Monday, May 21, 2012
Delaware State Parks offer exciting programs for families and individuals. Enjoy crafts, learn about Delaware's heritage or explore the parks' natural wonders. Many programs require pre-registration. Call the specific park you plan to visit for details.
| National Maritime Day: The DeBraak at First State Heritage Park | ||
| Tuesday, May 22, 2012 Noon |
The Old State House on The GreenExamine the significance of the HMS DeBraak shipwreck and its recovery. | |
| National Maritime Day: The U.S.S. Delaware at First State Heritage Park | ||
| Tuesday, May 22, 2012 1:30 p.m. |
The First State Heritage Park Welcome Center and Galleries Explore the role of the U.S.S. Delaware and its silver. | |
| Eco-Explorers Club: Air Quality at Killens Pond | ||
| Tuesday, May 22, 2012 1:30 p.m. |
What is in the air we breathe, and how clean is it really? Learn the elements of air quality and what we can do to help clean up the air. $3 per student | |
| Wee Have Fun Club: Dandy Lions at Bellevue | ||
| Wednesday, May 23, 2012 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. |
Ages 3 – 5 Nature discoveries, stories and art projects are all part of the fun! Dress to go outside. Walk-ins are welcome. Meet at the Arts Center. $4 per child |
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| Little Keepers – Spectacular Sharks at Delaware Seashore | ||
| Wednesday, May 23, 2012 10 – 11 a.m. |
Bring your little one to the Life-Saving Station to explore weekly themes through nature discoveries, stories and art projects! When possible, we will venture outside, so please dress your child accordingly. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Ages 3 – 5; $3 per child | |
| Hands-On History at First State Heritage Park | ||
| Wednesday, May 23, 2012 3 – 4 p.m. |
The Old State House on The Green. Visitors will enjoy special presentations and hands-on activities. | |
| Children with Challenges Fishing Event at White Clay Creek | ||
| Wednesday, May 23, 2012 |
Children with Challenges is a non-profit fishing program for groups of children with social, economic, physical or mental challenges. Call (302) 368-6560 for information. | |
| Story Time at Brandywine Zoo | ||
| Thursday, May 24, 2012 10:30 a.m. |
Delightful animal stories read near the Otter exhibit. We will move indoors in case of inclement weather. For all ages, especially the young. | |
| James Branch Canoe Trip at Trap Pond | ||
| Thursday, May 24, 2012 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. |
This trip will last up to six hours and can be very strenuous; it is recommended for intermediate to experienced paddlers. $25 per person. Pre-registration is required; call (302) 875-5163. | |
| Introduction to Surf Fishing at Delaware Seashore | ||
| Friday, May 25, 2012 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. |
Calling all fishermen and women! Whether you need a refresher, or are brand new to this popular local sport, everyone is invited to learn the basics of surf fishing. The program covers tackle and baits to use, current rules and regulations, fish identification and, weather permitting, an opportunity to catch (and release) a big one! Spinning rod and reel combos, tackle and bait will be provided. Participants under 16 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian, and all participants must have a current fishing license (if applicable) and FIN number. Please call with questions about licensing or for registration. Also, participants will now leave the class with a comprehensive handout to keep in their tackle box to review the topics and concepts covered! Participants must be at least 10 years old. Dress for the weather. Pre-registration is required. Ages 10 and up; $25 per person | |
| Lantern Tours: Presbyterian Cemetery at First State Heritage Park | ||
| Friday, May 25, 2012 8 p.m. |
Join our guides though historic Dover and its cemeteries. Call (302) 739-9194 for reservations. Tours cancelled due to inclement weather will not be rescheduled. $5 per person. Meet at the Johnson Victrola Museum Parking Lot – 375 S. New Street. Meet important figures from Dover’s history. | |
| Pond Exploration at Bellevue | ||
| Saturday, May 26, 2012 10 a.m. |
Dip a net in the pond to discover, identify and learn about the creatures that call the pond home! Prepare to get wet. Register by 4 p.m. on May 24. $4 per person | |
| Guided Canoe Trip at Brandywine Creek | ||
| Saturday, May 26, 2012 9:30 a.m. |
A certified leader and a naturalist will help with canoe instruction and nature identification. Ages 15 and younger must be accompanied by an adult. You and a partner must be able to carry your canoe to the river. We provide equipment; bring plenty of water and a snack, and dress to get wet. Some experience is recommended. Meet at Thompson’s Bridge parking lot. Advance registration and payment are required. $20 per person; a third person in a canoe is $10 (700-lb. capacity). Register by May 23. | |
| Monthly Birdwalk at Brandywine Creek | ||
| Saturday, May 26, 2012 8 a.m. |
Our expert volunteer birders from the Museum of Natural History will lead the group. Wear comfortable hiking boots. Free program with paid park entrance | |
| Dolphins Return at Cape Henlopen | ||
| Saturday, May 26, 2012 9:30 a.m. |
Learn about our summer resident as we search for them from shore. Ages 7 and up. Limit 20. Pre-registration required. $2 per person. | |
| Delaware Breakwater Kayak Trip at Cape Henlopen | ||
| Saturday, May 26, 2012 10 a.m.-Noon |
Experienced naturalists and instructors guide this tour in sit-on-top kayaks. Trips can be strenuous. Equipment is provided. Closed-toe shoes are required. Ages 8 and up with an adult; solo paddlers must be at least 13. Limit 10. Pre-registration is required. $25 for solo-kayaks, or $35 for tandem. | |
| Kayak Rentals at the Fishing Pier at Cape Henlopen | ||
| Saturday, May 26, 2012 12:30 - 4 p.m. |
