Home to sandy beaches, boardwalk adventures, nature centers, amusement parks, and hands-on attractions, Ocean County is packed with family-friendly activities for every age in your crew. Spend time looking at creepy-crawlies at the unique Insectropolis in Toms River, hang out with a sloth at Jenkinson’s Aquarium in Point Pleasant, or climb the stairs to Old Barney in Barnegat Light. Scroll down for some of the best kid-friendly things to do throughout the county to add to your bucket list. (featured photo credit: NJ MOM)

Best Things to Do in Ocean County, NJ with Kids

Argos Farm 
At Argos Farm, you can meet adorable baby animals, wander through seasonal sunflower fields, navigate a corn maze, pick pumpkins in the fall, and enjoy attractions such as zip lines, hay slides, obstacle courses, and wagon rides. Make sure to go during one of their seasonal events, such as the Baby Animal Fest, Sunflower Festival, or Fall Festival, to amp up the farm fun and take part in special activities.    
1250 Lacey Road, Forked River, NJ 08731

Barnegat Lighthouse State Park 
If you are looking to mix outdoor adventure with a little New Jersey history, Barnegat Lighthouse State Park is a must-visit destination on Long Beach Island. Kids will enjoy climbing the lighthouse’s 217 steps to take in sweeping views of the ocean and bay, while the visitor center offers interactive exhibits that bring the area’s maritime history to life. The park features scenic walking paths, a jetty for exploration, and opportunities to spot birds, dolphins, seals, and other wildlife along the shoreline. Make sure you pack a picnic and take family photos by the iconic “Old Barney” lighthouse.
208 Broadway and Long Beach Blvd, Barnegat Light, NJ 08006

Casino Pier 
Taking a trip to Seaside Heights isn’t complete without a stop at Casino Pier, the iconic boardwalk amusement park that survived two damaging events—Hurricane Sandy in 2012 and a boardwalk fire 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 nonstop entertainment that’s sure to please kids of all ages (even adults). And with Breakwater Beach Waterpark directly across the street, the fun can go on until the wee hours.
800 Ocean Terrace, Seaside Park, NJ 08752

Cattus Island County Park 
The 530-acre park located in Toms River features miles of easy walking trails, scenic boardwalks, and beautiful views of Barnegat Bay, giving kids plenty of opportunities to spot birds, butterflies, and other wildlife. Check out the Cooper Environmental Center, where littles can interact with hands-on exhibits, view live reptiles and fish, and learn about the area’s unique coastal ecosystems. Make sure you stop at the playground, butterfly garden, picnic area, and attend one of the many seasonal events.
1170 Cattus Island Boulevard, Toms River, NJ 08753

Fantasy Island Amusement Park 
Down on Long Beach Island? Fantasy Island has a mix of classic rides, kiddie attractions, and larger thrill rides for family fun at night or anytime you need a beach break. Beyond the rides, you can challenge each other in the arcade, enjoy carnival-style games, stop for snacks and treats throughout the park, and make core family memories. 
750 N Bay Avenue, Beach Haven, NJ 08008

Insectropolis 
A museum dedicated to bugs seems kinda icky, but a visit to Insectropolis in Toms River puts these creepy crawlers into a whole new light. From arthropods to bees to insects, spending time at the Bugseum of New Jersey is a unique and (dare we say) fun way to learn more about them and gain insight into how they help the environment. Kids will love playing insect games, discovering new facts, and even touching live bugs, making learning feel like an adventure. 
1761 US-9, Toms River, NJ 08755

Island Beach State Park 
If your family likes nature, Island Beach State Park should be high on your list for soaking up New Jersey’s coastal beauty. Kids can spend the day swimming, searching for seashells, spotting wildlife, exploring the dunes, and learning about the unique ecosystems that make this barrier island so special. And the best part? You don’t need to spend money on a beach badge, since the charge is per car ($10 on weekends and less on weekdays), making it an affordable way to head to one of the best beaches on the shore. 
2401 Central Avenue, Seaside Park, NJ 08752

Jenkinson’s Aquarium 
Located on the boardwalk in Point Pleasant Beach, the popular year-round aquarium is home to sharks, penguins, seals, reptiles, monkeys, and even a sloth, making it a cool place to beat the summer heat and a fun spot to hang out during the winter doldrums. The aquarium also offers special programs, including animal encounters, junior keeper programs, birthday parties, and summer camps for future marine biologists. 
300 Ocean Avenue, Point Pleasant Beach, NJ 08742

