That Newark is best known as home to the University of Delaware is apt: Education has long been a calling card here, as the city’s first school (est. 1765) graduated three signers of the Declaration of Independence. Nature’s also a draw for the families who live in the state park-heavy environs.
Sled: Both of Newark’s rustic oases make the most of whatever white stuff Mother Nature throws down. “Bear Mountain,” near the east entrance of Glasgow Regional Park (2275 Rte. 40), is known as the state’s biggest sledding hill. You can also slide and cross-country ski in the Carpenter Recreation area of White Clay Creek State Park (880 New London Rd.). Go early; the snow gets choppy as crowds pick up.
Learn: Once a one-room schoolhouse, the Iron Hill Museum hosts please-touch exhibits documenting the First State’s natural history – including the dinosaur-like creatures that roamed the area. Make sure to stop by the glowing rock section and learn why, when the lights are turned off, the minerals light up. (1355 Old Baltimore Pike)
Eat: Melt Down grilled-cheese joint made our "Eat. Play. Love." kid-friendly restaurant guide. But don’t forget about Klondike Kate’s, which lures families with Wednesday-night balloon animals and free kids’ meal sundaes. (158 E. Main St.)
Skate: Take to the home ice of Olympic skater and TV commentator Johnny Weir, who trained for his championship career at UDel’s Fred Rust Ice Arena. (547 S. College Ave.)
Snack: Energy expended, stop into SAS Cupcakes, which stands for Sweet and Sassy. This gourmet cupcake stop, with daily flavor specials, has been featured on Food Network’s On the Road. (134B E. Main St.)
Want to make a day of it in other great local towns and neighborhoods? Check out our other Take the Kids features.
Delaware: Bear | Clayton/Smyrna | Rehoboth Beach | Riverfront Wilmington
New Jersey: Cape May | Mt. Laurel | Lambertville | Voorhees
Pennsylvania: Doylestown | Fairmount Philly | New Hope | Wayne | West Chester
