Summer vacation commences in Delaware schools tomorrow. Like many parents, I’m on a lookout for free summer programs in and around Delaware. Times are hard monetarily for the family and it becomes essential for me to prioritize things. For all your Delawareans, here are the top 10 free summer programs in and around Delaware.
Free summer programs: Visit the Biggs Museum of American Art in Dover this summer
Established in 1993, the Sewell C. Biggs Museum of American Art Museum hosts one of the finest collections of American fine and decorative arts. Feel free to visit Biggs Museum any day this summer. There is no admission fee charged any day. Biggs Museum changes exhibitions throughout the year, so even if it’s your 100th visit, there is something new to see every time.
Special features:
- Variety of art forms exhibited.
- Sculptures by Hiram Powers
- Examples of furniture by early-American cabinetmakers
- Finest collections of regional silver in the country
Free summer exhibitions include:
- Photography competition and exhibition featuring the work of new and emerging photographers, working and/or living in the Mid-Atlantic region
- The Sculpture of Light, a collaboration of Appoquinimink School District and the Volterra, Italy
Free summer programs at Delaware Art Museum
- Sponsored by the Smithsonian Community Grant program, Delaware Art Museum is hosting the Folk Art Celebration art activities, quilt demonstrations, and storytelling performances on Sunday 06/14. It’s absolutely free for all ages.
- Visit the Delaware Art Museum on July 3rd for Youth Speaks! It’s a venue for young poets and spoken word artists ages 21 and under to express themselves through their thoughts, voice, and words.
Interested kids can download the application form from the official website.
Also note, thanks to Astra Zeneca, the admission fee is waived every Sunday this summer.
Free summer programs: 30th Annual Sandcastle Contest at Rehoboth Beach on Aug 1st, 2009
- A wonderful, free option to spend a hot, summer day.The Sand Castle Contest at Rehoboth Beach is open both to adults and kids. There is no entry fee.
- Both adult and children’s divisions have three divisions: Sandcastle, Animal, and Free Form.
- The top three entries in each will receive prizes.
- Registration begins at 8.30am.
- Judging begins at 3pm.
Free summer programs: Watch the 2009 Dover Air Force Base Open House and Air Show.
Dover Air Force Base will open its gates to the public June 20 – 21 starting at 9 a.m. for the 2009 Dover Air Force Base Open House and Air Show.
- Watch absolutely free
- Flying acts as the Air Force Thunderbirds, Air Force Academy Wings of Blue Parachute team and Navy Tactical Demonstration Team.
- Tour aircrafts.
- Free parking is scheduled to be at the Bergold Farms parking lot.
- For more details on the static displays, flying acts, prohibited items, check this out
Free summer programs: Visit the Herr’s Factory
Schedule a free tour and visit the real HERR’s factory, check out the actual process and learn about how HERR has perfected their products . According to the website, “Our tour is a first hand learning experience that includes visual methods that’s sure to impress children and adults alike. You’ll never forget the little-known facts, like how a pretzel gets its brown color, or what makes a great chipping potato, and how tortilla chips get their seasoning.
- Hours of Operations include:
- Monday – Thursday 9 AM to 11 AM and 1 PM to 3 PM
- Fridays 9 AM to 11 AM (not guaranteed)
- When scheduling, please indicate the time of day (on the hour) you wish to take your tour.
Free summer programs: Visit a National Park
According to nps.gov, “America’s Best Idea – the national parks – gets even better this summer with three fee-free weekends at more than 100 national parks that usually charge entrance fees. And to make the fun even more affordable, many national park concessioners are joining the National Park Service in welcoming visitors on this summer’s fee free weekends with the their own special offers.
The weekends include:
June 20-21, 2009
July 18-19, 2009
August 15-16, 2009
Make the most of this opportunity and visit the many National Parks in Maryland that usually charge an entrance fee.
Find the closest park participating in the free-free weekend, here.
Free summer programs: Caribbean Festival 2009 at Penns Landing
Can’t travel to the Caribbean? Fear not! Join the “free festival of Caribbean traditions, music and food is a culturally rich celebration of 14 Caribbean Islands featuring a collage of sights, sounds, aromas and tastes” on Aug 23 2-8PM
- Listen to the island sounds of reggae, hip-hop and gospel.
- Creative dances
- Ethnic poetry
- Educational activities
- Mouth watering island cuisine
- Souvenirs
- Art and Craft
- Caribbean Fashion
Free summer programs: Kids Watch Free 2009 U.S Women’s Open Golf Championship
From July 6 – July 12, 2009, the 64th U.S. Women’s Open Championship commences in the historic Saucon Valley Country Club in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania.
- Free admission for children under 17 and under
- More than 150 of the world’s best women’s golfers compete for Championship honors
- Kids enjoy natural golf settings
- World class athletes
Free summer programs: Enjoy the 21st Annual Dupont Clifford Brown Jazz Festival, Rodney Square
Enjoy the largest, week long Jazz festival of the East Coast at no cost. Starting on June 15th, 2009 the festival features Jazz artists like Dumpstaphunk, Jason Moran, Jazz Attack, The Bad Plus and many more, who perform live at Rodney Square, Wilmington.
Free summer programs: Enjoy free touring of
- Riverfront Wilmington
- Rockwood Mansion for free on Sundays in July and August
- Free self-guided tour and wine tasting at Nassau Valley Winery in Lewes.
- Hit the beaches
- Enjoy the old age charm of Lewes, old Dover
Resources
Delaware Online
