Looking for the perfect family getaway on the Jersey Shore? Seaside Heights and Ortley Beach are bursting with kid-friendly spots that guarantee fun, adventure, and lasting memories. Whether your family loves thrilling rides, sandy beaches, or classic boardwalk treats, you’ll find plenty to keep everyone smiling.
These two neighboring beach towns offer the perfect blend of excitement and relaxation, making them ideal destinations for families seeking an unforgettable vacation experience.
The Jersey Shore has long been synonymous with family fun, and Seaside Heights and Ortley Beach continue this tradition with attractions that cater to children of all ages. From toddlers taking their first steps on the sand to teenagers seeking adrenaline-pumping adventures, these communities provide endless opportunities for family bonding and childhood memories that will last a lifetime.
Here’s your comprehensive guide to the top five kid-friendly spots in Seaside Heights and Ortley Beach, plus insider tips to make your trip absolutely unforgettable.
1. Casino Pier & Breakwater Beach Waterpark
No family trip to Seaside Heights is complete without a visit to Casino Pier and its neighboring Breakwater Beach Waterpark. This iconic amusement pier stretches majestically out over the Atlantic Ocean and is packed with rides designed for every age group and thrill level. From gentle kiddie rides that make toddlers giggle with delight to heart-pounding roller coasters that challenge even the bravest teenagers, Casino Pier truly has something for everyone in the family.
The pier’s classic arcade is a nostalgic wonderland, offering everything from traditional claw machines and skee-ball to the latest cutting-edge video games. Children can spend hours trying to win prizes while parents enjoy watching their excitement and determination. The arcade provides the perfect indoor retreat during those occasional summer showers or when you need a break from the sun.
Just steps away from the pier, Breakwater Beach Waterpark provides hours of splashy fun with its impressive array of water attractions. The park features racing slides that let siblings compete against each other, a relaxing lazy river perfect for floating away stress, and a massive interactive play area specifically designed for younger children. The multi-level play structure includes smaller slides, water cannons, and tipping buckets that create endless entertainment for kids while keeping them safely contained in a supervised environment.
Adults can relax poolside in comfortable cabanas while keeping a watchful eye on their little ones, making this attraction a true win for the entire family. The waterpark also offers swimming lessons and water safety programs during peak season, adding educational value to the fun.
Highlights: Oceanfront rides with spectacular views, classic boardwalk games, thrilling water slides, interactive splash zones, private family cabanas, and professional lifeguard supervision.
Tip: Look for daily package deals or discounted tickets during special promotional events to save significantly on admission costs. Many local vacation rental companies also offer guest discounts.
2. Seaside Heights Boardwalk
Stretching for over a mile along the pristine coastline, the famous Seaside Heights Boardwalk serves as a sensory playground for kids and adults alike. This historic wooden walkway has been entertaining families for generations and continues to evolve while maintaining its classic charm and appeal.
The boardwalk is home to two major amusement piers, Casino Pier and Funtown Pier, both brimming with exciting rides, challenging carnival games, and food stands serving up beloved boardwalk classics like funnel cake, fresh pizza, and world-famous saltwater taffy. Each pier offers a unique experience, with different ride collections and game selections that encourage families to explore both locations during their stay.
Beyond the major attractions, the boardwalk features numerous arcades where children can test their skills at everything from basketball shootouts to racing games. The newly reopened historic carousel at the north end provides a gentle, nostalgic ride that’s perfect for younger children and offers beautiful hand-painted horses that have been delighting families for decades.
Free family events are regularly scheduled throughout the summer season, including outdoor movie screenings under the stars, spectacular fireworks displays, live music performances, and special holiday celebrations. These events transform the boardwalk into a lively community hub where families can enjoy entertainment without additional costs.
The boardwalk also serves as a shopping destination, with numerous souvenir shops, clothing stores, and specialty retailers offering everything from beach toys to custom t-shirts. Children love browsing the toy stores and selecting special mementos to remember their vacation.
Highlights: Two complete amusement piers, multiple arcades, miniature golf courses, free summer entertainment events, diverse dining options, shopping opportunities, and classic boardwalk treats that create lasting memories.
