Jersey Shore with Kids
The complete guide to planning a family vacation at the Jersey Shore. Best beaches by age, family-friendly towns, attractions, restaurants, and practical tips for traveling with children.
The Jersey Shore has been a family vacation destination for over a century, and for good reason. From the wholesome boardwalks of Ocean City to the free beaches and massive amusement piers of Wildwood, there's something for every family. This guide covers everything you need to know to plan a successful family beach vacation, whether you're traveling with toddlers, school-age kids, or teenagers.
Miles of Beach
Kids Under 12
Morey's Rides
Cape May Zoo
Best Family Towns
Best for: The quintessential family beach vacation
- •Dry town - wholesome, family-centered atmosphere
- •Playland's Castaway Cove with 30+ rides
- •Clean, well-organized beaches
- •Thursday night Family Nights with free entertainment
- •Classic boardwalk food (Manco & Manco, Johnson's Popcorn)
Best for: Maximum entertainment, budget-friendly
- •FREE beaches - no badge required
- •Morey's Piers with 100+ rides and two water parks
- •2-mile boardwalk with tramcar
- •Wide beaches perfect for building sandcastles
- •Retro Doo-Wop motel atmosphere
Best for: Educational family trips, nature lovers
- •Dolphin and whale watching cruises
- •Cape May Lighthouse climb (199 steps)
- •Nature Center and birding activities
- •Victorian trolley tours
- •Cape May Zoo (free admission)
Best for: Day trips, compact family destination
- •Jenkinson's Boardwalk with rides and aquarium
- •Easy day trip from NYC/North Jersey
- •Manageable beach size
- •Miniature golf and arcades
- •Good rainy-day options
Best for: Relaxed beach vacations, multi-generational trips
- •Fantasy Island amusement park in Beach Haven
- •Barnegat Lighthouse for adventurous families
- •Calmer, more relaxed island pace
- •Bay beaches for little ones (calmer water)
- •Thundering Surf waterpark
Best for: Teens and tweens, classic boardwalk experience
- •Casino Pier with Hydrus roller coaster
- •Breakwater Beach waterpark
- •Classic boardwalk atmosphere
- •Budget-friendly food options
- •Good for older kids who want excitement
Best Beaches by Age Group
Toddlers & Babies (0-3)
Needs: Calm water, facilities nearby, shade options
Recommended Beaches
- Bay beaches on LBI - Calmer bay water, gradual entry
- Cape May Point - Shallow tidal pools, quieter atmosphere
- Ocean City 9th Street - Near restrooms, wide beach, lifeguards
- Spring Lake - Clean, well-maintained, non-commercial boardwalk
Tips
- ★Arrive early before 10am for parking and to stake out shade spots
- ★Bay-side beaches have calmer water for little ones
- ★Bring your own shade - umbrellas or pop-up tents
- ★Pack more diapers than you think (sand gets everywhere)
- ★Consider late afternoon visits when sun is less intense
Young Kids (4-7)
Needs: Gentle waves, space to run, nearby activities
Recommended Beaches
- Wildwood beaches - Huge width (1,000+ feet), free, gradual entry
- Ocean City - Clean sand, boardwalk nearby, family atmosphere
- Avalon - Well-maintained, good for boogie boarding
- Margate - Family-friendly, Lucy the Elephant nearby
Tips
- ★Wildwood's wide beaches provide tons of space for running
- ★Start boogie boarding lessons at this age
- ★Pack buckets and shovels - sandcastle building is a hit
- ★Watch for rip currents even with gentle waves
- ★Bring change for boardwalk rides as rewards
School Age (8-12)
Needs: Activities, some waves for body surfing, boardwalk access
Recommended Beaches
- Ocean City - Best boardwalk activities, body surfing waves
- Wildwood - Morey's Piers, tramcar, endless activities
- Point Pleasant - Jenkinson's Boardwalk, aquarium
- Seaside Heights - Pier rides, waterpark
Tips
- ★This age group wants activities beyond just swimming
- ★Consider surf lessons - most kids can start at age 7-8
- ★Give older kids some boardwalk money for independence
- ★Mini golf and arcades provide breaks from beach
- ★Plan for afternoon activities when they get restless
Tweens & Teens (13+)
Needs: Waves, freedom, social scene
Recommended Beaches
- Belmar - Surf culture, teen scene, less family-oriented
- Seaside Heights - Rides, boardwalk scene, evening activities
- Long Branch - Pier Village shopping, more sophisticated vibe
- Asbury Park - Arts scene, unique shops, teen-friendly restaurants
Tips
- ★Teens may want some independence on the boardwalk
- ★Establish check-in times and meeting spots
- ★Budget for boardwalk games and food
- ★Consider letting them bring a friend
- ★Evening boardwalk time is often the highlight for teens
Family Attractions
Amusement Parks
Morey's Piers
$$$Wildwood | Ages: All ages
Three piers with 100+ rides, two water parks, and free beach/boardwalk access. The largest amusement destination at the shore.
