Visiting the Jersey Shore with Kids

Sue Krawitz Tandoc said:  Uncle Bill's Pancake House is a Jersey Shore tradition serving up the best breakfast foods for your family. They offer an enticing menu of 15 varieties of pancakes, waffles, and French toast along with eggs, fruits, breakfast meats and much more. Breakfast is served all day and select locations offer lunch and dinner as well. This family-friendly Jersey Shore staple has 8 locations in Shore towns from Cape May to Ocean City. Bring your appetite and enjoy a scrumptious breakfast at Uncle Bill's!

Vanessa M. said:  There is no better place to watch the sunset in Cape May than at Sunset Beach! The gorgeous pet-friendly beach offers free parking, free swimming, mini-golf, gift shop, a grille with tasty food, and views of a sunken concrete ship. One distinguishing characteristic of Sunset Beach is the Cape May diamonds beach-goers hunt for. The pure quartz crystals are polished by the ocean, and wash up onshore, much to vacationer's delight.

Sue Krawitz Tandoc said:  Cape May is a friendly, relaxing family destination at the Jersey Shore. There are many activities and attractions such as the 2.5 miles of beaches, Cape May County Zoo, parks, sporting activities such as kayak rentals or taking a trip out on the water to go whale and dolphin watching with Cape May Whale Watching or Thunder Cat Dolphin Watch Speedboat. As America's oldest seaside resort, they feature the famous Cape May Lighthouse, 2-mile Promenade for strolling along the beach and Cape May's Fireman's Museum. Cape May will be a fun trip for the whole family!

Sue Krawitz Tandoc said:  Cape May Whale Watcher offers fun family trips during your Jersey Shore vacation in Cape May. They have fully narrated Whale and Dolphin Watch excursions and specific Dolphin Trips to see these magnificent creatures in their own habitat and learn about marine life. Other cruises offered are special Lighthouse Cruises, Atlantic City Air Show, Fireworks and more. See their full daily schedule!

Cost: $45/adults, $30/kids 7-12 and free/6 and under (Whale and Dolphin Trips - 3 hours)

Sue Krawitz Tandoc said:  The Starlight Fleet will take your family on a whale and dolphin watching adventure to Cape May. The trips are led by a marine biologist and educator where they will show everyone seabirds, sea turtles among other wildlife in addition to seeing the splendor of whales and dolphins. As a bonus, kids have access to touch tanks for hands-on learning and exploring. The trips range from 2-3 hours. A Sundown Dolphin and Dinner Cruise is another option as well as Fishing Trips!

Cost: Starts at $35/adults, $25/ages 7-12 and free/6 and under with paying adult

Sue Krawitz Tandoc said:  Duffer's is an all-in-one eating and entertainment venue for your family's enjoyment down the shore at Wildwood. In addition to fantastic food, they serve up homemade ice cream and dessert specialties such as banana splits, sundaes, floats and more in one large menu. They also have an 18-hole mini-golf course and arcade to play games and win prizes. The whole family will love a trip to Duffer's!

Sue Krawitz Tandoc said:  Wildwood offers unlimited family fun and entertainment for your Jersey Shore vacation. There are a wide selection of attractions with over 100 rides on 3 amusement piers, water parks, mini golf, arcades and much more. Have fun in the ocean with miles upon miles of beaches, and a bustling boardwalk filled with games, shops, and restaurants to satisfy every craving for both adults and kids. Special family-friendly events are featured throughout the year too! You and your family will love the excitement of Wildwood for your vacation!

Sue Krawitz Tandoc said:  Wildwood Crest offers a fun family vacation. The beach and ocean offer unlimited play and fun in the sun. There are also recreation facilities such a parks, playgrounds and bike paths to enjoy. Your family will love the many events such as concerts, festivals, sports, fitness and more. When your crew needs to refuel, enjoy the many restaurants from causal to sit-down, from seafood to ice cream.

For more family fun, head over to the main Wildwood Boardwalk and enjoy rides, games, arcades, mini-golf, waterparks, shops and more.

Tim Ponisciak said:  If you are hitting the Jersey Shore, check out Morey's Piers in Wildwood! These amusement parks are a ton of fun and are located right on the boardwalk! Looking for thrill rides? Check out the Great White, a classic wooden rollercoaster. There are also swing rides, go karts, tower rides and a tilt-a-whirl. Make sure to check out the water park as well.

April-October

Sue Krawitz Tandoc said:  The Cape May County Park & Zoo is a family-favorite destination while visiting the Jersey Shore. Kids can see their favorite animals such as lions, black bears, giraffe, red panda, zebra, river otters, monkeys and more. They feature special events such as concerts, educational programs, seasonal festivities, crafts and more throughout the year. Picnic areas, playgrounds and walking paths are available in the Park. The Zoo also offers attractions such as carousel and train rides, rock climbing, a honey bee exhibit and Safari Cafe.

Cost: Free. Attractions are extra. Donations are appreciated.