Jenkinson’s Boardwalk
One of the most popular family destinations on the Jersey Shore, Jenks (as locals call it), is the place to go when you’re done spending time on the sand. Stroll the boardwalk, hit the amusement park for rides geared toward both little ones and thrill-seekers, or step inside an underwater adventure at Jenkinson’s Aquarium. The boardwalk is lined with arcades, mini-golf courses, games, sweet treats, and lots of family-friendly food options, making for a full day of fun.
300 Ocean Avenue, Point Pleasant Beach, NJ 08742

Jersey Shore BlueClaws 
Catching a Jersey Shore BlueClaws game is much more than watching baseball—it’s a full family entertainment experience. Kids can cheer for future major league players, meet the team’s mascot, enjoy between-inning games and races, and explore attractions like mini golf and classic boardwalk-style games throughout the ballpark. The best part? The tickets are affordable, and with fireworks nights and kid-friendly activities, it’s an outing that keeps the whole family entertained from the first pitch to the final inning.
2 Stadium Way, Lakewood, NJ 08701

Long Beach Island 
Thanks to its location between the Atlantic Ocean and Barnegat Bay, LBI has 18 miles of beautiful beaches where you can stretch out on the sand for hours, listening to the crashing surf, or watch your kids play in calm bay waters. And when you need a break from the sun and the sand, there are plenty of family-friendly things to do—hit the attractions at Fantasy Island Amusement Park, explore the historic Barnegat Lighthouse, play mini-golf, or cool off at a local water park. 

Mainland Adventure Park 
If your kids love adventure, then a trip to Mainland Adventure Park is sure to be a hit. They can race electric go-karts, tackle aerial ropes courses, soar on zip lines, and challenge themselves on climbing attractions designed for a variety of ages and skill levels. After the adventure, head to the arcade packed with classic and modern games for family fun. 
151 NJ-72, Manahawkin, NJ 08050

Out of Sight Alpacas
Book a farm tour, have a birthday party, try an alpaca hike, or visit the gift shop at this Ocean County farm. You will see around 30 Huacaya alpacas during a visit. Reservations are a must, and in addition to the cuddly pacas, you can also cozy up to their resident farm animals. 
416 Wells Mills Road, Waretown, NJ 08758

Popcorn Park Zoo
Popcorn Park is different from most zoos in New Jersey—the Associated Humane Societies oversees the zoo, and it’s home to more than 200 rescued animals and birds that have been abandoned, abused, or surrendered. When you visit, you’ll learn about these abandoned animals, help out around the zoo, and you can even sign up to sponsor the care of an animal. 
1 Humane Way, Forked River, NJ 08731

Robert J Novins Planetarium 
Spend time enjoying immersive full-dome movies, live sky shows, and interactive programs that bring the planets, stars, and constellations to life in an engaging way. Make sure you mark your calendars for special events and kid-friendly presentations that take place year-round. 
Ocean County College, 1 College Drive, Toms River, NJ 08754

Six Flags Great Adventure 
Six Flags Great Adventure is New Jersey’s biggest theme park, featuring dozens of rides, the Wild Safari adventure, and a water park. For decades, the park has been upping the thrills for all those adrenaline-seekers with new coasters and attractions, including the Jersey Devil, one of the world’s fastest single-rail coasters, and The Flash Vertical Velocity, the first super boomerang coaster to open in North America. Beyond the incredible thrills, there’s plenty to do for little ones, including kiddie rides, Looney Tunes character shows, an off-road safari experience that mimics an African Savannah, and family rides you can all do together. 
1 Six Flags Boulevard, Jackson, NJ 08527

Tuckerton Seaport & Baymen’s Museum 
Take a step back in time with a visit to Tuckerton Seaport & Baymen’s Museum, where kids can explore a recreated maritime village and discover what life was like along the Jersey Shore years ago. Kids will enjoy climbing the lighthouse, strolling the boardwalk, visiting historic buildings, enjoying hands-on exhibits, and learning all about local wildlife and maritime traditions. The museum is full of interactive experiences both indoors and outdoors, making it a fun destination that combines history, nature, and adventure.
120 W Main Street, Tuckerton, NJ 08087

Wells Mills County Park 
Set within more than 900 acres of the Pine Barrens, Wells Mills County Park offers miles of scenic trails where your kids can discover local wildlife, towering pine forests, and peaceful lake views. You can visit the recently renovated three-story Nature Center to learn about nature, local history, and the unique ecosystem of the Pine Barrens before heading outside for a hike, picnic, or playground break. Want more adventure? You can go canoeing and fishing, explore nature programs, and find plenty of space to run and roam.
905 Wells Mills Road, Waretown, NJ 08758

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