Fun for the Family

Ocean Life Center
Gardner’s Basin
800 N. New Hampshire Avenue
Atlantic City, N.J. 08401
(609) 348-2880
Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily

Children marvel at marine life, and will delight in the aquariums, touch tanks and interactive exhibits the Ocean Life Center has to offer. They will leave with a greater appreciation of the creatures that live in the deep as well as the region’s marine ecosystem.

The Steel Pier
Trump Taj Mahal
Virginia Avenue and Boardwalk
Atlantic City, N.J. 08401
(609) 345-4893

No trip to the Jersey Shore is complete without a night of rides, carnival games and cotton candy, all of which are available at the Steel Pier.

Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Museum
New York Avenue and Boardwalk
Atlantic City, N.J. 08401
(609) 347-2001

This odd museum exhibits oddities from Robert Ripley’s world travels. Visitors can also view films and experience an interactive funhouse.

Absecon Lighthouse
Rhode Island Avenue
Atlantic City, N.J. 08401
(609) 449-1360
Hours: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday through Monday, or by appointment

Opened in 1857 and last used in 1933, historic Absecon Lighthouse once helped guide mariners into the island’s treacherous inlet. The state’s tallest lighthouse provides a moving history lesson, as children consider what it must have been like for sailors in a time without electric lights or sophisticated navigation tools, and only the oil-fueled flame of the lighthouse for guidance.

Lucy the Elephant
9200 Atlantic Ave.
Margate, N.J. 08402
(609) 823-6473
Hours: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekends, April to mid-June and September to October
10 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily mid-June to Labor Day

Lucy is the world’s biggest metal elephant. Her 90 tons of metal stand 6 stories tall, and stepping inside her is enough of a marvel to fuel any child’s imagination. Lucy was built in 1881 for $38,000 as a real estate marketing stunt. When she was new, Lucy attracted throngs of visitors who wanted to tour her insides and step out on the "howdah" - her observation deck - to view the ocean.

Towne of Historic Smithville
Route 9 and Moss Mill Road
Smithville, N.J. 08201
Hours: Variable by season
(609) 652-7777

A stroll along the historic, brick-lined streets of this 18th-century village will give children a glimpse of South Jersey’s colonial past. Young shoppers will enjoy the year-round Christmas shop, bakery and toy stores that are housed in the restored cottages and homes.

Cape May County Park Zoo
Route 9 and Crest Haven Road
Cape May, N.J. 08210
(609) 465-5271
Free
Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily

More than 85 species of wild animals live at this zoo, some on its 55-acre African Savannah and others in its extensive aviary. A picnic area and playground are located just adjacent to the zoo, which is a half-hour drive south of Atlantic City.