Summer learning opportunities in Delaware can be fun. Mental escapes on your beach vacation

Summer is typically defined by its lack of school, and the beach by its lack of work or general responsibilities. Not to mention the sand, drinks and time in the sun.

But maybe, during your day trip, vacation or weekend away at the Delaware beaches, you're also looking for some educational escapes.

It 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. Rehoboth Bay offers more relaxed water fun, while a surfing scene often can be found ocean-side.

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

But let's say that's not enough to keep your brain fully engaged.

The beaches also are home to a host of local museums, offering educational yet entertaining glimpses into different Delaware history. From shipwrecks to local indigenous heritage, they could be your next 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.

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

Nanticoke Indian Museum

Mike Harmon of Millsboro, with the Nanticoke Indian tribe, performs during the Powwow of Arts and Culture at the Delaware Art Museum, Saturday, July 23, 2022. A Larry Holmes painting forms the backdrop.

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

The museum is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Tuesday though Saturday.

DiscoverSea Shipwreck Museum

Shipwrecks abound in the depths off Fenwick, says Dale Clifton of 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. From May to June, the outfit is open from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the weekend, while in July and August that's expanded to 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Thursday to Tuesday.

Hours vary as summer months progress, so interested patrons should call ahead for availability, according to the website, at (302) 539-9366.

Zwaanendael Museum

"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.

On the ground floor, comes an "exhibition exploring the people who witness, shape and record Delaware history."

The first person featured is Kathy Carpenter, an advocate for transgender rights and community acceptance throughout her life. Back in 2022, according to the museum, she donated a small collection of objects that commemorate the moment she won the title of Miss Sussex County Amateur in 2000.

On public display for the first time, these objects celebrate her work in LGBTQ+ advocacy in Delaware.

Overall, 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 2025 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.

This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: Summer learning opportunities in Delaware can be fun. Mental escapes on your beach vacation