Kids reel in summer fun with free ‘Take a Kid Fishing!’ events

Young anglers across Delaware are in for a season full of fishing, fun, and fresh air, thanks to the return of the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control’s (DNREC) popular “Take a Kid Fishing!” program.

Geared toward children ages 6 to 15, the free fishing events run throughout the spring and summer, offering hands-on lessons in basic fishing techniques, conservation, and catch-and-release practices. Hosted by DNREC’s Division of Fish and Wildlife, the events are open to kids and their parents, grandparents, or guardians.

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Take a Kid Fishing! sessions are primarily held at the Aquatic Resources Education Center (AREC) near Smyrna, with additional events scheduled at Silver Lake Park in Dover, Bellevue State Park in Wilmington, and Lums Pond State Park in Bear. All equipment is provided, and participants are encouraged to bring a picnic lunch and enjoy the outdoors.

In addition to casting lines and catching fish, attendees can explore educational activity stations and win prizes.

Preregistration is required to ensure enough gear is available, and families can sign up here.

2025 Take a Kid Fishing! Schedule

– April 22: 9 a.m. to noon, AREC, Smyrna
– April 24: Noon to 3 p.m., AREC, Smyrna
– May 29: 5 p.n. to 7:30 p.m., Silver Lake Park, Dover
– June 7, 12, 20: 9 a.m. to noon, AREC, Smyrna
– June 26: 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., AREC, Smyrna
– June 29: 9 a.m. to noon, Bellevue State Park, Wilmington
– July 10: 9 a.m. to noon, AREC, Smyrna
– July 17: 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., AREC, Smyrna
– July 19: 9 a.m. to noon, Lums Pond State Park, Bear
– July 24: 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., Silver Lake Park, Dover
– August 2: 9 a.m. to noon, AREC, Smyrna

While kids under 16 can fish without a license, adults who plan to fish must have a Delaware fishing license and a Delaware Fisherman Information Network (FIN) number.

Licenses and FIN numbers can be obtained here.