Best Family Beaches
Kid-friendly beaches with gentle waves, lifeguards, entertainment, and activities for the whole family.
Top Family Beach Towns
Ocean City
Americas Greatest Family Resort - no alcohol allowed
America's Greatest Family Resort
Wildwood
Free beaches with massive boardwalk entertainment
Free Beaches & Retro Fun
Point Pleasant Beach
Classic boardwalk with Jenks aquarium
Family Fun on the Boardwalk
Seaside Heights
Iconic boardwalk with amusement rides
The Famous Jersey Shore Boardwalk
Cape May
Victorian charm with nature activities
America's Original Seaside Resort
Avalon
Upscale family beach with calm waters
Cooler by a Mile
Stone Harbor
Bird sanctuary and quiet family atmosphere
Where Nature Meets Family Fun
Beach Haven
Fantasy Island amusement park
The Heart of LBI
Beach Safety for Families
Check the Flags
Lifeguards post colored flags indicating water conditions. Green means calm, yellow means caution, red means no swimming.
Swim Near Lifeguards
All guarded beaches have lifeguards from 10am-5pm during summer. Stay between the flags where guards can see you.
Watch for Rip Currents
If caught in a rip current, dont fight it. Swim parallel to shore until free, then swim back at an angle.
Apply Sunscreen Often
Reapply every 2 hours and after swimming. Kids burn faster than adults. Bring shade for babies.
🏆 #1 Family Beach: Ocean City
Ocean City has been called Americas Greatest Family Resort since 1901. As a dry town (no alcohol sales), it attracts families looking for a wholesome beach experience. The 2.5-mile boardwalk features rides, games, and family entertainment without the party atmosphere of other shore towns.
Explore Ocean City →Packing for Kids
Sun Protection
- • SPF 50+ sunscreen
- • Rash guards / swim shirts
- • Wide-brim hats
- • Beach tent or umbrella
Beach Toys
- • Sand toys / buckets
- • Boogie boards
- • Beach balls
- • Water toys
Essentials
- • Plenty of water
- • Snacks
- • Extra towels
- • First aid kit
Kids Beach Gear
Sand toys, floaties, and boogie boards to keep kids entertained all day.
Sand Toy Set
Buckets, shovels, molds - everything for sandcastle building.
Kids Beach Tent
Pop-up shade tent with UPF 50+ protection for little ones.
Swim Arm Floaties
Coast Guard approved arm bands for beginning swimmers.
Kids Boogie Board
Sized right for kids. Soft foam, safe leash.
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First-Timer Family Beach Day Timeline
Planning your first family beach day at the Jersey Shore? Here's exactly what to expect and how to make it stress-free.
7:30 AM
Leave Home Early
Traffic builds fast. Leaving by 7:30 gets you to most shore towns by 9 AM with easy parking.
👶 Kid tip: Let kids sleep in the car. They'll wake up excited when you arrive.
9:00 AM
Arrive & Set Up
Buy badges, find parking, claim a spot near lifeguards. Set up umbrella, chairs, blankets.
👶 Kid tip: Let kids help carry light items. They feel involved and burn energy.
9:30-11:00 AM
Prime Beach Time
Best water time before peak UV. Build sandcastles, wade in shallows, explore tide pools.
👶 Kid tip: This is when kids have most energy. Let them run, dig, splash freely.
11:00 AM-1:00 PM
Lunch Break (Escape Sun)
Peak UV hours. Head to boardwalk for lunch, shade, and bathroom breaks.
👶 Kid tip: Perfect time for boardwalk rides, arcades, or ice cream. Break up the day.
1:00-3:00 PM
Quiet Time Option
Return to beach under umbrella for rest, or stay on boardwalk. Naptime for little ones.
👶 Kid tip: Toddlers often nap in strollers or beach tents during this lull.
3:00-5:00 PM
Afternoon Beach Return
UV decreases, water is warmest. Great for swimming and final beach play.
👶 Kid tip: Kids get second wind. Let them burn remaining energy in the water.
