9 Things to Do With Kids in Atlantic City
Atlantic City is a large area with many hotels and casinos located on the boardwalk and in the marina district. While you may not consider bringing the kids with you on this type of vacation, it can be done.
Enjoy many kid friendly places to bring them and hire a babysitter to stay in the room with them at night. Many of the hotels in the area have bonded and professionally checked babysitters that can be used.
Some find that visiting the child friendly places during the day, then going to the casinos at night, is a great way to have a well balanced vacation for both the adults and the children.
If you're heading to Atlantic City for some family fun and not the gambling in nearby casinos, here are some big name places you can bring your kids during your visit to the area.
1 - Ripley's Believe It Or Not
Many people have seen the show, but have you ever wondered what the items look like in person?
This museum has all of the weirdest things that can normally be seen on the show, on display. Bring the kids in, take a look around, speak with the professionals there and learn something new.
Ripley's isn't all about looking at the interesting items that they have on display in the Odditorium, activities are also provided for the children. Some of the activities include The Vault Laser Maze Challenge, 400 exhibits and 14 themed galleries.
With plenty of activities to keep the family busy for hours, this is a must-see in the area. Plan to spend an entire day here during your visit.
1441 BoardwalkAtlantic City, NJ 08401
(609) 347-2001
2 - Atlantic City Aquarium
Aquariums provide more information on the wild life that can be found in the ocean around you. When visiting the aquarium, stop and look at all of the fish that are presented in their tanks. Information on each of them is located next to the tank. With many fascinating creatures from the waters nearby and far away, you can enjoy looking at each one as a family.
The Atlantic City Aquarium is located right on the water front in Atlantic City. Rescuing many types of sea life from the waters, they rehabilitate them in the center and release them back into the ocean when they're ready. The aquarium doesn't just have fish to look at, enjoy reptiles and amphibians, as well as birds and small mammals that are on display.
800 North New Hampshire AvenueAtlantic City, NJ 08401
(609) 348-2880
3 - Atlantic City Boardwalk
The Boardwalk provides a handful of activities and amenities for anyone visiting Atlantic City. Instead of being just one attraction, it's a strip of many.
You can find places to rent wind surfers, surfboards, and many other water sport equipment from when it comes to hitting the waves.
With all that you can find on the Boardwalk, it's definitely the place to spend some quality time.
Please keep in mind, the Boardwalk is oftentimes crowded with many people. It's important to keep your eyes on little ones that might be with you. Additionally, expect to find longer lines during the warmer months of the year.
BoardwalkAtlantic City NJ 08401
(609) 348-7806
4 - Steel Pier
The Steel Pier provides an arcade and video games inside their store. Kids can have fun while playing one of the many games that they have. The area is also expansive, providing games, carnival like rides, food and drinks. With many vendors that come out during warmer months of the year, there's plenty of food and souvenirs to take home.
During holidays, specific characters walk around greeting the visitors. Enjoy themed activities during these holiday weekends, as well.
Purchasing tickets in advance can provide cost-saving benefits for the whole family. The Steel Pier is a family-friendly area, but be prepared to find lines for many of the attractions during busier seasons throughout the year.
1000 Boardwalk,Atlantic City, NJ 08401
(866) 386-6659
5- Boardwalk Hall
Boardwalk Hall, formally known as the Historic Atlantic City Convention Hall is where you can go to see numerous shows from music to theater and everything in between, there are always shows happening.
Many of the shows that are performed in the Hall are not just adult-oriented. There are many kid-friendly shows that take place throughout the year.
Grabbing tickets to see one of the shows provided is also simple and can be done right online before your visit to the area. Enjoy Sesame Street Live, Kidz Bop and other live performances from many well-known children stars and shows.
Check with the Hall before going on vacation to see what is going to be playing during the time of your visit.
2301 Boardwalk,Atlantic City, NJ 08401
(609) 348-7000
6 - Pier Shops at Caesars
If you like to shop and the children want to check out something that they're interested in, it can be found at the Pier Shops at Caesars. Located on a four-story pier right across from Caesar's Hotel and Casino, you'll find numerous luxury shops within the area. Connected to the casino via a sky-bridge, those that want to visit from the casino can walk across.
If you're not staying by or in the casino, driving up to the shopping pier can also be done. Expect to find high-end shops such as Tiffany's, Gucci, Louis Vuitton and many others.
Restaurants, spas and other extras are also located in this massive shopping area.
There are stores that are also aimed more towards children. One of the shows that are performed each hour inside the mall by the water fountains is called the "dancing fountains" and children get amusement from watching it.
Additional attractions are located inside the mall for children to play or do, besides the stores being offered.
1 Atlantic Ocean,Atlantic City, NJ 08401
(609) 345-3100
7 - The Beach
The beaches are always open from dawn until dusk, providing enough time to spend a few hours at the beach and then leaving to another destination for the remainder of the day.
Bring your bathing suits, pack a lunch and grab those towels and spend a whole day or two on the beautiful beaches. Depending on where you're staying, you can find access to the beaches from different points along the beach.
You can see the waves roll in from many spots, including restaurants, the boardwalk, hotels and other areas.
8 - Abescon Lighthouse
Known as New Jersey's tallest lighthouse at over 170 feet tall, you can go up to the tippy top of it and look down below, across the entire city and beyond. Abescon Lighthouse is also the country's 3rd tallest lighthouse, providing a little history behind it along the way. This is a great experience for children to go through, learn, and see.
Still standing after 150 years, many tourists come to the area to take pictures and get the experience. While you're in Atlantic City, it should be a must stop for adults and children alike.
During certain points in the year, many storytellers will come and put their story telling to good work. You can bring the children by to listen to what they have to say. Learn something, enjoy the time in the city and make sure to take pictures of this experience.
31 S Rhode Island Ave,Atlantic City, NJ 08401
(609) 449-1360
9 - Atlantic City Miniature Golf
Atlantic City Miniature Golf provides a way to play a game of golf that's fun for the whole family.
This family owned and operated miniature golf course has been here for over 15 years and continues to stand strong. Each of the 18 holes is different than the last, while waterfalls will meet you in each of the areas. Find a place to play a little golf with everyone in your group when visiting Atlantic City Miniature Golf.
1 Kennedy PlazaAtlantic City, NJ 08401
(609)347-1661
Additionally, Glow Golf is also an option in the area. Play with the lights on low, the track lit up in the night and the balls just as bright. Located in the Pier Shops in Atlantic City, while strolling through many of the stores, you can stop for this attraction. All of the golf games are played indoors, so that the outside light does not come in while playing.
There are black lights throughout the area to brighten up many parts of the game. You'll find that there may be a line, depending on when you decide to visit. Small children are also welcome inside the area and able to play. Grab a ball and putter and head out to the glowing green today.
One Atlantic OceanSuites 2150 and 2230
Atlantic City, NJ 08401 (609) 344-1020
Bringing the entire family out to Atlantic City for a vacation can be rewarding with plenty to do for both adults and children. The casinos are only a side attraction for those that want to have a family vacation.
Consider many of these attractions that provide fun for all ages. This can help make the trip better for everyone, big or small, that's going to be traveling into Atlantic City to stay for a few days.
Plenty of family friendly hotels are available for those that are bringing children along with them. Some of the hotels that are more family friendly than others are the Borgata, Caesars, Sheraton, and Golden Nugget.
