Are you searching for a memorable and entertaining family vacation? Look no further than Atlantic City, where you can experience a plethora of kid-centric activities and attractions that the whole family will love. From thrilling amusement parks and interactive museums to beautiful beaches and lively entertainment venues, Atlantic City offers a diverse range of options for every age and interest. Get ready to create lasting memories and embark on an unforgettable adventure filled with family-friendly fun in Atlantic City!
Beach and Boardwalk
Enjoy a day at the beach
When you visit Atlantic City, you simply can’t miss the opportunity to spend a relaxing day at the beach. With miles of pristine coastline, the beach beckons you to sink your toes into the soft sand and soak up the sun. Whether you’re looking to swim, build sandcastles, or simply relax under an umbrella, the beach offers endless opportunities for fun and relaxation for the whole family. Don’t forget to pack your beach essentials such as sunscreen, towels, and a beach ball to make the most of your day in the sand and surf.
Stroll along the iconic boardwalk
The Atlantic City Boardwalk is an iconic landmark that stretches for four miles along the coastline. Taking a leisurely stroll along the boardwalk is a must-do activity for any visitor. From boutique shops to souvenir stands, there’s something for everyone along this bustling promenade. As you wander, you’ll also find a variety of eateries offering delicious treats such as saltwater taffy and funnel cakes. The boardwalk is also lined with amusement piers and arcades, so there’s no shortage of entertainment options for the whole family to enjoy.
Try out mini-golf on the boardwalk
One of the highlights of the Atlantic City Boardwalk is the opportunity to play mini-golf with your family. Mini-golf courses on the boardwalk offer a unique and enjoyable experience for visitors of all ages. Challenge each other to a friendly game as you navigate through creative and themed courses. From pirate adventures to underwater worlds, each course offers its own set of challenges and obstacles that will keep you entertained and engaged. Mini-golf on the boardwalk is a fun-filled activity that will create lasting memories for the entire family.
Family-Friendly Hotels
Choose a hotel with kid-friendly amenities
When planning your family trip to Atlantic City, it’s important to choose a hotel that caters to the needs of children. Look for hotels that offer kid-friendly amenities such as a children’s play area, game room, or even a dedicated kids’ club. These amenities will ensure that your little ones are entertained and happy throughout your stay. Some hotels even provide childproofing services and offer cribs or rollaway beds for added convenience. By choosing a hotel with kid-friendly amenities, you can ensure that your family has a comfortable and enjoyable stay.
Find hotels with onsite children’s activities
To make your family vacation even more exciting, consider staying at a hotel that offers onsite children’s activities. These activities can range from arts and crafts workshops to movie nights and treasure hunts. By participating in these organized activities, your children can socialize with other kids and have a blast while you have some time to relax and unwind. Some hotels even offer special events and themed days to keep children entertained throughout their stay. Keep an eye out for hotels that prioritize family-friendly experiences to enhance your vacation experience.
Look for hotels with water parks or pools
One of the best ways to beat the summer heat and keep the kids entertained is by staying at a hotel with its own water park or pool. Many hotels in Atlantic City boast impressive water parks featuring thrilling slides, splash zones, and lazy rivers. This allows your family to enjoy hours of fun in the sun without ever leaving the hotel premises. If a water park isn’t available, make sure the hotel has a pool suitable for children. A pool area with shallow sections and fun water features will ensure that your little ones have a splashing good time during your vacation.
Atlantic City Aquarium
Discover marine life from around the world
A visit to the Atlantic City Aquarium is a must for families who love marine life. This incredible attraction showcases a diverse range of marine species from around the world. From colorful tropical fish to majestic sharks, you’ll have the opportunity to see these beautiful creatures up close and personal. Interactive exhibits and educational displays provide a wealth of information about the importance of marine conservation and the unique ecosystems found in our oceans.
Attend interactive shows and feedings
One of the highlights of the Atlantic City Aquarium is its interactive shows and feedings. Watch in awe as divers plunge into the tanks to feed the marine animals, and learn about their feeding habits and behaviors. Interactive shows allow children to touch and interact with certain marine creatures while learning interesting facts about them. These shows are not only educational but also highly entertaining for the whole family.
Explore the touch tanks
At the Atlantic City Aquarium, children have the opportunity to get hands-on with marine life at the touch tanks. These tanks are specifically designed to allow visitors to touch and interact with various marine creatures such as starfish and stingrays. Children can gently touch these fascinating creatures while learning about their unique characteristics and adaptations. The touch tanks provide an immersive and interactive experience that will leave a lasting impression on both children and adults alike.
Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Museum
Marvel at bizarre exhibits and oddities
For a truly unique and mind-boggling experience, a visit to Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Museum is a must. This captivating museum is filled with bizarre exhibits and oddities that will leave you in awe. From shrunken heads to optical illusions, you’ll encounter strange and fascinating artifacts from around the world. Explore rooms filled with peculiar objects and learn about the unbelievable stories behind them. It’s a place where curiosity knows no bounds and where the extraordinary comes to life.
Participate in interactive exhibits
Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Museum is not just a place to observe strange artifacts; it’s also an interactive playground for the curious. Many exhibits, such as the Mindball game or the Giant Bubble displays, invite visitors to actively participate and engage with the displays. These interactive exhibits make the museum experience even more enjoyable for children and adults alike. Get ready to challenge your senses and unravel the mysteries behind the weird and wonderful exhibits.
Take a tour of the mummy room
One of the most fascinating sections of Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Museum is the mummy room. Step into a world shrouded in mystery as you explore the eerie realm of ancient Egyptian mummies. Learn about the rituals and practices of ancient civilizations as you encounter well-preserved mummies and artifacts from centuries past. The mummy room offers a unique opportunity to delve into the history and culture of ancient civilizations, making it an unforgettable experience for the whole family.
Absecon Lighthouse
Climb to the top of New Jersey’s tallest lighthouse
For a breathtaking view of Atlantic City and its surroundings, make a stop at the Absecon Lighthouse. As you ascend the 228 steps, you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views from the top. The climb may be a bit challenging, but the view from the observation deck is well worth the effort. Take your time to admire the sweeping vistas of the ocean, city skyline, and the surrounding landscape. It’s a perfect spot to snap family photos and create lasting memories.
Learn about its fascinating history
The Absecon Lighthouse has a rich history dating back to the mid-1800s. During your visit, take the time to explore the lighthouse’s museum and learn about its fascinating past. Discover stories of shipwrecks, courageous lighthouse keepers, and the important role the lighthouse played in guiding ships along the coast. The museum provides a glimpse into the maritime history of Atlantic City and offers an educational experience for visitors of all ages.
Enjoy panoramic views of Atlantic City
Once you reach the top of the Absecon Lighthouse, you’ll be greeted with breathtaking panoramic views of Atlantic City. From this vantage point, you can admire the pristine beaches, bustling boardwalk, and the vibrant cityscape. The view is particularly stunning during sunrise or sunset, as the sky transforms into a canvas of vibrant colors. Don’t forget to bring your camera to capture these awe-inspiring views of Atlantic City from atop New Jersey’s tallest lighthouse.
Steel Pier Amusement Park
Experience thrilling rides and attractions
Steel Pier Amusement Park is a must-visit destination for families seeking thrilling adventures. From towering roller coasters to heart-pounding drop towers, the park offers an adrenaline rush for visitors of all ages. Experience the thrill of speed and height as you soar through the air on the park’s iconic rides. With a variety of attractions to choose from, there’s something to satisfy every thrill-seeker in the family. From classic Ferris wheels to spinning teacups, there’s no shortage of fun and excitement at Steel Pier.
Play carnival games and win prizes
In addition to its exhilarating rides, Steel Pier Amusement Park also features a wide array of carnival games. Test your skills and try your luck at games such as ring toss, basketball shooting, and water races. With a little practice and a dash of luck, you could walk away with fantastic prizes to commemorate your visit. It’s a great opportunity for some friendly competition among family members and a chance to bring home a memorable souvenir.
Watch exciting performances at the Showboat
While visiting Steel Pier, be sure to catch one of the exciting performances at the Showboat. From mesmerizing magic shows to acrobatic displays, the entertainment lineup at the Showboat is sure to impress. Settle into your seat and prepare to be captivated by the incredible talent on display. These performances add an extra layer of excitement and entertainment to your visit to Steel Pier, ensuring that every moment spent at the amusement park is filled with laughter and joy.
Central Pier Arcade
Enjoy classic arcade games
For a nostalgic trip down memory lane, head to the Central Pier Arcade. This arcade is a haven for classic arcade game enthusiasts. From Pac-Man to pinball machines, you’ll find a wide selection of timeless games that will transport you back to your childhood. Challenge your family members to a friendly competition and see who can rack up the highest score. The arcade provides hours of entertainment and endless fun for gamers of all ages.
Try your luck at the crane machines
The Central Pier Arcade is famous for its crane machine games, where players can try to snag prizes using a strategically placed claw. Test your hand-eye coordination and see if you have what it takes to win a plush toy or other exciting prizes. The excitement and anticipation as you maneuver the claw towards your desired prize is a thrill that both children and adults can enjoy. Who knows, you might walk away with a prized possession as a souvenir of your visit.
