Sun, surf, sea and sand @ the beach
• Bike the Boardwalk: On the Ocean City boardwalk are arcades, tattoo parlors and T-shirt shops galore. Between noon and midnight, parts of the boardwalk may be shoulder-to-shoulder with people.
But in the early morning, the boardwalk is the most unlikely of tranquil spots. The sun sparkles low on the water; the only other people out are those who know the secret of these sacred hours. There is an unspoken camaraderie among early morning boardwalkers, one that allows you to scoff at those still asleep. (Hey, who are we kidding here? The kids are up at 6:30 anyway, so why not do something a little different?)
The 2.7-mile Ocean City boardwalk allows bikes only from 6 to 10 a.m. (After 9, it's so crowded that it can become dicey for younger, less-experienced riders.)
The mile-long Rehoboth boardwalk welcomes bikers from 5 to 10 a.m. Its shorter length makes an early morning excursion seem less daunting for younger riders or for parents who haven't been on a bike since their teens.
The important thing to remember about a bike trip on the boardwalk is that it truly is about the journey and not the destination. Bike rental shops are staples along the boardwalks. Rates are hourly, but most give up to 10 minutes of grace time. Many rent tandem bikes or ones with child seats.
In Ocean City, consider biking to the southern point of the boardwalk to check out the famous shark display. The town also has several tot lots right on the beach with climbing equipment in the shape of pirate ships, etc. Consider parking your bikes there and letting the kids climb while you and your significant other marvel at the way the sun glints off the ocean while drinking coffee and sitting on a bench. It really is worth the early wake-up call.
HOURS: Early morning!
FEES: An hour rental for a standard bike costs about $6.
• Rehoboth Summer Children's Theatre: It's raining at the beach. You know what that means: Everyone heads to the cineplex to see Speed Racer or Prince Caspian or Kung Fu Panda. Not that there's anything wrong with that. But since we're in the spirit of doing things just a little bit differently with the kids at the beach, why not check out a live drama?
The Rehoboth Summer Children's Theatre's lineup includes nothing but old favorites: Peter Pan, Snow White, The Emperor's New Clothes and Puss in Boots. Matinee and evening shows are staged in Rehoboth Beach, Dewey Beach, Lewes and Bethany Beach, so if your beach destination takes you to the First State, it's worth checking out.
HOURS: To find out what's playing when and where, visit www.rehobothchildrenstheatre.org.
FEES: $8. (Gee, just about what you'd pay at the multiplex.)
• Cape Henlopen State Park, Delaware: With broad, sea-grass-strewn beaches, enormous dunes, open spaces for picnicking and the aquariums and exhibits at the Seaside Nature Center, the park is firmly rooted in the natural world.
A three-mile paved trail, perfect for walking or biking, loops the park and highlights its changing habitats. There are also seaside or pineland nature trails that let you explore different environments side by side. Climbing to the top of either the World War II observation tower or a former military bunker offers beautiful views and the oh-so-important ''I did it!'' sense of accomplishment.
There are also basketball courts and an 18-''hole'' disc golf course for those who need to feed their competitive spirit.
HOURS: Open 8 a.m. to sunset daily.
FEES: Free.
INFORMATION: www.destateparks.com/chsp/chsp.htm.
source: miamiherald.com
