Things to do / Travel Guide
The Jersey Shore can provide a sensory overload for kids of all ages: the tastes of sweet saltwater taffy and gooey fudge; the scent of boardwalk popcorn floating on a sea breeze; the textures of soft and light, wet and heavy beach sand; the sight of boats plying the Atlantic as seagulls swoop down for a meal. But children are not passive spectators of the region's charm - they take part in sand sculpture contests, snorkel around jetties, then dry off, and dash into a seaside arcade for a cooler diversion. The Jersey Shore has long been on the cutting edge of fun and, thank goodness, things haven't changed!
Pier and Boardwalk Fun in the Jersey Shore
At the Jersey Shore boardwalks, children excitedly whirl and whip through the air on Ferris wheels and amusement rides. With the little ones trailing behind, head to Bayshore Trail in Keansburg, where you will find kiddie rides, wheels of fortune, “fun food” stands, go-karts, and other amusing activities. Jenkinson's South (on the Boardwalk) in Point Pleasant Beach features games of chance, rides, concession stands, and arcades that are fun for the whole family.
Morey's Pier, on the Wildwood Boardwalk, offers two large beachfront water parks and close to 100 rides. Steel Pier, in Atlantic City, has everything from a climbing wall to wet boats, go-karts and bumper cars. When you think you've done and seen it all on your vacation, keep your children's travel interests high by trekking the Atlantic City streets and keeping a lookout for Monopoly board game properties and street names. And Seaside Heights Beach and Boardwalk offers arcades and an antique carousel that will make children's heads spin and bring back nostalgic memories for the still young at heart.
Animal and Wildlife Attractions in the Jersey Shore
Your kids can enjoy some great fishing fun at the Liberty Grove Pond at Monmouth Battlefield State Park or Mill Pond in Allaire State Park. Only children under 14 years old are allowed to fish there, and the little ones will surely enjoy being the center of attention. In Atlantic City make sure you stop off for a tour inside the wooden Lucy the Margate Elephant. Built in 1881, this six-story gentle beast's sheer size will impress. For a safe encounter with sharks, stingrays, and tropical fish, head to the 58,000-gallon Jenkinson's Aquarium in Point Pleasant Beach. Bold, budding marine biologists will enjoy the Touch Tank at Atlantic City's Ocean Life Center at Gardner's Basin. If your kids feel a bit bogged down by the world of water, schedule a visit to Popcorn Park Zoo in Forked River, a seven-acre refuge for 200 species of abandoned or sick animals located in the scenic Pine Barrens. Cape May County Park and Zoo, open year-round, boasts more than 300 animal species to gawk and goggle at and, best of all, it's free to visit!
When your kids are up for a walk on the wilder side of life, they'll surely enjoy the educational and entertaining birding walks and nature activities at Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge, the Nature Center of Cape May, or the Pinelands Preservation Alliance. The Wetlands Institute near Stone Harbor offers a Salt Marsh Safari that is a premier wildlife boat tour; their turtle programs and exploratory beach walks are understandably popular with people young and old.
Other Fun Excursions in the Jersey Shore
Other tamer vacation activities are also available in the Jersey Shore for the younger set. Your children won't mind a long afternoon at Longstreet Farm in Holmdel Park (north Jersey Shore), where costumed interpreters give you a glimpse at farm life during the late 1800s. Though children may not pet the farm animals, they will certainly delight in watching them graze the area pastures. The rhythmic chug of a relaxing railroad ride at the Pine Creek Railroad in Allaire State Park may also be a good idea for an outing. Children meet the characters of nursery rhymes and fables at the entertaining and educational StoryBook Land in Egg Harbor Township. Imagine That in Middletown is a wonderfully interactive hands-on children's museum with more than 50 exhibits and activities. And you'll watch your children grow up before your eyes at the Children's Museum in Egg Harbor where your progeny pose as weather anchors in TV newsrooms, construction workers, and pediatric emergency room doctors. The Atlantic City Laser House offers dramatic and colorful laser shows nightly (for free!) and for an other-worldly celestial experience, try a sky show in the 40-foot dome at Robert J. Novins Planetarium in Toms River.
A different kind of other-worldly experience can be had at the amazing (and strange) attractions featured at Atlantic City's Ripley's Believe it or Not Museum. And when it's time for a tasty treat, schedule a stop to Ocean City's Shrivers, where your kids can watch saltwater taffy being made before (or after) they try the sticky stuff themselves.
Kids' Do's and Don'ts in Atlantic City
While Atlantic City's boardwalk and beach create an atmosphere that caters to kids, parents should be advised of the “do's” and “don'ts” that accompany casino culture. The legal gambling age in the city is 21, meaning that young kids and teenagers must stay away from the gambling floor. Most large Atlantic City casinos prohibit young people under 18 who are not guests of the casino hotels from entering the casinos unattended by an adult. Youths under age 18 are, however, allowed in casino hotel rooms, at casino shows or performances, in restaurants and retail stores. In addition, individuals under 18 are often allowed to “pass through” the casinos to access the Boardwalk or Steel Pier, even if they are unaccompanied. Many casinos enforce a curfew; from midnight until 6 a.m. people under 18 may not be in public areas accompanied or unaccompanied.
Children's Discounts in the Jersey Shore
To get the most bang for your family's buck, if you're moving from attraction to attraction via public transport, it pays to know that New Jersey Transit offers Family Supersaver Fares on trains and buses during weekends and holidays; two children ages 5-11 travel free with a fare-paying adult - on weekdays, children ages 5-11 pay half price - and children ages 4 and under ride for free. When your kids are all tuckered out after an exciting day of Jersey Shore activities, they'll need a place to stay. Be aware that many Jersey Shore motels and hotels offer family packages and “kids stay free” deals.
Family Vacation Ideas in Atlantic City, Wildwood, Cape May, New Jersey Shore
Family-Vacation-Ideas
Surf City Beach - Seaside Heights, New Jersey
Belmar Beach - New Jersey
Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge
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