Kids home all week? Here are some spring break things to do in and around Delaware

Cherry trees bloom in Brandywine Park's Josephine Garden, Monday, April 3, 2023.
Cherry trees bloom in Brandywine Park's Josephine Garden, Monday, April 3, 2023.

The first day of spring break for many families throughout Delaware was picture perfect — sunny and warm, but not hot, and altogether glorious.

But face it, after a holiday weekend, a long week of no plans can stretch out somewhat endlessly for families that may need a some ideas of fun things to do after all that time together.

Sure, you can play video games, check out the new "Super Mario Bros. Movie,'' binge "The Mandalorian,'' clean out the mystery items in the bottom of that backpack, and polish off those Peeps.

But eventually, you might want some fresh idea. Here are some suggestions for family togetherness that makes the most of a week off.

Visit some fantastic beasts

Spring is a great time to go where the wild things are. This is the time of year many zoos see additions to their ranks in the form of baby animals, so make a day of it and make your friends jelly on Instagram.

Walk on the wild side: Animal escape room, otters & more zoo fun in Delaware, Philadelphia & New Jersey

Explore New Castle County parks

A bicyclist passes the DuPont Environmental Education Center on the Jack A. Markell Trail in Wilmington.
A bicyclist passes the DuPont Environmental Education Center on the Jack A. Markell Trail in Wilmington.

Now that spring is in full swing, it's time to get back outside and commune with nature.

Here's a guide to some of the nearly 250 parks in New Castle County, and what you can expect to see as the weather gets warmer, including some hidden gems.

Family fun: Spring weather is here. Here's a guide to New Castle County Parks and what's new.

Check out a sensory-friendly event

Alex the Autism Bear will be celebrating Autism Awareness Month this April by visiting each YMCA location in Delaware.
Alex the Autism Bear will be celebrating Autism Awareness Month this April by visiting each YMCA location in Delaware.

April is Autism Acceptance Month, which means there are more sensory-friendly events than usual for you and your family to enjoy.

A day at an aquarium, museum or other venue can be overwhelming to someone with sensory challenges, but special events are planned throughout the region to ensure that families can have a memorable day together while enjoying access to cultural adventures.

More: Celebrate Autism Acceptance Month with these sensory-friendly events in, near Delaware

Dine out with the family

Goober's Diner cultivates a retro atmosphere.
Goober's Diner cultivates a retro atmosphere.

Whether your little (or not-so-little) ones love diner food, seafood, burgers or satisfying their sweet tooth, there is a kid-friendly restaurant out there hoping to feed them.

We've rounded up a few for you, with some menu highlights and more. Because whatever adventures you head out on this week, you still need to eat.

More: Dining out with the family? Check out these 5 kid-friendly restaurants in Delaware

Grab a pole and go fishing

Joshua Caplan, 4, gets help from his father, Jeff, as he casts his line in Wilson Run in Brandywine Creek State Park on the first day of trout fishing in upstate Delaware - reserved for young people - Saturday, April 1, 2023. Stocked streams are open to all anglers (with requirements for fishing licenses and stamps for most) beginning Sunday morning. The Wilmington family -with Josh's mother, Jessica, and his sister, Olivia, 10- made their way to the park after stormy weather gave way to sunny conditions by Saturday afternoon.

It's freshwater trout season and now that it's warmer, this is a great way to spend some time with the family.

We've got all you need to know about sinking a hook in in Delaware at these New Castle designated streams.

More: Freshwater trout fishing season to start in New Castle County

Beat it for the beach

It's a bit nippy for sunbathing or swimming, but that doesn't mean you can't pack a picnic, a Frisbee and man's best friend and head to the coast for a pre-season warm up.

A great destination is Delaware Seashore State Park. We've got your guide to 5 Fun Things to Do there, plus details on food, parking and admission.

More: Delaware Seashore State Park guide: 5 things to do, admission, eats and more

See the view from the other side

The Cape May-Lewes Ferry sits docked in Cape May, N.J., along the Cape May Canal as seen from the Miss Chris on Sunday, July 17, 2016.
The Cape May-Lewes Ferry sits docked in Cape May, N.J., along the Cape May Canal as seen from the Miss Chris on Sunday, July 17, 2016.

A great way to travel is the Cape May-Lewes Ferry, even if all you're doing is riding it round-trip.

Of course, you can head to Cape May for the day or an overnight stay, but it's also fun just to pile on and enjoy some time on the Bay.

There are amenities and much more. Here's all you need to know including ticket info.

More: Have you ever been on the Cape May-Lewes Ferry? Here's everything you need to know

See how the other half lived

The Brantwyn estate, the former childhood home of the late Gov. Pierre du Pont, is now part of the DuPont Country Club. It is often rented for weddings and proms..  Thursday, April 24, 2008.
The Brantwyn estate, the former childhood home of the late Gov. Pierre du Pont, is now part of the DuPont Country Club. It is often rented for weddings and proms.. Thursday, April 24, 2008.

Delaware and the Brandywine Valley are bejeweled with du Pont mansions, many of which you can visit.

From beautiful gardens and places to walk to deep dives in local history, these cultural treasures are worth your time.

More: Delaware's Gilded Age: Here's a guide to 15 du Pont family estates

Gather up some happy campers

Nothing beats cabin fever quite like camping, even if you do it in a ... cabin.

Pitch a tent, pack up the RV or check out the cabin possibilities in this guide to 6 Delaware campgounds.

Now all you need are the fixings for s'mores.

More: 6 Delaware campgrounds you can visit for a weekend trip, get a dose of the outdoors

Get some bubble tea

Not all journeys need to be long. If you just want to shake up the afternoon, hit one of the many bubble tea spots in Delaware and try a unique flavor you've never had before. Tiger Sugar? Lynchee Jelly? Rose Milk?

More: 6 Delaware campgrounds you can visit for a weekend trip, get a dose of the outdoors

Help a hummingbird

Hovering bird feeds on a pink zinnia flower.
Hovering bird feeds on a pink zinnia flower.

Backyard birds need all the help they can get these days, and your family can do their part.

If you want to create a welcoming habitat to attract and support these tiny beauties we've got that, too.

More: Hummingbirds in Delaware: When and where to set out feeders for these cuties

This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: Delaware spring break: With schools closed, 11 things to do this week