Amusement Parks
Thrill rides, roller coasters, water parks, and classic boardwalk entertainment at the Jersey Shore
Boardwalk Thrills Await
The Jersey Shore has some of the largest amusement parks on the East Coast. From Morey's Piers' three-pier complex in Wildwood to the Steel Pier in Atlantic City, there are rides and attractions for thrill-seekers and families. Most parks operate seasonally from late May through September.
190+ Rides
Across all shore parks
3 Water Parks
Slides, pools, lazy rivers
50+ Kiddie Rides
Good for little ones
Ocean Views
Rides over the water
Featured Parks
Morey's Piers
Wildwood
The largest Jersey Shore amusement complex. Three piers packed with over 100 rides, two water parks, and boardwalk games.
Highlights
- Over 100 rides across 3 piers
- Two water parks (Raging Waters, Ocean Oasis)
- Great White wooden roller coaster
- Nor'easter inverted coaster
$50-80 wristband
Thrill seekers, families, full-day visits
Pro Tip: Get the combo wristband covering all 3 piers and both water parks. Arrive early for shortest lines on major coasters.
Casino Pier
Seaside Heights
The classic Seaside Heights boardwalk. Ocean-view coasters, classic rides, and the Seaside Heights atmosphere.
Highlights
- Hydrus coaster over the ocean
- Breakwater Beach water park
- Classic boardwalk atmosphere
- Rebuilt after Hurricane Sandy damage
$40-60 wristband
Families, classic boardwalk fans, couples
Pro Tip: Twilight wristbands (after 5pm) are the best value. Less crowded than Wildwood on weekdays.
Steel Pier
Atlantic City
Historic pier with rides extending over the Atlantic Ocean. Combines classic amusement park fun with Atlantic City energy.
Highlights
- Observation wheel over the ocean
- Helicopter rides
- Mix of classic and modern rides
- Historic 1898 pier
$35-50 wristband
Couples, casino visitors, families
Pro Tip: Go at sunset for the best views from the observation wheel. Combine with a boardwalk walk and casino visit.
Jenkinson's Boardwalk
Point Pleasant Beach
Family-focused destination with rides, aquarium, and mini golf. Good for families with younger children.
Highlights
- Point Pleasant Aquarium
- Mini golf course
- Kiddie ride section
- Funhouse and games
$25-40 wristband
Families with young kids, aquarium lovers
Pro Tip: Great for toddlers and early elementary kids. The aquarium is a nice break from the rides. Less overwhelming than bigger parks.
Advertisement
Rides by Category
Thrill Coasters
Major roller coasters for adrenaline junkies
Family Rides
Fun for the whole family, moderate thrills
Kiddie Rides
Good for little ones (36-48" height)
Water Rides
Cool off on hot summer days
Operating Seasons
| Period | Dates | Days Open | Hours | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Early Season | Late April - Late May | Weekends only | 12pm - 8pm (varies) | Limited rides may be open. Weather dependent. |
| Peak Season | Memorial Day - Labor Day | Daily | 12pm - 11pm | All rides and attractions open. Busiest time. |
| Late Season | September - October | Weekends only | 12pm - 8pm | Great weather, smaller crowds. Halloween events at some parks. |
* Hours and dates vary by park. Always check individual park websites before visiting.
Amusement Park Tips
Save Money
Beat the Crowds
- •Arrive when parks open for shortest lines
- •Hit major coasters first (lines build throughout day)
- •Evening visits (after 5pm) are cooler and less busy
- •Avoid July 4th and holiday weekends if possible
- •Rain forecast? Parks are nearly empty!
Advertisement
All Amusement Parks (6)
Morey's Piers & Beachfront Water Parks
Wildwood · Full day
Three piers, 100+ rides, two water parks. The ultimate Jersey Shore amusement destination.
- ✓100+ rides across 3 piers
- ✓Great White roller coaster
- ✓Two beachfront water parks
- ✓FREE admission to boardwalk
Pricing
Casino Pier & Breakwater Beach
Seaside Heights · Half day to full day
Seaside Heights amusement pier with thrill rides, the Hydrus coaster, and Breakwater Beach water park.
- ✓Hydrus roller coaster
- ✓Ocean views from every ride
- ✓Breakwater Beach water park
- ✓Rebuilt after Sandy
Pricing
Steel Pier
Atlantic City · 2-4 hours
Historic Atlantic City pier with 25+ rides and a 227-foot observation wheel over the ocean.