Sue Krawitz Tandoc said:  A trip down the shore is not complete without a visit to Sundae Best for homemade delectable ice cream. They feature unique and tempting flavors daily, designed for both kids and adults. Popular kid favorites are Peanut Butter & Jelly, Cotton Candy, Smurf and Cookies & Cream. Adults may flip for Salted Caramel, Red Raspberry Chocolate, Grilled Pineapple and Bananas Foster. They also offer homemade water ice to beat the heat. Whether served in a homemade cone, dish or as a sundae, the ice cream at Sundae Best will give your family a Summer dessert to remember!

Sue Krawitz Tandoc said:  Buccaneer Ice Cream & Candies is an Avalon tradition for family fun! They feature interactive entertainment with juggling, magic and piano shows along with superior frozen treats. They boast 32 unique flavors of ice cream including Superman, Maine Blueberry, Lobster Claws and Bubble Gum, homemade cones and waffle bowls, pirate sundaes and the famous Shipwreck with 12 scoops and 15 toppings served in a pirate hat! They also offer milkshakes, floats, water ice, Gelati and a wide selection of toppings to satisfy everyone's sweet tooth.

Tim Ponisciak said:  Avalon offers a more relaxed beach setting than some of the other southern New Jersey towns. Check out the miles of beaches, go fishing, learn how to stand-up paddleboard or go mini-golfing!

Tim Ponisciak said:  Sea Isle City is a great little town for your family to visit. It is not quite as big as some of the more well-known beach towns along the south Jersey shore, but there will be more for mom and dad to do as there are some great restaurants and bars along Ocean Drive!

Sue Krawitz Tandoc said:  Piccini's is a family-favorite restaurant in Ocean City for your Jersey Shore vacation. They feature a menu of tempting gourmet wood fired brick oven pizza with unique options such as Philly Cheesesteak, Barbecued Chicken, Taco and many fresh seafood choices such as Clams Casino and Crab Portofino. They also have a wide selection of chicken, pasta and seafood dishes, salads and calzones. For the kiddos, traditional kid's fare is featured on their very own menu. This is your perfect lunch or dinner in OC!

Tim Ponisciak said:  Ocean City New Jersey (not to be confused with the MD version) lives up to its nickname of America's greatest family resort. The boardwalk is filled with shops, restaurants, amusement parks, candy stores and ice cream shops for over a mile. Also of note, Ocean City is a dry town, no alcohol is served once you come over the bridge!

Sue Krawitz Tandoc said:  Steel's Fudge is a longtime Jersey Shore favorite to satisfy the sweet tooth of those of all ages. They have scrumptious homemade fudge in various chocolate and vanilla flavors including cookies and cream, vanilla pecan and even raspberry and rocky road. They still use their secret family recipe from 100 years ago! The also feature salt water taffy in over 20 flavors, candies and chocolates, macaroons, popcorn and much more.

Sue Krawitz Tandoc said:  Gillian's Wonderland Pier in Ocean City is a family favorite! With many kid-friendly and adult rides, your family will have a blast. If you're craving pizza afterward, check out Sixth Street Pizza, which is another family favorite!

March-October

Sue Krawitz Tandoc said:  Come to the quiet Jersey Shore town of Margate and enjoy a relaxing family getaway. The kids will love Lucy the Elephant, a National Historic Landmark to tour the world's greatest elephant. There are also beautiful beaches, fun restaurants such as Juniors Doughnuts & Dogs, Margate Dairy Bar & Burger and Two Cents Plain Ice Cream Parlour. If you're feeling adventurous, boat and kayak rentals are available at Ray Scott's Dock to go boating, fishing or crabbing. The town hosts fun, family events as well!

Sue Krawitz Tandoc said:  Lucy the Elephant is the world's greatest elephant and is located right on the Jersey Shore in Margate. Kids will be mesmerized by her size and grandeur! She is a National Historic Landmark standing 6 stories high and is open to take tours inside this miraculous structure. Your kids will be fascinated walking through an elephant and coming out alive!

Sue Krawitz Tandoc said:  If you find yourself near Atlantic City, Steel Pier is chock full of fun and family entertainment on their 1,000-foot pier. There are many tot rides such as a grand carousel, cup and saucer, bumper cars and more, games, huge Ferris Wheel featuring a 15-minute ride and other fun attractions. Grab a bite to eat at the Steel Pier Pub or boardwalk food concessions.

Cost: Ride tickets are $1/each with discounts for ticket books and daily specials. Ferris Wheel is an additional cost.

Sue Krawitz Tandoc said:  Barry's Do Me a Flavor is a popular family-friendly restaurant at the Jersey Shore's Beach Haven. They offer a wide menu selection of pizza, hoagies, tacos, burgers, salads and much more, including a kid's menu. Save room for dessert because they boast 24 flavors of ice cream!

Sue Krawitz Tandoc said:  Fantasy Island Amusement Park in Beach Haven on Long Beach Island is chock full of family fun and entertainment. They have many fun rides, an arcade with games on a digital point system, boardwalk games to win prizes and more.

