Visiting the Jersey Shore with Kids

Ocean City New Jersey (not to be confused with the MD version) lives up to its nickname of America's greatest family resort. The boardwalk is filled with shops, restaurants, amusement parks, candy stores and ice cream shops for over a mile. Also of note, Ocean City is a dry town, no alcohol is served once you come over the bridge!

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:  Gillian's Wonderland Pier in Ocean City is a family favorite! With many kid-friendly and adult rides, your family will have a blast. If you're craving pizza afterward, check out Sixth Street Pizza, which is another family favorite!

March-October

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!

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:  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:  Barry's Do Me a Flavor is a popular family-friendly restaurant at the Jersey Shore's Beach Haven. They offer a wide menu selection of pizza, hoagies, tacos, burgers, salads and much more, including a kid's menu. Save room for dessert because they boast 24 flavors of ice cream!

Sue Krawitz Tandoc said:  Fantasy Island Amusement Park in Beach Haven on Long Beach Island is chock full of family fun and entertainment. They have many fun rides, an arcade with games on a digital point system, boardwalk games to win prizes and more.

Sue Krawitz Tandoc said:  Thundering Surf Waterpark is a family-owned business featuring interactive water play with a Lazy Crazy River, 8 unique water slides and racing slides. The Cowabunga Beach is a special play area created just for toddlers. There is also an infant pool, sun deck and observation deck. If you want a break from the water, check out their two 18-hole mini-golf courses with natural obstacles including a waterfall.

Cost: $31.99/over 42" and $26.99/under 42" for two hour sessions and $4/each additional hour. Mini-Golf: $12/adults and $8/ages 10 and under for one 18-hole course.

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:  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:  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:  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:  Take the family on an outdoor adventure to Casino Pier & Breakwater Beach in Seaside Heights! Enjoy family-friendly rides and attractions including specialty tot rides, mini-golf and arcade with video and ticketed games such as skee-ball and pin ball, to earn prizes. To cool off, take advantage of Breakwater Beach Waterpark with wave pool, slides, wild river and multi-level area for kids. Check out daily themes and specials.

Cost: Attraction prices are $1/credit with family packages and specials. Breakwater Beach starts at $28.95/under 48" and $34.95/over 48" with daily and combo specials.

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.