Ocean County Highlights for NJ Families

Established in 1850, Ocean County has become one of the fastest growing areas in the state. In close proximity to New York City, Philadelphia and Atlantic City, this area has appeal to vacationers and potential residents. Ocean County’s laid-back beach communities, great restaurants and playful hangouts make it a popular destination during the warm months. Take a look at this list of our top picks for NJ kids and families in Ocean County and plan some family fun!

Arts and Culture – Ocean County wants to show your family a great time! See a show, help feed the penguins or go back in “mari-time.”

The Strand Theatre, Lakewood, NJ

This classic theatre has been entertaining Jersey Shore residents since 1922. The theatre features family-friendly productions like The Wizard of Oz and Cinderella (both starting in May) and offers Movie Camps and Musical Theatre Workshops for kids. Click here for their event listings and here for a look at the summer youth workshops they are offering. (732) 367-7789

Jenkinson’s Aquarium, Point Pleasant Beach, NJ

This aquarium isn’t the biggest, but it’s great for children and located right on the boardwalk in Point Pleasant Beach, NJ. The kids will love to get up close and personal with sharks, penguins and seals. Plus, the touch tank gives them a chance to touch different types of sea creatures, including a sting ray. The zoo’s website has some pre- and post-visit packets available for download here to make your day more fun and educational. They also offer birthday parties, click here for details. Admission is $6/Child for kids 3 – 12 and $10/Adult. Children under 2 are free. 732-892-0600

Tuckerton Seaport, Tuckerton, NJ

Experience “living history” at this interactive working maritime village. Activities include events, exhibits, festivals, live aquatic displays, boat builders, entertainment and much more. Check out historic houseboats, learn about clamming, tour Tucker’s Island Lighthouse, visit Hotel DeCrab or choose from a host of other buildings to visit. (609) 296-8868

Playgrounds and Parks – With its selection of state and county parks, playgrounds and nature preserves, Ocean County offers many places to get outdoors with your NJ kids.

Ocean County Park, Lakewood, NJ 

Sitting on 323 acres of land, Ocean County Park was once part of John D. Rockefeller’s vacation estate. The park offers playgrounds, a large swimming lake, fishing, tennis courts, beach volleyball, a driving range and much more. The Amphitheatre hosts productions such as Lakeside Children’s Theater, which puts on kid-friendly productions in July and August. The large picnic areas can even be reserved (for a small fee) for parties for up to 700 people! For families with dogs, there is a 5-acre off-leash dog park. (877) 627-2757

Barnegat Lighthouse State Park, Barnegat, NJ

Get down to Long Beach Island and take the kids to see Old Barney! Barnegat Lighthouse is more than 150 years old and is still lit. If you climb the lighthouse, you will be dazzled at the panoramic view of Island Beach, Barnegat Bay and LBI. While you are there, check out the Barnegat Lighthouse Interpretive Center and learn about the history of the lighthouse and nature in the area. The park also affords trails, fishing, picnicking and much more! (609) 494-2016

Cattus Island County Park, Toms River, NJ 

A popular destination for many local school field trips, Cattus Island is waiting for your family to explore! Sitting on 530-acres, this park boasts miles of nature trails, boardwalks through the wetlands, crabbing, fishing, picnicking and more. The Butterfly Garden is host to many unusual plants that attract different butterflies. The Cooper Environmental Center will get your kids up close with native reptiles and other creatures. Plus, kids can learn seining and take ecology and estuary tours. (732) 270-6960

Castle Park II, Toms River, NJ 

This playground is a family-favorite in the area. It offers multiple play sets for different age groups, a climbing rock, a rocking boat, swings and more. There are also many games to play and a water feature for hot days. The playground is located at Oak Avenue and North Bay Avenue in Toms River.

Sunset Park, Harvey Cedars, LBI, NJ 

Sunset Park is not only a great place to watch – you guessed it – the sun set, it’s also close to the beach and offers a fantastic playground, including a big pirate ship! There is also a bay walkway, tennis courts, basketball court, ball field and more! The park is located at Holly Avenue and W. Salem Avenue in Harvey Cedars, Long Beach Island.

Must-Visit Shops and Good Eats – There are many shore favorites in Ocean County, but here are some of my personal favorites.