Sue Krawitz Tandoc said:  Thundering Surf Waterpark is a family-owned business featuring interactive water play with a Lazy Crazy River, 8 unique water slides and racing slides. The Cowabunga Beach is a special play area created just for toddlers. There is also an infant pool, sun deck and observation deck. If you want a break from the water, check out their two 18-hole mini-golf courses with natural obstacles including a waterfall.

Cost: $31.99/over 42" and $26.99/under 42" for two hour sessions and $4/each additional hour. Mini-Golf: $12/adults and $8/ages 10 and under for one 18-hole course.

Sue Krawitz Tandoc said:  A Beach Haven vacation is relaxing and fun for the entire family. The beach offers lots of fun whether the kids are swimming, building sandcastles and even kite flying during specified hours. Fantasy Island Amusement Park is popular with attractions, rides and games; and Thundering Surf Waterpark will be a hit on a hot Summer day! There are plenty of events such as movies, concerts, festivals, fireworks and specific events for kids. Family-friendly restaurants offer something for everyone with seafood, pizza, pancakes and more. There is also a wide selection of shops and places to stay too!

Sue Krawitz Tandoc said:  Long Beach Island offers families a fun-filled yet relaxing vacation with white beaches, picturesque ocean views and lots to do. There are plenty of family-friendly entertainment options, amusements and activities and casual or sit-down restaurants and eateries that will delight everyone in your family. Rent bikes, play mini-golf, explore the rides and water parks or go whale watching. There are also many events throughout the season including movies, concerts and festivals. Your family will love an LBI vacation experience!

Sue Krawitz Tandoc said:  The Lakewood Blue Claws is the Jersey Shore's minor league baseball team offering family fun and entertainment throughout the baseball season. Their schedule offers day and evening games along with promotions such as events, music, fireworks and more. They feature a Kids Club where kids can run the bases and eat for free on select game days. First Energy Stadium has picnic areas, food and beverage concessions, mini-golf and more. The Team boasts the mascot, Buster, to the delight of children of all ages!

Cost: Tickets start at $13/adults and $10/kids. Mini-Golf is $4/adults and $3/kids.

Sue Krawitz Tandoc said:  Seaside Heights along the Jersey Shore is a popular spot for a family vacation. The award-winning beaches will keep your kids entertained in the sand and surf, the boardwalk and surrounding town offers shops, games, restaurants and entertainment, and Casino Pier has rides, a water park and fun attractions. If you need a quieter spot, check out the Bayside for swimming and boat rentals for fishing and crabbing. If that wasn't enough, family-friendly events are featured throughout the season including movies on the beach and family fun nights!

Sue Krawitz Tandoc said:  Take the family on an outdoor adventure to Casino Pier & Breakwater Beach in Seaside Heights! Enjoy family-friendly rides and attractions including specialty tot rides, mini-golf and arcade with video and ticketed games such as skee-ball and pin ball, to earn prizes. To cool off, take advantage of Breakwater Beach Waterpark with wave pool, slides, wild river and multi-level area for kids. Check out daily themes and specials.

Cost: Attraction prices are $1/credit with family packages and specials. Breakwater Beach starts at $28.95/under 48" and $34.95/over 48" with daily and combo specials.

Sue Krawitz Tandoc said:  For a unique, interactive, live entertainment experience, your family will love the The Music Man Singing Ice Cream Shoppe. Employees perform a cabaret of songs and show tunes while getting customers involved in the performance during each seating.

The Shoppe offers a menu with a variety of ice cream flavors, shakes and specialty toppings such as candies, fruits and more.

Sue Krawitz Tandoc said:  Point Pleasant Beach is a great destination for your Jersey Shore vacation. The Point Pleasant Boardwalk is exciting and filled with shops and entertainment. Just steps away is the beach which will keep the kiddos happy playing in the sand and surf. Jenkinson's Boardwalk offers over 10 tot rides and 27 in total, games, mini golf and fun concessions. Don't miss Jenkinson's Aquarium with exhibits of sea life including penguins, seal and sharks, and interactive turtle pond and touch tank. There are plenty of dining options and family-friendly events throughout the season!

Sue Krawitz Tandoc said:  Jenkinson's Boardwalk in Point Pleasant Beach has an amusement park with a variety of rides, including several for small children. There's also a ropes course, arcades, mini golf, games and more. They have a full aquarium and many family-friendly dining and dessert options. Also, don't forget to enjoy the beach!

Sue Krawitz Tandoc said:  Belmar is a family-friendly beach town for your Jersey Shore vacation! Their beaches are pristine with playgrounds every few blocks and dedicated areas for water sports including surfing and kayaking with surfing lessons for kids. Your family can also walk the boardwalk and check out the attractions, shops or stop for a bite to eat. There are also lots of events featuring live music and movies on the beach. If you want to get out on the water, the Marina offers boat rentals, in addition to mini-golf and a children's beach and play area.

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