State parks are a great deal for Cape Region families

The warm weather of the last few weeks has inspired many visits to the beaches of the Cape Region, the crown jewel of tourism in Delaware.

This weekend, while rain might dampen plans to hit the beach and Boardwalk, Rehoboth Beach stores and restaurants invite visitors and residents to “Get Down in Town,” an energy-packed series of activities that highlights the best of what the city offers.

As our beach towns roll out the welcome mat, it’s also a good time to check out the activities in another of our region’s great resources: our state parks.

Cape Henlopen State Park and Delaware Seashore State Park offer miles of shoreline for families to hike and explore, great fishing and surfing, campsites and plenty of trails for hiking and biking.

History buffs will enjoy a tour of Fort Miles – there's a guided tour this weekend – or the Indian River Life-Saving Station, and guided hikes and kayaking as well as children’s activities are scheduled all season long.

From March 1 to Nov. 30, the parks charge a $4 per day per car fee to enter the park – $8 for out-of-state cars. Some might bristle at the idea state residents who pay taxes have to pay to get into their own parks, but now is the time to take note: For $27, Delaware residents can purchase a seasonal pass, good until the end of the season when entry is free again. For people aged 62 and older, the season pass is only $12, and for families with limited incomes, the cost is only $10.

These passes are good for nearly all of Delaware’s parks, which offer many varied opportunities for visitors to enjoy all summer long.

It’s hard to think of a better deal for families than eight months of entry into these great parks for less than the cost of a couple of pepperoni pizzas. Passes are available online, from the Rehoboth Beach-Dewey Beach Chamber of Commerce and at the Indian River Life-Saving Station.

The parks are ready and waiting, and so is a healthier lifestyle for all who get out and enjoy them.