5:00-6:00 PM
Pack Up & Early Dinner
Beat traffic by leaving before 6 PM or stay for early dinner in town.
👶 Kid tip: Tired, sandy kids = easier restaurant behavior. Eat early, drive home after.
Family Beach Day Budget Guide
Know what you'll spend before you go. Here's a realistic budget breakdown for a family of 4.
Budget Day ($50-75)
Free beaches (Wildwood, AC), packed lunch, one boardwalk treat
Moderate Day ($100-150)
Badge beach, boardwalk lunch, afternoon treats and activities
Full Experience ($200-300)
All activities, restaurant dinner, water park or pier rides
Money-Saving Tips
- ✓ Buy seasonal badges if visiting 3+ times—pays for itself
- ✓ Pack cooler with sandwiches, fruit, and drinks
- ✓ Visit Wildwood or Atlantic City for FREE beaches
- ✓ Go on weekdays—some towns have lower badge prices
- ✓ Set a per-kid "spending money" limit at boardwalk
Activities by Age
Different ages need different activities. Here's what works best.
Babies (0-2)
Best Activities
- • Shade tent relaxing
- • Sand play under umbrella
- • Shallow water wading with parent
- • Stroller boardwalk walks
Avoid
- • Direct sun exposure
- • Crowded peak hours
- • Water parks (too stimulating)
Must-Bring
Beach tent (mandatory) • Swim diapers • SPF 50+ baby sunscreen • Portable fan
Toddlers (2-4)
Best Activities
- • Sandcastle building
- • Bucket and shovel play
- • Gentle wave jumping
- • Boardwalk kiddie rides
Avoid
- • Deep water
- • Big kid rides
- • Long walks without stroller backup
Must-Bring
Sand toys • Puddle jumper flotation • Change of clothes • Snacks every 2 hours
Kids (5-10)
Best Activities
- • Boogie boarding
- • Building elaborate sandcastles
- • Arcade games
- • Pier rides
- • Mini golf
Avoid
- • Extreme thrill rides (check height requirements)
- • Unsupervised ocean swimming
Must-Bring
Boogie board • Waterproof camera • Allowance for arcade • Buddy system
Tweens (11-14)
Best Activities
- • All rides
- • Water parks
- • Surfing lessons
- • Boardwalk independence
- • Beach sports
Avoid
- • Treating them like little kids
- • Hovering (give some space)
Must-Bring
Phone for check-ins • Spending money • Meeting point established • Sunscreen reminders
Best Time to Visit with Kids
When you visit matters almost as much as where. Here's timing strategy for families.
Early June (Before School Ends)
Pros
- ✓ Thin crowds
- ✓ Easy parking
- ✓ Lower hotel rates
- ✓ Full lifeguard coverage
Cons
- ✗ Water still cool (60-65°F)
- ✗ Some attractions not open yet
- ✗ May need to pull kids from school
Verdict: Great for beach relaxation, less ideal for water activities
Late June - Early July
Pros
- ✓ Warm water (68-72°F)
- ✓ Everything open
- ✓ Good balance of crowds/availability
Cons
- ✗ July 4th week is PACKED
- ✗ Prices increasing
- ✗ Book accommodations early
Verdict: Sweet spot before peak madness. Avoid July 4th week if possible.
Late July - August
Pros
- ✓ Warmest water (72-76°F)
- ✓ Maximum energy everywhere
- ✓ Best for water babies
Cons
- ✗ Maximum crowds
- ✗ Maximum prices
- ✗ Traffic nightmares
- ✗ Book months ahead
Verdict: Classic peak experience. Accept the crowds or avoid entirely.
September (Post-Labor Day)
Pros
- ✓ Warm water (70°F)
- ✓ Empty beaches
- ✓ No badges usually
- ✓ Perfect weather
Cons
- ✗ Kids in school
- ✗ Some attractions closing
- ✗ Fewer lifeguards
Verdict: Best-kept secret. Consider pulling kids for a "field trip."
Explore All Shore Towns
Find more family-friendly destinations along the Jersey Shore.
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