?!
- DATE: April 1, 2010
- TIME: Noon - 1 p.m.
Hear true tales of nature absurdities and environmental extremes. Bring your lunch, and we’ll provide coffee and cookies. Limited to 20. Pre-registration required. $3 per person
[top]Lunch and Learn – No Fooling!
- DATE: April 1, 2010
- TIME: Noon – 1 p.m.
Discover some stranger-than-fiction true tales of nature absurdities and environmental extremes. Bring your lunch and we’ll provide coffee and dessert. Pre-registration is required. $3 per person
[top]42nd Annual Kite Festival
- DATE: April 2, 2010
- TIME: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Celebrate spring at Kite Day and enjoy kite-flying contests, kite and craft vendors, food and fun for all ages. For more information call the park office at (302) 645-8983. To participate in festival contests, contact the Lewes Chamber of Commerce at (302) 645-8073. Park entrance fees will be in effect.
[top]42nd Annual Kite Festival
- DATE: April 2, 2010
- TIME: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Enjoy kite-flying contests, kite and craft vendors, food and fun for all ages. For more information, call (302) 645-8983. To participate in festival contests, contact the Lewes Chamber of Commerce at (302) 645-8073. Park entrance fees will be in effect.
[top]Welcome Back Ospreys
- DATE: April 3, 2010
- TIME: 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Learn about Delaware’s Osprey with kids’ crafts and other interactive, educational opportunities. Osprey Viewing Hayrides with a naturalist start at 11:30 a.m. and 1p.m. Hayrides limited to 18. $5 per person
[top]Welcome Back Ospreys!
- DATE: April 3, 2010
- TIME: 11a.m. – 2 p.m.
Explore the nature center and learn about the Ospreys of Delaware. Kids’ crafts and other interactive, educational opportunities are available. Osprey viewing hayrides with a naturalist begin at 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m., $5 per person
[top]Volunteer Trail Day
- DATE: April 3, 2010
- TIME: 9 a.m. – Noon
Get outdoors this season and enjoy your state parks. Participate in Monthly Trails Day events with the Friends of Cape Henlopen State Park. For details, call the Volunteer Coordinator at (302) 644-5005.
[top]Spring Loaded WWII Games for Kids: Cover and Concealment
- DATE: April 6, 2010
- TIME: 1300-1430 (1 – 2:30 p.m.)
Ages 10 – 12
Enjoy Fort Miles fun and games while learning about WWII. Limited to 12. Meet at the Orientation Building unless otherwise stated. Pre-registration is required; call (302) 645-6852. $5 per child
Spring Has Sprung: Search for Life
- DATE: April 6, 2010
- TIME: 9:30 a.m. - Noon
Ages 6 to 9
Discover what’s “awake” this spring. Enjoy hikes, activities, games and crafts in programs about nature and exploration. Dress to go outside. Limited to 12. Pre-registration required. $12 per child
Spring Loaded WWII Games for Kids: Code Breakers
- DATE: April 7, 2010
- TIME: 1300-1430 (1 – 2:30 p.m.)
Ages 10 – 12
Enjoy Fort Miles fun and games while learning about WWII. Limited to 12. Meet at the Orientation Building unless otherwise stated. Pre-registration is required; call (302) 645-6852. $5 per child
Fort Miles Lantern Tour
- DATE: April 7, 2010
- TIME: 1900 - 2030 (7 – 8:30 pm)
Tour Battery 519 with a costumed interpreter and hear amazing stories about Fort Miles. Limited to 30. For ages 10 and up. Meet at the Orientation Building unless otherwise stated. Pre-registration is required; call (302) 645-6852. $5 per person
[top]Spring Has Sprung: In Cold Blood
- DATE: April 7, 2010
- TIME: 9:30 a.m. – Noon
Ages 6 to 9
Learn how endothermic (cold-blooded) animals survive. Enjoy hikes, activities, games and crafts in programs about nature and exploration. Dress to go outside. Limited to 12. Pre-registration required. $12 per child
Spring Loaded WWII Games for Kids: Towers and Gunners
- DATE: April 8, 2010
- TIME: 1300-1430 (1 – 2:30 p.m.)
Ages 10 – 12
Enjoy Fort Miles fun and games while learning about WWII. Limited to 12. Meet at the Orientation Building unless otherwise stated. Pre-registration is required; call (302) 645-6852. $5 per child
Spring Has Sprung: Fur and Feathers
- DATE: April 8, 2010
- TIME: 9:30 a.m. - Noon
Ages 6 to 9
What do birds and mammals have in common? Enjoy hikes, activities, games and crafts in programs about nature and exploration. Dress to go outside. Limited to 12. Pre-registration required. $12 per child
Treasure Hunting the Geocaching Way
- DATE: April 10, 2010
- TIME: 11 a.m.
