Things for teens to do at the Delaware beaches, what to know about 2025 curfews
What's not to love about coming of age with sandy feet, the smell of saltwater and the sound of waves crashing?
Well, teens are quickly bored. As any adult likely remembers, the beach can only entertain for so many hours of the day, and then there are the hours after dark to fill, as well.
In recent years, crowds of teens gathering in public areas at night has become a problem for police.
Fortunately, there's plenty for teens to do at the Delaware beaches. Here's a list, as well as what to know about teen curfews as you head to the beaches this summer:
Amusement parks are fun for any age, and there are always at least a few of the high-thrill rides teens crave.
The iconic Funland is the Delaware beaches' only amusement park. For teens, here's the Gravitron, the SuperFlip and the Sea Dragon, plus many other rides, all of which cost very little to ride.
If your teen can drive, or if you're willing to drive them, Trimper Rides in Ocean City, Maryland, is right over the southern Delaware border. It has the Tidal Wave rollercoaster, complete with loops and drops, and about 20 other rides.
There are three water parks at the Delaware beaches: Jungle Jim's and White Water Mountain, both in Rehoboth Beach, and Thunder Lagoon in Fenwick Island.
Jungle Jim's, on Coastal Highway right next to the Rehoboth exit, is the largest and has a wave pool. It's $50 a day for teens. There's also mini golf and batting cages in the park.
Parking, lifeguards and more: What's changed at the Delaware beaches this year
White Water Mountain is located behind the Midway Speed Park off Coastal Highway and features "rapid tube slides." It's $37 a day. Go-karts, bumper boats and mini golf are right next door.
Thunder Lagoon in Fenwick is located off Coastal Highway right at the Delaware/Maryland border. Tickets are $28 for two hours and $34 for four hours. Thunder Lagoon also has go-kart and mini golf next door.
There are a plethora of arcades at the Delaware beaches. Here are some to choose from:
Lefty's Alley & Eats, 36450 Plaza Blvd., Lewes,
Shore Fun Family Fun Center, 108 Garfield Pkwy., Bethany Beach
Captain's Quarters, 35297 Atlantic Ave., Millville
Zelky's Beach Arcade has three locations in Rehoboth Beach: 5 N. Boardwalk, 115 S. Boardwalk and in Tanger Outlets Bayside.
The Movies at Midway is a multi-theater complex located at 18585 Coastal Hwy. in Rehoboth Beach.
Also be sure not to miss movies offered for free on several Delaware beaches. Check town websites for updates.
Movies at the Beaches: Dewey, Bethany Beach, Fenwick Island bring back popular movies on beach series for 2025
The Delaware beaches have long dealt with throngs of restless teens causing trouble on summer nights. June is especially chaotic due to freshly-out-of-school kids, colloquially known as "Junebugs," descending on the beach towns.
Incidents in recent years have brought the issue to the forefront, causing police to take a harder stance and several towns to enforce curfews.
Delaware beaches: Speed limits reduced on Route 1 from Dewey to Fenwick as part of proposed safety measures
Dewey Beach may be the most affected by unruly teen crowds, who are too young to access to the bars.
"Often times underage kids are at a loss for structured activities and they end up loitering outside bars and other restricted venues," Dewey Beach Police Chief Constance Speake said in a 2024 town newsletter. "Some bring alcohol in back packs and gather on the beach."
Teens often coordinate large get-togethers via social media, which results in small-town police departments being swamped by complaints related to public drinking, public urination, loitering, fights and disorderly conduct, Speake said.
Dewey Beach, Rehoboth Beach and Bethany Beach all have an 11 p.m. to 5 a.m. curfew for those under 18. Fenwick Island's curfew is midnight to 6 a.m.
More on curfews: How late can my teen stay out this summer? Delaware curfew laws at a glance
Shannon Marvel McNaught reports on southern Delaware and beyond. Reach her at smcnaught@gannett.com or on Facebook.
This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: What can teens do for fun at Delaware beaches? Plus, curfew info
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