Exchange tickets for prizes at the redemption center
As you play games at the Central Pier Arcade, you’ll accumulate tickets based on your performance. These tickets can be exchanged for a variety of fun prizes at the redemption center. From small trinkets to larger items, there’s something for everyone to choose from. Let your children revel in the joy of selecting their own rewards and celebrate their victories. The redemption center adds an extra level of excitement and reward to your arcade experience.
Gardener’s Basin
Visit the Atlantic City Historical Museum
Gardener’s Basin is not only a beautiful waterfront area but also home to the Atlantic City Historical Museum. Take a break from the hustle and bustle of the city and delve into the rich history of Atlantic City. Explore exhibits that showcase the city’s past, including its origins as a popular seaside resort and the birth of the boardwalk. The museum provides an educational experience for the whole family, allowing you to learn about the fascinating history that shaped Atlantic City.
Explore the Atlantic City Arts Center
In addition to its historical museum, Gardener’s Basin is also home to the Atlantic City Arts Center. This vibrant art space showcases the work of local and regional artists, offering a diverse range of artistic styles and mediums. Take a stroll through the galleries and admire the impressive artwork on display. The Atlantic City Arts Center often hosts rotating exhibitions, ensuring there’s always something new to discover. It’s a great opportunity to expose your children to the world of art and creativity.
Take a boat tour or rent a kayak
Gardener’s Basin is the perfect place to embark on a boat tour or rent kayaks for a waterfront adventure. Explore the beautiful waterways surrounding Atlantic City and enjoy a unique perspective of the city’s skyline. Boat tours provide informative guides who share interesting facts and stories about the area, making it an educational and enjoyable experience for the whole family. For a more active adventure, rent a kayak and paddle along the calm waters, taking in the scenic views at your own pace.
Atlantic City Miniature Golf
Play a round of mini-golf with the family
Mini-golf is a classic family activity, and Atlantic City offers a variety of miniature golf courses to choose from. Grab your putter and challenge your family members to a friendly game. Navigate through specially designed holes that offer a mix of fun and challenging obstacles. Mini-golf is a great way to spend quality time with your loved ones while enjoying some friendly competition and laughter.
Choose from various themed courses
Atlantic City’s mini-golf courses offer a wide range of themes, making each round a unique and exciting adventure. Whether you prefer a pirate-themed course or a tropical jungle setting, there’s a mini-golf course to suit every preference. Immerse yourself in the imaginative and colorful worlds created by these themed courses, adding an extra element of fun to your mini-golf experience.
Enjoy the colorful and challenging obstacles
Mini-golf is all about navigating through obstacles and tricky shots, and Atlantic City’s courses deliver on both fronts. From winding tunnels to spinning windmills, each hole presents a new challenge that will test your putting skills. The colorful and creative obstacles add an extra level of excitement and fun to the game, ensuring that every round is filled with anticipation and laughter.
Family-Friendly Dining
Find restaurants with kids’ menus
When it’s time to refuel after a fun-filled day, Atlantic City offers a variety of family-friendly dining options. Look for restaurants that offer a dedicated kids’ menu, featuring dishes that cater to the taste buds of young ones. These menus often include classic favorites such as chicken tenders, macaroni and cheese, and mini hamburgers. With options tailored to children, you can ensure that everyone in the family will find something they love to eat.
Look for eateries with play areas or entertainment
To make your dining experience even more enjoyable for the kids, seek out restaurants that have play areas or entertainment options. Some eateries feature designated play areas where children can burn off some energy while waiting for their food to arrive. Others might offer live entertainment such as magicians or balloon artists to keep the little ones entertained throughout the meal. Dining at a restaurant with additional entertainment ensures that the whole family can enjoy a relaxing and stress-free dining experience.
Enjoy family-friendly buffets
Buffets are a great option for families with picky eaters or those who simply like to have a variety of choices. Atlantic City offers a range of family-friendly buffets that cater to all tastes. From kid-friendly favorites like pizza and pasta to a variety of international dishes, you’ll find a wide selection that is sure to please even the pickiest eaters. Buffets also offer the opportunity to try different foods and encourage children to explore new flavors.
When it comes to family-friendly fun in Atlantic City, the options are endless. From sandy beaches and thrilling amusement parks to interactive museums and mini-golf courses, there’s something for every member of your family to enjoy. So pack your bags, gather the family, and get ready for an unforgettable vacation filled with laughter, excitement, and cherished memories in the heart of Atlantic City.