For many of our travel destinations, we try to find something unique to do that we don’t necessarily experience at home. It’s a neat feeling to experience a town like the locals do and get a sense of why they love it so much. This feeling definitely rang true for our adventure to Rehoboth, Delaware.
There’s something truly magical about Rehoboth Beach in the fall. The crisp weather, cool sand under your feet, and boardwalk made for a refreshing weekend in the beach town. Every October, it transforms into a Halloween paradise for the annual SeaWitch Festival—a weekend filled with costumes, parades, seaside fun, and the type of memories that keep you smiling long after the car ride home. This year, we decided to embrace the Halloween spirit full-on and camp at nearby Delaware Seashore State Park. It was a weekend brimming with laughter, surprises, and firsts for our family, especially for our little astronaut!
Camping at Delaware Seashore State Park
We pulled into Delaware Seashore State Park, ready for a weekend of simple camping and exciting festivities. The campground may not have all the bells and whistles, but it was everything we needed and more—spacious sites, fresh and clean bathrooms, showers, and even a little laundry area. There’s nothing like a fresh, sandy campsite by the ocean, and the best part? The beach was just a quick bike ride or car ride away. Having easy access to the shore meant we could squeeze in plenty of beach time between all the festival activities.
Once we were set up, it didn’t take long to feel at home. With the fresh ocean breeze we were ready to kick off our SeaWitch weekend!
Festival Fun: Costumes, Candy, and a Touch of Magic
Rehoboth was alive with Halloween energy the entire weekend. We unfortunately missed the costume parade (got the timing wrong on that one), but everywhere we looked, people of all ages were dressed up—from tiny ladybugs and cows to families in coordinated costumes.
Our son was thrilled to wear his astronaut costume for the entire day. Seeing him walking around in his shiny suit was pure joy. There was something wonderful about seeing the whole community—and visitors—come together, celebrating creativity and good-natured spookiness. It felt like Halloween exploded across the town, and we were all in on the fun.
A Highlight: Zelky’s Beach Arcade
One of the highlights for our little guy was, hands down, Zelky’s Beach Arcade. From the moment we stepped inside, he was off like a rocket (pun intended!). He dashed from game to game, thrilled by the flashing lights and the chance to win tickets. But the most awesome moment came thanks to a stranger—a kind woman who had just won a basketball and decided to give it to our kiddo. She knew that her dogs would destroy the ball and wanted someone who’d enjoy it. It was a small act of kindness, but it made his day, and we have a souvenir to remember that moment.
Pony Rides on the Beach: An Astronaut’s New Frontier
When we found out there were pony rides on the beach, we couldn’t resist. Our son, still in his astronaut costume, looked like he was on a mission to explore a new planet as he climbed onto a pony and trotted along the shoreline. Watching him ride with the ocean waves in the background, dressed like a little space explorer, was one of those moments that just takes your breath away. He was beaming with pride, and my husband and I couldn’t stop snapping photos. What a perfect family moment.
Treasure Hunting With Fate On Our Side
After the pony rides, we wandered through the vendor booths and stalls that lined the festival area. We love browsing local crafts and found so many fun, creative items. And then, surprise! We spotted a metal art vendor we’d first seen at Virginia Beach’s Neptune Festival last month. We’d regretted not buying one of his airplane pieces back then, but fate was on our side. This time, we got to take home the airplane we’d been eyeing—a little piece of art and a story that makes it even more special.
Trick-or-Treating on Rehoboth Avenue: Halloween Perfection
The best part of the whole weekend? Hands-down trick-or-treating down Rehoboth Avenue! It was our son’s first time trick-or-treating, and he couldn’t have had a better experience. The entire street was lined with shops, each one ready with candy bowls, and some even had books for the kids. He went from shop to shop, his candy bucket filling up with treats, and his excitement growing with each stop. Typically shy, he had no problem yelling out trick-or-treat, knowing what he’d receive in return. My husband and I kept looking at each other, marveling at how perfect it all felt. It was pure magic, watching our son light up, laughing with strangers, and fully embracing the Halloween spirit.
Dog Costume Parade and More Fun at Zelky’s
The weekend wrapped up with the dog costume parade—a delightful spectacle of pups dressed as everything from pirates to pumpkins. It was the icing on the cake, and our son got such a kick out of seeing all the four-legged “competitors” strut their stuff. We spent one more round at Zelky’s Beach Arcade to close out our weekend, cashing in our tickets for silly prizes and savoring the last bits of Halloween fun.
A Quick Recap: Our Perfect SeaWitch Weekend in Rehoboth
For families considering a fall trip to Rehoboth, Delaware, here’s a quick rundown of why the SeaWitch Festival should be on your list:
Who: Families, Halloween lovers, and anyone looking to make magical memories by the beach.
What: The SeaWitch Festival, featuring parades, vendor stalls, trick-or-treating, costume contests, and endless activities for the whole family.
When: The last weekend of October, a perfect time to enjoy Rehoboth’s Halloween charm.
Where: Rehoboth Beach, Delaware. We stayed at Delaware Seashore State Park, a simple, clean campground with excellent access to the beach.
Why: This is a Halloween experience like no other! From pony rides on the beach to a dog costume parade, Rehoboth goes all out for the SeaWitch Festival, making it a memorable adventure for all ages.
Yum: We enjoyed pizza at Grotto Pizza – Rehoboth Boardwalk South, classic burgers and fries at Gus and Gus Place, and homemade ice cream at Archie’s Ice Cream.
Our weekend at the SeaWitch Festival was everything we’d hoped for and more. We looooved it! Camping at Delaware Seashore State Park gave us the perfect base, and the blend of festival activities, beachside fun, and small-town charm created memories we’ll cherish forever. We’ll definitely be back; we’d love to check out Rehoboth in the summer. But for now, we’re still basking in the Halloween magic. 👻
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