Heat wave in Delaware: 7 cool places to swim that aren't beaches
Weather forecasters predict the temperature will feel like hell on Earth this week, as the first heat wave of the summer is expected to hit Delaware and the Mid-Atlantic region.
Throughout Delaware, the weather is expected to see highs in the 90s. Wilmington is forecast to reach highs of 89 degrees (Monday, June 17), 96 degrees (Tuesday, June 18), 92 degrees (Wednesday, June 19), 91 degrees (Thursday, June 20) and 92 degrees (Friday, June 21), according to AccuWeather.
While the scorching heat might feel like the devil is partying in your kitchen, you can beat the heat by finding a little slice of heaven at several Delaware swimming destinations statewide without navigating the beaches.
Although locals know of other places where you can take a dip, not all of them are necessarily legal or safe. So, here are six places where you can swim safely.
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Jungle Jim's, Rehoboth Beach
36944 Country Club Road, Rehoboth Beach
It's hard not to make a splash at the iconic Jungle Jim's. Revelers have access to giant water slides, a wave pool, lazy river, kids' spray ground, activity pool and kiddie pool.
The park is open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. (weather permitting).
All Day passOver 42 inches tall: $48Under 42 inches tall: $33
Twilight (beginning at 3 p.m.)Over 42 inches tall: $38Under 42 inches tall: $28
Season passesOver 42 inches tall: $240Under 42 inches tall: $165
For more info, visit funatjunglejims.com or (302) 227-8444
Thunder Lagoon Water Park, Fenwick Island
38960 Island St., Fenwick Island
Where else can you experience a Viking ship-themed waterslide and discover hidden treasure? Thunder Lagoon Water Park offers a pool, a lazy river and a Scandinavian-inspired landscape. There's also mini golf, go-karts, and more fun to whet your appetite for adventure.
The park is open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Adults over 42 inches:
Two hours: $28
Four hours: $34
Children under 42 inches
Two hours: $12
Four hours: $15
Seniors 60+
Two hours: $19
Four hours: $23
For more info, visit fenwickfun.com/waterpark or (302) 539-4027.
Midway Speedway Park, Rehoboth Beach
18645 Coastal Highway, Rehoboth Beach
Rehoboth Beach isn't the only show in that town where you can take a dip. Although Midway Speedway Park offers go-kart racing and mini golf, it also features a water park. White Water Mountain Water Park offers two swimming pools, slides, a lazy river and body flumes (both open and closed). Visitors can enjoy other park attractions like water-gun fights as they cruise on a mini boat (think bumper cars), and you can literally walk on water while standing inside a giant bubble called Water Walkerz.
The water park is open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., through Sept. 2.
All-Day Water Park Pass: Over 42 inches tall: $36.99 Under 42 inches tall & Senior Citizens 65+: $24.99
Military Discount (Need Military ID): %15 off
Twilight Water Park: Over 42 inches — After 3 p.m.: $21.99 Under 42 inches — After 3p.m.: $18.99
Water Park Season Pass: $175
For more info, visit midwayspeedwaypark.com or (302) 645-8064 or (302) 644-2042.
Brandywine Creek State Park, near Centreville
41 Adams Dam Road, near Centreville
Folks in northern Delaware don't have to travel downstate to get their feet wet. They can visit Brandywine Creek State Park, a place that's good for "those who like to paddle or float in the water," said DNREC spokesperson Shauna McVey.
The park is open daily from 8 a.m. to sunset.
Entrance fees are $4 daily for in-state visitors and $8 for out-of-state visitors.
For more info, visit destateparks.com/brandywinecreek or (302) 577-3534.
Lake Como, Smyrna
420 S. Dupont Blvd., Smyrna
This popular swimming spot around Kent County is located at the south end of Main Street where the road meets Route 13. The lake includes a boat ramp.
The lake is open daily through Sept. 2; free admission. Visit smyrna.delaware.gov or (302) 653-9231.
Killens Pond Water Park, Felton
5025 Killens Pond Road, Felton
The hottest (or coolest) water park in Kent County is Killens Pond State Park, which boasts four speed slides, a main pool, baby pool, and a tot lot for youngsters.
The park is open weekends through mid-June and mid-August through Sept. 2.
There are two sessions per day: 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. — swim time ends 1:15 p.m. 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. — swim time ends 5:45 p.m.
According to their website, prices for the 2023 season were as follows.
Weekdays:
Under 48 inches: $8
48 inches and over: $10
Saturday, Sunday and Holidays:
Under 48 inches: $10
48 inches and over: $12
For more info, visit destateparks.com/WaterPark or (302) 284-4526.
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Delaware Seashore State Park, Rehoboth Beach
39415 Inlet Road, Rehoboth Beach
The bay shoreline is one of the most popular places to go in Delaware. Fishing, swimming, camping and more are possible at this beautiful park.
The park is open daily from 8 a.m. to sunset. Entrance fees are $5 daily for in-state visitors or $10 for out-of-state residents. For more info, visit destateparks.com/Beaches/DelawareSeashore or call (302) 227-2800.
If you have an interesting story idea, email lifestyle reporter Andre Lamar at [email protected]. Consider signing up for his weekly newsletter, DO Delaware, at delawareonline.com/newsletters.
This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: Cool places to swim in Delaware during heat wave this summer
