Best Family Beaches at the Jersey Shore
Planning a beach vacation with kids? The Jersey Shore offers some of the best family-friendly beaches on the East Coast. From Ocean City to Wildwood, find the perfect spot for summer memories.
Top 7 Family Beaches Ranked
Ocean City Beach
$12/dayAmerica's Greatest Family Resort
Kid Activities
- * Playland arcade
- * Gillians Wonderland Pier
- * Mini golf courses
Nearby Attractions
- * Boardwalk amusements
- * Music Pier events
- * Bay fishing
Best for: All ages
Wildwood Beach
FREEFree beaches with endless activities
Kid Activities
- * Morey's Piers water parks
- * Boardwalk rides
- * Arcade games
Nearby Attractions
- * Morey's Piers
- * Doo Wop museums
- * Splash Zone water park
Best for: Ages 4+
Cape May Beach
$8/dayVictorian charm meets calm waters
Kid Activities
- * Beach treasure hunting
- * Dolphin watching
- * Lighthouse climbing
Nearby Attractions
- * Cape May Zoo (free)
- * Cape May Lighthouse
- * Nature Center of Cape May
Best for: All ages
Stone Harbor Beach
$10/dayUpscale family atmosphere
Kid Activities
- * Bird watching
- * Ice cream shops
- * Beachcombing
Nearby Attractions
- * Wetlands Institute
- * Stone Harbor Bird Sanctuary
- * 96th Street shops
Best for: All ages
Avalon Beach
$10/dayClean beaches, safe swimming
Kid Activities
- * Playground at 30th Street
- * Fishing pier
- * Bike riding
Nearby Attractions
- * Avalon Fishing Pier
- * Windrift Hotel beach bar (for parents)
- * Mini golf
Best for: All ages
Point Pleasant Beach
$12/dayJenkinson's Boardwalk fun
Kid Activities
- * Jenkinson's Aquarium
- * Boardwalk rides
- * Funhouse
Nearby Attractions
- * Jenkinson's Boardwalk
- * Point Pleasant Antique Emporium
- * Manasquan Inlet
Best for: Ages 2+
Beach Haven Beach
$8/dayLBI family fun central
Kid Activities
- * Fantasy Island rides
- * Mini golf
- * Thundering Surf water park
Nearby Attractions
- * Fantasy Island
- * Thundering Surf Water Park
- * Bay Village shops
Best for: Ages 3+
What Makes a Beach Family-Friendly?
Not all beaches are created equal when it comes to families. Here's what we look for when ranking family beaches at the Jersey Shore:
Lifeguard Coverage
All featured beaches have professional lifeguards during summer season, typically 10am-5pm.
Restroom Access
Clean, well-maintained restrooms and changing facilities near beach entrances.
Nearby Food Options
Boardwalk food, restaurants, and family-friendly dining within walking distance.
Kid Activities
Boardwalk rides, arcades, mini golf, water parks, and other entertainment nearby.
Parking Availability
Adequate parking with reasonable rates, some with free street parking options.
Safe Swimming Conditions
Moderate waves, gradual drop-offs, and protected swimming areas.
Tips for Beach Days with Kids
Arrive Early
Get to the beach by 9am to secure parking and a good spot near lifeguards. Beaches fill up quickly on summer weekends.
Bring Sun Protection
Pack SPF 30+ sunscreen, UV-blocking beach tent or umbrella, hats, and rash guards. Reapply sunscreen every 2 hours.
Stay Hydrated
Bring plenty of water and snacks. Dehydration happens quickly in the sun. Avoid sugary drinks that can cause energy crashes.
Know the Tides
Check tide schedules before you go. Low tide is often best for little ones - more beach to explore and calmer water.
Establish a Meeting Point
Pick a landmark (lifeguard stand, colorful umbrella) as a meeting spot in case anyone gets separated.
Take Breaks
Plan for shade breaks every hour. Heat exhaustion can sneak up on kids who are having too much fun to notice.
Beach Activities by Age
Different ages enjoy different beach activities. Here's what to plan for based on your children's ages:
Babies & Toddlers (0-3)
Popular Activities:
Parent Tips:
Keep sessions short (1-2 hours), stay in shade, apply baby-safe sunscreen frequently.
Preschoolers (3-5)
Popular Activities:
Parent Tips:
Never take eyes off them near water. Bring lots of sand toys and consider swim vests.
School Age (6-10)
Popular Activities:
Parent Tips:
Teach ocean safety rules. Great age for surf lessons and exploring tide pools.
Tweens & Teens (11+)
Popular Activities:
Parent Tips:
Give them some independence but establish check-in times and boundaries.
Family Beach FAQ
What is the best family beach at the Jersey Shore?
Ocean City is widely considered the best family beach at the Jersey Shore. Known as "America's Greatest Family Resort," it's a dry town (no alcohol sales), has 8 miles of clean beaches, a classic boardwalk with rides and games, and a safe, welcoming atmosphere for families with children of all ages.
Which Jersey Shore beaches are free for families?
Wildwood, North Wildwood, and Wildwood Crest all have completely free beaches - no beach badge required. Atlantic City beaches are also free. These are excellent budget-friendly options for families, with Wildwood offering the added bonus of the widest beaches on the shore (over 1,000 feet of sand).
What age is appropriate for Jersey Shore beaches?
Jersey Shore beaches are appropriate for all ages, including infants. For babies and toddlers, look for beaches with calm waters like Cape May or protected coves. Beaches with lifeguards (most guarded beaches operate 10am-5pm in summer) are safest for all children. Many beaches have designated family areas.
Are there beaches with calm water for small children?
Yes, several Jersey Shore beaches have calmer waters ideal for small children. Cape May's beaches often have gentler waves due to the bay influence. Bay beaches (bayside vs oceanside) are generally calmer. Stone Harbor and Avalon also tend to have more moderate wave action.
What should I bring to the beach with kids?
Essential items for a beach day with kids include: SPF 30+ sunscreen (reapply every 2 hours), beach tent or umbrella for shade, sand toys and buckets, plenty of water and snacks, towels and change of clothes, first aid kit, and water shoes for hot sand. Consider a beach wagon for hauling gear.
Do I need to buy beach badges for children?
Beach badge policies vary by town, but most Jersey Shore beaches allow children under 12 to enter free. Some towns set the cutoff at age 11 or 13. Always check the specific town's policy. Wildwood and Atlantic City beaches are completely free for all ages.
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