Finding learning opportunities for your family's next Delaware beach vacation

Summer is typically defined by its lack of school, the beach by its lack of work or responsibility.

But maybe during your day trip, vacation or weekend away at the Delaware beaches, you're also looking for some educational opportunities. That could be exploring your next read at Rehoboth Beach's Browseabout Books, or gaining a better understanding of aerodynamics at Funland amusement park.

It could see you down in Dewey, learning to operate a personal watercraft, pontoon, stand-up paddleboard or kayak with Dewey Beach Watersports. Their Rehoboth Bay offers more relaxed water fun, while a surfing scene can often be found ocean-side.

A 20-minute drive could have you learning more about wildlife at Assawoman Bay State Wildlife Area, finding bald eagles, herons, egrets, woodpeckers, deer, amphibians and more. Delaware has all kinds of state parks to get into it, and you can decide whether it's to learn or play.

Perhaps that's not enough, though.

The beaches also are home to a host of local museums, offering educational yet entertaining glimpses into different historical time periods and Delaware themes. From shipwrecks to local indigenous heritage, they could be your vacation's missing piece.

Rehoboth Beach Museum

Whether you go for a quick pic in front of Rehoboth Beach’s iconic Dolle’s sign — moved from its longtime location on the boardwalk — or you want to explore a museum preserving and showcasing artifacts of Rehoboth history since 1975, the Rehoboth Beach Museum is there for you.

The museum hosts a variety of events throughout the summer, alongside standard hours for paying the exhibits a visit. Admission is based only on donation, and children of all ages are welcomed.

Starting Memorial Day, the museum at 511 Rehoboth Ave. is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekdays, then until 2 p.m. on weekends.

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Nanticoke Indian Museum

The Nanticoke Indian Museum is the only Native American Museum in Delaware.

The official historic landmark in Millsboro looks to share Nanticoke history and heritage with all visitors. After $5 admission for adults, you can check out artifacts like artwork, traditional clothing, arrowheads and more that illuminate the lives of indigenous peoples, some of which date back almost 10,000 years.

The museum at 26673 John J. Williams Highway is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. from April to December.

DiscoverSea Shipwreck Museum

Founders hoped to recover and preserve maritime past with the DiscoverSea Shipwreck Museum.

Opened back in 1995, on the shoulders of research and work leading up to it, the museum says it hosts an "ever-changing exhibit" of artifacts recovered from shipwrecks. The Fenwick Island outfit rotates its displays, depending on any new finds, but it typically has at least 10,000 relics on display at all times.

A large portion of their artifacts rotate among museums throughout the world. Admission is free, with donation encouraged, at 708 Coastal Highway. Hours vary as summer months progress, so interested patrons should call ahead for availability, according to the website, at (302) 539-9366.

Zwaanendael Museum

A lead exhibit heading into May for Zwaanendael Museum covers a heavy history.

"Segregated Sands: Beach-Going in Jim Crow Era Delaware," brings to the forefront the history and stories of the Black Americans on Delaware’s once-segregated beaches. The exhibit can be explored online. Overall, the museum aims to be "a showcase for Lewes-area maritime, military and social history," according to its website.

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The space's design itself commemorates the founding of Delaware’s first European settlement by the Dutch in 1631, being modeled after a town hall in the Netherlands.

Donations are accepted, while admission is free. The museum is open at 102 Kings Highway. Wednesdays through Saturdays, from 10 a.m. to 4:15 p.m.

Delaware Aviation Museum

Let's really get off the sand.

A drive into Georgetown could lead you to the Delaware Aviation Museum. The outfit offers a display of classic, vintage and military aircraft and aviation artifacts as well as an extensive reference library.

When not hosting tours, this museum's foundation also offers "historical flight adventures" during various events in the season. Interested patrons should check out the 2024 events schedule for opportunities, according to the website, or call 443-458-8926 for more information on setting up an adventure.

The museum at Delaware Coastal Airport also touts an aviation library — carrying thousands of aviation-related books and a collection of aviation magazines, videos, technical documentation and other books.

Tours are only available by appointment; admission is free.

This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: Where do you find learning opportunities on a Delaware beach vacation?