15 Best Things to Do in Highland Acres (DE)

Highland Acres is a small town only a few minutes away from Dover in Kent County, Delaware. With a population of 4,000 people, the town has a rural feel, but the fact that it’s part of the greater Dover Metropolitan Area means that the services and attractions of a bigger center are only a few minutes away.

Delaware Bay is only a few miles away, so that means that the sandy beaches of the Atlantic Coast are easily-accessible from Highland Acres.

A number of attractions and services are available in the nearby towns of Denton, Bridgeton, Georgetown, and Salem, while the capital city of Washington, DC and its world-class attractions are 134 miles away.

Below are 15 of the best things to do in and around Highland Acres, Delaware.

1. Satisfy your craving for sushi and Thai cuisine at Chaiyo

If you have a taste for Asian cuisine, Chaiyo in Dover serves sushi and an array of Thai dishes in an inviting and laid-back atmosphere. A variety of appetizers, soups, salads, and main courses are served by friendly staff, who go out of their way to make you feel right at home.

Pad Thai, Thai spicy basil, teriyaki, crispy basil duck, and garlic shrimp are some of the options you will find on their extensive menu.

2. Immerse yourself in fine art at the Biggs Museum of American Art

The nearby city of Dover is home to the Biggs Museum of American Art, which features many artworks by American artists. As you browse the museum and its different exhibits, you will see a range of styles and genres reflecting periods dating back to the 18th century. Each piece has its own story that allows visitors of all ages to learn about art and how it shaped American culture.

3. Kick back in Tidbury Creek County Park

Travel can be exhausting, and the perfect way to unwind and prepare yourself for the days ahead is with a refreshing and relaxing visit to a park. Tidbury Creek County Park and its pretty, natural surroundings allow visitors to simply kick back and unwind.

On-site, there are picnic tables, grills, and a children’s playground. There’s also a half-mile hiking trail that snakes around the pond. If you are traveling with a dog, this park is dog-friendly, with two fenced-in areas for unleashed play.

4. Spend a rainy family day at Shell We Bounce Trampoline Park

On days when it’s too rainy or cold to spend time exploring outdoors, visitors of all ages can enjoy some exciting and healthy entertainment at the Shell We Bounce Trampoline Park in Lewes.

The facilities and services available at this family entertainment center are suitable for all ages. Besides a variety of trampolines, an arcade, a playground, a jungle gym, and a foam pit are available. Adults can participate in fitness classes.

A cafe serving beverages, snacks, and light meals is also on-site.

5. Get a history lesson at the Delaware Agricultural Museum

Delaware Agricultural Museum and Village

Kent County is known for its agricultural history, and the Delaware Agricultural Museum in Dover is where you can learn all about this history and the impression it has left on the local culture.

Some of the items showcased in the exhibits at this museum include artifacts, photos, documents, and agricultural-related machinery such as tractors and traditional farming equipment. You’ll also learn about the railway and the role it played in the industry.

There is a village depicting rural life in the late 1800s. This is where you can see an old barn, windmill, general store, farmhouse, schoolhouse, train station, church, barbershop, and blacksmith shop.

6. Explore Brecknock County Park

One of the most popular parks near Highland Acres is Brecknock County Park in nearby Camden. The biggest draw to the park, particularly for children, is likely the unique playground named Piccadilly Castle.

Many other recreational facilities are available in this 86-acres of green space, including nature trails and picnic pavilions.

7. Visit the Air Mobility Command Museum

A popular attraction in a refurbished WWII aircraft hangar in Dover is the Air Mobility Command Museum. This is where you can stand in awe among historic American military aircraft and appreciate the work that goes into developing such extraordinary achievements.

The collection showcases a variety of bombers, cargo planes, tankers, and fighters, including the A-26C, C-5A Galaxy, and Air Force Two VC-9C.

8. Attempt to win big at the Dover Downs Casino

You won’t win unless you play. At the Dover Downs Casino, there are certainly plenty of opportunities to try. Two thousand three hundred slot machines and 41 table games make for an exciting evening out, and you just might walk away with some extra cash or prizes.

There’s no need to travel far from your winning attempts when hunger strikes, because many dining and snacking options are available on-site.

9. Spend some time in nature at Wyoming Park

Whether you enjoy fishing, volleyball, badminton, horseshoes, or simply relaxing in natural surroundings, there is something for everyone at Wyoming Park in the nearby town of Wyoming.

This park is open all year round and is situated next to a pond that is popular with anglers. Amenities include seasonal bathrooms, a pavilion, a playground, picnic tables, grills, and a large field for sporting activities.

10. Visit the John Dickinson Plantation

Slave Quarters At John Dickinson Plantation

The historic John Dickinson Plantation in Dover was once the home of John Dickinson, who was one of the founding fathers of the United States. Visitors can roam the grounds on their own or take a guided tour with costumed tour guides.

During a tour of the property, you will also get to see the inside of the stately Poplar Hall, where you will see a number of exhibits and galleries and get a taste of what life must have been like in post-Revolution times.

11. Enjoy homemade Italian specialties at Pizzadili

For quality Italian fare and deli favorites, visitors and locals alike head to Pizzadili in Dover. For generations, the friendly team at this eatery have been serving quality, homemade meals in a comfortable, family-friendly atmosphere.

On the extensive menu, you can expect to find a variety of pizzas, subs, salads, sandwiches, grilled options, Italian specialties, and main courses such as the seafood combo and steak. Delicious sweet treats are served as well.

12. Visit the exotic and domestic Animals at 3 Palms Zoo

3 Palms Zoo is not your ordinary zoo. It’s the state of Delaware’s only rescue zoo dedicated to saving sick and injured animals who would not be able to survive on their own in the wild.

During a visit, you will get a back story on each animal and why they came to live at the zoo. The animals, which include owls, skunks, foxes, groundhogs, turtles, and an Alligator named Tic Toc, are housed in areas that are as close to their natural habitats as possible.

A variety of exotic birds can also be spotted around the zoo, and you have the opportunity to feed and pet the resident domestic animals, including llamas and sheep.

13. Visit the Old State House

Built in the late 1700s, what is currently The Old State House Museum in Dover was once the Capitol Building. This grand building is open to visitors who wish to tour the beautiful rooms and admire the Middle Georgian architecture.

The building is now on the National List of Historic Places and displays many artifacts and documents.

14. Lebanon Landing County Park

The peaceful and beautiful recreation area at Lebanon Landing County Park in nearby Magnolia is the perfect place to enjoy a family picnic. It’s also a popular fishing and boating area, with a roadside boat launch for easy access to the water.

15. Escape the crowds at Silver Lake Park

Silver Lake Park, Dover — Silver Lake Park

As busy as Dover can get, it’s hard to believe that there could be such a peaceful, natural area in the middle of it all, but Silver Lake Park is exactly that. The 182-acre park features several walking trails, a lake, picnic tables, and a playground, all surrounded by trees and vast green spaces.