Water Family Fest Returns to James Farm with Free Nature Fun for All Ages

Get ready to splash into a day of outdoor fun, learning, and community spirit—because the Water Family Fest and Native Plant Sale is back at the James Farm Ecological Preserve!

Hosted by the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) and the Center for the Inland Bays (CIB), this free, family-friendly festival is happening Saturday, May 3, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 30048 Cedar Neck Road in Ocean View.

A Celebration of Nature and Environmental Stewardship

Since its debut in 2019, the Water Family Fest has been an inspiring annual tradition that connects people of all ages with the natural world. This year’s event promises to be bigger and better, with more than 35 environmental organizations and nonprofits offering interactive exhibits and hands-on learning about everything from wetlands and water quality to local wildlife and shoreline preservation.

Whether you’re a nature lover, a parent with curious kids, or someone looking for a fun and meaningful way to spend your Saturday, there’s something for everyone here.

Activities & Highlights for the Whole Family

• 🌿 Interactive Educational Exhibits
  Explore booths on wetland conservation, waterway protection, and sustainable practices.

• 🎨 Hands-On Crafts & Games
  Kids can enjoy clay crafting, insect identification, and nature-themed games—plus a cozy reading nook for quieter moments.

• 🎶 Live Music by The Dragonfly Trinity Band
  Enjoy toe-tapping, family-friendly tunes on the main stage while you explore the preserve.

• 🚤 Touch-A-Boat Exhibit
  Get an up-close look at real DNREC boats used in environmental fieldwork! Expect to see:

  • An airboat from the Division of Fish and Wildlife

  • A shallow-drive vessel

  • A Shoreline and Waterway Management boat

  • Possibly even a U.S. Coast Guard rescue boat
    DNREC staff will be on hand to walk you through each vessel’s role in keeping our ecosystems healthy and safe.

Native Plant Sale + Local Eats

Local nurseries—including Inland Bays Garden Center, Coastal Tributaries, and East View Farms—will be selling native plants onsite. It’s a great way to support pollinators and help your garden thrive naturally.

Come hungry—Grotto Pizza, Bountiful Bowls, and Bethany Brewing will be serving food and refreshments throughout the event.

Event Details

• 📍 Location: James Farm Ecological Preserve, 30048 Cedar Neck Rd, Ocean View

• 🗓️ Date: Saturday, May 3

• 🕙 Time: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

• 💵 Cost: Free!

• ☔ Rain or Shine: The event will go on regardless of weather.

• 🚗 Parking: Available across the street from the preserve. Overflow parking provided at G&E Hardware on Cedar Neck Road.

Sponsored by Local Supporters

The festival is made possible by community-minded partners like the Freeman Institute, Annie Powell Coldwell Banker Realty, Sussex Conservation District, Del-Coast Design & Build, and Ashton Pools.

Whether you’re looking to educate your family, buy native plants, or simply enjoy a day in the great outdoors, Water Family Fest is the place to be this May.

Mark your calendars—and come see why this event has become a local favorite for nature lovers of all ages.

For more information on the event, please contact Caitlin Chaney, by email at cchaney@inlandbays.org.