Surf Taco, Point Pleasant Beach, NJ 

Go back to where it all began. The original Surf Taco in Point Pleasant Beach is the best of the beach food! Simple “coastal cuisine” featuring a “unique blend of Surf Mex Tacos, burritos, wraps and salads.” Surf Taco is low-key and very family-friendly and the prices are great. Coming off the beach and craving some tacos? This is the place to stop! (732) 701-9000

Dorcas of Bay Head, Bay Head, NJ 

This charming eatery resides in a Victorian house in the center of Bay Head, a quiet beach community with lots of local allure. Only a few blocks from the beach, Dorcas serves lunch until 3pm, and breakfast all day. Its full old-fashioned soda fountain is open from 7pm – 10pm, and it’s a great place to get sundaes and milkshakes. (732) 899-9365

La Scala Italian Pastry Shop, Toms River, NJ

La Scala is a family-owned bakery specializing in Italian desserts for decades. Many of the old Italian bakeries in Ocean County have closed over the years, but this place is still going strong. From cannoli to seasonal delights like pizza rustica or struffoli, La Scala is sure to satisfy even the toughest critic. (732) 286-3686

Labrador Lounge, Normandy Beach, NJ 

This family-friendly spot boasts casual “vacation cuisine in a laid-back, sea shore atmosphere.” During the warmer months, you can dine outside. Not your run-of-the-mill Jersey Shore beach fare, the Labrador Lounge’s menu offers items like smoked tuna sliders and short rib disco fries. They also offer a sushi menu. (732) 830-5770

Ocean Hut Surf Shop, Lavallette, NJ 

My personal favorite surf shop of all time, “O Hut” has been serving the sleeping beach community of Lavallette since 1975. The owner Tony is always around if you want to chat about his products or what the waves will be like in the morning. They offer clothes, shoes, accessories and of course, boards and everything you need to surf/skate, etc. A tradition in my family, I still buy my yearly flip flops there. (732) 793-3400

Sarah’s Kittles, Point Pleasant, NJ 

This cute clothing store carries great options for infants and children. Featuring brands like Ragdolls, Rockets, Dogwood and much more, the store carries sizes from newborn to size 14. Don’t forget to check out their adorable accessory collection! (732) 295-5744

Activities and Places to Play – If you are looking for some fun in the sun, look no further! Check out these Ocean County destinations including beaches, boardwalks, a pirate’s cave of fun and an infamous adventure destination.

The Beaches of Ocean County, NJ 

There is no better place to play on a warm summer’s day than on the beach. Here is a listing of all the beaches beautiful Ocean County has to offer. Most Jersey Shore beaches are free before Memorial Day, but on nice weekends, expect to pay even before that date. Beach pricing varies widely, so call the location before heading out to determine what it will cost you. Island Beach State Park offers both bay and quiet, open ocean beaches and if you come in by car, it will cost you $6/car on weekdays and $10/car on weekends and holidays, but visitors on bikes and foot are free.

Jenkinson’s Boardwalk, Point Pleasant Beach, NJ 

If you are yearning for the smell of funnel cake, cool ocean breezes and the sounds of the waves crashing – you need to visit Jenkinson’s. This mile-long boardwalk is a huge attraction for families during the summer months. Attractions include miniature golf, multiple arcades, the fun house, amusement rides and more! Don’t miss the boardwalk-ilicious food! Visit the famous “Kohr’s” stand for orangeade and boardwalk fries, satisfy your cravings at the Sweet Shop with fresh salt water taffy and fudge or Inlet for cheese steaks and hot dogs. It’s the perfect kiddie paradise on a warm summer evening without the TV cameras and crowds like the “other” boardwalk.

Six Flags Great Adventure, Jackson, NJ 

One of the most popular theme parks in the country, Six Flags Great Adventure in Jackson is a wildly popular family destination. Features like Kingda Ka, the tallest roller coaster in the world and the fastest in North America; the drive-thru Wild Safari, where animals roam free and concerts make this theme park an adventure for all ages. If you plan on visiting regularly over the summer, pick up season passes; learn more here. (732) 928-1821

Mantoloking Bridge Fishing Pier, Mantoloking, NJ 

Arguably one of the best crabbing spots in Ocean County, the Mantoloking Bridge Fishing Pier is a great place to take your little angler. (I remember spending many a summer morning there myself.) Head on over to Pell’s Bait & Tackle, down the road a bit, for all your supplies, including live bait! The Fishing Pier is located at 30 Mantoloking Road, right on the bridge.

Blackbeard’s Cave & C.B. Huntington’s Restaurant, Bayville, NJ 

Blackbeard’s is a kid’s entertainment delight, featuring paint ball, a kiddie park (with rides and more fun!), mini golf, a train, water wars, an arcade, go carts and much more. While you are there, be sure to visit their restaurant C.B. Huntington’s. A train-themed eatery, this place will speak to kids of all ages. They offer a BBQ menu, salads, sandwiches, burgers, pizza, steak, chicken and so much more. There is also a kid’s menu for diners under 10 years old and an all-you-can-eat breakfast buffet on Sunday mornings. This is a must-do for an afternoon of family fun! (732) 286-4414