- ✓227-foot observation wheel
- ✓1,000 feet over the ocean
- ✓Historic landmark since 1898
- ✓Climate-controlled gondolas
Pricing
Jenkinson's Boardwalk
Point Pleasant Beach · 3-5 hours
Family-friendly boardwalk with aquarium, rides, mini-golf, and 90+ years of tradition.
- ✓Family-owned since 1928
- ✓Touch tank aquarium
- ✓Free summer concerts
- ✓Classic boardwalk atmosphere
Pricing
Playland's Castaway Cove
Ocean City · 2-4 hours
Ocean City's family amusement park with thrill rides, games, and beachfront location.
- ✓Beachfront location
- ✓Family-friendly atmosphere
- ✓Classic boardwalk experience
Pricing
Gillian's Wonderland Pier
CLOSED since October 2024. The historic 6th Street pier is no longer operating; Playland's Castaway Cove is Ocean City's remaining amusement pier.
- ✓Permanently closed October 2024
- ✓Operated for 94 seasons, from 1930
- ✓Site rezoned for a proposed 252-room hotel
- ✓Ocean City's operating pier is now Playland's Castaway Cove
Stay Near the Parks
Make it a multi-day trip! Book accommodations near your favorite amusement park.
Choose your stay
Check Wildwood staysCompare the full price and cancellation terms
Some links may earn us a commission. Learn more
Choose your stay
Check Seaside Heights staysCompare the full price and cancellation terms
Some links may earn us a commission. Learn more
Choose your stay
Check Atlantic City staysCompare the full price and cancellation terms
Some links may earn us a commission. Learn more
Choose your stay
Check Point Pleasant Beach staysCompare the full price and cancellation terms
Some links may earn us a commission. Learn more
Some links may earn us a commission. Learn more
Amusement Park FAQs
What is the best amusement park at the Jersey Shore?
Morey's Piers in Wildwood is the largest, spanning three piers with over 100 rides, water parks, and attractions. For a classic boardwalk experience, Casino Pier in Seaside Heights has well-known rides including the Hydrus coaster over the ocean. Steel Pier in Atlantic City combines rides with ocean views. Jenkinson's in Point Pleasant is best for younger kids.
How much do Jersey Shore amusement parks cost?
Prices vary by park. Morey's Piers offers wristbands from $50-80 for unlimited rides, or individual ride tickets ($3-8 per ride). Casino Pier wristbands start around $40-60. Steel Pier is around $35-50. Kids under 42 inches often get reduced rates.
When do Jersey Shore amusement parks open?
Most parks operate seasonally from late May (Memorial Day weekend) through September (Labor Day). Weekends-only in spring (May) and fall (September-October). Peak summer hours are typically noon to 11pm, with shorter hours in shoulder season. Morey's Piers sometimes opens select weekends in October for Halloween events.
Are Jersey Shore amusement parks good for young kids?
Yes! All major parks have dedicated kiddie ride sections. Morey's Piers has extensive family areas on each pier with 20+ kiddie rides. Casino Pier has a separate kids section called Breakwater Beach. Jenkinson's in Point Pleasant is particularly family-friendly with a small aquarium and mini golf. Height requirements vary: most kiddie rides require 36-42 inches.
Which amusement park has the best roller coasters?
Morey's Piers has the largest coaster collection: Great White (wooden coaster), Nor'easter (inverted), Sea Serpent (boomerang), and more. Casino Pier has the Hydrus coaster with ocean views. Steel Pier has a smaller selection with the Wheel extending over the water. For coaster enthusiasts, Morey's offers the most variety.
Can I bring food into Jersey Shore amusement parks?
Policies vary. Morey's Piers is on a public boardwalk, so you can eat anywhere outside the ride queues. Water bottles are always allowed. Casino Pier and Steel Pier have similar policies. Most parks have on-site food options ranging from $8-15 for typical boardwalk fare. There are also many restaurants on the boardwalks nearby.
This weekend at the Shore, every Thursday
Every Thursday, the weekend’s festivals and parades, a reminder before the big ones, and a planning guide on the 1st.
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
More Attractions
Explore water parks, arcades, mini-golf, and more along the shore.