Vacations Blog

Summer Vacation at the Jersey Shore

Hana Wolf is a seasoned attorney turned expert “mom traveler” who decided to take a break from practicing law to help other parents with the inherent challenges of traveling with children. She is now the CEO and Co-Founder of LittleJetSet.com, an online store that sells travel games, toys, puzzles, arts and crafts, and countless other fun activities for families on the go, as well as a wide array of children’s luggage, backpacks, wash bags and other travel accessories.

I am a Jersey Girl and proud of it. While my days of big hair, hanging out at the mall, and listening to Bon Jovi are over, my love of the beach and affection for the Jersey Shore are enduring, and I give it top billing for summer family vacations.

New Jersey boasts 127 miles of coastline along the Atlantic Ocean and almost 50 public beaches, with daily admission for all but a few ranging in price from free to $8. If your main objective is keeping the kids entertained, then head for Point Pleasant Beach (Garden State Parkway Exit 98), where you will find expansive beaches and a mile-long boardwalk with arcades, amusements, games, rides and restaurants in abundance. There is a fun house, batting cages, miniature golf, and my personal favorite, Jenkinson’s Aquarium. Located on the north end of the boardwalk, this little gem has sharks, sea lions, penguins, sea rays, an albino alligator, tropical fish, birds, snakes, and much more. Throughout the summer, there are special programs and events for the entire family including movies on the beach, Thursday night fireworks, family yoga and dance, and talent contests, to name just a few.

If you can tear yourself away from the beach, head to Surf Taco for outrageous fish tacos, a free salsa bar, surfing movies, and a game of Connect Four while you wait for your food. And for dessert – head to Strollo’s Lighthouse Italian Ice. Strollo’s is synonymous with summer at the Jersey Shore. My order – large dish of orange Italian ice with vanilla soft serve. Skip the tiny squeeze cup. You’re on vacation!

Even though Point Pleasant Beach is only 1.7 square miles, there is no shortage of lodging. Choose from gracious Victorian inns, beachfront resorts and motels in all price ranges. The boardwalk can get a bit loud and rowdy at night on the weekends, so I would recommend staying just south of the boardwalk or off of Ocean Avenue if you’re a light sleeper. And, just in case you were wondering, there is a mall 2 miles away. More information here.

While your kids’ happiness is guaranteed once you hit the beach, the same does not hold true for the car ride there. In my capacity as expert “mom traveler,” I must advise that boredom, discomfort and hunger equal travel disaster, so be sure to pack snacks and plenty of entertainment for the road. Some of my favorite travel games, toys and activities for the car are: Find It at the Beach; Are We There Yet; Map of the USA Sticker Set Play Scene; and Sketch + Draw + Color Ocean.