15 Best Things to Do in Kent Acres (DE)

Kent Acres is a suburb of Dover that resides in central Delaware’s Kent County.

At the time of the last census, Kent Acres had a population of about 2,500 residents. Visitors to the area have a variety of activity and attraction options at their disposal, including historic sites, state parks, annual festivals and fairs, and world-class beaches just an hour to the south.

Hunting and fishing are also popular year-round past times in more rural areas around the town, as are gaming, horse racing, and auto racing in Dover.

Below are 15 things to do in and around Kent Acres, Delaware.

1. Moores Lake

Moores Lake winds its way through Kent Acres, Dover, and Camden and is comprised of nearly 30 acres of surface area that are particularly popular with anglers.

For those who’d rather fish from a boat than the shore, there’s a boat ramp not far from the dam at the lake’s western edge.

Much of the lake’s shoreline is private property, which is off-limits to shore fishermen, but between the dam and ramp is public land.

Bass, sunfish, pickerel, and catfish are abundant in the lake, though there have been recent reports of invasive aquatic grasses that may make fishing difficult.

2. Schutte Park

Schutte Park is located just a few blocks to the northwest of downtown Kent Acres and is one of the area’s newest sports attractions.

It includes nearly 75 acres that are packed with amenities, like lighted baseball and softball fields, tons of playground equipment, covered pavilions, and wooded walking paths.

Though many of the fields are frequently reserved for organized kid’s sports leagues, some of them are open to the public when they’re not being used.

Schutte Park is a good fit for families traveling with little ones in need of physical exertion who’d rather not waste precious vacation time traveling to more distant state parks.

3. La Hacienda

La Hacienda is located on South Bay Road on the dividing line between Dover and Kent Acres, and most lovers of traditional food from south of the border agree that it’s one of the area’s best Mexican restaurants.

Most of their menu items are made fresh on-site daily, and each table gets complimentary chips and salsa to enjoy while they’re deciding what to order for their entrée.

Perennial favorites include fajitas, burritos, tacos al pastor, and chimichangas, and their margaritas are top-notch as well.

Previous guests have commented on La Hacienda’s authentic décor, friendly service, heaping portions, and affordable prices.

4. Silver Lake Park

Silver Lake Park, Dover — Silver Lake Park

For a relatively small city, Dover has quite an abundance of local parks; there’s never one very far away, regardless of where you’re staying.

Silver Lake Park is the city park system’s centerpiece, and combines elements of the natural and humanmade worlds seamlessly, making for a truly unique urban experience.

The park’s lake is popular with bird watchers, and from the trails, it’s common to see wading birds, waterfowl, and even eagles, especially in the marshy areas between the land and water.

The park also features a new playground. For those looking to burn a few calories, it’s possible to walk the trails for miles.

5. Dover International Speedway

Dover International Speedway is an auto racing mecca and draws fans from all over the country during its annual NASCAR races.

The track hosts racing events for much of the year in a variety of classes, but the most popular are the NASCAR Cup races that take place in early May and late August.

Even for those who aren’t particularly into auto racing, it’s an amazing spectacle. In addition to world-class racing, it includes live entertainment, family-friendly activities, and lots of great food and adult beverages.

The speedway turns into a madhouse during big events, so it’s not a good fit for those looking for peace and quiet.

6. Spence’s Bazaar

For generations, Spence’s has been a Dover area icon. When it comes to unique retail destinations, it’s really in a league of its own.

Spence’s is part flea market, part Amish market, and part live entertainment venue. It’s comprised of individual vendors selling everything from fresh baked goods and health and body products to vintage clothing and used tools.

They’re known for having great prepared food too, and many savvy shoppers choose to stick around after a few hours on their feet to enjoy a hot meal or a cold drink.

Spence’s isn’t open every day, so check their website for their schedule before making a special trip.

7. Johnson Victrola Museum

Back in the days before they really took off, phonographs were referred to as talking machines.

More than a century ago, a pioneering young inventor named E.R. Johnson began constructing talking machines that would eventually go on to become Victrola phonographs.

