The Delaware beaches have always been a fun and exciting destination for the entire family, with small-town resorts that cater to the young ones, as well as the young at heart.

So, we thought we'd highlight some of the area's best things to do and experience, when you feel like gathering up the kids and having a fun day, or night, in coastal Delaware.

As with all of our blog entries, these are in no particular order and are simply some of our favorites. We realize there are many more choices out there, but these all rank high on our "family fun meter" of things to do at the magnificent Delaware beaches.

Check them out...

1. Funland (Rehoboth Beach). Around since the early 1960s, this icon on the Rehoboth Beach boardwalk has created memories for generations of families. Featuring "kiddie rides" that have been around since they first opened, as well as a haunted house, bumper cars, 25 cent Skeeball games and plenty of other games and rides, this is a must for any family on a visit to Rehoboth. And the prices can't be beat – you can still enjoy a day at Funland for less than the price of a nice dinner.

2. Pirates of Lewes Expeditions (Lewes). Want a fun-filled day on the high seas for your young pirates? Take an afternoon cruise on the Sea Gypsy with Captain Crunch and listen to him tell your little ones about the legends of Blackbeard and Captain Kidd's buried treasure. Add in some singing, some pirate dances and a battle with Pirate Pete and this 70 minute interactive cruise is something your kids will be talking about for years to come.

3. Clayton Theater (Dagsboro). This World War II era theater a few miles inland from the beaches features family-friendly films inside it's two-level structure, and is still largely family run. It's a movie experience that is fun for the entire family, away from the hustle and bustle of the beach.

4. Miniature Golf (Various Locations). What better way to spend a couple of hours at the beach than playing a round of miniature golf with the family. There are plenty of courses around, so just look online, or take a drive around the area, and you're sure to find an abundance of great choices.

5. Water Parks (Rehoboth Beach/Lewes). Grab your mat or your intertube and plunge down an en exciting waterslide, take a dip in the pool, cruise down the lazy river or just enjoy soaking up some sun at any of the area's great water parks. Most of the parks are located along busy Route 1, so pick your favorite and have some fun!

6. Movies on the Beach (Dewey Beach/Bethany Beach). Held during the warm weather season, these movie nights provide the perfect backdrop for a fun night out with the family. Featuring family-friendly films, they are held on the beach both in Dewey and Bethany and begin at dark. Don't forget the popcorn!

7. Stand Up Paddleboarding (Various Locations). Growing in popularity in recent years, the sport of Stand Up Paddleboarding (or SUP) has become a fun family event at the Delaware beaches. Some locations even have glow in the dark paddleboards now, to allow for nighttime fun in the water.

8. Bike Riding on the Boardwalk (Rehoboth Beach). You have to get up early to enjoy this one as bikes are only allowed on the Boardwalk during certain hours of the day, but grab your bikes, and your kids, and enjoy the crisp morning air while taking a ride down Rehoboth's famous Boardwalk. It's a great way to start the day!

9. Take an Old Time Photo (Rehoboth Beach). Put on your cowboy hats, your Wild West dresses, hitch up your six-shooter and grab a bottle of whiskey for these fun-filled photos near the Boardwalk in Rehoboth Beach. You'll look back on them years later and have a good chuckle. It's all about making memories at the beach, after all. Photo below from oldtimephotosrehoboth.com.

10. Take a Ride on the Cape May Lewes Ferry (Lewes). Want a fun way to spend a day at the Delaware beaches? Take a trip on the Cape-May Lewes ferry, where you can enjoy the calm waters of the Delaware Bay while sailing to neighboring New Jersey and back. If you have a little extra time, you may even consider a quick trip to the Cape May Zoo, while waiting for your return trip to coastal Delaware. Take your car with you, or just buy tickets that allow you to walk on and enjoy the trip. Just don't forget your camera – dolphins are known to accompany you on your journey from time to time.