1. Cape May Beaches

Stretch out on Cape May's famously wide beaches, and watch from your beach blanket as dolphins swim by, frolicking in the surf. There are both ocean and bayside options, and along the Beach Avenue entry points, you'll find comfort stations and restaurants.

Explore historic Cape May, including the shops along the Washington Street Mall pedestrian area via foot or bike. Photo by Rose Gordon Sala

2. Washington Street Mall

Stroll along the Washington Street pedestrian mall to go window shopping at art galleries, specialty clothing stores, souvenir stalls, and sweet shops. Take a break for a sit-down lunch at one of the many restaurants available along the car-free walkway.

3. Cape May-Lewes Ferry

Ride the Cape May-Lewes Ferry for a day trip to Delaware. Or just enjoy the playground, mini-golf, and picnic offerings at the ferry landing. 

Climb to the top of the lighthouse for a view, or at least a mild, windy thrill! Photo by Rose Gordon Sala

4. Cape May Lighthouse

Climb the 199 steps up the Cape May Lighthouse for an incredible view of the Atlantic Ocean meeting the Delaware Bay. Just remember that you'll need to climb back down, too! Our legs were shaking but the kids seemed fine.

5. Summer Movies on the Beach

Catch a movie after dark on the sand, weekly at Stockton Beach.  

Walk the nature trails at Cape May Point State Park and you might just see some wildlife, too. Photo by Rose Gordon Sala

6. Cape May Point State Park

After your lighthouse climb, explore the rest of Cape May Point State Park, including the beach, nature trails, and wildlife. We found a group of friendly swans along one path and the abandoned WWII-era gun Battery 223 smack in the middle of the beach.

7. Ride Bikes

Rent bicycles and cruise along the boardwalk in the morning, or along the breezy bike lane on New Jersey Avenue. If your littles are too young to pedal, strap them into a surrey. There are many paved and dirt trails to explore by bike in Cape May.

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Say hello to the zebras at the Cape May County Park & Zoo. Photo by Rose Gordon Sala

8. Cape May County Park & Zoo

Explore the wildlife, including zebras, giraffes, and pink flamingos, at the Cape May County Zoo. Your own little monkeys can swing on the playground equipment near the entrance. It's open daily and always free, although donations help keep it running. 

9. Cape May Convention Hall

Enjoy music, magic shows, movies, and more kid-friendly entertainment at the Cape May Convention Hall. (Expect a summer schedule soon; much of the 2020 season was canceled due to covid concerns.) Center on summer Tuesdays. 

Visit the Harriet Tubman Museum to learn about her life and her contribution to the Underground Railroad. Photo courtesy of the museum

10. Harriet Tubman Museum

Keep your eyes open for the exciting opening of this brand-new museum celebrating the famed abolitionist who once lived in Cape May. (Its 2020 opening was delayed due to the pandemic.)

11. The Original Fudge Kitchen

Taste a morsel of freshly made fudge at The Original Fudge Kitchen located within the Washington Street Mall. Salted caramel, mint, and peanut butter are faves. 

Check out the vineyards and enjoy a local meal and music at Willow Creek Winery in Cape May. Photo by Rose Gordon Sala

12. Willow Creek Winery

Listen to music, sip sangria, and enjoy a kid-friendly meal at the pretty Willow Creek Winery. The vineyard hosts firepit Fridays this summer. It's not far from the lighthouse, making it a nice stop for a meal before returning to the hotel.

13. Trolley Tours

Soak up the town's Victorian charm on a trolley tour or horse-drawn carriage ride, or stroll past rows of stately, gingerbread-style homes.

14. Farmers Market

Indulge in some fresh-made guacamole, crab cakes, or raspberry lemonade at the West Cape May Farmers' Market on Tuesdays. Opening June 29 this year. Free afternoon concerts are back on in 2021, too!

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Get a behind-the-scenes look at the library on the Magic & Mysteries House Tour at the Physick Estate. Photo courtesy of Cape May MAC 

15. Emlen Physick Estate

Tour the historic Emlen Physick Estate for a glimpse back in time to the Victorian resort town's prior splendor. 

