Stunning views, playgrounds and trails: Where to picnic in all 3 of Delaware's counties
Delaware's parks are vibrant hubs of community life where visitors can enjoy festivals, educational programs and other events all year round.
Many parks also have designated picnic areas equipped with tables, grills and scenic views, providing a beautiful backdrop for meals and gatherings. With ample space for recreational activities, families have many options to enjoy playgrounds, sports fields and nature trails.
New Castle County Parks
Whether you're looking for a serene escape or an action-packed outing, each county boasts a park with a picnic Parks in New Castle County vary in the comforts and recreational facilities for picnicking, but depending on accessibility, visibility and features, these parks offer peace. Entrance to any New Castle County park is free of charge, however, there may be fees for renting courts, fields or pavilions for special events or gatherings.
With a mix of open space and recreational amenities, Banning Regional Park offers something for everyone. Located on the outskirts of the town of Newport and easily accessible from Wilmington and major roads such as SR 141, the park offers a convenient retreat from urban areas.
The park offers free parking, picnic pavilions equipped with barbecue grills and tables, restrooms, a playground for children and sports fields for soccer, tennis and baseball. Your furry friend will enjoy playtime at the fenced dog park. Nature lovers can meander on a scenic fitness circuit that winds through a wooded area leading to a quiet pond beyond the trees.
Rockwood Park & Museum is a 72-acre public park, ideal for day trips and picnics. Founded in 1851 as the retirement home of Wilmington native Joseph Shipley, Rockwood was designed to replicate an English country manor. Today, the mansion is a museum offering a glimpse into the opulent lifestyle of his descendants who lived there during the early 20th century.
Admission to the park is free, but fees apply for tours and other special programs. Delaware library cardholders can sign up for free admission to the museum under the Museum Pass program.
The site is open daily and features a picnic grove, restrooms, gardens, urban wildlife habitat, pet-friendly parkland and two miles of paved and lighted trails that connect to the Northern Delaware Greenway.
Wilmington State Park
Wilmington's Brandywine Park is Delaware's largest city park. This historic landmark runs alongside a one-mile stretch of the Brandywine River and is managed by the Delaware Natural Resources and Environmental Control or DNREC. Equipped with picnic pavilions and grills scattered throughout the area, the 165-acre park offers plenty of fun in an urban setting.
Visitors frequent the park to fish, exercise on the fitness loop, or simply take in its natural beauty, including a spectacular springtime cherry blossom display. Others are drawn to attractions like the Brandywine Zoo, the Jasper Crane Rose Garden and the hilltop areas of the park. There, amenities such as a baseball field, soccer field, basketball court, park benches, an unfenced dog park and a playground, provide numerous options for outdoor activities.
Kent County
Silver Lake Park
Silver Lake Park, a favorite spot for outdoor activity, is found right in the heart of Dover. The 182-acre retreat also features playgrounds and picnic pavilions with grills, offering everything you need for a perfect picnic.
Dog-friendly, the park boasts a paved walking and jogging path, scenic views and plenty of shade to enjoy a quiet moment read. Recreational activities abound at Silver Lake, with fishermen trying their luck catching bass, catfish, carp, perch, and other local species. Boaters can also be seen fishing or pulling water skiers across the lake, adding to the lively atmosphere of the park. With ample parking and open space, it's an ideal setting to relax and unwind.
Brecknock County Park
Just off U.S. 13 south of Dover, Brecknock County Park — Kent County's premier community park — covers 86 acres of recreational space. In addition to picnicking, its expansive open fields are perfect for tossing a frisbee, soccer and more. Athletic fields and volleyball courts cater to sports enthusiasts, while children aged 12 and under can embark on adventures at the Picadily Castle playground. Nature lovers will appreciate the park's three miles of hiking trails, wetlands and a captivating butterfly and native-plant garden.
Generous parking and a touch of history add to the park's allure. Found at the rear of the park, the historic Goggin House, the childhood home of Dr. Joshua Clayton, Delaware's first governor, was built in the 1700s.
Sussex County
Redden State Forest
Established in 1952, Redden State Forest covers 12,000 acres of untouched woodland making it a favored destination for nature lovers. After a day spent engaging in outdoor recreational activities such as hunting, fishing, and horseback riding, you might find yourself craving a pleasant picnic.
Three picnic pavilions — located at the Headquarters Tract, Ellendale Tract and Jester Tract — are available on a first-come, first-served basis. The forest also offers picturesque picnic spots off well-worn hiking and biking trails, a camping site and a lodge once a hunting retreat for railroad executives.
Assawoman Wildlife Area
Located about 20 minutes from Bethany Beach and what feels like a world away from everything, Assawoman Wildlife Area is one of Delaware's hidden gems and a serene setting for a picnic.
You can sit at one of the available picnic tables or spread out a blanket on the wildlife refuge's vast 3,100 acres.
For a little adventure, the observation tower offers the finest views of Assawoman Bay, where you might spot bald eagles, river otters, giant woodpeckers and other fascinating coastal and river wildlife. Although regulations may sometimes restrict recreational activities, you can always enjoy a leisurely stroll to the waterfront park to witness breathtaking sunsets on the water.
More information and resources
For more information on where these and other parks are located, the state of Delaware has created a map listing public park facilities. The website contains detailed information and includes the type of park facility, address and available amenities such as parks, trails, boat ramps or golf courses.
To learn about picnic regulations at state parks, visit the Delaware state park website.
You can contact reporter Anitra Johnson at [email protected].
This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: Places to picnic in all three counties of this summer