Tip: Buy multi-day passes for savings. Raging Waters water park is best for young kids.
Playland's Castaway Cove
$$Ocean City | Ages: All ages
Family-friendly amusement park with GaleForce coaster and gentler rides. Pay-per-ride means you only pay for what you use.
Tip: Look for half-price ticket sales in spring. Tickets never expire.
Casino Pier
$$Seaside Heights | Ages: 6+
Classic shore amusement pier rebuilt after Hurricane Sandy with Hydrus roller coaster.
Tip: Breakwater Beach waterpark is excellent on hot days.
Jenkinson's Boardwalk
$$Point Pleasant Beach | Ages: All ages
Compact boardwalk with rides, aquarium, arcade, and miniature golf. Good for day trips.
Tip: The aquarium is great for rainy days.
Fantasy Island
$Beach Haven, LBI | Ages: All ages
Old-school family amusement park with rides, games, and ice cream. Nostalgic atmosphere.
Tip: Perfect for younger kids who find larger parks overwhelming.
Water Parks
Raging Waters & Ocean Oasis
Wildwood (Morey's)
Two full water parks with slides for all thrill levels.
Tip: Arrive early for lounge chairs. Evening sessions are less crowded.
Breakwater Beach
Seaside Heights
Water park connected to Casino Pier with slides and lazy river.
Tip: Combo tickets with Casino Pier offer savings.
Thundering Surf
Beach Haven, LBI
Smaller water park, less overwhelming for young kids.
Tip: Good option when ocean is too rough.
Splash Zone
Wildwood
Outdoor water park with slides and wave pool.
Tip: Alternative to Morey's water parks.
Mini Golf
Congo Falls Adventure Golf
Ocean City
54 holes - THREE courses, one indoor for rainy days
Jenkins Mini Golf
Point Pleasant
18 holes - Classic design, good for all ages
Cape May Mini Golf
Cape May
36 holes - Two courses near the lighthouse
Wildwood mini golf courses
Wildwood
Various holes - Multiple courses along boardwalk
Educational Attractions
Cape May Zoo
Cape May Court House
Free admission zoo with 500+ animals. One of the best free attractions in NJ.
Tip: Go early - animals are most active in morning.
Jenkinson's Aquarium
Point Pleasant
Small but engaging aquarium with touch tanks and seal feedings.
Tip: Check feeding schedule for best experience.
Tuckerton Seaport
Tuckerton
Maritime museum with replica lighthouse, boats, and coastal history.
Tip: Great rainy day activity.
Cape May Nature Center
Cape May
Nature Center of Cape May with wildlife exhibits and touch tanks.
Tip: Free admission, donations appreciated.
Wetlands Institute
Stone Harbor
Salt marsh ecology center with aquariums, nature trails, and programs.
Tip: Summer camps and programs available.
Family-Friendly Restaurants
Manco & Manco Pizza
Ocean City Boardwalk | Boardwalk classic
Watch pizza tossing, quick service, slices
Tip: Lines move fast. Get zeppoles.
The Shrimp Box
Point Pleasant | Seafood casual
Casual vibe, seafood and non-seafood options
Tip: Kids can eat before boardwalk time.
Brown's Restaurant
Ocean City Boardwalk | Breakfast
Apple cider donuts, classic breakfast
Tip: Morning fuel before beach.
The Lobster House
Cape May | Seafood
Outdoor deck, watch fishing boats, raw bar
Tip: Get takeout from fish market for beach picnic.
Maruca's Tomato Pies
Seaside Heights | Pizza
Classic boardwalk pizza, counter seating
Tip: Order a whole pie to share.
Uncle Bill's Pancake House
Multiple locations (Cape May, Stone Harbor, Ocean City) | Breakfast
Pancakes in many flavors, quick service
Tip: Arrive before 9am to avoid waits.
Wawa
Throughout NJ | Quick service
Cheap, fast, custom hoagies, kid-pleasing
Tip: Beach picnic essentials. Download app for savings.