What is geocaching? Learn to use hand-held GPS units and explore the park to find hidden caches in this new-age treasure hunt. Limited to 12. Pre-registration required. $2 per person
[top]Battery 519 Museum Tours
- DATE: April 10, 2010
- TIME: 2 p.m. (1400)
Explore Fort Miles and learn about the role of the coastal defense system during WWII. See the 12-inch gun on this tour led by a historical interpreter in authentic period uniform. Learn the history of the site and the plans to restore Battery 519 and its cantonment. Pre-registration required. Meet at the Orientation Building in the Fort Miles Historical Area. Please pre-register for program by calling (302) 645-6852 or (302) 644-5005. $5 per person
[top]Friends of Cape Henlopen Flea Market at the Seaside Nature Center
- DATE: April 10, 2010
- TIME: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Clean items may be dropped off on Friday, April 10 at the Nature Center from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. For more information on Friends events, volunteering or becoming a Friend of Cape Henlopen, call (302) 858-6127 or visit their website.
[top]Guppy Club – The Author Series
- DATE: April 15, 2010
- TIME: 10:30 – 11:30 a.m.
For ages 3 to 5
Sounds of Spring - Whose Sound is This?
Discover secrets of nature through games, crafts, outdoor adventures and the books of popular children’s authors. Children must be accompanied by an adult and dressed for the outdoors. Limited to 12 children. Pre-registration required. $2 per child.
Earth Day 2010 - Salt Water Fly Tying for Kids
- DATE: April 17, 2010
- TIME: 10:30 a.m.
For ages 10 – 14
Experts from the Saltwater Fly Anglers of Delaware teach basic fly tying techniques. All materials and equipment provided. Limited to 12. Pre-registration required. $2 per person
Earth Day 2010 - Salt Marsh Trek
- DATE: April 17, 2010
- TIME: 11 a.m.
Take a guided hike through the maritime forest to the salt marsh and see the signs of spring in one of earth’s most productive environments. Limited to 20. Free Program
[top]Battery 519 Museum Tours
- DATE: April 17, 2010
- TIME: 1400 - 1530 (2 – 3:30 p.m.)
Join a costumed interpreter to learn about Fort Miles and Coastal Defense in WWII. See the 12” gun and hear the plans to restore Battery 519 and its cantonment. Limited to 30. For ages 10 and up. Meet at the Orientation Building unless otherwise stated. Pre-registration is required; call (302) 645-6852. $5 per person
[top]Earth Day 2010 - Horseshoe Crabs and Shorebirds
- DATE: April 17, 2010
- TIME: 2 p.m.
Discover the global connection of two true survivors of the animal world. Limited to 40. Pre-registration required. $2 per person.
[top]Bird Walks at Cape Henlopen
- DATE: April 17, 2010
- TIME: 8 – 10 a.m.
Beginning and intermediate birders are welcome to visit the park’s birding hot spots. Some binoculars and field guides are available, but bring your own if you have them.
[top]Earth Day 2010 – Bird Walk
- DATE: April 17, 2010
- TIME: 8 a.m.
Celebrate Mother Earth with nature walks and other activities for the 40th anniversary of Earth Day. Beginning and intermediate birders are welcome to visit the park’s birding hot spots. Some binoculars and field guides are available, but bring your own if you have them. Limited to 20. Free program
[top]Delmarva Birding Weekend
- DATE: April 22, 2010
- TIME:
Celebrate the spring migration with more than 35 different trips and rallies. The weekend combines boat trips, canoe treks and expeditions on foot. For information, call (443) 944-8097 or visit Delmarva Low Impact Tourism Experiences (DLITE). Pre-registration required. Runs April 22 through 25
[top]2nd Annual Cape Henlopen State Park Safety Day
- DATE: April 24, 2010
- TIME: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. (Rain or Shine)
Local and state law enforcement agencies and fire departments cover a variety of topics, including water, boating, outdoor, pedestrian and bicycle safety. Enjoy a bicycle rodeo or SIDNE impaired-driving demonstration, K-9 demonstration, a safety belt enforcer and more. All events held at the Main Beach Bathhouse Parking Lot. For information, call Cpl. Andy Manning at (302) 644-5016 or Merritt Burke at (302) 856-2585 ext. 584.
