Family-Friendly Restaurants at the Jersey Shore
From boardwalk pizza to crab houses, find the perfect spot for dining with kids at the beach.
Dining with Kids at the Shore
The Jersey Shore is paradise for family dining. Boardwalk pizza and frozen custard keep kids happy between rides. Waterfront restaurants with outdoor decks let kids move around. Casual crab houses make messy eating part of the fun.
The key? Embrace the casual vibe. This is the beach—sandy feet, wet swimsuits, and pizza sauce on faces are all part of the experience.
What Type of Meal?
Boardwalk Quick Eats
Pizza, custard, and snacks while exploring
Manco & Manco, Sam's Pizza, Kohr's
$5-15/person
Sit-Down Family Dinner
Full service with kids menus
2 Mile Landing, The Windrift, Crab Trap
$15-30/person
Breakfast & Brunch
Start the beach day right
Uncle Bill's, Starving Artist, George's Place
$8-18/person
Crab Houses
Get messy with steamed crabs
Mud City, Crab Trap, Claws
$20-40/person (market price)
Top Family Restaurants
Manco & Manco
Ocean City • Boardwalk Pizza
Iconic boardwalk pizza since 1956. Watch them toss dough and serve fresh slices. Multiple locations on the OC boardwalk.
Kids Love: Watching pizza being made, quick service
Must Try: Cheese Pizza by the Slice, Whole Pies
Uncle Bill's Pancake House
Multiple Locations • Classic Breakfast
Shore institution with locations in Ocean City, LBI, and Cape May. Massive portions and classic breakfast favorites.
Kids Love: Huge pancakes, crayons and coloring
Must Try: Pecan Pancakes, Silver Dollar Pancakes for Kids
2 Mile Landing
Wildwood Crest • Dockside Seafood
Watch fishing boats while you eat at this marina restaurant. Fresh seafood, great views, and plenty of room for kids to run around.
Kids Love: Watching boats, outdoor deck, casual vibe
Must Try: Steamed Crabs, Fish Tacos, Kids Fried Shrimp
The Windrift
Avalon • Oceanfront Casual
Beachfront restaurant with deck seating right on the sand. Kids can play on the beach between courses.
Kids Love: Beach access, outdoor seating, relaxed atmosphere
Must Try: Fish Tacos, Burgers, Kids Grilled Cheese
Sam's Pizza Palace
Wildwood • Boardwalk Pizza
Wildwood boardwalk institution since 1957. Giant slices, casual counter service, and classic boardwalk atmosphere.
Kids Love: Huge slices, quick service, boardwalk views
Must Try: Cheese Slice, Pepperoni Slice
Mud City Crab House
Manahawkin • Casual Crab House
Get messy with steamed crabs at this casual waterfront spot. Paper-covered tables, mallets, and bibs included.
Kids Love: Hammering crabs, messy eating, casual atmosphere
Must Try: Steamed Blue Crabs, Kids Chicken Tenders
Maruca's Tomato Pies
Seaside Heights • Boardwalk Pizza
Seaside boardwalk staple with thin-crust tomato pies. Counter service right on the boards.
Kids Love: Quick boardwalk pizza, can eat while walking
Must Try: Tomato Pie, Cheese Slice
Starving Artist
Ocean City • Eclectic Breakfast
Quirky decor filled with local art. Massive portions and a creative menu that appeals to all ages.
Kids Love: Fun decor to look at, huge portions
Must Try: Giant Cinnamon Bun, Breakfast Quesadilla
The Crab Trap
Somers Point • Waterfront Seafood
Family-friendly seafood with bay views. Outdoor deck, casual atmosphere, and a kids menu with non-seafood options.
Kids Love: Outdoor deck, watching boats, casual vibe
Must Try: Steamed Crabs, Fried Seafood Platter
Kohrs Bros
Multiple Locations • Frozen Custard
Jersey Shore frozen custard institution since 1919. Locations on boardwalks in Ocean City, Seaside, Point Pleasant, and Wildwood.
Kids Love: Ice cream on the boardwalk, simple and classic
Must Try: Vanilla Twist, Orange & Vanilla Swirl
Family Dining Tips
Eat Early
Arrive 5-5:30 PM to beat the dinner rush. Most families are done by 7 PM.
Go Boardwalk
Boardwalk spots are designed for quick, casual dining. No reservations, easy cleanup.
Bring Snacks
Keep snacks in the beach bag for hungry kids who can't wait for dinner.
Ask About Kids Menus
Most casual restaurants have kids menus. Ask when you arrive if not listed.
Consider Takeout
Many restaurants offer takeout. Get food to-go and eat on the beach or at your rental.
Plan for Dessert
Leave room for boardwalk treats. Frozen custard and fudge are shore traditions.
Family of 4 Budget Guide
| Meal Type | Family of 4 | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Boardwalk Pizza/Quick Eats | $25-40 | Slices, hot dogs, custard |
| Casual Sit-Down | $60-90 | With kids menu items and tip |
| Seafood/Crab House | $80-140 | Varies with crab market prices |
| Breakfast/Brunch | $45-70 | Pancake houses, diners |
Dining Guide by Age
Toddlers (0-3)
Boardwalk spots, early dinners
Late reservations, formal restaurants
Bring snacks, eat at 5 PM, stick to familiar foods
Young Kids (4-8)
Pizza places, crab houses, breakfast spots
Long wait times, no kids menu
Let them help pick the restaurant, order early
Tweens (9-12)
Anywhere casual, can try adult menu
Only "baby food" options
Start introducing them to seafood and local specialties
Teens (13+)
Most restaurants work, can split entrees
Super crowded boardwalk spots (embarrassing)
Let them have input, consider some independence
Family Dining by Region
Ocean City
America's Greatest Family Resort lives up to its name. Boardwalk pizza at Manco & Manco, breakfast at Starving Artist, and frozen custard everywhere. Plus it's a dry town—family focus guaranteed.
Explore Ocean City DiningWildwoods
Free beaches and affordable boardwalk eats. Sam's Pizza Palace, 2 Mile Landing for waterfront seafood, and classic Doo-Wop diner vibes throughout.
Explore Wildwood DiningPoint Pleasant & Seaside
North shore boardwalk action with Jenkinson's arcade nearby. Maruca's tomato pies, Kohr's custard, and plenty of casual seafood options.
Explore Point Pleasant DiningLBI & Seven Mile
More upscale beach towns with family-friendly options. Uncle Bill's for breakfast, waterfront dining at The Windrift, and ice cream shops throughout.
Explore LBI DiningFamily Vacation Tips
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Family Dining FAQ
What are the best family restaurants at the Jersey Shore?
Top family spots include Manco & Manco Pizza on the Ocean City boardwalk, The Windrift in Avalon for oceanfront dining with kids, Uncle Bill's Pancake House for breakfast, and 2 Mile Landing in Wildwood Crest for dockside seafood.
Are there restaurants with kids menus at the shore?
Most casual and family-oriented restaurants offer kids menus with favorites like chicken fingers, mac and cheese, grilled cheese, and pizza. Boardwalk spots and beach town diners are especially kid-friendly.
What time should families eat dinner to avoid waits?
Eat early! Arrive between 5-5:30 PM to beat the rush. Most families with young kids are done by 7 PM, so after 7:30 PM also works. Peak dinner time (6-7:30 PM) means longer waits.
Are there BYOB restaurants good for families?
Yes! Many BYOB spots welcome families for early dinner. Parents can bring wine while kids enjoy off the kids menu. Just note that some upscale BYOB restaurants may be better suited for date night.
Related Guides
Plan Your Family Meal
Find the perfect spot for dining with kids at the Jersey Shore.