Jersey Shore

40 Things To Do with Kids on a Rainy Day at the Jersey Shore

Submitted by Lindsay Li on Mon, 07/17/2017 - 11:00am

The Jersey Shore is known for its gorgeous beaches, of course, and outdoor entertainment like boardwalk fun. But not every summer day can turn into a sunny beach day. What happens to the family fun when it rains? Beach houses, no matter how grand, start to feel pretty small when you are stuck indoors.

Fortunately, there are plenty of indoor spots to explore along the shore. From Asbury Park to Cape May, we've put together a list of shore activities that will get you off the beach and out of your condo. So whether the rain is spoiling your beach day, you need a day out of the sun, or just a change from the sand and surf, we have you covered.

For more entertaining activities this season, check our list of 70 Best Things To Do at the Shore all summer.

7 Great Jersey Shore Lighthouses to See with Kids

Submitted by Jennifer Battista on Fri, 07/14/2017 - 4:00pm

New Jersey is home to nearly a dozen lighthouses that are open to the public. Whether your kids are old enough to climb up to the top or not, there's plenty to do and see on a lighthouse tour. Most are located near beaches or state parks full of family-friendly diversions, so they make great destinations for day trips. This is an affordable—sometimes even free—summer activity your whole family will love. We've rounded up a few of our favorites.

For more Jersey Shore fun, check out our Jersey Shore Family Guide and Summer Fun Guide.

Family Getaway to Wildwood, NJ: Beach, Water Parks, Rides

Submitted by Rose Gordon Sala on Wed, 07/12/2017 - 11:31am

Along the Jersey Shore, beaches and boardwalk offer endless summer fun for kids, but each shore town has its own personality, top sights, and vibe. So how do you know which is right for your family?

We’ve explored nearly all of them, from Cape May at the southern point, on up to Asbury Park. I just returned from a family trip to Wildwood and its action-packed boardwalk and Morey’s Piers with a bazillion rides, multiple water parks, games, and so much more. It’s busy and chaotic, but exudes retro charm thanks in part to its Doo-wop-themed diners and local customs like when the whole boardwalk stops in its tracks at 11am to raise their hands to their hearts as the national anthem plays over the loudspeaker.

Read on for all the details on what to expect from your summer getaway to this Jersey Shore hot spot.

20 Super-Fun Summer Day Trips for New Jersey Families

Submitted by Kaylynn Chiarel... on Mon, 07/10/2017 - 1:00pm

We've got 20 ideas for NJ summer day trips your family can take without leaving the state—and many are low cost. Whether it's gathering fresh fruit at a pick-your-own farm, swimming at the lake, hitting the Jersey shore's beaches and boardwalk, or visiting an amusement park, grab the camera and hit the road!

Need more inspiration? Check out our NJ Family Day Trip and Getaway Guide for even more ideas.

If it's too hot or rainy to head outside, look to our indoor guide and rainy day suggestions to keep the good times rolling.

70 Things To Do with Kids at the Jersey Shore

Submitted by Cait Sumner on Fri, 07/07/2017 - 11:00am

There's nothing better than lazy, relaxing summer days at the beaches of the Jersey Shore with its miles of sandy coastline. Of course, at some point the kids are going to want to get up and do and see something, right?

If you're looking for ways to keep the kids entertained during a vacation at the shore this summer, this list of 70 family-friendly activities for toddlers to teens all up and down the New Jersey coast should hit the spot. We've even included a number of FREE things to do.

For more fun down the shore, check out our Jersey Shore Guide, which includes information on amusement parks and water parks, top beaches, best boardwalks, and more.

We're Sweet on This Jersey Shore Ice Cream Shop's Insane Milkshakes

Submitted by Margaret Hargrove on Thu, 07/06/2017 - 3:45pm

Take a break from the beach and cool down at Coney Waffle, home to the best milkshakes in New Jersey. This Shore staple has locations in Asbury Park and Belmar, and it recently opened a third shop, at Pier Village in Long Branch, just in time for the summer season. Your kids will go crazy for the jaw-dropping super shakes towering with whipped cream, baked goods, candy, and other sweet toppings. With homemade waffles, fudge, and ice cream also on the menu, there's something for every sweet tooth at this beach-side spot.

Storybook Land in New Jersey: A Magical Park for Preschoolers and Tots

Submitted by Michelle Vames on Wed, 07/05/2017 - 12:00pm

If you’re looking for an enjoyable amusement park experience minus crazy thrill rides and super-sized crowds, take a day trip to Storybook Land in Egg Harbor. This charming spot, in operation since 1955, was created with younger children in mind—the rides and attractions are all geared toward the under-10 crowd, making it great for toddlers and big siblings alike.

Visiting is a bit like stepping into a fairy tale: as you walk through the wooded grounds, you encounter characters from nursery rhymes and classic children's stories, like Humpty Dumpty and Alice in Wonderland. Even if you didn't go there as a kid, as many New Jerseyans did, you're sure to fall under its nostalgia-laced spell.

My husband and I recently visited for the first time with our two boys, ages 5 and 2, and we all loved it and will definitely go back. Storybook Land is No. 1 on our list of 30 Things to Do with NJ Preschoolers, with good reason. Read on for more about this sweet NJ gem.

Free Beaches in New Jersey: No-Cost Family Fun in the Sun

Submitted by Laurie R on Mon, 07/03/2017 - 3:00pm

If your fun-in-the-sun bucket list includes camp, vacation, and trips to our beloved Jersey Shore, summertime can be a season of major spending. Jersey Shore excursions are a must in the summer, but prices of beach badges and passes can really add up. Luckily, New Jersey is home to some free beaches—that's right, no admission fees required (though some do have parking fees). While some of these free beaches are found in popular vacation hotspots, other quieter and unguarded ones are located by lakes and bays. Read on for 10 of our favorites.

100 Free Things To Do with Kids This Summer in NJ

Submitted by Margaret Hargrove on Fri, 06/30/2017 - 12:00pm

Summer is the season for no-cost fun all across New Jersey. From fireworks and festivals to free outdoor movies, we’ve rounded up 100 family-friendly events to enjoy all summer long that won’t break the bank.

You can find even more cool seasonal activities and destinations in our Summer Fun Guide and Events Calendar. Have a fabulous (and free) summer, New Jersey!

Best July Fairs and Festivals for New Jersey Families

Submitted by Jaime Wisz on Mon, 06/26/2017 - 12:30pm

Fairs and festivals and feasts, oh my! It’s non-stop action in NJ this month—read on for our recommendations and choose your favorites. With everything from state and county fairs to music and food festivals—and of course, awesome July 4th celebrations—there’s something happening almost every day in July. Mark your calendar now, and have a blast all month long.

Berry lovers: be sure to check out our roundup of NJ's awesome blueberry festivals, many of which take place in July. And for more warm-weather action, visit our Summer Fun Guide.