Best Family-Friendly Hotels on the Jersey Shore from Sandy Hook to Cape May

Take a dip in the pool at the Starlux, a family-friendly hotel in Wildwood, New Jersey.
Take a dip in the pool at the Starlux, a family-friendly hotel in Wildwood, New Jersey.
6/22/23 - By Dore Duhaime

Summer is here and these family-friendly hotels on the Jersey Shore are just waiting for you to plan your next family vacation. Our picks for family-friendly hotels span the region from Sandy Hook hotels to Cape May hotels and near all the entertainment-packed boardwalks in between, these family-friendly hotels on the Jersey Shore are ready to make your stay memorable.

Start planning now so you can go down The Shore before school starts, and find all our top picks in the region in our Jersey Shore Travel Guide, including curated picks for a 3-day Shore getaway from a local mom. We've got more seasonal fun in our Ultimate New Jersey Kids Summer Vacation Guide.

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Family-Friendly Hotels in Wildwood, New Jersey

Blue Palms Motel – Wildwood

This Jersey Shore hotel is located near all the Wildwood amusements, and a stay includes admission to Morey's Piers Water Park. On-site fun includes an outdoor swimming pool, fire pits, barbecue grills, bike rentals, complimentary beach chairs, and more. The Jersey Girl restaurant offers both indoor and outdoor seating. For larger families, book a two-room family room, which has a queen bed and two sets of bunk beds to sleep six.

Port Royal Hotel – Wildwood Crest

Another pick near all the action at Morey's Piers, this family-friendly hotel offers a "play and stay pass" which grants discounted access to all three amusement piers and two water parks. The hotel features a heated pool plus a kiddie pool, game room, patio snack bar, and weekly kids' activities. Many rooms overlook the boardwalk, and Ocean Suites can sleep up to six with two queen beds, a queen sofa sleeper, and a kitchenette. It's a great jumping-off point to explore all Wildwood has to offer, from toddler-friendly tide pools to early morning bike rides.

Starlux Boutique Hotel – Wildwood

Soak in the retro Americana vibe at this colorful hotel, fully equipped with an outdoor pool, family-sized rooms, and a two-level mini-golf course next door. This Morey's property, which also has its own ice cream parlor, is located across the street from the boardwalk and offers slight discounts on amusement tickets. Hop on the tram car and explore Wildwood's thrill rides. Rooms range from standard rooms with a pair of queen beds to suites with a king-sized bed and queen sofa sleeper.

RELATED: Family Getaway to Wildwood, NJ

Family-Friendly hotels on the Jersey Shore: Congress Hall
Congress Hall's amenities extend far beyond your bedroom; the staff takes care of you on the beach, too.

Best Cape May Hotels for Families

Congress Hall Hotel – Cape May

The historic yellow resort features weekly kids' activities including a mini-carnival, arts and crafts, and "dive-in" movies in the large outdoor pool. Dining at the Blue Pig Tavern is a must, or you can order tapas and a summer cocktail on the veranda while watching the kids play on the lawn. Accommodations range from standard rooms to spacious, apartment-style suites, all appointed with coastal-chic decor and dripping with amenities.

Beach Shack – Cape May

This casual hotel has a fun, relaxed vibe. Spend the night in a traditional room or a surfer-chic suite. Some rooms come complete with separate bunk bed areas for kids. Many rooms have a kitchenette, too. Hop in the pool and grab a bite at the Rusty Nail, where kids get a kick when they see their meals are served on Frisbee. Beach attendants ensure you're comfortable when you hit the sand, too, providing chairs, towels, and refreshments for your day in the sand and sun.

RELATED: 70 Things To Do with Kids at the Jersey Shore

Family-friendly hotels on the Jersey Shore: Grand Hotel
Alternate between the beach and the pool at the Grand Hotel.

The Grand Hotel – Cape May

Located across from the beach, this family hotel has a large outdoor pool plus a heated indoor pool, an arcade and game room, and offers classic dining at Hemingway's. Rooms can sleep two to eight, and many come with sweeping Atlantic Ocean views. Many have kitchenettes, too. Read our full review and book your stay here.