Sit-on-top kayak rentals include PFD, seat and paddle. Participants must have paddling experience. Closed-toe shoes required. Ages 8 and up with an adult; solo paddlers must be at least 13. No reservations taken. Single or tandem: $15 per person per hour. | |
| Campfire Circle: Night Sounds at Cape Henlopen | ||
| Saturday, May 26, 2012 7:30 p.m. |
Who’s hooting and howling in the night? Bring marshmallows and sticks for roasting and folding chairs to the campground amphitheater. Ages 5 and up with an adult. Free. | |
| Fire Power Tour at Cape Henlopen | ||
| Saturday, May 26, 2012 6:30 p.m. |
Learn how the artillery pieces that protected our coast worked and participate in a gun drill. Ages 10 and up with an adult. Limit 20. Pre-registration is required. $5 per person. | |
| Beachcombing at Delaware Seashore | ||
| Saturday, May 26, 2012 11 a.m. |
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| Family Fun on Saturdays – Horseshoe Crabs at Delaware Seashore | ||
| Saturday, May 26, 2012 1 – 2 p.m. |
Nature discoveries, history and art projects are all part of the fun! Please dress for the weather. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Pre-registration is required; walk-ins accepted if space is available. All ages; $4 per person | |
| Free Walking Tours: Women of The Green at First State Heritage Park | ||
| Saturday, May 26, 2012 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. |
Tours led by historical interpreters in period dress begin at the John Bell House on The Green every hour. Learn about women’s contributions to the history of The Green. | |
| Fire Power Tour at Fort Miles | ||
| Saturday, May 26, 2012 6:30 p.m. |
Learn how the artillery pieces that protected our coast worked and participate in a gun drill. Ages 10 and up with an adult. Limit 20. Pre-registration is required. $5 per person. | |
| Water Park Opening Day at Killens Pond | ||
| Saturday, May 26, 2012 10 a.m. |
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| Springtime Stroll at Killens Pond | ||
| Saturday, May 26, 2012 2 p.m. |
Hike the Pondside Nature Trail with a naturalist and enjoy the last signs of spring. | |
| Hayrides at Killens Pond | ||
| Saturday, May 26, 2012 5, 6, 7 and 8 p.m. |
Meet at the Campground Amphitheater. The fields and the forest await you. Space is limited. Call the Nature Center by 1 p.m. on May 26 to reserve your spot. $4 per person | |
| Nocturnal Nature at Killens Pond | ||
| Saturday, May 26, 2012 9 p.m. |
Meet at the Campground Amphitheater. Discover the nocturnal world of the park. Search for owls, beavers, insects and amphibians while participating in fascinating activities. $2 per person | |
| Memorial Day Camping Weekend: Holiday Concert at Lums Pond | ||
| Saturday, May 26, 2012 7 p.m. |
Bring a chair or blanket and enjoy an evening of outdoor music at the campground stage. | |
| Lantern Tours of Fort Miles at Cape Henlopen | ||
| Sunday, May 27, 2012 7:30 p.m. |
Tour the gun battery by lantern light and learn how soldiers defended our coast. Ages 10 and up with an adult. Limit 30. Pre-registration required. $5 per person. | |
| Seining the Bay at Cape Henlopen | ||
| Sunday, May 27, 2012 9:30 a.m. |
Search the shallows of Delaware Bay using a seine net. Dress to get wet; no flip-flops. For ages 5 and older; children must be accompanied by a paying adult. No reservations; tickets available on Sunday, with a maximum of six per person. Limit 30. $5 per person. | |
| Lantern Tours of Fort Miles at Fort Miles | ||
| Sunday, May 27, 2012 7:30 p.m. |
Tour the gun battery by lantern light and learn how soldiers defended our coast. Ages 10 and up with an adult. Limit 30. Pre-registration required. $5 per person. | |
| Kayak Exploration at Killens Pond | ||
| Sunday, May 27, 2012 4 p.m. |
Explore the pond and the Murderkill River that feeds it. Kayak instruction will be available for the novice paddler. Space is limited. $10 per paddler | |
| Memorial Day Camping Weekend: Sunset Canoe and Campfire at Lums Pond | ||
| Sunday, May 27, 2012 7 p.m. |
Stick around after an evening paddle to roast marshmallows around a fire. Minors must be accompanied by an adult. Meet at the boathouse (Area 2). Pre-registration required. $15 per non-camper; $12 per camper | |
| Swamp Canoe Tour at Trap Pond | ||
| Sunday, May 27, 2012 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. |
Look for great blue herons, eagles and other wildlife as we paddle along the pond’s edge. $14 per person. Pre-registration is required; call (302) 875-5163. Basic canoe instruction will be provided. | |
| Free Walking Tours: Dover’s Heroes of the Revolution at First State Heritage Park | ||
| Monday, May 28, 2012 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. |
Tours led by historical interpreters in period dress begin at the John Bell House on The Green every hour. Dover was a hotbed of activity during the struggle for American Independence. | |
| Memorial Day Program: Delaware National Guard’s Collection of Delaware Illustrators Exhibition at First State Heritage Park | ||
| Monday, May 28, 2012 9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. |
Biggs Museum of American Art | |
| Memorial Day Program: Stories of Freedom and Courage at First State Heritage Park | ||
| Monday, May 28, 2012 9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. |
The Old State House on The GreenHear stories of freedom and courage that took place in the historic building. | |
| Victor’s Music of Summer at First State Heritage Park | ||
| Monday, May 28, 2012 9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. |
Johnson Victrola MuseumJump into summer with hit songs from the past played on authentic Victor Talking Machines. | |
| Swamp Canoe Tour at Trap Pond | ||
| Monday, May 28, 2012 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. |
Look for great blue herons, eagles and other wildlife as we paddle along the pond’s edge. $14 per person. Pre-registration is required; call (302) 875-5163. Basic canoe instruction will be provided. | |
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