Johnson was a Delaware native, and the museum that now bears his name is home to an impressive collection of vintage machines from the late 1800s and early 1900s.

The museum is open from Wednesday to Saturday during normal business hours, and most guests spend about an hour taking it all in before heading off to other nearby attractions.

8. Old State House

Dover’s Old State House is located in the historic downtown area that’s often referred to as The Green.

For history and activity minded visitors, it’s a great area in which to see many of the capital city’s most historic attractions. Since many of them are just a few blocks from one another, it’s easy to do on-foot when the weather cooperates.

The Old State House was the original seat of government over a century ago. Now, it’s open to the public via guided tours.

The site’s exhibits include original documents, furniture, and biographies of legislators and other significant state historic figures.

9. Air Mobility Command Museum

Dover is home to one of the largest military aviation transportation hubs in the country, and the Air Mobility Command Museum is dedicated to preserving its legacy for all to see.

The museum is located just south of the base and includes an impressive collection of nearly three dozen planes of all shapes and sizes that have served out their useful lives.

Though most of the museum is focused on logistics and in-flight refueling aircraft, there are also bombers and air superiority fighters as well.

It’s often possible to get inside some of the larger planes, and admission is totally free.

10. John Dickinson Plantation

Slave Quarters At John Dickinson Plantation

John Dickinson was a local tobacco farmer and significant historical figure who played a major role in crafting the Constitution in the years around the Revolutionary War.

In addition to the restored plantation home, the site’s grounds include outbuildings connected by walking paths. It’s especially well-known for its historic actors dressed in period garb going about their lives much the way plantation residents would have ages ago.

The plantation’s history is closely tied to that of the nation. Though John Dickinson isn’t as famous as other figures, many visitors consider their visit to the plantation one of the most poignant activities of their trips.

11. Biggs Museum of American Art

The Biggs Museum of American Art is located on Federal Street in Dover and is home to one of the mid-Atlantic region’s most impressive collections of American art; much of it dates back to the colonial era before the official founding of the country.

Unlike many museums that tend to be stodgy and uninviting, previous guests traveling with kids have noted that the Biggs Museum had friendly staff, and spaces and activities specially designed with little ones in mind.

Much of what’s on display includes historic portraits and depictions of significant events in American history. Though admission is inexpensive, it’s possible to visit for free on the first Saturday of each month.

12. Firefly Music Festival

Though it’s only been around since 2012, the Firefly Music Festival has already become one of Delaware’s most anticipated annual events; it’s held at Dover International Speedway just a few minutes from Kent Acres.

It’s a three-day event that features lots of different varieties of music from local, regional, and national talent. The cost of admission may be prohibitive for all but the most diehard and well-heeled music fans.

That being said, many visitors consider it a reasonable value considering all that’s included, and some guests from out of the area choose to camp on-site during the festival so they don’t miss a thing.

13. Jonathan’s Landing Golf Club

With its unique links-style setup, manicured fairways and greens, and variety of natural environments, Jonathan’s Landing Golf Club is a Delaware golfing icon that’s considered by many to be one of the First State’s best values.

The course features a number of tee box options that make it appropriate for seasoned big hitters, beginner, and intermediate players alike.

In total, the course plays about 6,500 yards and includes a good mix of par 3s, 4s, and 5s to keep things interesting and tricky without being overly difficult.

If you’ll be playing during peak times, consider booking your tee time online beforehand to lock in your slot.

14. Little Creek Wildlife Area

The Little Creek Wildlife Area is comprised of several natural habitats that are spread over nearly 5,000 acres near the coast in southern Delaware.

The area is open to visitors year-round and is especially popular with hunters, anglers, bird watchers, and crabbers.

The area’s marshlands draw huge flocks of migrating waterfowl during their yearly migrations, and like fishing, hunters are required to have a valid permit.

The seasons for hunting and fishing vary by species and time of the year. Though the park is only open from sunrise to sunset, it may have extended hours during the peak season.