As summer winds down, it’s time to pack in as much fun in the sun as we can before we’re onto fall (and spooky season)! Delaware’s coast has so many treasures to explore, and one of the First State’s best family-friendly summer destinations is Cape Henlopen State Park. Featuring an interactive nature center, beach, accessible loop trail, and historic fort and museum, this is a family-friendly park in Delaware that makes for a great summertime day trip. Let’s take a closer look.

Cape Henlopen State Park, with its stunning natural beauty, encompasses 5,193 acres and six miles of shoreline. Its beaches were actually first designated for public use all the way back in 1682, by none other than William Penn - but it wasn't recognized as an official state park until 1964. This was an important strategic location for the United States military going all the way back to the American Revolution, and you'll still find World War II fire control towers at Cape Henlopen State Park today. You can actually climb to the top of one of these towers for a spectacular view!

Also located within Cape Henlopen State Park is the kid-friendly Seaside Nature Center, which makes a great first stop when you arrive at the park.

Within the Nature Center, you'll find exhibits including a 300-gallon, two-level touch tank, as well as five 1,000-gallon tanks with local fish. It's kind of like a mini aquarium.

Horseshoe crabs are just some of the residents of the enormous touch tank, which allows you to experience being up close with some of Delaware's native marine life.

There's also a small gift shop within the Seaside Nature Center, if you'd like a souvenir from your visit to Cape Henlopen.

The Nature Center features year-round environmental education programming, like guided hikes and nature walks on some of Cape Henlopen State Park's assortment of trails. Check out this easy, 0.7-mile trail beginning at the Seaside Nature Center.

And of course, you've got to hit the beach when you visit Cape Henlopen State Park. Between Memorial Day and Labor Day, lifeguards are on patrol at Cape Henlopen's designated swimming beach (which is accessible from the Lewes entrance). Sit back, relax, and enjoy the sun and the surf.

Have you ever been to Cape Henlopen State Park? What did you think of this Delaware gem?

For more coastal Delaware fun to round out your summer, check out some of the best beaches in Delaware.