Family Fun at the Shore
Age-appropriate activities, family-friendly towns, and tips for the best family beach vacation.
Best Towns for Families
Ocean City
America's Greatest Family Resort
- • Dry town (no alcohol)
- • Gillian's Wonderland
- • Wide beaches
- • Safe boardwalk
Best for: Families with kids under 10
Wildwood
Free beaches, max fun
- • Free beaches
- • Morey's Piers
- • Tram cars
- • Wide variety
Best for: Families wanting value and rides
Cape May
Nature and history
- • Victorian charm
- • Free zoo
- • Whale watching
- • Calmer vibes
Best for: Families wanting education + beach
Point Pleasant Beach
Aquarium and arcade
- • Jenkinson's Aquarium
- • Large arcade
- • Family rides
- • Less crowded
Best for: Families with mixed ages
Long Beach Island
Quieter beach town
- • 18 miles of beaches
- • Fantasy Island
- • Bay activities
- • Less commercial
Best for: Families wanting relaxation
Toddlers (0-3)
Calm Bay Beaches
Various
Bay-side beaches have calmer water, perfect for little ones. Try Barnegat Bay or Cape May Harbor beaches.
Storyville at Ocean City
Toddler-focused section of Gillian's with gentle rides and play areas.
Cape May County Zoo
Cape May Court House
Free admission zoo with 550+ animals. Shaded paths, stroller-friendly, and manageable for little legs.
Beach Shell Collecting
Any beach
Low-key activity perfect for toddlers. Bring a bucket and hunt for shells at low tide.
Splash Parks
Several towns have free splash pads. Ocean City's at 6th Street is popular.
Jenkinson's Aquarium
Touch tanks, small sharks, and penguins. Perfect size for short toddler attention spans.
Kids (4-12)
Morey's Piers & Water Parks
Three piers of rides, two water parks. Something for every age from kiddie rides to thrill coasters.
Gillian's Wonderland Pier
Classic family pier with a mix of gentle and moderate rides. The Giant Wheel is iconic.
Mini Golf Courses
Various
Dozens of mini golf courses shore-wide. Try themed ones like pirates or dinosaurs.
Whale Watching
Cape May Whale Watch offers 3-hour tours. Dolphins guaranteed, whales seasonal.
Go-Karts
Wildwood, Seaside Heights
Multiple tracks in Wildwood and Seaside. Some have junior karts for younger drivers.
Bike Rentals
Various
Rent bikes or surreys and cruise the boardwalk. Ocean City and Wildwood have great paths.
Boardwalk Arcades
Various
Lucky Leo's (Seaside), Ocean City arcades, and Wildwood pier arcades offer hours of games.
Kayaking
Various
Guided kayak tours through marshes. Perfect for kids 8+ who can paddle.
Teens (13-17)
For more teen-specific activities, check out our Teen Activities Guide.
Morey's Piers Thrill Rides
Great White roller coaster, AtmosFEAR, and other major rides. Two water parks included.
Casino Pier
Hydrus coaster, Ferris wheel, and Seaside Heights vibes. Classic Jersey Shore boardwalk.
Escape Rooms
Various
Multiple escape rooms in Atlantic City, Ocean City, and Wildwood. Great for friend groups.
Jet Ski Rentals
Various
Rent jet skis with parent/guardian. Multiple rental spots along the shore.
Silverball Museum
600+ pinball machines on free play with admission. Retro arcade heaven.
Surfing Lessons
Various
Learn to surf with lessons in Long Beach Island, Belmar, or Ocean City.
Parasailing
Wildwood, others
Fly above the ocean for spectacular views. Available in multiple locations.
Night Boardwalk
Wildwood, Seaside, OC
The boardwalk comes alive at night with lights, games, and food. Peak teen territory.
Multi-Generational
Activities that work for grandparents, parents, and kids together.
Lighthouse Tours
Various
20 lighthouses to explore. Some have easy access, others have climbing for the adventurous.
History for grandparents, adventure for kids
Cape May Trolley Tour
Narrated tour of Cape May's Victorian architecture. Comfortable for all ages.
Relaxing, educational, accessible
Fishing Charter
Various
Half-day fishing trips accommodate all skill levels. Crew helps with everything.
Active but accessible, shared experience
Beach Day
Any beach
The classic. Grandparents can read under umbrellas while kids play in the waves.
Everyone finds their own pace
Dinner Cruise
Cape May, Atlantic City
Evening cruises on the bay with dinner. Beautiful sunsets, calm water.
Elegant, relaxing, memorable
Historic Cold Spring Village
25 historic buildings demonstrating 19th-century life. Craftsmen at work.
Educational, walkable, hands-on for kids
Winery/Brewery Tour
Various
Adults enjoy tastings while many venues have outdoor areas for kids to play.
Adults get wine, kids get outdoor space
Scenic Boardwalk Stroll
Various
Ocean City and Spring Lake have wide, flat boardwalks perfect for wheelchairs and strollers.
Accessible, easy pace, ice cream stops
Family Beach Packing Checklist
Beach Essentials
- ☐Sunscreen SPF 30+
- ☐Beach umbrella
- ☐Sand toys
- ☐Cooler with snacks
- ☐Plenty of water
For Little Ones
- ☐Life vests (Coast Guard approved)
- ☐Swim diapers
- ☐Pop-up beach tent
- ☐Extra change of clothes
- ☐Baby powder (removes sand)
Entertainment
- ☐Boogie boards
- ☐Frisbee or beach ball
- ☐Books/tablets for downtime
- ☐Playing cards
- ☐Kite
Safety
- ☐First aid kit
- ☐Sting relief (for jellyfish)
- ☐Phone in waterproof case
- ☐Emergency contacts written down
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Jersey Shore town is best for families with young kids?
Ocean City is the top choice - it's a dry town with calm vibes, Gillian's Wonderland, and a family-focused boardwalk. Wildwood (free beaches) and Cape May (nature activities) are also excellent.
Are Jersey Shore beaches safe for toddlers?
Yes! Many beaches have calm areas near jetties or bay-side options with gentler waves. Always stay near lifeguard stands, use life vests for non-swimmers, and never take your eyes off small children near water.
What are the best activities for teenagers at the Jersey Shore?
Teens love Morey's Piers in Wildwood (thrill rides), Seaside Heights boardwalk, escape rooms, water parks, jet ski rentals, and the Silverball Museum in Asbury Park.
How much does a family beach vacation cost at the Jersey Shore?
Budget $150-300/night for a family hotel or rental. Beach badges run $10-15/day for adults (kids under 12 often free). Food averages $50-100/day for a family of 4. Wildwood has free beaches.
What indoor activities are available for rainy days with kids?
Options include Jenkinson's Aquarium, Ripley's Believe It or Not, escape rooms, bowling alleys, movie theaters, arcades, and the Silverball pinball museum.
Plan Your Family Vacation
Check out our pre-built family itineraries with day-by-day plans.
View Family Week Itinerary