9 weird, icky and odd things to do in Delaware

Summer is nearly a memory in 2015's rear view mirror, and the kids have been bored with everything for weeks.

Don't give up.

Delaware has a few really weird things for them to see and do.

Sure, they'll still roll their eyes, but they'll love them.

Try these ideas, divided by county.

Sussex County

See a Merman: The Zwaanendael Museum is set up to give information on the Dutch heritage of Lewes and the history of the city, but it's most popular exhibit has to be "The Fiji Merman." The preserved foot-long creature lives in a glass display case on the second floor of the museum where it has fascinated children and adults for decades. Zwaanendael Museum, 102 Kings Hwy., Lewes. (302) 645-1148. Open Tuesday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Admission: free.

Visit some royal jewels: In 1622, a Spanish galleon was on its way home from the Americas with a load of gold, including a five-foot long gold chain made for the queen, when it sunk during a hurricane. That chain now sits next to gold bars, emerald bricks and shipwrecked weapons at the DiscoverSea Shipwreck Museum in Fenwick Island. It's one of the most non-museum looking museums, situated over top of a pottery shop, but worth the trip. Hope owner Dale Clifton is there. No one knows cool history like he does. He's also been known to drape kids in gold for pictures when he gets excited. DiscoverSea Shipwreck Museum, 708 Coastal Highway, Fenwick Island. (302) 539-9366. Open daily 11 a.m.-8 p.m. June, July and August. Admission: Donation only.

The Fountain of Youth: For centuries, explorers searched South American looking for the Fountain of Youth, when it's been in Lewes on Pilottown Road all along. Actually it and Black Bart's Spring, down the road, are wells built on top of old natural springs. The availability of fresh water was one of the reasons Lewes was founded back in the 1600s, said Mike DiPaolo, director of the Lewes Historical Society. The small house built over it naming it the Fountain of Youth was actually erected by the Lewes Chamber of Commerce in 1937. There are people who remember drinking fresh water from these springs, but today they are more algae-filled than refreshing treat. Pilottown Road, along the canal, Lewes. Fountain of Youth is on private property, so take a peek but don't sneak in.

Kent County

Put a quarter in a bomb: Along with more than 30 aircraft, the Air Mobility Command Museum at the Dover Air Force Base also has a donation receptacle made from a real 1,000-pound WW II bomb. "We use a shop vac to suck the money out once a month," said Michael D. Leister, director of the museum. And he likes to point out that kids also get to fly flight simulators with real pilots as coaches. Admission: Free. Air Mobility Command Museum: 1301 Heritage Rd., Dover AFB. Open Tuesday through Sunday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission: Free, but they happily accept donations.

Meet a Monster: Miles the Monster to be exact. Miles is part of the tour of the Dover Downs International Speedway, known as the Monster Mile. He is 46 feet tall and bursting out of the sidewalk of Victory Plaza. He holds a full-scale stock car in his right hand. His eyes glow red at night. The tour takes you around the track to see why it's called the Monster Mile. Some drivers have said the track is banked so steeply it's like jumping off a two story building every time you take a turn. Rumor says there is a way to climb through the monster and sit in the car in his hand, but the party poopers at Dover Downs won't let anybody do it. Dover Downs International Speedway Tour, 1131 N. Dupont Hwy., Dover. Every Thursday at 2 p.m. (302) 883-6500 for more information. Admission: $7

Learn how to put a sock in it: Discover how the expression, "Put a sock in it," was developed with Victrolas at the Johnson Victrola Museum. Apparently stuffing socks in the horn of the victrola were the volume controls of long ago. Delaware native Eldridge Reeves Johnson founded the Victor Talking Machine Company in 1901. Exhibits include phonographs, recordings and memorabilia that chronicle the development of the sound-recording industry. Johnson Victrola Museum, Museum Square, 375 S. New St., Dover. Open Wednesday-Saturday, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily. (302) 739-3262. Admission: Free.

New Castle County

Stick your hand in a ball of poop: No, we're not talking about election season. We're talking about the model of a dung beetle ball at the Delaware Museum of Natural History, where children and adults dare each other every day to be the first to stick their hands into the holes made in the side to see what lurks inside. An icky and really fun moment every time. Delaware Museum of Natural History, 4840 Kennett Pike (Route 52), Wilmington. Monday through Saturday, 9:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.; Sunday noon - 3 p.m. (302) 658-9111. Adults, $9; ages 3-17 years, $7.

Live like a bird: Winterthur, the estate of Henry Francis duPont is usually thought of for its stately beauty and steeplechase event, but it's plenty quirky, too. The 60-acres of park grounds includes an "Enchanted Woods" for children and anyone who still enjoys a little wonder. Featured here are the Tulip Tree House, a Faerie Cottage, a circle of mysterious giant mushrooms that mist you with magical spray, a troll bridge and even a giant bird nest complete with eggs and room for friends to visit. Winterthur, 5105 Kennett Pike (Route 52), Greenville, Delaware. Tuesday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (302) 888-4600. Adults: $20, ages 2-11, $5.

Join the Union Army: Fort Delaware was a Union fortress dating back to 1859 built on an island, so the only way to get there is by boat – already pretty cool. Once there, join plenty of hands-on activities from blacksmithing, to washing dirty socks and taking lessons in the open air classroom. Stay there long enough, and children will be conscripted into the Army where they will learn to stand at attention and march in a square. If only it lasted back at home. Fort Delaware is on Pea Patch Island, less than a mile from Delaware City. Access to the island is by ferry only; ticket reservation recommended. Buy tickets 45 Clinton Street, Delaware City. (302) 834-7941. Adults, $12; ages 2 - 12, $7.