The Jersey Shore took a direct hit from Hurricane Sandy, but if you think the beach is closed for the summer, think again!  The cleanup continues, but there’s still tons to do at the shore this year and NJ Kids has got your Top 25 Family Fun activities to get your started! Visit the shore – keep New Jersey strong!

  1. Waddle like a penguin at Jenkinson’s Aquarium in Point Pleasant and then try your hand at an arcade game along the boardwalk.
  2. Amble along the paths and fragrant flowers at the Edith Duff Gwinn Garden on Long Beach Island.
  3. Enjoy a horse drawn carriage ride through the historic streets of Cape May.
  4. Spread out the blanket and catch a blockbuster movie on the beach – the Shore Flicks film series is back for another summer.  Check individual town’s websites for dates and times.
  5. Discover history and nature at Sandy Hook Gateway National Recreational Area.
  6. Take a cruise along Toms River and Barnegat Bay aboard the River Lady.
  7. Escape for a night away to Atlantic City (okay, this isn’t a family activity, but think how much more energy you’ll have after you’ve recharged your Mommy and Daddy batteries!).
  8. Hike along a salt marsh trail and catch a glimpse of migrating birds at the Wetlands Institute in Stone Harbor.
  9. Climb to 200 feet above sea level and get beautiful views of Manhattan at the Twins Light Historic Lighthouse in Highlands.
  10. Learn about maritime history at the NJ Maritime Museum in Beach Haven.
  11. Grab a shovel and bucket and join the fun at the NJ Sandcastle Contest in Belmar on July 18th….
  12. …. or grab your camera and take a wildlife photo safari at the Popcorn Zoo in Forked River.
  13. Splash down slippery, spine-tingling water slides at Keansburg Runaway Rapids.
  14. Bug–out at the Wildwood insectarium….
  15. …or peek at the creepy crawlies at Insectropolis in Toms River.
  16. Tee up and go for a hole at a Jersey Shore mini-golf course.
  17. Bring your binoculars and spy birds and wildlife at the Cape May National Wildlife Refuge.
  18. Canter over to Monmouth Park Racetrack on August 4 for Family Fun Day.
  19. Pack a picnic and dig your feet into the sand.  Don’t forget a pail to collect shells (or visit the Discovery Sea Shell Museum in Ocean City).
  20. Cool off at the Asbury Splash Park on the Asbury Park boardwalk.
  21. Take in a fireworks show on the beach – weekly in Asbury Park, Point Pleasant and other shore beaches.
  22. Pretend to be a doctor, shop in a country store or work on a construction zone at the Jersey Shore Children’s Museum in Egg Township.
  23. Hop onto a party boat for a half or full day fishing trip and try your hand at catching the big one.
  24. Watch the sunrise along the boardwalk in Seaside Heights or Belmar or Neptune or Manasquan or…
  25. Or chase fireflies along the water’s edge in Lavallette or Highlands or Mantoloking or….