Searching for some budget-friendly fun this summer? Look no further than Delaware
For Delawareans looking to go on new adventures or make memories on a budget, here are some free activities to check out between now and Labor Day.
Plan Summer Fun: Welcome to our 2025 Delaware Summer Guide
If heading down the shore isn't an option this summer, you can still cool off at many a public pool this season.
Both the cities of Wilmington and Newark have several outdoor pools open to the public, from the Joseph R. Biden, Jr. Aquatic Center to the Edna C. Dickey Park Pool.
The city of Wilmington also has spray parks at select locations for kids of all ages to enjoy.
Wilmington and Newark pools are open to the public and free of charge. Wilmington pools will be open from June 16 to Aug. 16. Newark pools will be open from June 14 to Aug. 16.
All pools will be closed July 4.
For those interested in taking to the skies this summer – metaphorically, of course – look no further than the Air Mobility Command Museum in Dover.
Housing 'over 30 aircraft varying in roles and sizes,' the museum also offers several historical exhibits and panoramic and video tours.
Starting April 19, the museum began offering Open Cockpit Day, which grants visitors full access to many aircraft and allows them to learn more about their missions and history.
Open Cockpit Day will take place 'every third Saturday of the month through October.' Visitors will be granted full access from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., given tour guides are available and the weather permits.
The museum is open Wednesday through Sunday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Admission and parking are both free.
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Speaking of museums, if you're hoping to check out a new exhibit at the Biggs Museum of American Art or go on a day trip to the Brandywine Zoo without paying for a ticket, your search is over.
Any Delaware adult with a library card is eligible to participate in the library's museum pass program. All you have to do is go online, find a museum or a date and reserve your pass.
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Cardholders must be 18 years of age or older. One museum pass can be borrowed per library card at a time.
Eligible museums include the Biggs Museum of American Art, the Winterthur Museum, Garden & Library and the Brandywine Zoo.
Additional instructions and details can be found on the Delaware Libraries website.
If you're itching to spend more time outside this summer, check out the DuPont Environmental Education Center in Wilmington.
With a scenic view of the Christina River and marsh, visitors can take in the sights and sounds of all the Center has to offer.
This includes walking the boardwalk trail or the ten-acre garden and plenty of opportunities for canoeing, kayaking and birdwatching.
The Center is open Tuesdays to Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sundays from noon to 4 p.m. The pond loop and garden are open daily sunrise to sunset.
More information can be found on the Center's website.
More to explore: Delaware nature centers offer low-cost fun and educational places for summer day trips
For those of us looking for a little relaxation this summer, you can find that in the lavender fields at the family farm Warrington Manor in Milton.
Grounds are free most days from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. All guests interested in walking the grounds must check in at The Cottage Store.
Groups with more than 10 people require advanced booking. Pets, littering, speeding, smoking and outside food are not allowed.
Additional details can be found on the Manor's website.
Olivia Montes covers state government and community impact for Delaware Online/The News Journal. If you have a tip or a story idea, reach out to her at omontes@delawareonline.com.
This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: Where to have some budget-friendly summer fun in Delaware
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