The New Castle County haven of Bear, DE, south of Wilmington, apocryphally took its ursine name from a sign featuring a large bear that hung from a tavern at the intersection of US 40 and State Route 7. True to both its rural heritage and substantial family population, Bear leans toward active, outdoorsy parent-kid fun.
Commune with nature: Lums Pond State Park encircles Delaware’s largest freshwater pond and is home to 200 al fresco acres on which to hike, bike, boat, paddle, fish, picnic, camp — anything but swim. (1068 Howell School Rd.)
Climb trees: While you’re at Lums Pond, swing over to the Go Ape Zip Line and Treetop Adventure Course for treetop crossings, rope ladders, Tarzan swings and five water-spanning ziplines. (1042 Howell School Rd.)
Pony up: Sunset Stables is the only facility in the state to offer trail riding, for kids 10 and up. Younger equestrians can enjoy pony classes and the on-site petting zoo. (1030 Howell School Rd.)
Eat: The largest of a DE quartet of Deerhead Hot Dogs serves up this bunned fave every which way you can think of (make sure to ask for the famous secret sauce). Free popcorn and seven flat-screen TVs help keep kiddos well fed and well occupied. (1247 Quintilio Dr.)
Shop: Always atop MK readers’ lists when we ask about their favorite consignment stores, 2nd Chance Resale caters to kids, carrying new and gently used children’s clothes, furniture, toys and maternity items. (430 Eden Circle)
Rock it: The state’s only indoor climbing facility, Delaware Rock Gym’s got more than 11,300 square feet of surfaces on which all ages can rope-climb and boulder. (420 Carson Dr.)
Want to make a day of it in other great local towns and neighborhoods? Check out our other Take the Kids features.
Delaware: Clayton/Smyrna | Newark | Rehoboth Beach | Riverfront Wilmington
New Jersey: Cape May | Mt. Laurel | Lambertville | Voorhees
Pennsylvania: Doylestown | Fairmount Philly | New Hope | Wayne | West Chester
