Delaware was ranked as one of the least fun states in the US. Here’s why we disagree

A recent poll ranked every U.S. state from most to least fun, and Delaware ranked 48th.

WalletHub used data available on the number of entertainment destinations like restaurants, amusement parks, golf courses, movie theaters and more along with metrics related to every state’s nightlife scene to determine which states were the most fun for residents and tourists.

The final ranking listed Florida, California and Nevada as the top three “most fun” states, while Delaware, Mississippi and West Virginia took the bottom three slots. (See a map of the rankings at the bottom of this page.)

While to outsiders this ranking may be accurate, we here at Delaware Online/The News Journal know this isn’t the truth, even without the tax-free shopping scene …

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In fact, we have entire newsletters dedicated to these topics. Check out features reporter Andre Lamar’s DO Delaware newsletter, with a weekly look at all of the fun events around the state, and food & dining expert Patricia Talorico’s Delaware Eats report with all of the food and drink news from the First State delivered weekly to your inbox.

Here are just some of the fun things to check out in the state.

Catch a movie in Delaware

If one of the metrics of fun and entertainment is the movie theaters in the area, then Delaware shouldn’t have a problem. The First State is home to a wide variety of theaters, with ambiances and films new and old shown.

One highlight is the Penn Cinema Riverfront Theater in Wilmington, showing a mix of the latest blockbuster hits and independent films centrally located on the Wilmington Riverfront (home to many more fun events to check out).

Penn Cinema also hosts regular events for film buffs and locals who need an escape. Movies on Tap is held each month, when beers from craft breweries are mixed with fan-favorite and cult classic movies. Better yet – all proceeds from the events go to local nonprofits each month.

Another monthly showcase at Penn Cinema is its A24 x Imax event, where films produced by independent film company A24 are shown in Imax format to enjoy the movies in the highest resolution. Its next show will be “Everything Everywhere All at Once ” on Wednesday, Aug. 28.

Wilmington’s Theatre N on 221 W. 10th St. is another great theater to enjoy films that you may otherwise have never heard of. Its commitment to screening foreign, independent and classic films in an intimate atmosphere makes for a one-of-a-kind moviegoing experience.

The Claymont Theatre is one of the oldest continually operating theaters in Delaware, dating back to 1949. It has kept its old-school charm over the years and stands as the only single-screen theater still in operation in Delaware. Check out the newest Shyamalan movie “TRAP” between Aug. 30 and Sept. 5, and keep up with the theater’s website and social media accounts for more updates on what movies will be shown.

Check out Delaware's museum scene

Delaware is home to a vast museum scene for all types of interests and age groups that often goes overlooked.

For art enthusiasts, the Delaware Art Museum in Wilmington is renowned for its 19th- and 20th-century art installations featuring around 12,000 individual pieces from American artists. It’s situated on a picturesque site with sculpture gardens for guests to enjoy. There are also educational workshops, classes and pop-up exhibits from local artists that occur year-round.

The Hagley Museum and Library along the Brandywine showcases a rich exhibit of industrial and business history in the Delaware area, situated on the site of the original DuPont gunpowder works. The walkable grounds are perfect for all ages to enjoy and take in the scenery and history of the area. It was also recently recognized as one of the 10 best Open Air Museums in the country by USA TODAY.

Finally, the Delaware Children’s Museum at the Wilmington Riverfront is perfect for your next family getaway. The museum expertly sneaks lessons in science, technology and health into fun and interactive exhibits like its Discovery Room, Big Blue Block and 30-foot diameter climbing structure for the little ones to tire themselves out.

Take in Delaware's wildlife

Delaware also offers a sprawling range of interactive wildlife habitats to explore year-round.

While the weather is still warm enough, check out some cruises that offer educational tours, dolphin spotting opportunities, bird tours and even private charter cruises and fishing trips. For a more relaxing experience, there are also sunset boat tours available until late September.

There are also plenty of local trails to revel in. Prickly Pair Trail in Delaware Seashore Park, Gordons Pond Trail in Cape Henlopen State Park and Bombay Hook Wildlife Refuge are some gems of Sussex County, while the Jack A. Markell Trail, with its relatively new expansions, is perfect for walkers and cyclists.

For road trippers, Delaware is home to even more campgrounds, wacky roadside attractions like the Futuro House in Milton and activities like Go Ape Zipline & Adventure Park at Lums Pond to get your adrenaline pumping.

While you’re at it, check out the Brandywine Zoo for its consistently updated list of events to learn and engage with wildlife, while maybe enjoying a drink or two.

Celebrate a night out in Delaware

OK, Delaware might not have the nightlife of Miami or Las Vegas, but that doesn’t mean the club and bar scene isn’t still worth checking out (even if last call is at 12:45 a.m.).

Wilmington’s The Queen hosts all types of live music and comedy performances, topped off with a full bar available to guests. The venue is constantly updated with new performers and events all set in one of the most historic buildings in Delaware.

More: We think these 6 Delaware bars could have made USA TODAY's Bars of the Year 2024 list

For the younger locals, Wilmington’s Trolley Square neighborhood is the place to be on the weekends. Check out Catherine Rooney’s Irish pub, Trolley Tap Houe, C.R. Hummingbird (right above Catherine Rooney’s) and Kelly’s Logan House.

University of Delaware’s Thursday-night staple Deer Park was also recently listed as one of the Bars of the Year by USA TODAY, just one of 27 in the entire country.

But when the weather is warm and summer is in full swing, there’s no place like Dewey Beach’s bar scene. Chief among them is The Starboard, a Dewey rite of passage, known for its 16-ounce Crush drinks, live music and, of course, its annual Running of the Bull event, and Bottle & Cork, the self-proclaimed “#1 Rock & Roll Bar in the World,” its Saturday Jam sessions are (jam) packed every weekend with regulars waiting for the cover bands to rock the house.

We know we didn't hit every fun thing in Delaware. Have a suggestion? Send it in to mmcvety@delawareonline.com.

Most fun states in America 2024

Molly McVety covers community and environmental issues around Delaware. Contact her at mmcvety@delawareonline.com . Follow her on Twitter @mollymcvety .

This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: Delaware was ranked as one of the least fun states in the US. Here’s why we disagree