Jenkinson’s Boardwalk in Point Pleasant Beach checks off all the family-friendly boxes for a family-friendly spot down the shore. With games and rides, long stretches of beach, food stands with local seafood and treats (hello, yummy Kohr’s boardwalk ice cream), and a place where you can freshen up after a hot day, it’s definitely one of the most popular beaches on the Jersey Shore. And while the boardwalk and Jenkinson’s Aquarium are the main draws, you’ll find a lot for your family to do on and off the boards for a day trip or week-long vacation. Thinking of heading there this summer? Read on for everything about the Point Pleasant Beach Boardwalk and Jenks (as locals affectionately call it), and what to know before you go. And right now, take advantage of Jenkinson’s Easter Sale (a yearly event) to purchase your tickets at the best discount of the year and get some pretty amazing perks. (featured image of the Point Pleasant Beach boardwalk)
Jenkinson’s Boardwalk in Point Pleasant Beach
Catch some rays at Jenkinson’s Beach
First, get your bearings—the Point Pleasant Beach boardwalk and shoreline extend from the Manasquan Inlet to the north (a great place to watch the boats enter) and New Jersey Avenue to the south. The off-season is free to stake a spot in the sand, but come Memorial Day, Jenkinson’s Beach requires a daily beach badge or a half or full-season badge. Unlike other shore beaches, Jenks has excellent facilities, letting you rent beach chairs, beach umbrellas, and lounge chairs without lugging them from home. And good news for the daytrippers that want to stay all day and night—there are bathhouses to rinse off, use the restroom, and change, including the Pavilion Bathhouse (available daily when the beach is open) and the Jenkinson’s South Bath House. During the season, Jenkinson’s Boardwalk hosts several kid-friendly activities, like kiddie shows, movies on the beach, fireworks, and posts info on their website and social media pages.
Stroll the boards on the Point Pleasant Beach Boardwalk
The Jenkinson’s Boardwalk is about a mile long with a kid’s paradise of games, rides, and sugary treats, giving kids plenty to do (and tire them out for a sleepy car ride home). Test your skills at the arcade offering the latest video games, take a ride on the Seven Seas at Jenkinson’s Amusement Park, or win a plushie playing traditional boardwalk games like water balloons. If you’re up for a family game, stop by Castaway Cove Mini Golf or see if you can find your way through Jenkinson’s Boardwalk Fun House. Along the way, stopping by these boardwalk food stands is a must—load up on treats at Jenkinson’s Sweet Shop (don’t forget to try the fudge or candy apples), or taste some taffy at Carousel Candies, or try the unique Dippin’ Dots. If you are looking for food and adult treats, grab a burger at Little Mac’s, pizza at Joey Tomato’s, or lobster at the Boardwalk Bar & Grill, where you can sip on a pina colada while enjoying the spectacular sea views.
Dive into Jenkinson’s Aquarium at the Point Pleasant Beach Boardwalk
Take a ride at Jenkinson’s Amusement Park
From toddlers taking their first amusement ride to teens and adults who want thrills, Jenkinson’s South Amusement Park has something for everyone. Let your little ones soar up high on the little swings, float on the cute ring of boats, or take a spin on the Samba Balloons. Then, the whole family can hop on the carousel and board a train ride afterward. Are your older kiddos looking for more of a thrill? Try out the Starship 3000, feel the pendulum motion on Pendolo, or take the 50-foot-tall Pirate Plunge. If your family likes to be active, test your skills and balance on the two-level Adventure Lookout Ropes Course and Zipline. Or get out your thrills at the 7D Dark Ride with 3D vision, sound, and movement featuring either a zombie or carnival-themed movie. And don’t miss their brand-new family roller coaster, Patriot’s Run. It’s over 35 feet tall and celebrates America’s 250th birthday. NJMOM Insider Tip: If you purchase an Emusement card, you can also earn rewards with Jenkinson’s E-rewards program. And get your tickets early during Jenkinson’s Easter Sale (an annual event) to get the best discount of the year and perks.
Win at the arcade on the boardwalk
Go old school and have your kids learn the finer points of skee ball—Jenkinson’s has several arcades lined up and down the boardwalk, including Jenkinson’s South Arcade, Pavilion Arcade, South Beach Arcade, and Frank’s Fun Center. See if you can score baskets on the basketball arcade game or grab a prize with the crane game, along with the latest video games. Kids will love playing for hours and winning tickets they can redeem for prizes afterward.
Test your putting skills with mini golf
A round of mini-golf fires up friendly family competition and can get even the littlest players well-deserved bragging rights. There are two major ones on the Point Pleasant Boardwalk, with courses that appeal to beginners and pros alike. Discover Castaway Cove on the upper part, where the legend says the Wheeler family was shipwrecked and used the remains of their ship to create two fun mini-golf adventures. The most challenging course takes you through waterfalls and caves, and when you discover the crow’s nest at the top of the cove, you’ll be rewarded with amazing views. Down the boards, the Lighthouse Point Mini Golf course is on the southern end of Jenkinson’s Boardwalk, with a lighthouse and two 18-hole courses that offer lots of land-themed fun to play on.
Explore the quaint town of Point Pleasant Beach
Off the boardwalk, downtown Point Pleasant Beach is full of interesting shops and eateries. Find something unique at Stella e Luna or stock up on beach day essentials at Bain’s Ace Hardware. For seafood specialties, grab a table at The Patio Bar, The Shrimp Box, or The Wharfside—these are all fantastic options offering lobster and local catch, and sometimes live music. Or, if you’re thinking of a sunset picnic (yes, please), head to the OG Jersey Mike’s subs or the famous Joe Leone’s Italian Specialties & Catering for a true on-the-beach feast and put a cherry on top with some Hoffman’s Ice Cream.
For more information, visit the Point Pleasant Beach Boardwalk website or Jenkinson’s website.
Want the inside scoop? Sign up for the NJMOM bi-weekly newsletter to get the lowdown on everything for your family in NJ (think of it as the ultimate cheat sheet for NJ Moms). And don’t forget to tag your photos #NJMOM and @njmom for a chance to be featured.