Tip: Children 12 and under can access the beach for free with adult supervision, and many vacation rental properties provide complimentary beach badges for all guests.
3. Miniature Golf Adventures
Miniature golf represents a cherished Jersey Shore tradition, and Seaside Heights offers several exceptional courses that provide perfect family entertainment. These courses combine skill, strategy, and silly fun in ways that bring families together while creating friendly competition.
Wacky Rooftop Golf, perched high above the Casino Pier arcade, features 18 creatively designed holes with spectacular ocean views and a refreshing breezy atmosphere. The elevated location provides a unique perspective of the coastline while offering challenging obstacles that test players’ putting skills. The course’s whimsical design includes windmills, ramps, and water features that make each hole an adventure.
Just a short walk away, Beach Family Golf offers another professionally designed 18-hole course located right in the heart of downtown Seaside Heights. This ground-level course is easily accessible for families with strollers or mobility concerns and features beautifully landscaped holes with creative themes and obstacles.
Ortley Beach’s Barnacle Bill’s Arcade and Miniature Golf combines the best of both worlds, featuring an exciting pirate-themed miniature golf course alongside a full arcade. The pirate theme delights children with treasure chests, ships, and nautical obstacles that make every hole feel like a swashbuckling adventure.
All courses are well-maintained with safety in mind, featuring proper lighting for evening play and staff members who ensure equipment is in excellent condition. The courses accommodate players of all skill levels, from first-time putters to experienced mini golf enthusiasts.
Highlights: Multiple themed courses with ocean views, creative obstacles and challenges, evening lighting for night play, equipment rental included, and friendly competition suitable for all ages and skill levels.
Tip: Evening games are especially magical as the courses illuminate and the boardwalk comes alive with lights and activity, creating a truly enchanting atmosphere.
4. Bayside Park & Lake Avenue Playground
When your family needs a peaceful break from the excitement of the beach and boardwalk, the area’s excellent parks and playgrounds provide perfect alternatives for active fun and relaxation.
Bayside Park in Ortley Beach serves as a comprehensive recreational facility offering tennis courts, basketball courts, handball courts, and a large, modern children’s playground with plenty of natural shade and convenient restroom facilities on-site. The playground equipment is regularly inspected and updated to meet current safety standards while providing challenging and engaging play opportunities for children of various ages.
The park’s location along the bay provides stunning water views and gentle breezes that make it comfortable even on warmer days. Families often bring picnic lunches to enjoy at the provided tables while children play safely in the enclosed playground area.
In Seaside Heights, the Lake Avenue Playground and Beach area, located at the corner of Lake Avenue and O Street, serves as a beloved local favorite. This well-maintained facility offers modern playground equipment, open green spaces for running and playing catch, and beautiful sunset viewing opportunities over the bay.
Both parks are strategically located within easy walking distance of most vacation rental properties and offer a quieter, more relaxed atmosphere compared to the bustling energy of the boardwalk scene. These spaces provide excellent opportunities for families to unwind, have conversations, and enjoy each other’s company in peaceful surroundings.
The parks also serve as excellent locations for morning exercise routines, evening walks, and family photography sessions with beautiful natural backdrops.
Highlights: Safe, modern playground equipment, multiple sports courts and facilities, shaded picnic areas with tables, clean restroom facilities, beautiful bay and sunset views, and peaceful environments perfect for family bonding.
Tip: Pack a delicious picnic lunch and enjoy a relaxing family meal in the park after spending busy, active days at the beach and boardwalk attractions.
5. Outdoor Adventures: Pedals N Paddles & Cranberry Inlet Marina
For families who love outdoor adventures and water activities, Ortley Beach provides exceptional opportunities to explore the calm bay waters and experience the natural beauty of the Jersey Shore from unique perspectives.
Pedals N Paddles offers comprehensive kayak, sailboat, and pedal boat rental services right on the protected bay waters, making it incredibly easy and convenient for families to explore at their own comfortable pace. The calm bay conditions provide ideal learning environments for children who are new to water sports, while still offering enough space and variety to keep experienced paddlers engaged and entertained.
