Shore season is coming, and Jenkinson’s Boardwalk in Point Pleasant Beach checks off all the family-friendly boxes for a family-friendly spot at the shore. With games and rides, long stretches of beach, food stands with local seafood and treats (hello, 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 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. (featured image of the Point Pleasant Beach boardwalk)
Jenkinson’s Boardwalk in Point Pleasant Beach Things To Do
There’s something about those palm trees on the beach at Point Pleasant Beach. Photo Credit: NJ MOM
Catch some rays at Jenkinson’s Beach off of the Point Pleasant Beach Boardwalk
Sittin’ pretty on the Point Pleasant Beach Boardwalk. Photo Credit: NJ MOM
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 Adventure 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, ice cream at Inlet Ice Cream 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.
You can’t miss the waving penguin at Jenkinson’s Aquarium. Photo Credit: NJ MOM
Dive into Jenkinson’s Aquarium at the Point Pleasant Beach Boardwalk
Jenkinson’s Amusement Park is full of high-flying fun. Photo Credit: NJ MOM
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 mini planes, 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. Insider tip: If you purchase an Emusement card, you can also earn rewards with Jenkinson’s E-rewards program.
The Point Pleasant Boardwalk arcades have classics like skee ball or modern games for all ages. Photo Credit: NJ MOM
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.
Ahoy matey—test your putt-putt skills at the Castaway Cove mini-golf course. Photo Credit: NJ MOM
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 appealing to beginners and pros. 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.
Find lots of shops and restaurants off the boards in downtown Point Pleasant Beach. Photo Credit: NJ MOM
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 Specialities & Catering for a true on-the-beach feast.
For more information, visit the Point Pleasant Beach Boardwalk website or Jenkinson’s website.
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