15 Things to Do in Woodside East (DE)

Woodside East is a southern suburb of Dover that’s located in central Delaware’s Kent County.

At the time of the last census, Woodside East had a population of about 3,500 residents. Though it’s conveniently close to many of the state’s most visited attractions, it’s relatively undeveloped compared with Delaware’s cities to the north.

Nearby Dover offers a variety of year-round attractions and events, like museums, gaming, horse and auto racing, and lots of historical sites as well.

Below are 15 fun and educational things to do in and around Woodside East that often rank highly on visiting vacationers’ itineraries.

1. Anna & Mike’s Pizza

If there’s one thing Delaware definitely doesn’t have a shortage of its pizzerias.

Anna & Mike’s Pizza is located on DuPont Highway in Felton just down the road from Woodside East. Diners tend to agree that their pizza is head and shoulders above the competition.

They’re open daily from 11 AM to 10 PM and offer pizzas in a variety of sizes and with a number of crust options. Their toppings range from classic and traditional to contemporary and slightly quirky.

Anna & Mike’s is a locally-owned neighborhood shop, so consider supporting a family business instead of dining at a national chain.

2. Delaware State Fair

State fairs are amazing community resources for locals and visitors looking to have fun on limited budgets, and they’re especially big hits with those traveling with little ones.

The Delaware State Fair is held annually in Harrington, and it runs from the end of July through to mid-August.

It’s an activity-packed event that draws crowds from both near and far, and many visitors have such a great time they come back multiple times.

Events and amenities include livestock and farm shows, carnival rides and games, tons of great food options, and family-friendly activities for all ages.

3. Firefly Music Festival

The Firefly Music Festival is quickly becoming one of the First State’s most anticipated annual events. Though it’s definitely not the cheapest festival, it’s a must-visit for lovers of live entertainment and great music.

The festival draws well-known and up and coming musicians from all over the country, and previous guests have noted that it’s comparable to larger and more established music festivals like Coachella in California.

Firefly draws big crowds and tends to have a Mardi Gras-like atmosphere, so it probably isn’t a good fit for claustrophobes, introverts, and those traveling with little ones with sensitive ears.

4. Air Mobility Command Museum

Though Dover was the state’s capital long before the Air Force showed up, now the city largely revolves around the base. It offers visitors lots of activity options to choose from.

The Air Mobility Command Museum is a must-visit attraction for lovers of military and aviation history. Its impressive collection includes dozens of vintage and contemporary war-birds that operated in a variety of capacities, from fighters and interceptors to bombers and in-flight refueling tankers.

The museum’s aircraft have been restored to near-original condition, and it’s often possible to go inside some of the larger ones’ fuselages and cockpits.

5. Grey Fox Grille & Public House

The area around Dover and Woodside East is full of historical attractions, and more than a few of them are pubs.

Back in the days of the Revolution, pubs were popular meeting houses, where thirsty patriots and other unsavory characters met to drink, gossip, and debate the issues of the day.

The Grey Fox Grille & Public House doesn’t quite date back that far, but it’s housed buildings from the 1880s and offers guests a glimpse into the historic past.

They’re located near downtown Dover and are known for their comfy atmosphere, tasty pub fare, and abundant beer, wine, and spirit options.

6. Dover Downs Hotel & Casino

Though Dover has plenty of its own attractions, it’s often a stop-off point for those traveling between the neighboring states of Maryland and Pennsylvania to Rehoboth Beach and Ocean City.

Many vacationers bound for the beach hit Dover Downs Hotel & Casino on the way to play the slots, grab a bite, or catch a horse race or two.

For those who’ll be in the area for more than a few hours, Dover Downs offers round the clock activity options, and many of them are family-friendly.

It’s also a big live entertainment venue, and their restaurants are rumored to rival those found in Vegas and Atlantic City.

7. Biggs Museum of American Art

The Biggs Museum of American Art is located in an area of downtown Dover called The Green.

One of the state’s most historic districts, it is full of museums, galleries, homes, businesses, and watering holes that have played significant roles in the nation’s history over the years.

