Top 15 family-friendly attractions at the Jersey Shore

Located in Beach Haven on Long Beach Island, Fantasy Island Park is a kid's paradise! It's loaded with games, amusement rides, a carousel, food and entertainment for kids of all ages. Be sure to check the Entertainment schedule for magic shows, game shows and other fun events over the summer!

It's the exciting place not too far from the shore "where the wild things are". Kids love Popcorn Park Zoo for two reasons: the exotic and domestic animals and the popcorn! Kids can see their favorite rescued animals up close - everything from turtles to mountain lions, camels and more! Plus, all proceeds from the admission fee are used to care for the animals and to help Popcorn Park Zoo's effort to rescue even more animals.

If you're looking for a unique and fun attraction, then bring the kids aboard the Sea Gypsy II for an exciting Pirate adventure with the Jersey Shore Pirates! Out "at sea", the kids can read a treasure map, battle "Pirate Pete" with water cannons and even gather treasures from the seas!

Since 1953, Lucky Leo's has grown to be a staple amusement at the Jersey Shore. Lucky Leo's can be summed up in two words: Action Packed! Located on Seaside Heights' busy boardwalk, it consists of a wide variety of boardwalk games with great prizes and an indoor area with an arcade with a Jersey favorite, skeeball! (Yes, it's OPEN this summer!)

In The Wildwoods, you’ll find amusements of just about every kind. Thrill rides, family rides, kiddie rides, games, golf, water sports… there is always something to do with a dozen ways to have fun, indoors and out!

Sure, riding on a train to New York City is fun for children, but taking advantage of the great summer weather and arriving there quickly by boat is so much better! Gather the kids and head aboard the SeaStreak Ferry for an unforgettable cruise experience that the kids will enjoy! Take in the beautiful views of the city plus enjoy the free parking and free admission for kids!

If you have animal lovers at home, then the Cape May County Zoo‘s extensive collection of all different species of animals in a beautiful natural environment is sure to impress. New in 2012 were the zoo’s adorable snow leopards, just one of over 250 species of various wildlife. Just recently this year, mother Snow Leopard Himani gave birth to 2 healthy cubs! Visitors enjoy the Cape May County Zoo’s clean grounds and relaxing atmosphere as well as its close proximity to the Jersey Shore – and did we mention, it’s FREE!

Looking for a unique educational experience for the kids? Bring them to the "Bugseum" at Insectropolis in Toms River! They'll learn about exotic and beautiful insects from all over the world including unique butterflies. With over a dozen exciting and educational exhibits, Insectropolis is a sure way to get your kid's imagination flowing with wonder!

Visit the Atlantic City Aquarium to enjoy an educational and hands-on experience with over 100 varieties of marine life. Located at the Historic Gardener's Basin waterfront, the aquarium allows visitors to not only explore different species at the exhibits but to also interact with sea creatures in aquarium's touch tanks. A great day trip for kids, the aquarium is adjacent to fun boat rides, shopping and great restaurants.

When is the last time the family went on an exciting camping excursion? Cedar Creek covers all the kids needs with canoeing and kayak adventures plus camping grounds to get the full experience of spending their time outdoors. As added bonus, there's a Sun and Fun Swim Zone, a playground and kids' favorite: pizza and ice cream!

The family fun at Jenkinson's Boardwalk is endless. Kids love the rides, games, mini golf, skeeball, batting cages and more! The classic Jersey Shore food is delicious. Located at the boardwalk as well is Jenkinson's Aquarium, where kids can explore the underwater world just a few feet away from the ocean!

Overlooking 6,000 acres of pristine coastal wetlands, the Wetlands Institute hosts over 40,000 visitors each year who go to explore and learn the exciting facts about wildlife in the salt marsh environment. In the Summer, the Wetlands Institute offers complete guided tours, as well as back bay boat rides, kayaking, live animal shows, family entertainment and guided beach and dune walks.

One of the area's best kept secrets, Blackbeard's Cave is a family adventure full of fun and activities for the whole family! Go on go-kart rides over bridges and through tunnels, play a round of Mini Golf, or take an adventures ride through caves on the bumper boats! Blackbeard's Cave has something for everyone - there's archery, paint ball, amusement rides, a kiddie park, a climbing wall and a video game arcade!

An Ocean City boardwalk staple, Gillian's Wonderland Pier has it all for kids and families looking for fun at the Jersey Shore! Packed with amusement rides, arcade games and much more, your kids will beg you to stay at this popular attraction within America's #1 family resort town!

Aboard the 100ft Cape May Watcher boat, your family can see humpback and fin back whales, dolphins and sea birds along the Cape May peninsula. No matter which cruise option you choose, the excitement begins once you leave Cape May's Miss Chris Marina, heading out to shore for a fun-filled trip where you're guaranteed to see marine mammals!