Hayrides, Halloween events and special weekends coming to Delaware State Parks

Delaware State Parks are offering scenic and holiday-themed hayrides this fall. The rides are designed for families and children of all ages or any group looking for a fun get-together.

Hayrides accommodate 30 to 40 people and are priced $4 to $6 for adults and $2 to $3 for children 12 and under. In addition to the regular autumn hayrides, Bellevue State Park and Brandywine Creek State Park in Wilmington will also offer Halloween and Haunted Hayrides during which children are encouraged to wear their Halloween costumes.

Families are welcome to bring refreshments to enjoy around a campfire after the hayride. Skewers for roasting marshmallows will be provided.

Private group hayrides are available at all seven parks, and special pricing is available. Groups may also bring refreshments to enjoy around a campfire after their ride. Participants are encouraged to bundle up for the cool weather. More information about hayrides, private group rides and the parks’ individual schedules can be found at destateparks.com.

For private hayride reservations, groups should contact the Nature Center at the park where they wish to have their ride. Call Cape Henlopen State Park at 302-645-6852, Killens Pond State Park at 302-284-4299 or Trap Pond State Park at 302-875-5163 for Kent County or Sussex County information.

In addition, Delaware Seashore State Park will host its first Lighthouse Weekend Package Nov. 16 and 17, giving folks the opportunity to explore and learn more about Delaware’s historic lighthouses and life-saving stations. Killens Pond State Park hosts its Primitive Skills Weekend Nov. 8 to 11, teaching adults and children ages 6 to12 survival techniques and environmental awareness.

Then visitors can step back in time as the First State Heritage Park re-creates the sights and sounds of autumn market fairs held in Dover in the mid-1700s on Nov. 2 on the Dover Green. This event offers entertainment, crafts and trade demonstrations free for the whole family.

A long list of Halloween-themed events can also be found at destateparks.com, including Brandywine Zoo’s Boo at the Zoo trick-or-treat event and Cape Henlopen’ s 25th Annual Children’s Fantasy Trail. Lums Pond State Park will host its annual Halloween Hoot event, and Killens Pond State Park holds Halloween Havoc at the end of October.

More information on all special events can be found at destateparks.com or by contacting the host park. Some events require reservations, which can also be made by contacting the individual park.