Taking a trip to Seaside Heights isn’t complete without a stop at Casino Pier, the iconic boardwalk amusement space that survived two damaging events—Hurricane Sandy in 2012 (who can forget the photos of the Jet Star roller coaster floating in the Atlantic) and a fire on the boardwalk in 2013. Since then, Casino Pier has come back stronger and better with thrilling rides, two miniature golf courses, food stands, boardwalk games, and five arcades, chock full of non-stop entertainment that’s sure to please any age kids (even adults). And with Breakwater Beach Waterpark directly across the street, the fun can go on and on until the wee hours (read: sunset for families). Scroll down for what to do at Casino Pier, and don’t miss our guide to boardwalks at the shore. (featured photo credit: Escape Visuals)
Where To Find Family Fun At Casino Pier
The rides at Casino Pier are exciting both day and night. Photo Credit: Escape Visuals
Hop on the rides
Did someone say boardwalk rides? When it comes to fun on the boards, getting on the rides is a must and Casino Pier totally delivers. You’ll find tame options for littles, moderate ones for bigger kids, and lots of thrills for the adventurous peeps in your crew. For the younger kids, hop aboard the Boats, Car Combo, and Pony Carts where tots can ride solo and feel super independent. Older ages can choose from Bumper Cars where you can crash into each other, Airplanes that soar in the sky, Dizzy Dragons that spin in circles, and even the infamous Ferris Wheel where the entire beach can be seen from the highest point. If you have thrill seekers with you, then hold on and be prepared to scream on rides including the Centrifuge, which is an indoor scrambler that suspends riders in spinning cars, Crazy Cars, where you will spin all around on an angled motion-based platform, Hot Tamales that will have you dropping, twisting, and turning and Disk’o where you will experience spinning and swinging back and forth at the same time.
There are plenty of spots to grab a bite to eat at Casino Pier. Photo Credit: Escape Visuals
Swing by the games, arcade or mini-golf
If you are a family that likes a challenge, Casino Pier has all the classic boardwalk games, like basketball, balloon toss, and Frog Big, where you can test your skills and try to win a prize. If video games and pinball are more your kids’ speed, take a spin through the arcade located at Casino Pier. Teens and adults can find a whole new world at Omni Arena, where you can challenge yourself in Virtual Reality games. After all the excitement, why not make your way to Mini Golf Adventure for two different courses to play? Smuggler’s Quay Adventure takes you on a pirate adventure through mountain caves, legendary exploits, and more. Or, you can take your swing at Wacky Rooftop Golf which is your classic miniature golf vibe and is sure to be fun for the whole family.
Grab something savory or sweet
No trip to Casino Pier is complete without stopping by the food for some mouth-watering choices. (And trust us, there are so many yummy things to try). Pop into the Pier Grill for the best pizza in Seaside Heights, grab a quick snack at Pier Snacks before hopping on your next ride, try some Roasted Corn at the stand, or cool off with waffles and ice cream. And for adult beverages, make sure you stop by the Tradewinds Bar in the waterpark.
Cool down at Breakwater Beach. Photo Credit: Escape Visuals
Beat the heat at the waterpark
Are you ready to beat the heat and enjoy a day in the water? Casino Pier’s Breakwater Beach Waterpark is a great way to cool off with the whole family. All ages will love splashing around the interactive Perfect Storm with dump buckets and slides or getting on a tube to take a ride down the Revolutionary Wild River. The more daring tube riders will want to go on the Boston Sea Party, with its two separate flumes that are both thrilling and exciting to slide down. Next, take a dip in The Harbor, an oversized wave pool with breaking waves. Other thrilling slides include the mat racer slides on Patriot’s Plunge, the free fall Salem’s Scream, or the Two If By Sea double rider flume. When it’s time to take a break, book a cabana for the family and step into the Plymouth Rock Hot Tub Springs before ending your day.
You never know who you are going to meet at Casino Pier. Photo Credit: Escape Visuals
Catch a special event
Did you know that Casino Pier is more than rides and food? (Although, let’s face it, those are at the top of our list.) There are a bunch of FREE special events during the summer and throughout the year. From Family Fun Nights with a DJ and shows like Cirque De Soleil and Wildlife Animal World to character meet-and-greets and Princess sing-a-longs, your family can find a ton of fun just by hitting the boards.
Casino Pier is full of rides for the whole family. Photo Credit: Escape Visuals
What to know before you go
Rates for Casino Pier are available in two ways—buying individual credits or package admissions. Credits start at $1 and offer discounts depending on how many you buy. Packages offer a two-hour wristband for unlimited rides starting at $40 and vary up to a Ride and Slide package, which includes unlimited rides and the water park for $75. There are several ATMs located inside the Casino Arcade as well as outside the main ticket booths on the ride pier for your convenience. Make sure you bring your own towels to the waterpark or be ready to purchase one from the Gift Shop. You can rent lockers for your personal items while you enjoy the waterpark.
Casino Pier
800 Ocean Terrace
Seaside Park, NJ 08752
For more information about Casino Pier, check out its website, Instagram, and Facebook pages.
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