Best Jersey Shore Towns for Families
From gentle waves for toddlers to thrill rides for teens, find the perfect Jersey Shore destination for your family vacation.
Quick Comparison
| Town | Best For | Beach Badge | Boardwalk |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ocean City | Toddlers, Kids | $12/day | ✓ Large |
| Wildwood | Kids, Tweens | FREE - No beach badge required | ✓ Large |
| Point Pleasant Beach | Toddlers, Kids | $13/day | ✓ Medium |
| Seaside Heights | Kids, Tweens | $10/day | ✓ Large |
| Cape May | All ages | $7/day | ✗ None |
Top Family Towns Ranked
America's Greatest Family Resort since 1901
Why Families Love It
- ✓No alcohol sales - dry town since founding
- ✓2.5-mile boardwalk with rides and games
- ✓Free beach concerts and movies
- ✓Gentle waves, lifeguards everywhere
Must-Do Activities
- •Gillian's Wonderland Pier
- •Boardwalk ice cream at Kohr Bros
- •Mini golf at Congo Falls
- •Free Music Pier concerts
Things to Consider
- Expensive beach badges in season
- Very crowded July-August
- Limited nightlife for parents
Beach Badge: $12/day, $30/week, $35/season
FREE beach + biggest boardwalk entertainment
Why Families Love It
- ✓Completely FREE beach - no badges ever
- ✓Massive boardwalk with 3 amusement piers
- ✓Widest beaches on the East Coast (500')
- ✓Classic 1950s Doo-Wop motels
Must-Do Activities
- •Morey's Piers roller coasters
- •Raging Waters waterpark
- •Watch the Tram Car
- •Curley fries on the boardwalk
Things to Consider
- Can feel more commercial/loud
- Long walks from boardwalk to water
- 1.5+ hour drive from NYC
Beach Badge: FREE - No beach badge required
Classic boardwalk with Jenks aquarium
Why Families Love It
- ✓Jenkinson's Aquarium on the boardwalk
- ✓Classic arcade games and rides
- ✓Family-owned boardwalk since 1928
- ✓Easier train access from NYC
Must-Do Activities
- •Touch tanks at the aquarium
- •Mini golf and go-karts
- •Jenkinson's beach playground
- •Boardwalk funnel cake
Things to Consider
- Smaller boardwalk than Wildwood/OC
- Can get crowded on hot days
- Limited free parking
Beach Badge: $13/day, $35/week
Iconic boardwalk, budget-friendly fun
Why Families Love It
- ✓Casino Pier with rides and games
- ✓Breakwater Beach waterpark
- ✓Affordable beach badges
- ✓Classic Jersey Shore experience
Must-Do Activities
- •Jet Star roller coaster
- •Splash down at Breakwater Beach
- •Arcade games on the boardwalk
- •Sawmill pizza and sausage & peppers
Things to Consider
- Party crowd at night (teens beware)
- Post-Sandy rebuild still evolving
- Fewer upscale dining options
Beach Badge: $10/day, $25/week
Victorian charm meets educational experiences
Why Families Love It
- ✓Cape May Zoo (FREE admission)
- ✓Lighthouse tours and nature center
- ✓Historic trolley tours
- ✓Whale watching excursions
Must-Do Activities
- •Climb the lighthouse
- •Watch dolphins from the beach
- •Explore the nature center
- •Take a trolley tour
Things to Consider
- Less boardwalk entertainment
- More upscale/expensive
- Furthest drive from NYC
Beach Badge: $7/day, $22/week
"Cooler by a Mile" - upscale family beach
Why Families Love It
- ✓Pristine, clean beaches
- ✓Calm waves for little ones
- ✓No boardwalk crowds
- ✓Upscale but welcoming atmosphere
Must-Do Activities
- •Sunset at 30th Street beach
- •Kayaking in the bay
- •Circle Pizza for family dinner
- •Ice cream at Avalon Freeze
Things to Consider
- No boardwalk entertainment
- More expensive accommodations
- Quieter nightlife
Beach Badge: $7/day, $20/week
LBI fun with Fantasy Island amusement
Why Families Love It
- ✓Fantasy Island amusement park
- ✓Thundering Surf waterpark
- ✓Bay swimming for calm water
- ✓Long Beach Island charm
Must-Do Activities
- •Fantasy Island rides
- •Splash at Thundering Surf
- •Uncle Will's Pancake House
- •Sunset mini golf
Things to Consider
- Only one bridge on/off island
- Flooding during storms
- Smaller than mainland boardwalks
Beach Badge: $12/day, $30/week
Nature meets family in upscale setting
Why Families Love It
- ✓Bird sanctuary for nature walks
- ✓Mini golf at multiple courses
- ✓Ice cream shops everywhere
- ✓Quiet streets for biking
Must-Do Activities
- •Bird watching at the sanctuary
- •Springer's ice cream
- •Rent bikes and explore
- •Splashing at the beach
Things to Consider
- Limited entertainment options
- Upscale pricing
- Very quiet at night
Beach Badge: $8/day, $22/week
Best Towns by Age Group
Toddlers (0-4)
Calm waves, clean beaches, easy beach access, and family-oriented atmosphere. Less noise and crowds.
Kids (5-10)
Boardwalk rides sized for this age group, aquariums, mini golf, and arcades. Plenty of activities to tire them out.
Tweens (11-13)
Thrill rides they're finally tall enough for, water parks, and freedom to explore the boardwalk with friends.
Teens (14+)
Bigger roller coasters, more independence, boardwalk social scene, and activities that feel age-appropriate.
Family Beach Trip Tips
🏖️ Beach Day Essentials
- • Arrive before 10am for parking
- • Rent a beach cart for gear
- • Bring shade for little ones
- • Pack snacks and water
- • Check lifeguard hours
💰 Budget Tips
- • Wildwood has FREE beaches
- • Buy weekly badges for savings
- • Eat dinner off the boardwalk
- • Rent houses for larger groups
- • Visit in early June or September
👨👩👧👦 With Kids
- • Download beach badge on phone
- • Set meeting spots with older kids
- • Plan for afternoon nap time
- • Sunscreen reapply every 2 hours
- • Keep cash for arcade games
Plan Your Family Beach Vacation
Explore detailed guides for each family-friendly town.