New Fun Spots for Kids Opening at the Jersey Shore

Kids will be thrilled with the new rides at Casino Pier. Photo courtesy of Casino Piers
Kids will be thrilled with the new rides at Casino Pier. Photo courtesy of Casino Piers

From Keansburg to Ocean City, and at several boardwalks in between, lots of new, family-friendly spots and attractions are opening up this summer at the Jersey Shore. Read on for our roundup of more than a dozen new spots, including play areas, parks, new rides, and places to get food and treats.

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Food

Ben & Jerry's – Ocean City
What could be better than enjoying a scoop of Chunky Monkey ice cream while strolling down the Ocean City Boardwalk? You'll get your chance this summer with the opening of a new Ben & Jerry's location in late May.

Hamburger Patty's – Keyport
Headed to Keansburg Amusement Park? About 10 minutes away is a new burger joint called Hamburger Patty's with some unique options for burger toppings and hand-cut fries. The restaurant is founded by the creators of Staten Island's popular The Phunky Elephant Gastropub.


Santucci's square pizza will now be available in Ocean City, New Jersey. Photo courtesy of Santucci's

Santucci's – Ocean City
Philadelphians flock to Santucci's for its trademark square pizza, and now this famous pizza joint is expanding to Ocean City. Grab a slice on the boardwalk right next to Curly Fries.

Steak 'em Up – Wildwood
This famous Philly cheese steak shop is coming to the Wildwood boardwalk. Enjoy everything from ice cream to pizza to breakfast to (you guessed it) cheese steaks.

Tower Dogs – Asbury Park
A hot dog piled high with bacon, eggs, and buffalo mayo?!? Or wrapped in a waffle? Coming soon to Asbury Park is Tower Dogs, where unique dogs are the bill of fare. You can also find burgers, chicken tenders, fries, and bunch of different types of pretzel nuggets on the menu.

Fun

Pier Village Carousel – Long Branch
Pier Village fans will be happy to hear that a new carousel is coming to this upscale boardwalk this summer as part of an expansion that will (by 2020) include a hotel, condos, and retail/restaurant space. The classic carousel will host a stable of 42 hand-carved wooden horses that are sure to delight riders young and old. The pavilion will be heated when the weather cools down, so enjoy this attraction year-round.

New Rides at Casino Pier and Breakwater Beach – Seaside Heights
This combo amusement park is packed with games, rides, arcades, food stands, and water park attractions. Add to the list several new family-friendly attractions for 2019, including as flying elephants, crazy cabs, and a mermaid parade.

RELATED: Jenkinson's Boardwalk Adds Three New Rides for Summer 2019


Thrills await on the new family-friendly Runaway Tram roller coaster. Photo courtesy of Morey's Piers

Runaway Tram, Morey’s Piers – Wildwoods
In honor of its 50th anniversary, Morey's Piers will debut a new family-friendly coaster: the Runaway Tram. Inspired by the iconic Wildwood sightseer tramcars, the Runaway Tram features 10 two-person passenger cars that climb 40 feet before coasting, twisting and turning riders along 922 feet of track.

Surfside Park – Avalon 
This new recreation complex will feature brand-new playground equipment, a lawn play area, new bathrooms, and plenty of entertainment all summer long, including outdoor movies and shows for kids on Monday nights.

The Little Point Bookshop – Point Pleasant Beach
Pick up the perfect beach book at this cute little bookshop, which sells new and used books, gifts, cards, and event hosts book clubs and birthday parties for all ages.

Play Area, Ocean County Mall – Toms River
"PLAY" is an interactive state-of-the-art soft play area (sponsored by RWJBarnabas Health) that has a forest theme and activities like a Stomp Light Tower, interactive play panels, a stone bridge, and even a resident dragon!

Urban Air Adventure Park – Toms River
When the weather isn't beachy, head to NJ's newest Urban Air location for some indoor fun, including trampolines, a ninja warrior course, climbing walls, foam pit, virtual reality, and more. Opening soon!

Boarding House – Cape May
The modern, surf-inspired hotel has unique architectural touches (like surfboard racks in all the rooms). Guests get complimentary access to the Montreal Beach Resort (includes two chaise lounges and one umbrella per room). Suites and dog-friendly rooms are available.

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