[top]Fort Miles: The War Years Special Event
- DATE: April 24, 2010
- TIME: 1000-1600 (10 a.m. – 4 p.m.)
Step back in time with reenactors in period uniforms and equipment. See gun drills, firing demonstrations, combat exercises and learn about garrison life at Fort Miles. Special tours of the Battery 519 Museum will be offered ($3 per person).
[top]Holly Hike – An Arbor Day Adventure
- DATE: April 24, 2010
- TIME: 11 a.m.
Take a guided hike on the Pinelands Trail to celebrate our state tree and discover how trees contribute to the natural world.
[top]Tiny Creatures of the Bay
- DATE: May 1, 2010
- TIME: 11 a.m.
We’ll use scientific equipment to view microscopic plants and animals while learning how vital they are to our environment. Limited to 20. Pre-registration required. $2 per person
[top]Volunteer Trail Day
- DATE: May 1, 2010
- TIME: 9 a.m. – Noon
Get outdoors this season and enjoy your state parks. Participate in Monthly Trails Day events with the Friends of Cape Henlopen State Park. For details, call the Volunteer Coordinator at (302) 644-5005.
[top]Hike the Walking Dune Trail
- DATE: May 2, 2010
- TIME: 2 p.m.
Join a naturalist as we hike through the maritime forest and past the salt marshes along a less-traveled trail.
[top]Lunch and Learn - Sand in Motion: Beach Processes
- DATE: May 6, 2010
- TIME: Noon - 1 p.m.
Jack Puleo of the University of Delaware discusses coastal processes and his research project taking place in the park. Bring your lunch, and we’ll provide coffee and cookies. Limited to 20. Pre-registration required. $3 per person
[top]Treasure Hunting the Geocaching Way
- DATE: May 8, 2010
- TIME: 11 a.m.
What is geocaching? Learn to use hand-held GPS units and explore the park to find hidden caches in this new-age treasure hunt. Limited to 12. Pre-registration required. $2 per person
[top]Guppy Club – The Author Series
- DATE: May 13, 2010
- TIME: 10:30 – 11:30 a.m.
For ages 3 to 5
Colors of Spring - Planting a Rainbow
Discover secrets of nature through games, crafts, outdoor adventures and the books of popular children’s authors. Children must be accompanied by an adult and dressed for the outdoors. Limited to 12 children. Pre-registration required. $2 per child.
Beachcombing Exploration
- DATE: May 15, 2010
- TIME: 11 a.m.
Search the bay beach with a naturalist to discover fun facts about sea shells, egg cases, cool stones and more.
[top]Battery 519 Museum Tours
- DATE: May 15, 2010
- TIME: 1400 - 1530 (2 – 3:30 p.m.)
Join a costumed interpreter to learn about Fort Miles and Coastal Defense in WWII. See the 12” gun and hear the plans to restore Battery 519 and its cantonment. Limited to 30. For ages 10 and up. Meet at the Orientation Building unless otherwise stated. Pre-registration is required; call (302) 645-6852. $5 per person
[top]Friends of Cape Henlopen Children’s Fishing Tournament
- DATE: May 15, 2010
- TIME: 7 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Fishermen ages 15 and under, try your luck at the fishing pier. Prizes will be awarded. Rain date May 16. $15 entrance fee and free T-shirts for the first 50 children. For more information on Friends events, volunteering or becoming a Friend of Cape Henlopen, call (302) 858-6127 or visit their website.
[top]Bird Walks at Cape Henlopen
- DATE: May 15, 2010
- TIME: 8 – 10 a.m.
Beginning and intermediate birders are welcome to visit the park’s birding hot spots. Some binoculars and field guides are available, but bring your own if you have them.
[top]Beach Processes Along Delaware’s Coast
- DATE: May 22, 2010
- TIME: 11 a.m.
Join Jack Puleo from the University of Delaware for a discussion of his research on coastal processes. See his wave flume in action simulating sediment movement in the Indian River Inlet and Cape Henlopen. Limited to 40.
[top]Fish Hawk Challenge Adventure Race
- DATE: May 22, 2010
- TIME: 9 a.m. (pre-race meeting at 8:30 a.m.)
Test your strength and skills. This team event is open to athletes of any skill level with prizes in different categories. Learn more about the Adventure Race Series
[top]Horseshoe Crab Night Hike
- DATE: May 28, 2010
- TIME: 8 p.m.
