Best Jersey Shore Towns for Families
37 towns across 4 counties
Best Jersey Shore Towns for Families
Jersey Shore Guide
These towns score highest for families: swimming beaches, boardwalk rides or arcades, and casual places to eat with kids. Ocean City is dry and boardwalk-centered; Wildwood has free, very wide beaches. Compare the scores and pick by what your kids will actually do all day.
Family-Friendly Towns
Avon-by-the-Sea
Monmouth County
Victorian Houses Next to Belmar
- ✓NJ Transit accessible
- ✓Top family-friendly rating
Bradley Beach
Monmouth County
Stone Boardwalk and Breakfast Spots
- ✓NJ Transit accessible
- ✓Top family-friendly rating
- ✓Classic boardwalk
Bay Head
Ocean County
Victorian Houses and Quiet Beaches
- ✓NJ Transit accessible
- ✓Top family-friendly rating
Beach Haven
Ocean County
Fantasy Island and LBI's South End
- ✓Top family-friendly rating
Harvey Cedars
Ocean County
LBI's Quiet Gem
- ✓Top family-friendly rating
Lavallette
Ocean County
Bay Beaches and Crabbing Docks
- ✓Affordable beach badges ($8/day)
- ✓NJ Transit accessible
- ✓Top family-friendly rating
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More Family-Friendly Towns
Ortley Beach
Ocean County
Home of Barnacle Bill's
- ✓Top family-friendly rating
Point Pleasant Beach
Ocean County
Family Fun on the Boardwalk
- ✓NJ Transit accessible
- ✓Top family-friendly rating
Seaside Park
Ocean County
The Nicer, Quieter Seaside
- ✓Top family-friendly rating
- ✓Classic boardwalk
Brigantine
Atlantic County
Quiet Escape Next to Atlantic City
- ✓NJ Transit accessible
- ✓Top family-friendly rating
Margate
Atlantic County
Home of Lucy the Elephant
- ✓NJ Transit accessible
- ✓Top family-friendly rating
Ventnor
Atlantic County
The Quiet End of the AC Boardwalk
- ✓NJ Transit accessible
- ✓Top family-friendly rating
Book Your Families Getaway
Find the perfect accommodation in these family-friendly towns.
Avon-by-the-Sea
Bradley Beach
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Planning Tips for Families Travelers
When to Visit
Peak summer (July-August) offers the full shore experience. For fewer crowds, visit in June or September when weather is still excellent.
How to Get There
27 of these towns are accessible via NJ Transit from NYC or Philadelphia. If driving, expect heavy traffic on summer Friday afternoons.
Beach Badges
8 of these towns have completely free beaches. Others require beach badges ($5-15/day). Weekly and seasonal badges offer savings for longer stays.
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Families Beach Town FAQs
How many family-friendly towns are on the Jersey Shore?
We've identified 37 family-friendly towns along the Jersey Shore, spanning from Sandy Hook in the north to Cape May in the south.
What is the best Jersey Shore town for families?
Avon-by-the-Sea consistently ranks as a top choice for families travelers due to its avon-by-the-sea scores 5/5 for family-friendliness with safe beaches and kid-approved activities.
Can I get to family-friendly towns by train?
Yes! 27 of the 37 family-friendly towns are accessible via NJ Transit. Top train-accessible options include Avon-by-the-Sea, Bradley Beach, Bay Head. This makes car-free beach trips possible from NYC and Philadelphia.
Which family-friendly towns have free beaches?
8 of our recommended family-friendly towns have completely free beaches: North Wildwood, Wildwood Crest, Atlantic Highlands, Highlands. No beach badge required, saving you money during your visit.
When is the best time to visit family-friendly towns on the Jersey Shore?
Peak summer (July-August) is busiest but offers the full shore experience. For fewer crowds, visit in June or September when the weather is still warm and towns are less crowded.
Which Jersey Shore towns have the safest beaches for kids?
Ocean City, Wildwood, and Avalon are known for calm waters and excellent lifeguard coverage, making them ideal for families with young children.
Are there boardwalks with rides for kids on the Jersey Shore?
Yes! Seaside Heights has Casino Pier, Wildwood has three famous amusement piers (Morey's), and Point Pleasant has Jenkinson's Boardwalk. Ocean City also has a family-friendly boardwalk with rides and games.