Stone Harbor Verses Rehoboth

I have not been to Stone Harbor but I used to go to Rehoboth when I was a kid. Dewey is not far from there and quieter. You could stay in Dewey and easily go to Rehoboth (or Ocean City) for bigger waves, boardwalk, etc. I haven't been in several years, but at least not long ago I'd consider it a family beach, moreso than Ocean City.

In renting homes like this, I'd take a look at the house, the location (it's a few blocks from the beach, but is it also a significantly nicer beach for the price?) and the things around it. We once rented a house in the Outer Banks where the water was so full of oysters the kids wouldn't swim in it. Try to find reviews of each house, too, and/or the rental company. They'll tell you if the place is well or poorly maintained, if the rental company is responsive, etc. Long and Foster in Deep Creek, MD always served us well so we went back to them several times.

I have gone to the Stone Harbor/Avalon area my whole life. I love it! Having said that, I'm not sure it is a better choice than Rehoboth. I think with younger kids, I might pick Rehoboth over Stone Harbor. There is a lot of shopping, mini golf, stuff like that in Stone Harbor. Mostly you would drive into Wild Wood for a board walk, about 15-20 min away. I have only been to Rehoboth a few times, and it seems like there is a lot more, and closer there. Also, the blocks in Stone Harbor can be pretty long! Depending on the area the house is in, it might be a long walk and a BUSY street to cross to get to the beach. (The road between the last block before the beach is a very busy road.) If you do end up in Stone Harbor, check out the Cape May County Zoo. It is free, and one of the nicest Zoo's we have ever been to!

I don't feel like there is that much for kids that age to do in Stone Harbor besides the beach. I think a lot of what is fun for kids in Stone Harbor are the other kids who go there, and that there are people that go there every year and meet up with each other.
I know people who have homes in both places and if I can get a response from them about your question, I'll let you know.

Rehoboth is a great family vacation spot! The beaches are clean, the area is well-maintained, and there are lots of activities for kids, especially on the boardwalk. FunLand is always a hit with my kids (ages 6 and 9); in addition, there are free concerts on Rehoboth Ave. throughout the summer, and there are tons of kid friendly restaurants. Be sure to check out The Royal Treat for breakfast and/or for the best ice cream at the beach. If you're looking to get out of town, take a (short) trip on the Jolly Trolley and visit Dewey Beach for Monday night movies on the beach. This is free, family friendly and the kids love it! Have a great vacation:)

AV - that is so funny that you say Dewey is quieter than Rehoboth! I went to Dewey all through my 20's, mainly to get drunk and be rowdy at all the bars! Anyway, my in-laws live in Bethany Beach, and I second the recommendation to look there. It has a cute little boardwalk (not nearly as big as Rehoboth or Ocean City, but enough for your kids' ages) and it's totally family friendly. Not that Rehoboth isn't. Rehoboth is just more crowded and crazy (in my opinion). We obviously go to the beach all the time, and my kids LOVE to go to Rehoboth for the rides and games and boardwalk. It's only a 20 minute drive from Bethany. But it's nice to go home to the quiet of Bethany after going to Rehoboth. Bethany is also in between Rehoboth and Ocean City - and Ocean City is always fun to go to for the day. One of my favorite things in Rehoboth is the outlets - no tax! When we're down there I usually take a day to myself just to SHOP.

Anyway, there's nothing wrong with Rehoboth - you'd probably love it. I just like Bethany better. Feel free to private message me if you'd like more info. I know houses are booking up fast. I second the recommendation to check out Sea Colony.

I've been to Rehoboth/Dewey a zillion times.
No way would I stay 1.5 blocks from the beach with 4 kids.
I've not stayed in Stone Harbor, but again--2.5 blocks from the beach?
Look into Bethany Beach DE. Google Sea Colony Oceanfront.
Awesome environment for kids!
ETA: Katie--I agree--Dewey is WAY rowdier than Rehoboth! Lol