Join a naturalist to see the horseshoe crabs invade the beach at high tide. Learn about this ancient ritual and how animals, and humans, too, benefit from this creature of the past. Limited to 20. Pre-registration required. $2 per person
[top]Delaware Breakwater Kayak Trips
- DATE: May 29, 2010
- TIME: 10 a.m.-Noon
Experienced naturalists and trained instructors take you on a guided tour in sit-on-top kayaks. Trips are designed for beginner paddlers, but can be strenu¬ous depending on weather conditions. All equip-ment is provided. Bring plenty of drinking water and sunscreen, and be prepared to get wet. Closed-toe shoes are required. Limited to 10. Solo pad¬dlers must be at least 13. Pre-registration is required. $25 for solo-kayaks, or $35 for tandem
[top]Kayak Rentals at the Fishing Pier
- DATE: May 29, 2010
- TIME: 12:30 - 4 p.m.
Sit-on-top kayak rentals include PFD, seat and paddle. Participants must have paddling experience. Closed-toe shoes required. For information, call (302) 645-6852 or (302) 644-6720. No reservations will be taken. Single or Tandem Sit-on-Top: $15 per person per hour.
[top]World War II Games for Kids
- DATE: May 29, 2010
- TIME: 1400-1530 (2 – 3:30 p.m.)
Children ages 8 to 12 are invited to Fort Miles for fun and to learn about WWII. Conduct concealment exercises, break code or go on a secret mission! Limited to 12. Meet at the Orientation Building unless otherwise stated. Pre-registration is required; call (302) 645-6852. $5 per child
[top]Fort Miles Lantern Tour
- DATE: May 29, 2010
- TIME: 1900 - 2030 (7 – 8:30 pm)
Tour Battery 519 with a costumed interpreter and hear amazing stories about Fort Miles. Limited to 30. For ages 10 and up. Meet at the Orientation Building unless otherwise stated. Pre-registration is required; call (302) 645-6852. $5 per person
[top]Stinging, Biting, Poisonous Sea Creatures
- DATE: May 29, 2010
- TIME: 2 p.m.
Join us to discover which sea creatures carry painful stings, bites and poisons and why they do it. Limited to 40.
[top]Seining the Bay
- DATE: May 30, 2010
- TIME: 10 a.m.
Join us and use a seine net to search the shallows of Delaware Bay for fish, crabs and other creatures. Dress to get wet and wear secure shoes, no flip-flops. Tickets available the day of the program; maximum of six tickets per person. Children must be accompanied by a paying adult. Limited to 30. $5 per person
[top]Touch Tank Creature Feature
- DATE: May 30, 2010
- TIME: 3 p.m.
Join a naturalist at the touch tank to learn about some of the cool creatures that inhabit our coast. Be prepared to touch sharks, horseshoe crabs or other “critters.”
[top]Campfire Circle – Stars of the Night Sky
- DATE: May 30, 2010
- TIME: 8 p.m.
Learn which stars and constellations are visible in late spring and summer. Bring sticks and marshmallows for roasting! Held at the Campground Amphitheatre.
[top]Lunch and Learn - Bats: Misunderstood Creatures of the Night
- DATE: June 3, 2010
- TIME: Noon – 1 p.m.
Graduate student Angela Sjollema discusses the wild world of bats and the bat surveys conducted in the park. Bring your lunch, and we’ll provide coffee and cookies. Limited to 20. Pre-registration required. $3 per person
[top]National Trails Day
- DATE: June 5, 2010
- TIME: 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Meet at the Hawk Watch Pavilion to help maintain and improve our trails. For further details, call the Volunteer Coordinator at (302) 644-5005. For more information on Friends events, volunteering or becoming a Friend of Cape Henlopen, call (302) 858-6127 or visit their website.
[top]Guppy Club – The Author Series
- DATE: June 10, 2010
- TIME: 10:30 – 11:30 a.m.
For ages 3 to 5
Sights of Spring - The Very Hungry Caterpillar
Discover secrets of nature through games, crafts, outdoor adventures and the books of popular children’s authors. Children must be accompanied by an adult and dressed for the outdoors. Limited to 12 children. Pre-registration required. $2 per child.
Battery 519 Museum Tours
- DATE: June 12, 2010
- TIME: 1400 - 1530 (2 – 3:30 p.m.)
Join a costumed interpreter to learn about Fort Miles and Coastal Defense in WWII. See the 12” gun and hear the plans to restore Battery 519 and its cantonment. Limited to 30. For ages 10 and up. Meet at the Orientation Building unless otherwise stated. Pre-registration is required; call (302) 645-6852. $5 per person
[top]