Best Family Beaches
Kid-friendly beaches with gentle waves, lifeguards, entertainment, and activities for the whole family.
8+
Family-Friendly Towns
3
Water Parks
5
Boardwalks
2
Free Beach Towns
Top Family Beach Towns
Ocean City
Americas Greatest Family Resort - no alcohol allowed
America's Greatest Family Resort
Wildwood
Free beaches with massive boardwalk entertainment
Free Beaches & Retro Fun
Point Pleasant Beach
Classic boardwalk with Jenks aquarium
Family Fun on the Boardwalk
Seaside Heights
Iconic boardwalk with amusement rides
The Famous Jersey Shore Boardwalk
Cape May
Victorian charm with nature activities
America's Original Seaside Resort
Avalon
Upscale family beach with calm waters
Cooler by a Mile
Stone Harbor
Bird sanctuary and quiet family atmosphere
Where Nature Meets Family Fun
Beach Haven
Fantasy Island amusement park
The Heart of LBI
Beach Safety for Families
Check the Flags
Lifeguards post colored flags indicating water conditions. Green means calm, yellow means caution, red means no swimming.
Swim Near Lifeguards
All guarded beaches have lifeguards from 10am-5pm during summer. Stay between the flags where guards can see you.
Watch for Rip Currents
If caught in a rip current, dont fight it. Swim parallel to shore until free, then swim back at an angle.
Apply Sunscreen Often
Reapply every 2 hours and after swimming. Kids burn faster than adults. Bring shade for babies.
🏆 #1 Family Beach: Ocean City
Ocean City has been called Americas Greatest Family Resort since 1901. As a dry town (no alcohol sales), it attracts families looking for a wholesome beach experience. The 2.5-mile boardwalk features rides, games, and family entertainment without the party atmosphere of other shore towns.
Explore Ocean City →Packing for Kids
Sun Protection
- • SPF 50+ sunscreen
- • Rash guards / swim shirts
- • Wide-brim hats
- • Beach tent or umbrella
Beach Toys
- • Sand toys / buckets
- • Boogie boards
- • Beach balls
- • Water toys
Essentials
- • Plenty of water
- • Snacks
- • Extra towels
- • First aid kit
Explore All Shore Towns
Find more family-friendly destinations along the Jersey Shore.
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