The rental facility provides all necessary safety equipment, including properly fitted life jackets for children and adults, basic paddling instruction for beginners, and safety briefings that ensure everyone understands proper water safety protocols. Staff members are knowledgeable about local water conditions and can recommend the best routes and destinations based on your family’s experience level and interests.
Cranberry Inlet Marina expands the adventure possibilities by offering jet ski rentals, wave runner rentals, and various boat rental options for families seeking more excitement and speed on the water. These activities provide perfect opportunities for introducing older children and teenagers to motorized water sports in safe, supervised environments with professional instruction available.
The marina also offers guided boat tours that provide educational opportunities about local marine life, coastal ecology, and area history while ensuring that families can enjoy the water without navigation concerns. These tours often include stops at secluded beaches and wildlife viewing areas that aren’t accessible from land.
Both facilities prioritize safety and provide comprehensive equipment checks, safety briefings, and emergency support to ensure that families can focus on having fun while staying safe on the water.
Highlights: Kayaking adventures for all skill levels, peaceful pedal boating experiences, exciting jet skiing opportunities, professional guided boat tours, comprehensive safety equipment and instruction, and unforgettable sunset viewing from the water.
Tip: Early morning or late afternoon rental times offer the most comfortable weather conditions, fewer crowds on the water, and the best opportunities for wildlife viewing and photography.
Family-Friendly Dining & Treats
No kid-friendly vacation experience is complete without exploring the area’s delicious food options that cater specifically to families with children. Seaside Heights and Ortley Beach are packed with restaurants and eateries that welcome families and offer menus designed to please both adventurous and picky eaters.
Spicy Mexican Cantina provides spectacular ocean-view dining with a diverse menu that includes mild options for sensitive palates alongside more adventurous dishes for those ready to try new flavors. The restaurant’s outdoor seating allows families to enjoy meals while watching the ocean and feeling the sea breeze.
Klees Bar and Grill serves classic American fare in a family-friendly atmosphere with generous portions that satisfy hungry beachgoers of all ages. Their kids’ menu features all the favorites, while adults can enjoy fresh seafood and local specialties.
Ebby’s, located in nearby Seaside Park, offers authentic homemade Italian dishes in a welcoming environment where families feel comfortable and children are genuinely welcomed. The restaurant’s traditional recipes and generous portions make it a local favorite for multi-generational dining experiences.
The boardwalk’s numerous pizza stands, ice cream shops, and candy stores provide perfect opportunities for satisfying every sweet tooth and creating those special vacation treats that children remember for years to come.
Planning Your Perfect Family Vacation
When planning your visit to these incredible kid-friendly spots, consider staying for at least a week to fully experience everything the area has to offer. Many families find that a longer stay allows them to enjoy attractions multiple times, discover hidden gems, and truly relax into the vacation rhythm.
Pack plenty of sunscreen, comfortable walking shoes, and beach toys to maximize your family’s enjoyment. Don’t forget cameras or phones for capturing those precious family moments that happen spontaneously throughout your vacation.
Consider purchasing attraction passes or packages that provide discounts for multiple activities, and always check local event calendars for special family programming that might coincide with your visit.
Why Choose Breezy for Your Jersey Shore Vacation?
At Breezy Beach Stays, we understand exactly what families need for stress-free, memorable vacations that create lasting bonds and cherished memories. Our carefully selected vacation rental properties place you just steps away from all the kid-friendly spots highlighted above, with spacious homes and cottages specifically designed for comfort, convenience, and family togetherness.
Each property in our portfolio is thoughtfully stocked with family essentials, from beach toys and chairs to kitchen supplies and safety equipment. Our dedicated team remains available throughout your stay to provide local recommendations, assist with activity planning, or supply any additional items you might need.
We welcome guests of all ages and take special pride in providing safe, welcoming environments where families can truly relax, play, and reconnect. Our properties feature secure outdoor spaces, family-friendly layouts, and convenient locations that make it easy to enjoy everything Seaside Heights and Ortley Beach have to offer.
Ready to create unforgettable memories at the Jersey Shore? Book your next family getaway with Breezy Beach Stays and discover why so many families choose to return year after year, creating traditions that span generations. Your perfect beach adventure starts here, and we’re excited to be part of your family’s story.
