Visiting the Jersey Shore with Kids

Vanessa M. said:  There is no better place to watch the sunset in Cape May than at Sunset Beach! The gorgeous pet-friendly beach offers free parking, free swimming, mini-golf, gift shop, a grille with tasty food, and views of a sunken concrete ship. One distinguishing characteristic of Sunset Beach is the Cape May diamonds beach-goers hunt for. The pure quartz crystals are polished by the ocean, and wash up onshore, much to vacationer's delight.

Sue Krawitz Tandoc said:  For a unique, interactive, live entertainment experience, your family will love the The Music Man Singing Ice Cream Shoppe. Employees perform a cabaret of songs and show tunes while getting customers involved in the performance during each seating.

The Shoppe offers a menu with a variety of ice cream flavors, shakes and specialty toppings such as candies, fruits and more.

Sue Krawitz Tandoc said:  Lucy the Elephant is the world's greatest elephant and is located right on the Jersey Shore in Margate. Kids will be mesmerized by her size and grandeur! She is a National Historic Landmark standing 6 stories high and is open to take tours inside this miraculous structure. Your kids will be fascinated walking through an elephant and coming out alive!

Sue Krawitz Tandoc said:  The Starlight Fleet will take your family on a whale and dolphin watching adventure to Cape May. The trips are led by a marine biologist and educator where they will show everyone seabirds, sea turtles among other wildlife in addition to seeing the splendor of whales and dolphins. As a bonus, kids have access to touch tanks for hands-on learning and exploring. The trips range from 2-3 hours. A Sundown Dolphin and Dinner Cruise is another option as well as Fishing Trips!

Cost: Starts at $35/adults, $25/ages 7-12 and free/6 and under with paying adult

Sue Krawitz Tandoc said:  Steel's Fudge is a longtime Jersey Shore favorite to satisfy the sweet tooth of those of all ages. They have scrumptious homemade fudge in various chocolate and vanilla flavors including cookies and cream, vanilla pecan and even raspberry and rocky road. They still use their secret family recipe from 100 years ago! The also feature salt water taffy in over 20 flavors, candies and chocolates, macaroons, popcorn and much more.

Sue Krawitz Tandoc said:  The Lakewood Blue Claws is the Jersey Shore's minor league baseball team offering family fun and entertainment throughout the baseball season. Their schedule offers day and evening games along with promotions such as events, music, fireworks and more. They feature a Kids Club where kids can run the bases and eat for free on select game days. First Energy Stadium has picnic areas, food and beverage concessions, mini-golf and more. The Team boasts the mascot, Buster, to the delight of children of all ages!

Cost: Tickets start at $13/adults and $10/kids. Mini-Golf is $4/adults and $3/kids.

Sue Krawitz Tandoc said:  If you find yourself near Atlantic City, Steel Pier is chock full of fun and family entertainment on their 1,000-foot pier. There are many tot rides such as a grand carousel, cup and saucer, bumper cars and more, games, huge Ferris Wheel featuring a 15-minute ride and other fun attractions. Grab a bite to eat at the Steel Pier Pub or boardwalk food concessions.

Cost: Ride tickets are $1/each with discounts for ticket books and daily specials. Ferris Wheel is an additional cost.

Sue Krawitz Tandoc said:  A Beach Haven vacation is relaxing and fun for the entire family. The beach offers lots of fun whether the kids are swimming, building sandcastles and even kite flying during specified hours. Fantasy Island Amusement Park is popular with attractions, rides and games; and Thundering Surf Waterpark will be a hit on a hot Summer day! There are plenty of events such as movies, concerts, festivals, fireworks and specific events for kids. Family-friendly restaurants offer something for everyone with seafood, pizza, pancakes and more. There is also a wide selection of shops and places to stay too!

Sue Krawitz Tandoc said:  Wildwood Crest offers a fun family vacation. The beach and ocean offer unlimited play and fun in the sun. There are also recreation facilities such a parks, playgrounds and bike paths to enjoy. Your family will love the many events such as concerts, festivals, sports, fitness and more. When your crew needs to refuel, enjoy the many restaurants from causal to sit-down, from seafood to ice cream.

For more family fun, head over to the main Wildwood Boardwalk and enjoy rides, games, arcades, mini-golf, waterparks, shops and more.

Sue Krawitz Tandoc said:  Seaside Heights along the Jersey Shore is a popular spot for a family vacation. The award-winning beaches will keep your kids entertained in the sand and surf, the boardwalk and surrounding town offers shops, games, restaurants and entertainment, and Casino Pier has rides, a water park and fun attractions. If you need a quieter spot, check out the Bayside for swimming and boat rentals for fishing and crabbing. If that wasn't enough, family-friendly events are featured throughout the season including movies on the beach and family fun nights!

Sue Krawitz Tandoc said:  Long Beach Island offers families a fun-filled yet relaxing vacation with white beaches, picturesque ocean views and lots to do. There are plenty of family-friendly entertainment options, amusements and activities and casual or sit-down restaurants and eateries that will delight everyone in your family. Rent bikes, play mini-golf, explore the rides and water parks or go whale watching. There are also many events throughout the season including movies, concerts and festivals. Your family will love an LBI vacation experience!

Sue Krawitz Tandoc said:  Belmar is a family-friendly beach town for your Jersey Shore vacation! Their beaches are pristine with playgrounds every few blocks and dedicated areas for water sports including surfing and kayaking with surfing lessons for kids. Your family can also walk the boardwalk and check out the attractions, shops or stop for a bite to eat. There are also lots of events featuring live music and movies on the beach. If you want to get out on the water, the Marina offers boat rentals, in addition to mini-golf and a children's beach and play area.

Sue Krawitz Tandoc said:  Piccini's is a family-favorite restaurant in Ocean City for your Jersey Shore vacation. They feature a menu of tempting gourmet wood fired brick oven pizza with unique options such as Philly Cheesesteak, Barbecued Chicken, Taco and many fresh seafood choices such as Clams Casino and Crab Portofino. They also have a wide selection of chicken, pasta and seafood dishes, salads and calzones. For the kiddos, traditional kid's fare is featured on their very own menu. This is your perfect lunch or dinner in OC!

Sue Krawitz Tandoc said:  Point Pleasant Beach is a great destination for your Jersey Shore vacation. The Point Pleasant Boardwalk is exciting and filled with shops and entertainment. Just steps away is the beach which will keep the kiddos happy playing in the sand and surf. Jenkinson's Boardwalk offers over 10 tot rides and 27 in total, games, mini golf and fun concessions. Don't miss Jenkinson's Aquarium with exhibits of sea life including penguins, seal and sharks, and interactive turtle pond and touch tank. There are plenty of dining options and family-friendly events throughout the season!

Sue Krawitz Tandoc said:  Come to the quiet Jersey Shore town of Margate and enjoy a relaxing family getaway. The kids will love Lucy the Elephant, a National Historic Landmark to tour the world's greatest elephant. There are also beautiful beaches, fun restaurants such as Juniors Doughnuts & Dogs, Margate Dairy Bar & Burger and Two Cents Plain Ice Cream Parlour. If you're feeling adventurous, boat and kayak rentals are available at Ray Scott's Dock to go boating, fishing or crabbing. The town hosts fun, family events as well!