Rainy Day Options
Congo Falls Indoor Mini Golf
Ocean City
100% air-conditioned mini golf course
Jenkinson's Aquarium
Point Pleasant
Touch tanks, seals, and marine life
Cape May Zoo
Cape May Court House
Many indoor exhibits, free admission
Boardwalk Arcades
All boardwalks
Classic arcades at every boardwalk
Atlantic City Casinos
Atlantic City
Kids can walk through, many have non-gaming areas
Movie theaters
Various
Shore Mall, Wildwood, other locations
Tuckerton Seaport
Tuckerton
Maritime museum with indoor exhibits
Bowling alleys
Various
Scattered throughout shore towns
Budget Tips for Families
Visit free beach towns
Wildwood, Atlantic City, and Sandy Hook have free beaches. This saves $40-60/day for a family of four.
Buy season beach badges early
If staying more than 4 days, season badges often cost the same as 4 daily badges and work all summer.
Pack your own food
Boardwalk food is expensive. Pack lunches and snacks, save eating out for dinner.
Take advantage of free activities
Cape May Zoo is free. Many towns have free concerts and events. Beach and boardwalk walks cost nothing.
Look for amusement ride deals
Morey's and others offer multi-day passes at significant discounts. Playland's Castaway Cove has spring sales.
Consider weekday visits
Weekdays are less crowded and some attractions offer weekday discounts. Parking is easier too.
Rent a house with kitchen
Vacation rentals let you cook breakfast and lunch, saving hundreds over restaurant meals.
Skip the gift shops
Boardwalk souvenir shops have huge markups. Dollar stores have beach toys for less.
Family Packing Checklist
Beach Essentials
- ☐Sunscreen SPF 50+ (kid formula)
- ☐Beach tent or large umbrella
- ☐Beach chairs and towels
- ☐Sand toys (buckets, shovels, molds)
- ☐Boogie boards
- ☐Cooler with snacks and drinks
- ☐Reusable water bottles
- ☐Beach wagon (makes hauling gear easier)
Safety
- ☐Life jackets for non-swimmers
- ☐Swim diapers for babies
- ☐First aid kit
- ☐Aloe vera for sunburns
- ☐Bug spray
- ☐Baby powder (removes sand from skin)
- ☐Waterproof phone pouch
Clothing
- ☐Multiple swimsuits
- ☐Rash guards (sun protection)
- ☐Cover-ups
- ☐Sandals and water shoes
- ☐Light jacket for evening
- ☐Change of clothes in car
Entertainment
- ☐Beach reads for parents
- ☐Waterproof toys
- ☐Kites
- ☐Frisbee or beach ball
- ☐Tablets loaded with games/movies (for rainy days)
- ☐Headphones for each kid
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best Jersey Shore town for families with young kids?▼
Ocean City is widely considered the best family town - it's a "dry town" (no alcohol), has a 2.5-mile boardwalk with amusement rides, clean beaches, and a family-centered atmosphere. Wildwood is also excellent with free beaches and massive entertainment options. Cape May offers more refined family experiences with nature activities.
Are kids under 12 free for beach badges at the Jersey Shore?▼
Most Jersey Shore towns offer free beach access for children under 12, though the exact age varies by town. Some towns (like Sea Isle City) have free badges for under 12, while others start at age 11. Wildwood, Atlantic City, and Sandy Hook have completely free beaches for all ages.
What are the best family-friendly boardwalks in New Jersey?▼
Ocean City has the best family boardwalk with Playland's Castaway Cove, mini golf, and classic treats. Wildwood's boardwalk has Morey's Piers with 100+ rides. Point Pleasant's Jenkinson's Boardwalk is great for day trips. Seaside Heights offers Casino Pier and Breakwater Beach waterpark.
When is the best time to visit the Jersey Shore with kids?▼
Late June or early September offer the best combination of warm weather, manageable crowds, and lower prices. July water temps (70-75F) are warmer for swimming. Weekdays are always less crowded than weekends. Avoid the peak weeks around July 4th unless you enjoy large crowds.
Our Top Pick: Ocean City
For most families, we recommend Ocean City as your first Jersey Shore destination. The “dry town” policy creates a naturally family-friendly atmosphere, the boardwalk has the perfect mix of rides, food, and games, and the beaches are clean and well-organized. Thursday night “Family Nights” in July and August offer free entertainment. It's the quintessential family beach vacation.
Explore Ocean City