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Fishin’ Kids: A Free, Family-Friendly Fishing Day at Lewes Canalfront Park


A Day of Fishing, Fun, and Learning at the Lewes Canal

Looking for a fun and educational way to introduce your kids to the joys of fishing? Head over to Lewes Canalfront Park on Wednesday, June 19, for Fishin’ Kids, a free, hands-on event from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM designed just for children ages 5 to 13.

This exciting two-hour experience will teach kids the basics of fishing in a safe and engaging environment—right on the public docks of the Lewes Canal.


🐟 What to Expect at Fishin’ Kids

Your young anglers will enjoy:

  • Fishing Fundamentals: Learn how to bait a hook, cast a line, and gently retrieve a fish.

  • Supervised Dock Fishing: Kids will fish from the city docks under guidance.

  • Fishing Etiquette & Safety: Understand respect for the water and fellow anglers.

  • Casting Contest: Show off casting accuracy on the grassy lawn of Canalfront Park.

  • Life Jacket Demo: Learn how life jackets keep you safe during water adventures.

  • Community Partners On-Site:

    • Breakwater Bait and Tackle

    • Delaware Paddle Sports

    • Sea Scouts

Kids will also learn about local outdoor recreation like paddle sports, beach rentals, and pier fishing at Cape Henlopen State Park.


📍 Event Details

  • Date: Wednesday, June 19

  • Time: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM

  • Cost: FREE

  • Location:
    Canalfront Park
    219 Pilottown Road, Lewes, DE 19958
    📞 302-644-8050


🌊 Beyond the Canal: DNREC’s Youth Fishing & Aquatic Programs

 

Once your child is hooked on fishing, there are plenty of ways to keep the excitement going! The DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife offers free fishing lessons, aquatic adventures, and Delaware Bay explorations for kids and young teens.

🎣 Take A Kid Fishing! Program

For ages 6 to 15, this statewide program teaches:

  • Fundamental fishing skills

  • Conservation and ethics

  • Hands-on fishing with all gear provided

Upcoming 2025 Events:

  • July 19, 9 AM – Lums Pond State Park

  • July 24, 5 PM – Silver Lake Park

  • July 31, 9 AM – Aquatic Resources Education Center

  • August 2, 9 AM – Riverview Park, Seaford

  • August 14, 9 AM – Aquatic Resources Education Center

📧 Pre-registration required:
Email your name, event date, and number of participants to:
Pearlie.Franklin@delaware.gov


🐠 Small Fry Adventures

Perfect for ages 4 to 7, this fun program includes:

  • Exploring marine life in aquariums

  • A kid-friendly aquatic craft

  • Learning about the creatures in tidal salt marshes

Upcoming 2025 Dates:

  • August 6 at 10 AM

  • August 27 at 10 AM

📧 Register at: Pearlie.Franklin@delaware.gov


🌊 Life in the Bay: Seining Adventures

Great for kids 6+ and adults who want to learn about fish and other bay critters using seine nets along the Delaware Bay.

Upcoming 2025 Dates:

  • July 23 at 4 PM

  • August 8 at 4 PM

  • August 13 at 9:30 AM

📍 Held at Woodland Beach, this program is led by staff from DNREC’s Aquatic Resources Education Center.

📧 To register: Pearlie.Franklin@delaware.gov


🧠 Want More Info?

To learn more about DNREC’s fishing education programs:
📧 Contact Taylor Border at taylor.border1@delaware.gov


🎣 Make This Summer a Splash for Your Kids
Whether your child is learning to fish for the first time at Fishin’ Kids or diving deeper into Delaware’s ecosystems with DNREC’s programs, there are plenty of ways to turn curiosity into outdoor confidence.

Don’t miss out on these FREE opportunities to help your kids learn, grow, and reel in some unforgettable memories.