Bethany Beach Nature Center in Bethany Beach, Delaware

The Bethany Beach Nature Center is a great (and free!) place to spend an hour or two when you’re ready for a break from the beach. The nature center is small but has a few interactive exhibits for kids to enjoy including crafts and science experiments that teach kids about the local ecosystem. 

Before heading to the outdoor exhibits, be sure to borrow a set of binoculars or a bug collection kit from the nature center. Once outside, you can walk through the native flower garden or check out what’s growing in the veggie garden. Families can also enjoy a small playground with space to climb and slide. (If you’d like to enjoy a larger playground or other beach attractions, be sure to head over to the Bethany Boardwalk!)

After you’ve explored the backyard, you can take advantage of a short hiking trail that is perfect for little legs. A good jogging stroller could easily traverse the path as well but it’s so short you may just want to choose a baby carrier. The trail ends at a boardwalk area with lovely views of the marsh land that borders the area. 

The Bethany Beach Nature Center is one of our favorite spots on the shore to enjoy a quiet, laid back afternoon of getting back to nature! Be sure to check the website before you go as the nature center sometimes hosts workshops for kids.