16. Mini Golf

Swing your mini-golf club at one of four local putt-putt courses. 

17. Whale Watching and Dolphin Cruises

Board a whale-watching cruise to spy on dolphins and whales up close. 

Stay the night or just enjoy the rockers and family-friendly activities at Congress Hall. Photo by Rose Gordon Sala

18. Congress Hall

Book a stay at the beachside Congress Hall, a luxurious but family-friendly Cape May resort. Some resort activities are open to the public in non-covid times.

19. Cape May Birding

Follow nature trails through the various bird and wetlands sanctuaries and centers to watch the birds of Cape May take flight. Try the Nature Center of Cape May or the Cape May Bird Observatory. 

20. Kayak in Cape May Harbor

Rent a kayak or paddleboard to explore the harbor.

21. Jersey Shore Alpacas

Schedule a tour to meet the friendly creatures at Jersey Shore Alpacas.

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See the many birds at Cape May Point State Park or on a wetlands tour. Photo by James Capaldi/Creative Commons

22. Salt Marsh Safari

Cruise through the coastal wetlands on a Salt Marsh Safari to see crustaceans, plant life, and inland tidal flows.  

23. Aviation Museum

Visit the Aviation Museum, where kids can climb into the cockpit, play flight simulation games, and check out an air traffic control tower. 

24. Beach Plum Farm

Amble along the dirt paths at Beach Plum Farm, picking berries, feeding hens, and smelling flowers as you go. Grab a fresh-brewed iced tea and sandwich at the barn.

25. Wine & Brewery Tours and Tastings

Enjoy outdoor tastings of local brews, wines, and spirits at a number of Cape May spots, such as Cape May Winery and Cold Spring Brewing. Many offer picnic tables and wide-open spaces where kids can goof off while grown-ups relax.

26. Arden Kids

Stock up on cute baby and kid clothing, including seasonal accessories like rain gear or sunglasses and beach items at this Washington Street Mall shop.

The brunch at Blue Pig Tavern is just right for fueling a beach day. Photo by Rose Gordon Sala

27. Brunch at Blue Pig Tavern

Indulge in a lazy brunch at this foodie haven located within Congress Hall. Don't worry, there's a kids' menu, too.

28. Historic Cold Spring Village

This historic living history museum lets kids get hands-on with local history and culture. Reopening June 2021.

29. Sunset Beach

Watch the sun setting in a blaze of colors over the Delaware Bay on Sunset Beach in Cape May Point, where a patriotic flag-lowering ceremony is held each evening. 

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Head down the water slides at Raging Waters Water Park at Morey's Piers. Photo courtesy of Morey's Piers

Theme & Water Parks Near Cape May

The quaint streets and clean beaches of Cape May are perfect for a weekend or week away. But the kids may also want some big-time all-day amusement park entertainment. For that kind of fun, head a little more north along the shore for roller coasters, arcades, kiddie rides, boardwalk treats, and of course, water slides and wave pools.

30. Morey's Piers

Drive a few minutes north a few miles into Wildwood for more than 100 thrill rides, water parks, arcades, and more entertainment on the boardwalk at Morey's Piers. Many families actually stay in Wildwood and day trip into Cape May, too.

31. Ocean City Boardwalk

Stroll the Ocean City, New Jersey, boardwalk for arcades, fried and sweet treats, and to sample its amusement park rides. Playland's Castaway Cove and Gillian's Wonderland Pier are both accessible from the boardwalk and small enough to enjoy for a morning or afternoon before returning to the calm of Cape May. There's also a water park for cooling off: OC Waterpark.

Storybook Land is a wonderful amusement park for kids of all ages. Photo courtesy of the park

32. Storybook Land

This toddler and preschooler-friendly Jersey amusement park is worth the hourlong drive from Cape May. Everything moves at just the right pace for younger kids!

A version of this article first published in 2017. Additional reporting by Rose Gordon Sala.