Summer is approaching quickly and as a student, I know how much stress this relieves. Maybe the first ideas you have for summer is rest. Endless rest, sleep and bubble baths. While rest is extremely important, venturing outdoors, even for a small walk is crucial for your mental health. Being stuck inside for hours on end may create a bad habit of staying in all the time. Believe it or not, the state of Delaware has so many fun and fantastic places for hiking, biking or even just a short scenic walk. I am going to give you the best advice anyone can give you, go outside! Here are some places in Delaware that may be close or far, but in the end, are definitely worth going to.

1. Glasgow Park

Glasgow Park is located on Pulaski Highway and it is a wonderful place to be. There is a playground for kids to play on and multiple trails to travel on, by foot or by bike. There is also a skate park here for those who enjoy skateboarding and other skating activities. This location is a terrific place to go if you are looking to meet new people and to be around others having fun outdoors.

2. White Clay Creek State Park

White Clay Creek is located in Newark, which is a little far for me but completely worth the drive. The trails go on for 37 miles and it is one of the best hiking locations I have ever been to. The entire park is beautiful and the atmosphere is what makes it so great. You may not run into many other hikers because of the size of the park, but when you do the people you interact with are the nicest and most welcoming people ever. Hiking is not the only activity white clay offers, visitors can enjoy outdoor activities such as fishing, bird watching or disc golf. Below are a couple pictures of the park that a friend of mine took while we were visiting.

3. Blackbird State Forest

Blackbird state forest is located in Townsend and is a smaller hiking or biking ground. There are a few lengthy trials to explore and there is also an opportunity to set up camp and stay overnight. Blackbird makes the process for camping extremely easy, by just filling out one camping pass each time you want to stay. This place is perfect for those who want to have friends around in a relaxed and outdoor environment.

4. Lums Pond

Lums Pond is one of my favorite places to be in the summertime, it consists of so many different things. You can walk, bike, kayak, zipline, and fish. You pay one small fee to park and depending on what you decide to do, the prices are reasonable. Lums Pond is located in Bear and it is fairly easy to get to. I believe that Lums Pond is best when you spend a good amount of time there, about two to four hours.

5. Silver Lake Park

Silver Lake Park is located in Middletown. It is great for walking, running and any sports practice. There are basketball courts, baseball fields, soccer fields and a track. There is also a playground for kids to utilize, making Silver Lake a great experience for almost all ages.

6. Newark Reservoir

The Newark Reservoir is located just north of downtown Newark, Delaware. This park is made up of 112 acres and includes a 1.8-mile walking trail with easy access parking. It is perfect for an afternoon outdoors alone or with friends. The trail overlooks the beautiful water and the atmosphere is wonderful.

7. Bellevue State Park

The Bellevue State Park is the perfect place for a picnic, tables are set up all throughout the park for this purpose. There are trails to walk, ponds to fish in and concerts happening all the time. This park is perfect for any time of the year and there is always something to do. Located in Wilmington, this park is a popular spot for people of all different ages. Tennis and other camps are also offered here, this park could make a perfect spot to have fun.

8. Brandywine Creek State Park

Brandywine Creek is located in Wilmington and consists of so many awesome things. There is a multitude of bike trails and hiking trails, making this place perfect for those who enjoy scenic exercise. There is also canoeing and fishing offered here. This is a beautiful place to have fun and enjoy the nice weather.

9. Cape Henlopen State Park

Cape Henlopen is located in Lewes, which is a very relaxing and fun environment to be in. There is a lot of open space and beaches, there is a disc golf course and there are opportunities to rent boats and kayaks. This park includes trails and fishing piers, making it great for all different people. This is a pretty busy park, giving you the chance to meet new people and have fun outdoors.

10. Holts Landing State Park

Holts Landing is perfect for a day by the water. Located in Millville, Holts Landing consists of crabbing piers, a 24-hour boat ramp, horseshoe pits and a fishing pier. This park is perfect for those who love being by the water and having fun outside. There are trails to walk and many places to explore, with picnic sites to view the scenic area around you while you enjoy your lunch.

11. Rehoboth Boardwalk

The Rehoboth boardwalk is perfect for those who love walking and shopping, while also running into all different types of people. This spot is a little more touristy than the others mentioned, but it is still an awesome place to spend a summer day outside. There are games, food and shops all along the boardwalk, with a beach in front of you. This spot is extremely relaxing and also a huge amount of fun. It is perfect for almost all ages and it is never a disappointment.