Jersey Shore for Teens
Thrill rides, water parks, arcades, surfing, and the best boardwalk hangouts for teenagers at the Jersey Shore.
100+ Rides
Roller coasters and thrill rides
Surfing
Lessons and rentals everywhere
Night Life
Boardwalks open late in summer
Best Towns for Teens
Wildwood
5/5 for Teens3 amusement piers + FREE beaches
Seaside Heights
5/5 for TeensClassic boardwalk vibes
Point Pleasant Beach
4/5 for TeensJenkinson's Boardwalk
Atlantic City
4/5 for TeensBoardwalk + entertainment
Asbury Park
4/5 for TeensMusic & arts scene
Long Beach Island
4/5 for TeensFantasy Island + surfing
Teen Activities
Amusement Rides
Roller coasters, thrill rides, and classic boardwalk attractions.
Best: Morey's Piers (Wildwood), Casino Pier (Seaside), Jenkinson's
Water Parks
Slides, lazy rivers, wave pools, and splash zones.
Best: Raging Waters (Wildwood), Breakwater Beach, Splash Zone
Surfing & Water Sports
Learn to surf, paddleboard, or kayak. Lessons available everywhere.
Best: Belmar, Long Branch, LBI
Arcades & Games
Classic boardwalk arcades with prizes, plus Silverball pinball museum.
Best: Every boardwalk, Silverball Museum (Asbury)
Mini Golf
Themed mini golf courses throughout the shore.
Best: Congo Falls (Wildwood), Tee Time (OC), Barnegat Light
Escape Rooms
Puzzle-solving adventures in themed rooms.
Best: Atlantic City, Wildwood, Point Pleasant
Teen Tips
Go Weeknights
Weeknight visits mean shorter lines and less crowded boardwalks.
Buy Ride Wristbands
All-day wristbands at Morey's or Casino Pier save money if riding all day.
Bring Cash for Games
Many boardwalk games still prefer cash. ATMs charge fees.
Check Age Requirements
Some thrill rides have height/age requirements. Check before waiting in line.
Stay for Sunset
Boardwalks come alive at night. The best energy is after dark.
Download Ride Apps
Morey's Piers app shows wait times and can store tickets.
Boardwalk Budget Guide
What teens should bring for a full day at the boardwalk:
Safety Tips for Teens & Parents
Establish Check-In Times
Teens: Text parents at set times (lunch, dinner, heading home). Keep phone charged.
Parents: Set 2-3 check-in times. Don't blow up their phone - trust them to follow through.
Pick a Meeting Spot
Teens: Know where to meet if separated or in emergency. Pick a landmark everyone can find.
Parents: Choose an obvious landmark (main entrance, lifeguard stand, specific ride).
Stay in Groups
Teens: Never go off alone, especially at night. Use the buddy system even for bathroom trips.
Parents: Groups of 3+ are safest. Remind them crowds can separate friends quickly.
Know the Boundaries
Teens: Stay in designated areas. Don't go under boardwalk or to isolated beach sections at night.
Parents: Be specific about allowed areas. Most trouble happens in isolated spots after dark.
Watch Your Stuff
Teens: Don't leave phones/wallets unattended. Use a waterproof pouch at water parks.
Parents: Consider a Tile/AirTag in their bag. Set spending limits on debit cards.
Common Teen Mistakes
Spending all money on games in the first hour
Broke by noon. Watching friends ride rides. Begging parents for more money.
✓ Set a game budget ($20-30) separate from ride money. Games first or last, not throughout.
Not wearing sunscreen because "it's cloudy"
Painful sunburn by 3 PM. Can't enjoy water park or beach the next day.
✓ SPF 30+ applied BEFORE going out. Reapply every 2 hours, especially after water.
Eating a huge meal right before big rides
Nausea, possibly worse. Sitting out rides while friends have fun.
✓ Eat light snacks throughout. Save big meals for after ride sessions.
Splitting up from the group for "just a few minutes"
Lost in crowds. Dead phone. Missing friends for hours. Parents freaking out.
✓ Stay together. If you must split, set exact meeting time and place with backup plan.
Waiting in the longest lines during peak hours
45-minute waits for 2-minute rides. Only doing 5 rides all day.
✓ Hit popular rides first thing or use twilight hours. Check Morey's app for wait times.
Wildwood: Teen Paradise
Wildwood is the ultimate teen destination with 3 amusement piers featuring 100+ rides, 2 water parks, endless arcades, and completely FREE beaches. The 2-mile boardwalk stays open late with food, games, and entertainment. Plus, the Doo-Wop architecture makes for great Instagram photos.
Teen FAQ
What are the best boardwalks for teens at the Jersey Shore?
Wildwood has the most rides and games with 3 amusement piers plus free beaches. Seaside Heights offers classic shore vibes with Casino Pier and Water Park. Point Pleasant has Jenkinson's Boardwalk with rides and aquarium. Asbury Park has Palace Amusements nostalgia and pinball museum.
Where can teens learn to surf at the Jersey Shore?
Surf lessons are offered in many towns including Belmar, Long Branch, Lavallette, Long Beach Island, and Wildwood. Many surf shops offer beginner lessons with board and wetsuit rental included. Prices typically range from $75-100 for a 90-minute group lesson.
What are the best water parks at the Jersey Shore?
Raging Waters at Morey's Piers (Wildwood) is the largest water park. Breakwater Beach (Seaside Heights) has slides and lazy river. Splash Zone at Jenkinson's (Point Pleasant) offers family water fun. Atlantic City has indoor pools at casino resorts.
Are there teen-friendly nighttime activities at the shore?
Wildwood and Seaside Heights boardwalks are open late with rides, games, and food. Ocean City has a family-friendly music pier with concerts. Atlantic City has shows and events. Mini golf is popular everywhere after sunset.
How much should teens budget for a day at the boardwalk?
Bring $75-150 for a full day including: ride wristband ($50-75), food ($20-30), games ($15-25), and extras. Pay-per-ride costs more for thrill-seekers. Download the Morey's app for deals and to save tickets digitally. Twilight rates after 4-5 PM save 30-40%.
What are the best rides at the Jersey Shore?
Top thrill rides: The Great Nor'Easter at Morey's (inverted coaster), Hydrus at Casino Pier (floorless coaster), GaleForce at Castaway Cove (launch coaster). Check height requirements before waiting in line - most coasters require 48-54 inches.
Can teens go on the boardwalk alone?
Most teens are fine in groups. Establish check-in times and meeting spots with parents. Keep phones charged. Wildwood and Seaside can get crowded at night - stick with friends. Avoid isolated areas late at night. Most boardwalks have security.
What if I don't like rides or water parks?
Plenty of alternatives: Silverball Pinball Museum in Asbury Park, escape rooms, mini golf, arcades, beach volleyball, surfing lessons, kayak rentals, fishing piers, and shopping. Atlantic City has shows and events for all interests.
Are there any age restrictions at shore attractions?
Ride height requirements vary (typically 42-54 inches for big coasters). Some teen activities like go-karts have age limits. Casino gaming is 21+ only in Atlantic City but walking through and dining is allowed. All ages welcome at boardwalks.
What's the best way to get around as a teen without a car?
Most boardwalk towns are walkable. Wildwood has the tramcar along the boardwalk. Uber/Lyft works in Atlantic City and Asbury Park. Some towns have beach shuttle trolleys. Bikes are popular for getting around LBI and other areas.