The Biggs Museum features an impressive collection of American art, much of which is from the years around the Revolutionary War.

Admission is inexpensive, and most visitors who appreciate art and history find it a poignant attraction that’s well worth checking out.

The area is easily explored on foot, so it’s perfect for those interested in stretching their legs after a day in the car.

8. Dover International Speedway

The Dover International Speedway is a regional auto racing icon that draws race fans from all over the country during the summer season.

The speedway hosts races in a variety of classes, but the most popular are the NASCAR events.

Even for those who aren’t typically big race fans, it’s often one of the most exhilarating experiences of their trip, and includes live entertainment, tons of great food and drink options, and family-friendly activities for those traveling with kids.

Lodging at both hotels and campgrounds in Dover and the surrounding towns goes quickly on race weekends, so plan accordingly.

9. John Dickinson Plantation

Slave Quarters At John Dickinson Plantation

John Dickinson isn’t as well-known as other founding fathers and signers of the US Constitution, but he’s a historically significant figure that once owned a plantation in Delaware.

For many visitors, exploring the John Dickinson Plantation is like taking a giant leap back in time. Though much of what you’ll find is local and regional in nature, some of it was at the forefront of national issues during the years around the Revolutionary War and the founding of the country.

The home is inexpensive to visit, and most guests spend a few hours showing themselves around the home and extensive plantation grounds.

10. Roosevelt Inlet Shipwreck

Delaware’s maritime history stretches back to the years when the state was just a colony. Since then, there have been thousands of shipwrecks along the mid-Atlantic coast.

Thankfully, shipwrecks are rare these days, but nautical history enthusiasts still have ample opportunity to visit sites like the Roosevelt Inlet Shipwreck.

The ship ran aground in the 1770s and eventually sank. Though the crew all survived, the cargo was lost forever.

For those who’d rather not venture out to sea, there are historic markers just inland, and a number of guided boat tours of various wrecks are available as well.

11. Cannonball House

During the Revolutionary War, cannons didn’t have the muzzle velocity that they do today, and it was common for cannonballs to lodge in the walls of buildings instead of passing straight through.

The Cannonball House is so named because it still bears an iron projectile that the British fired at it during the war of 1812.

One of coastal Delaware’s most unique historic attractions, it is now managed by the Lewes Historical Society.

The house has been converted into a maritime museum that displays interesting and educational historic memorabilia, as well as tidbits of lighthouse history from up and down the coast.

12. The Zwaanendael Museum

The Dutch were among the first settlers to North America, and more than three centuries ago, they established a colony in what’s now Delaware.

The Zwaanendael Museum was established to preserve and promote the area’s historic past, and it features impressive architecture that includes elements like Dutch-inspired carvings, shutters, and design.

The museum is relatively inexpensive to visit and offers guests glimpses into the past that they probably would have missed out on otherwise.

The collection includes artifacts, clothes, weapons, and nautical equipment, as well as memorabilia salvaged from shipwrecks and lighthouses up and down the Delmarva Peninsula from Maryland to Virginia.

13. Cape Henlopen State Park

Despite its small size, Delaware is home to several state parks. They’re spread all over the state, making them convenient for those staying in Woodside East.

Cape Henlopen State Park is located along the state’s southern coast and features impressive stretches of beach, majestic dunes, and endless expanses of ocean.

The park is comprised of more than 5,000 acres. Though water activities rank at the top of most visitor’s to-do lists, there are a variety of land-based options as well.

Biking, bird watching, sunbathing, and wildlife photography are popular, as are flying kites, surfing, and fishing.

14. Delaware Children’s Museum

Children’s museums were once few and far between, but these days, they’re becoming more common.

The Delaware Children’s Museum is located in Wilmington and caters to inquisitive young minds, from toddlers to teens.

The museum’s interactive exhibits touch on science, technology, animals, and engineering. At various times throughout the year, there are special programs and seasonal events as well.

The museum is open year-round and is generally considered a decent value by thrifty travelers.

Due to its full schedule of events, it’s a good idea to check online to see what’s on their schedule before making a special trip.