Visiting the Jersey Shore with Kids

Sue Krawitz Tandoc:  Uncle Bill's Pancake House is a Jersey Shore tradition serving up the best breakfast foods for your family. They offer an enticing menu of 15 varieties of pancakes, waffles, and French toast along with eggs, fruits, breakfast meats and much more. Breakfast is served all day and select locations offer lunch and dinner as well. This family-friendly Jersey Shore staple has 8 locations in Shore towns from Cape May to Ocean City. Bring your appetite and enjoy a scrumptious breakfast at Uncle Bill's!

Vanessa M.:  There is no better place to watch the sunset in Cape May than at Sunset Beach! The gorgeous pet-friendly beach offers free parking, free swimming, mini-golf, gift shop, a grille with tasty food, and views of a sunken concrete ship. One distinguishing characteristic of Sunset Beach is the Cape May diamonds beach-goers hunt for. The pure quartz crystals are polished by the ocean, and wash up onshore, much to vacationer's delight.

Sue Krawitz Tandoc:  Cape May is a friendly, relaxing family destination at the Jersey Shore. There are many activities and attractions such as the 2.5 miles of beaches, Cape May County Zoo, parks, sporting activities such as kayak rentals or taking a trip out on the water to go whale and dolphin watching with Cape May Whale Watching or Thunder Cat Dolphin Watch Speedboat. As America's oldest seaside resort, they feature the famous Cape May Lighthouse, 2-mile Promenade for strolling along the beach and Cape May's Fireman's Museum. Cape May will be a fun trip for the whole family!

Sue Krawitz Tandoc:  Cape May Whale Watcher offers fun family trips during your Jersey Shore vacation in Cape May. They have fully narrated Whale and Dolphin Watch excursions and specific Dolphin Trips to see these magnificent creatures in their own habitat and learn about marine life. Other cruises offered are special Lighthouse Cruises, Atlantic City Air Show, Fireworks and more. See their full daily schedule!

Cost: $45/adults, $30/kids 7-12 and free/6 and under (Whale and Dolphin Trips - 3 hours)

Sue Krawitz Tandoc:  The Starlight Fleet will take your family on a whale and dolphin watching adventure to Cape May. The trips are led by a marine biologist and educator where they will show everyone seabirds, sea turtles among other wildlife in addition to seeing the splendor of whales and dolphins. As a bonus, kids have access to touch tanks for hands-on learning and exploring. The trips range from 2-3 hours. A Sundown Dolphin and Dinner Cruise is another option as well as Fishing Trips!

Cost: Starts at $35/adults, $25/ages 7-12 and free/6 and under with paying adult

Sue Krawitz Tandoc:  The Cape May County Park & Zoo is a family-favorite destination while visiting the Jersey Shore. Kids can see their favorite animals such as lions, black bears, giraffe, red panda, zebra, river otters, monkeys and more. They feature special events such as concerts, educational programs, seasonal festivities, crafts and more throughout the year. Picnic areas, playgrounds and walking paths are available in the Park. The Zoo also offers attractions such as carousel and train rides, rock climbing, a honey bee exhibit and Safari Cafe.

Cost: Free. Attractions are extra. Donations are appreciated.

Sue Krawitz Tandoc:  Duffer's is an all-in-one eating and entertainment venue for your family's enjoyment down the shore at Wildwood. In addition to fantastic food, they serve up homemade ice cream and dessert specialties such as banana splits, sundaes, floats and more in one large menu. They also have an 18-hole mini-golf course and arcade to play games and win prizes. The whole family will love a trip to Duffer's!

Sue Krawitz Tandoc:  Wildwood offers unlimited family fun and entertainment for your Jersey Shore vacation. There are a wide selection of attractions with over 100 rides on 3 amusement piers, water parks, mini golf, arcades and much more. Have fun in the ocean with miles upon miles of beaches, and a bustling boardwalk filled with games, shops, and restaurants to satisfy every craving for both adults and kids. Special family-friendly events are featured throughout the year too! You and your family will love the excitement of Wildwood for your vacation!

Sue Krawitz Tandoc:  Wildwood Crest offers a fun family vacation. The beach and ocean offer unlimited play and fun in the sun. There are also recreation facilities such a parks, playgrounds and bike paths to enjoy. Your family will love the many events such as concerts, festivals, sports, fitness and more. When your crew needs to refuel, enjoy the many restaurants from causal to sit-down, from seafood to ice cream.

For more family fun, head over to the main Wildwood Boardwalk and enjoy rides, games, arcades, mini-golf, waterparks, shops and more.

Tim Ponisciak:  If you are hitting the Jersey Shore, check out Morey's Piers in Wildwood! These amusement parks are a ton of fun and are located right on the boardwalk! Looking for thrill rides? Check out the Great White, a classic wooden rollercoaster. There are also swing rides, go karts, tower rides and a tilt-a-whirl. Make sure to check out the water park as well.

Sue Krawitz Tandoc:  A trip down the shore is not complete without a visit to Sundae Best for homemade delectable ice cream. They feature unique and tempting flavors daily, designed for both kids and adults. Popular kid favorites are Peanut Butter & Jelly, Cotton Candy, Smurf and Cookies & Cream. Adults may flip for Salted Caramel, Red Raspberry Chocolate, Grilled Pineapple and Bananas Foster. They also offer homemade water ice to beat the heat. Whether served in a homemade cone, dish or as a sundae, the ice cream at Sundae Best will give your family a Summer dessert to remember!

Sue Krawitz Tandoc:  Buccaneer Ice Cream & Candies is an Avalon tradition for family fun! They feature interactive entertainment with juggling, magic and piano shows along with superior frozen treats. They boast 32 unique flavors of ice cream including Superman, Maine Blueberry, Lobster Claws and Bubble Gum, homemade cones and waffle bowls, pirate sundaes and the famous Shipwreck with 12 scoops and 15 toppings served in a pirate hat! They also offer milkshakes, floats, water ice, Gelati and a wide selection of toppings to satisfy everyone's sweet tooth.

Avalon offers a more relaxed beach setting than some of the other southern New Jersey towns. Check out the miles of beaches, go fishing, learn how to stand-up paddleboard or go mini-golfing!

Sea Isle City is a great little town for your family to visit. It is not quite as big as some of the more well-known beach towns along the south Jersey shore, but there will be more for mom and dad to do as there are some great restaurants and bars along Ocean Drive!

Sue Krawitz Tandoc:  Piccini's is a family-favorite restaurant in Ocean City for your Jersey Shore vacation. They feature a menu of tempting gourmet wood fired brick oven pizza with unique options such as Philly Cheesesteak, Barbecued Chicken, Taco and many fresh seafood choices such as Clams Casino and Crab Portofino. They also have a wide selection of chicken, pasta and seafood dishes, salads and calzones. For the kiddos, traditional kid's fare is featured on their very own menu. This is your perfect lunch or dinner in OC!