Photo: Alonzo Brown
Photo: Lee Wilkinson
Photo: Tracy Arnold
Rehoboth Beach Boardwalk
★4.7(3,742 reviews)FreeActivity
🕑 4-6 hours (full morning or afternoon)👶 Best for all ages. Toddlers enjoy gentle kiddie rides and beach play, elementary-aged kids love the arcades and amusement rides, while teens appreciate the independence of exploring shops and grabbing treats. The variety ensures no one gets bored.🧡 Saved by 150+ families
About
The Rehoboth Beach Boardwalk is a classic mile-long seaside destination that delivers quintessential beach town charm and endless family entertainment. From spinning carnival rides and vintage arcades to saltwater taffy shops and direct beach access, this iconic boardwalk offers something for every member of the family to enjoy together.
Highlights
- ✓Funland amusement park with 19 classic rides including a haunted mansion and carousel
- ✓Wide sandy beach with lifeguards and gentle waves perfect for kids
- ✓Dolle's Candyland and other shops selling saltwater taffy, fudge, and nostalgic treats
- ✓Multiple arcade centers with games ranging from vintage skee-ball to modern video games
- ✓Free evening entertainment including street performers and live music during summer
Pro Tips
- 1.Arrive early morning (before 10am) to snag nearby street parking and enjoy a less crowded beach and boardwalk experience
- 2.Bring a wagon or beach cart,the walk from parking to your beach spot can be lengthy, especially with gear and tired little ones
- 3.Purchase ride tickets at Funland in bulk to save money if your kids love amusements, and note that Funland is cash-only
- 4.The north end of the boardwalk near Rehoboth Avenue is busiest; walk south toward the quieter stretches for more relaxed beach access
- 5.Pack hand wipes and sunscreen,you'll be eating boardwalk treats and spending hours in the sun
Best Time to Visit
Visit weekday mornings from May through early June or September for pleasant weather, fewer crowds, and calmer beach conditions. Summer weekends are the busiest, while early evening (6-8pm) offers cooler temperatures and a magical atmosphere with twinkling lights.
What to Know
Parking can be challenging and expensive ($2-3/hour at meters, $20+ at lots) during peak season, so arrive early or consider biking. The boardwalk itself is free to walk, but rides, arcades, and food require cash or cards depending on the vendor.
Seasonal Notes
While the boardwalk is accessible year-round, most shops, arcades, and Funland operate seasonally from late spring through early fall (typically Memorial Day through Labor Day weekend). Winter offers peaceful beach walks but limited dining and entertainment options.
Nearby Eats
Grotto Pizza is a local favorite just off the boardwalk with kid-friendly options and generous portions. Thrasher's French Fries (on the boardwalk itself) is an iconic must-try,vinegar instead of ketchup is the local way!
More Activities Near Rehoboth Beach
Water Park
Splash Park at Rehoboth Beach
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This free splash pad in the heart of Rehoboth Beach is a summertime lifesaver for families with young children. Located just steps from the famous boardwalk, it features kid-friendly water jets, sprays, and ground fountains that provide the perfect cool-down spot without the waves and currents of the ocean. It's an ideal low-stress water play option for parents who want their little ones to enjoy water fun in a safe, contained environment.
Theater
Rehoboth Beach Film Festival
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The Rehoboth Beach Film Festival offers a wonderful opportunity to introduce kids to cinema in a family-friendly atmosphere. With special screenings designed for younger audiences and memorable outdoor movie nights under the stars, this festival provides a cultural experience that goes beyond typical movie theater visits, making it perfect for families looking to combine entertainment with a bit of arts appreciation.
Nature
James Farm Ecological Preserve
★4.8Free❤️111
James Farm Ecological Preserve offers families 150 acres of pristine coastal habitats to explore just minutes from Rehoboth Beach. With easy walking trails, abundant wildlife including herons and horseshoe crabs, and educational signage that makes learning fun, this peaceful preserve provides the perfect break from the beach boardwalk bustle while keeping kids engaged with nature discovery.
Adventure
Gordons Pond Trail
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Gordons Pond Trail offers families an easy, scenic 11-mile paved path that's perfect for bikes, scooters, strollers, and little legs. Part of Delaware's Junction & Breakwater Trail system, this flat, well-maintained route winds through coastal landscapes with stunning pond views, wildlife spotting opportunities, and access to pristine beaches,making it ideal for families wanting outdoor adventure without challenging terrain.