RELATED: Best Outdoor Water Parks in New Jersey for Family Fun

Family-friendly hotels on the Jsersey Shore: Ocean Place
Dine on the beach or enjoy the sunset at Ocean Place.

More Family-Friendly Hotels and Resorts on the Jersey Shore

Ocean Place Resort & Spa – Long Branch

A family favorite in Monmouth County, this beachfront resort offers a large outdoor pool, plus a heated indoor pool and a game room stocked with TVs, billiards tables, and a life-size chessboard. Designed with families in mind, guest suites feature separate bedrooms, living rooms, and kitchenettes. All rooms here come with a private balcony. Stroll to nearby Pier Village for shopping, dining, and a small arcade. For even more family adventures, check out these 25 fun things to do with kids in Long Branch.

BeachWalk at Sea Bright – Sea Bright

This Jersey Shore hotel has lovely rooms with views overlooking the Navesink River or the Atlantic Ocean. It's located an hour from New York City and just minutes from the SeaStreak Ferry dock. Cool down in the seasonal outdoor pool or relax on the sundeck in a lounger. Sea Bright and Sandy Hook beaches are just a few minutes away. Choose from basic hotel rooms or spacious suites for your home away from home.

The Asbury Hotel – Asbury Park

Trendy and family-friendly, this resort wins rave reviews from kids for its bunk rooms. Relax on the rooftop deck with lawn games, bean bag chairs, and big-screen movies. Or head down to the lobby lounge for coffee and light snacks. Explore all that hip Asbury Park has to offer, from restaurants and shops to a beachfront playground at Seventh Avenue. Check out our picks for family fun in Asbury.

RELATED: Cute New Jersey Beach Towns To Explore with Kids

Family-friendly hotels on the Jersey Shore: The Sea Shell
The Sea Shell resort has a tropical island vibe.

Sea Shell Resort – Long Beach Island

Located on the beach, this family favorite offers a large pool and on-site dining, including two restaurants, a sushi bar, and a tiki bar. Walk from the resort to Beach Haven's many shops and restaurants, and in the evenings, listen to live music or gather around the fire pits. Choose from spacious rooms or suites, which sleep up to five. A jam-packed event calendar means there's always something happening.

White Sands Oceanfront Resort & Spa – Point Pleasant

A few blocks away from the bustling Jenkinson's Boardwalk, this resort features a heated indoor pool and adjacent spa, plus private beach access. There are two outdoor pools, including a kiddie pool complete with a playful dolphin fountain. Head out to Arnold Avenue restaurants for dinner or hit the kid-friendly rides or aquarium on the boardwalk. Rooms come in a variety of arrangements to accommodate families of all sizes.

The Reeds at Shelter Haven – Stone Harbor

Upscale beach vibes give this in-town resort a relaxed feel, and beach service makes the blocks-long trek to The Shore a bit easier to manage. Bayfront dining and a newly opened spa complete the getaway, along with shopping on 96th Street.

RELATED: Best Free Beaches on the Jersey Shore for Families

Family-friendly hotels on the Jersey Shore:
Icona Windrift
The Icona Windrift is a lovely beachfront resort with family-friendly amenities in Avalon.

Icona Windrift – Avalon

This beachfront resort offers various-sized rooms plus 10 condos to suit any family. Kids will love the zero-entry pool and multiple on-site dining options. Avalon's large recreation complex is nearby, with a playground, tennis, and basketball courts for family fun off the beach.

Showboat Atlantic City – Atlantic City

Atlantic City may not be the first Shore town you think of when it comes to family-friendly playtime, but we beg to differ. There are plenty of family-friendly things to do in AC and that's not counting the brand-new, all-season water park coming to this boardwalk hotel! When you're feeling waterlogged, retreat to one of the 65 suites in the hotel, including more than three dozen with balconies overlooking the Atlantic. There are plenty of restaurant options on-site, too, plus a supersized arcade.

This article contains some affiliate links, which means we might earn a small commission if you book a hotel or activity. There is no extra cost to the reader. We only recommend hotels and services that we have personally used or have thoroughly researched.

Photos courtesy of the hotels

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