Your Ultimate Guide To Spring Attractions And Activities In Delaware
Lisa Sammons
Author
We all know the First State is incredibly underrated, and if you ask us, springtime just might be the most amazing time to get outdoors and enjoy Delaware. Winter can be a long and dreary season, and nothing compares to the joy of the first signs of spring, whether it’s melting snow or birds twittering joyfully in the trees. When the kids are out on spring break and you’re looking for things to do in spring in Delaware, we’ve got you covered with these great Delaware spring activities that will entertain the whole family. Check it out:
Flower Blooms In Delaware
From wildflowers to tulips, there are an array of great flowers that call the state of Delaware home. As the weather starts to warm up, colorful blooms appear everywhere, turning the outdoors into a rainbow of brightness and cheer. If you’re looking to enjoy some family fun out in all of spring’s glory, it doesn’t get much better than a visit to these beautiful flower blooms in Delaware:
1. Goodstay Gardens
This year-round garden is located on the University of Delaware campus and is absolutely gorgeous. Whether you're looking to enjoy a stroll, practice your photography skills, or have a picnic, it's one of our favorite free things to do in Delaware in spring. Goodstay Gardens are home to a variety of species, including peonies and magnolias. The wide range of plants means that you'll get to see an array of colors, shapes, and sizes in the gardens here. This is one of the oldest continuously-kept gardens in Delaware, having been started back in the 1700s.
2. Winterthur Museum, Garden and Library
The Winterthur Museum and gardens are among the most popular tourist attractions in Delaware, and it's easy to see why. This beautiful estate was a 1,000-acre paradise owned by the DuPont family as a private residence, and it's now a stunning oasis open to the public. The Winterthur Garden is a 60-acre gem that is one of the best American gardens. There are huge trees, brilliant blooms, and even a fairy garden. This enchanting place feels like you stepped into Middle Earth without leaving the mid-Atlantic.
Botanical Gardens In Delaware
Most botanical gardens are open year-round, and don’t get us wrong: we’re huge advocates of visiting these places at any season. But you’ve got to admit, there’s something special about a visit to a botanical garden in Delaware in the springtime, when many of the flowers are in full bloom and the world is full of verdant greenery.
3. Delaware Botanic Gardens at Pepper Creek
The Delaware Botanic Gardens at Pepper Creek is the only botanical garden in Southern Delaware. This place is heaven for nature lovers, with acres and acres of beautifully-tended gardens. There are wildflower meadows and huge blooms of daffodils that make visiting in the springtime especially amazing. There are tons of pollinator plants here, meaning that you'll often spot butterflies and bees fluttering about. There are even boardwalk trails to enjoy here.
4. University of Delaware Botanic Gardens
The University of Delaware Botanic Gardens is one of our favorite free things to do in Delaware in spring. There are mowed grass paths from which to peruse all the gardens here. You'll find an array of different landscapes, including marshy areas and traditional gardens. There's quite a bit of milkweed here, so you may have luck spotting monarch butterflies during the warm months!
5. Mill Pond Garden
Mill Pond Garden is a charming, small garden in Lewes that not many are familiar with. The American-Style holistic garden is a wonderful spot for observing native plants in their natural habitat. There are a wide variety of plants here and you're likely to spot many pollinators. Note that visits must be arranged in advance, but you can register for the next Open Day via the Mill Pond Garden website.
Parks To Visit In Delaware This Spring
Despite being a small state, there’s no shortage of amazing parks in Delaware, and what better time to visit than spring? Whether you’re looking for family things to do in Delaware in spring or want to enjoy a romantic date for two, a visit to a First State park is a great reason to get outside and enjoy the warm weather.
6. Nemours Gardens
Nemours Gardens makes for an amazing weekend getaway during spring in Delaware. This 3,000-acre estate has one of the most beautiful gardens in the country, and it's actually modeled after the Versailles Palace gardens in France. Nemours is truly a gem in the Brandywine Valley, and if you're looking to enjoy a formal French garden without leaving America, it doesn't get much better than this. From a maze to a boxwood garden and reflecting pool, there's so much to do and see here. An admission ticket also grants you access to the magnificent 77-room mansion.
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7. Cape Henlopen State Park
Many people think to visit our beautiful beaches during the summertime, but if you ask us, places like Rehoboth Beach boardwalk, Dewey Beach, and Bethany Beach are just as spectacular during the spring months. There's nothing like welcoming in the warmer weather on the shoreline, and one of our favorite spots for it is Cape Henlopen State Park. The sand dunes here are some of the largest on the East Coast, and the Seaside Nature Center is a perfect place to catch a glimpse of native wildlife species.
8. Delaware Seashore State Park
There are more than six miles of shoreline here, making it easier to find a secluded area. Take a walk down the Indian River Inlet Bridge and you'll get to see both sides of this magnificent park. Delaware Seashore State Park is easily one of the state's most beautiful beaches. Note that lifeguards are not on duty until Memorial Day, so be careful if you decide to let the little ones wade into the water!
Spring Hikes In Delaware
We’re firm advocates for hiking in any season: trails are wonderful excuses to get out and get some exercise while enjoying the beauty of nature. But seeing the world erupt around you into brilliant greens and colorful petals is an experience like nothing else. If you’re an avid fan of hiking in Delaware, consider a free trial of AllTrails+ for benefits like downloadable trail maps and turn-by-turn directions.
9. Bombay Hook Boardwalk Trail
The Bombay Hook Boardwalk Trail is an easy, accessible trail that can be enjoyed by the whole family. It's a mere quarter-mile in length, but it gives you a great view of this amazing wildlife refuge, which is one of the Mid-Atlantic's largest tidal salt marshes. This is one of eight trails in the preserve, but its simplicity makes it one of the most popular. There's nothing like being surrounded on all sides by the beautiful marsh, and this is a wonderful area for bird-watching.
10. Gordons Pond Trail
The Gordons Pond Trail spans about 5.2 miles and shows off some amazing views. It starts in Cape Henlopen State Park and you can actually make it all the way to Rehoboth Beach. The trail is predominantly paved, with a boardwalk in some areas, making it perfect for wheelchairs or bicycles. This is a great spot to catch a glimpse of migratory birds, and you'll also enjoy wonderful views of tidal pools and our many sand dunes.
Spring Picnic Spots In Delaware
If you’re looking for romantic things to do in Delaware in spring, it doesn’t get much better than an al fresco date for two in a park. They’re also great for enjoying with friends or the entire family. Here are a few of our favorite picnic areas in Delaware:
11. Bellevue State Park
The 328-acre Bellevue State Park is one of the best places for a spring picnic in New Castle County. The property was once part of a DuPont mansion and has remnants of its past on display, like scenic stone walls and barns. The grassy areas are perfect for laying down and enjoying the sunshine, and there's also a gazebo if you need a little shade.
12. Brandywine Creek State Park
With more than 900 acres to explore, there's no shortage of great things to do at Brandywine Creek State Park. It's easy to see why this is one of the most popular state parks in the First State, and come springtime, it's a magical oasis of color and greenery. The park is home to miles of hiking trails, babbling brooks, and amazing views. It's the perfect place to settle down for an al fresco spring meal.
There are so many great Delaware spring activities! Did we miss your favorite spring getaway in the First State? Share your thoughts in the comments!
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