Subscribe to our newsletters to get stories like this delivered directly to your inbox.

Try the signature red velvet pancakes at Toast. 

Best Family-Friendly Breakfast at the Jersey Shore

1. Toast – Asbury Park and Red Bank

"Peace, love, and pancakes" is the motto at this family-friendly breakfast hot spot. The extensive menu includes omelets, French toast, salads, burgers, and much more. The owner encourages bringing kids to the restaurant and offers a children’s menu where options include silver dollar pancakes, one egg with bacon, one egg with French toast, grilled ham and cheese, and chicken fingers and fries.

2. Brownstone Pancake Factory – Brick and Freehold

There is a mini carousel inside the Freehold location of this fun breakfast chain that is known for its creative pancake toppings. From Oreo cookie pancakes to chicken & cheddar pancakes, the unique options offer something for everyone in the family. They also offer sandwiches, salads, and more for adults, plus a children’s menu of kid favorites.

RELATED: New Jersey Restaurants Where Kids Eat Free

Diners who wear matching pajamas get a discount at Shut Up and Eat. 

3. Shut Up and Eat – Toms River

The servers wear pajamas at this cozy diner, and if you show up in a pajama set (matching top and bottom), you'll get 13% off your meal! Kids can choose from eggs, sliders, silver dollar pancakes, mac & cheese, or a corn dog served with milk or Capri Sun.

4. Meemom’s – Wall, Brick, and Middletown

Self-proclaimed “French Toast University,” Meemom’s serves more than 15 varieties of the classic dish, from savory to sweet. They even offer gluten-free bread. Additional cute menu items will put a smile on your face, from A.B.C. Grilled Cheese and The Hearty Hangover Bowl to Oh So Cheesy omelets and Y.O.L.O. (You Obviously Love Oreos).

RELATED: Themed Restaurants in New Jersey for Family-Friendly Interactive Dining

The Rainforest Cafe's decor will thrill big and little diners.

Best Family-Friendly Lunch or Dinner at the Jersey Shore

5. Rainforest Cafe – Atlantic City

The rainforest décor and fake lightning storms will wow little ones at this Atlantic City eatery. The impressive kids’ menu includes mini hot dogs, dino-shaped chicken nuggets, pasta, shrimp, pizza, and more. Your child’s meal is served on a jungle-themed plate with fruit and a side plus a Rainforest Cafe drink cup. Be sure to save money to spend at the cute gift shop on your way out!

RELATED: 20 Family-Friendly Italian Restaurants in New Jersey

Enjoy a farm-to-table meal at Blue Pig Tavern. Photo by Rose Gordon Sala

6. Blue Pig Tavern – Cape May

This farm-fresh restaurant in Congress Hall serves produce, eggs, and herbs from their own Beach Plum Farm located nearby. Enjoy patio dining in nice weather and indoor dining with a cozy fireplace on cold days. The kids’ menu includes grilled cheese, pasta, mac and cheese, a cheeseburger, and PB&J.

7. Proving Ground – Highlands

This waterfront restaurant offers indoor and outdoor dining with beautiful views. With a menu that changes seasonally, special events, kids’ nights, and live music, it seems like there is always something fun going on at Proving Ground. The children’s menu features favorite foods and coloring activities to keep little ones busy while waiting for their meals.

8. Barnacle Bill’s – Rumson

Located on the Navesink River, this nautical-themed pub offers seafood, soups, salads, sandwiches, and steak. The casual, loud atmosphere means parents don’t need to be embarrassed if their kids have a meltdown during dinner. Families can walk to the dock and feed the ducks while waiting for their turn to be seated.

9. Johnny Rockets – Atlantic City

This All-American retro-themed restaurant chain is a hit with kids, and the whole family will love the milkshakes here. The Atlantic City location is part of Bally’s Casino, right off the boardwalk. The children’s menu includes burgers, dogs, chicken tenders, and grilled cheese.

10. The Melting Pot – Red Bank

For a memorable experience, introduce your kids to this fondue restaurant chain. They will love dipping entrees in cheese and desserts in chocolate. The children’s menu choices are chicken, shrimp, pork, steak, or salmon. The Melting Pot also offers fun kiddie drinks like Kooky Coconut Lemonade and Crisp Boss Applesauce.

RELATED: Top Places to Enjoy Delicious Shaved Ice in New Jersey

Nothing beats a classic banana split at Jersey Freeze. 

Best Family-Friendly Dessert at the Jersey Shore

11. Hoffman’s – Point Pleasant Beach and Spring Lake Heights

Hoffman’s is a Jersey Shore staple. All of their ice cream and frozen yogurt options are homemade at the Point Pleasant Beach location. In addition to classic flavors, they offer fun options like Almond Turtles, Jersey Monkey, and Strawberry Bon Bon.

12. Jersey Freeze – Freehold and Holmdel

You’ll need to travel a bit inland for this historic ice cream shop that Bruce Springsteen is known to frequent. The Freehold location has been open since 1952. The Holmdel location is a small offshoot inside the Bell Works building but offers the same quality ice cream.

13. Duffers – Wildwood

This family-friendly spot is only open for the summer season. Known for its homemade ice cream and huge sundaes, the number of dessert choices will impress. The kids’ menu includes a Bowl of Dirt, Clown Sundae, fruity pebbles sundae, and more. Best of all, there is an 18-hole miniature golf course and an arcade on the premises for the family to enjoy.

14. Skipper Dipper – Long Beach Island

An LBI favorite since 1978, this family-friendly ice cream shop serves milkshakes, malts, Dole Whip, brownie sundaes, and classic hard and soft ice cream. You can “Skipper-fy” your order to add a single swirl of vanilla or chocolate soft serve on top of your hard ice cream. Skipper Dipper is a seasonal spot that is open from May through September.

Photos courtesy of the restaurants unless otherwise noted.