Philadelphia, PA
- There are many kid activities on Long Beach Island, NJ, to enjoy with the whole family. Many local attractions include the Settler's Mill Adventure Golf Course and Brant Beach. These include the Fantasy Island Amusement Park, the Thundering Surf Waterpark, and Our Endless Summer. The area also features several family-friendly restaurants and nightlife options. Read on to find out more about these activities.
Long Beach Island, New Jersey, is a premier family vacation destination renowned for its 18 miles of beautiful sandy beaches. But when the kids are ready for a break from building sandcastles, LBI offers a treasure trove of exciting and memorable activities. From classic amusement park thrills and splashing water slides to swashbuckling pirate adventures and historic lighthouse climbs, the island is packed with fun for all ages. Here is your guide to the top 10 kid-friendly attractions on Long Beach Island.
Amusements, Water Parks & Classic Fun:
- Fantasy Island Amusement Park (Beach Haven) A quintessential shore experience, Fantasy Island is LBI's beloved amusement park. Centrally located in Beach Haven, it offers a clean, safe, and fun environment with classic carnival rides like a Ferris wheel and bumper cars, a beautiful carousel, boardwalk-style games, and a large, modern arcade. It's the perfect spot for an evening of family fun after a day in the sun.
- Thundering Surf Waterpark (Beach Haven) Right next door to Fantasy Island, Thundering Surf Waterpark provides hours of splashing fun. The park features six massive water slides for thrill-seekers, a lazy river, a dedicated toddler area for the little ones, and even a FlowRider for those who want to try their hand at surfing. Parents can relax knowing their kids are having a blast in a safe, family-run park that has been an LBI staple since 1977.
- Settler's Mill Adventure Golf (Beach Haven) Connected to Thundering Surf, Settler's Mill offers one of the best miniature golf experiences on the island. This beautifully landscaped 18-hole course winds through caves, under waterfalls, and across a suspended bridge, providing a fun challenge for all ages. The complex also includes an old-fashioned ice cream parlor for a post-game treat.
- Flamingo Miniature Golf Course (Ship Bottom) For a classic, old-school mini-golf game, head to the iconic pink-and-blue Flamingo Miniature Golf Course in Ship Bottom. This traditional course offers a fun, straightforward challenge, culminating in a famous prize hole. It's a cash-only establishment that captures the nostalgic charm of the Jersey Shore.
Interactive Adventures & Unique Experiences:
- Black Pearl Pirate Adventures (Beach Haven) Ahoy, mateys! The Black Pearl offers a one-of-a-kind interactive adventure for kids on the bay. Families are greeted by a crew of trained pirates who dress the kids in pirate garb and lead them on a swashbuckling journey complete with water cannons, treasure maps, and high-seas fun. It's an immersive and entertaining boat ride that kids will talk about long after vacation ends.
- Escape LBI (Beach Haven) For older kids, teens, and families looking for a brain-teasing challenge, Escape LBI offers exciting escape rooms. Work together as a team to solve puzzles, find clues, and complete your mission within the time limit. It's a great rainy-day activity or a fun break from the beach. Pro-tip: After your escape, celebrate at the acclaimed Black Whale Bar & Fish House, located just a few blocks away.
Nature, History & Culture:
- Barnegat Lighthouse State Park (Barnegat Light) Visit the northern tip of LBI to see "Old Barney," the iconic Barnegat Lighthouse. Kids will love exploring this historic landmark and learning about its history at the interpretive center. The main event is climbing the 217 steps to the top for breathtaking panoramic views of the island, inlet, and Atlantic Ocean. The park is also an excellent place for fishing and walking along the jetty.
- New Jersey Maritime Museum (Beach Haven) A perfect indoor activity, the New Jersey Maritime Museum is packed with fascinating finds from the sea. Kids can explore exhibits featuring shipwreck artifacts recovered from the Jersey coast, intricate ship models, historical photos, and old navigation equipment. It's a great way to introduce children to the rich maritime history of the region.
- Surflight Theatre (Beach Haven) A beloved LBI institution, the professional Surflight Theatre offers fantastic mainstage productions for adults and, notably, a dedicated "Surflight Theatre for Kids" These shows are designed specifically for younger audiences, providing an excellent introduction to the magic of live theater in a classic beach-side setting.
- Explore Bay Village & Surrounding Shops (Beach Haven). Take a break from the rides and enjoy the charming Bay Village shopping hub. With its unique collection of boutiques, candy shops, and eateries, it's a great place to stroll. Don't miss the classic Country Kettle Fudge or the old-school Bay Village Arcade for some skeeball and video game fun.
Long Beach Island is a treasure chest of family-friendly activities that go far beyond the sand and surf. From thrilling amusement rides and water slides to interactive pirate adventures, historical explorations, and captivating live theater, LBI offers an endless array of opportunities for creating lasting family memories. Plan your adventures and get ready to experience all the fun the island has to offer!
