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With the summer season just around the corner, you're probably wondering just what to do with the kids. Before booking an expensive vacation away from home, consider the great attractions here at the Jersey Shore to keep your kids entertained and happy. There's so much to offer locally – from amusement parks and arcades to boat rides and exciting outdoor activities. Here's a look at the Top 12 Local Fun Attractions for Kids!

 

There's so much to offer locally – from amusement parks and arcades to boat rides and exciting outdoor activities. Before booking an expensive vacation away from home, consider the great attractions here at the Jersey Shore!

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Jersey Shore Pirates

Brick, NJ

 

 

Heading to the park or the beach all the time can get boring after a while. If you're looking for a unique and fun attraction, then bring the kids aboard the Sea Gypsy II for an exciting Pirate adventure with the Jersey Shore Pirates! The kids can read a treasure map, battle “Pirate Pete” with water cannons and even gather treasures from the seas!

 

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iPlay America

Freehold, NJ

 

 

Escape the summer heat in New Jersey's Premier Indoor Theme Park, iPlay America! The 115,000 square foot family entertainment center houses go karts, laser tag, amusement rides, bumper cars, mini bowling, a 4D Theater, and great food! So leave the boredom at the house and allow the kids to let loose at iPlay America for a day that they'll be sure to remember!

 

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Lucky Leo's

Seaside Heights

 

 

Since 1953, Lucky Leo's has grown to be a staple amusement at the Jersey Shore. Lucky Leo's can be summed up in two words: Action Packed! Located on Seaside Heights' busy boardwalk, it consists of a wide variety of boardwalk games with great prizes and an indoor area with an arcade with a Jersey favorite, skeeball!

 

Flickr user WalkingGeek

Cedar Creek

Bayville, NJ

 

 

When is the last time the family went on an exciting camping excursion? Cedar Creek covers all the kids needs with canoeing and kayak adventures plus camping grounds to get the full experience of spending their time outdoors. As added bonus, there's a Sun and Fun Swim Zone, a playground and kids' favorite: pizza and ice cream!

 

Jenkinsons.com

Jenkinson's Boardwalk & Aquarium

Point Pleasant, NJ

 

 

The family fun at Jenkinson's Boardwalk is endless. Kids love the rides, games, mini golf, skeeball, batting cages and more! The classic Jersey Shore food is delicious. Located at the boardwalk as well is Jenkinson's Aquarium, where kids can explore the underwater world just a few feet away from the ocean!

 

Flickr user mriggen

Insectropolis

Toms River, NJ

 

 

Looking for a unique and interesting experience? Bring the kids to the “Bugseum” at Insectropolis in Toms River! They'll learn about exotic and beautiful insects from all over the world including unique butterflies. With over a dozen exciting and educational exhibits, Insectropolis is a sure way to get your kid's imagination flowing with wonder!

 

Ana Paula Hirama, Flickr

Seastreak Ferry Ride

Atlantic Highlands, NJ

 

 

Riding on a train to New York City is fun for children, but taking advantage of the great summer weather and arriving there quickly by boat is so much better! Gather the kids and head aboard the SeaStreak Ferry for an unforgettable “cruise” experience that the kids will enjoy! Take in the beautiful views of the city plus you'll enjoy the free parking and free admission for kids!

 

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Casino Pier

Seaside Heights, NJ

 

 

Casino Pier is one of the premier Jersey Shore spots for Family Fun and Sun with tons of games, great food, go-karts, rides and more! New to Casino Pier is the area's best splash-filled adventure, Breakwater Beach! Kids will love the huge water slides, tubes and the Nantucket Bucket!

 

Flickr user milst1

Blackbeard's Cave

Bayville, NJ

 

 

Head to Blackbeard's Cave, one of the area's best kept secrets, with the family this summer for a day of fun and activities for everyone! Go on go-kart rides over bridges and through tunnels, play a round of Mini Golf, or take an adventures ride through caves on the bumper boats! Blackbeard's Cave has something for everyone – there's archery, paint ball, amusement rides, a kiddie park, a climbing wall and a video game arcade!

 

FantasyIslandPark.com

Fantasy Island Park

Beach Haven, NJ

 

 

Located in Beach Haven on Long Beach Island, Fantasy Island Park is a kid's paradise! It's loaded with games, amusement rides, a carousel, food and entertainment for kids of all ages. Be sure to check the Entertainment schedule for magic shows, game shows and other fun events over the summer!

 

Flickr user Garden State Asker

Popcorn Park Zoo

Lacey Township, NJ

 

 

It's the place not too far from the shore “where the wild things are”. Kids love Popcorn Park Zoo for two reasons: the exotic and domestic animals and the popcorn! Kids can see their favorite animals up close – everything from turtles to mountain lions, camels and more!

 

Flickr user James Loesch

Funtown Pier

Seaside Park, NJ

 

 

Funtown Pier is ideal for kids who love amusement rides of all sorts! From the ferris wheel to roller coasters and go karts, Funtown Pier has something for everyone. Little ones can ride the train while the big kids take in the beautiful ocean view before dropping on the Tower of Fear.  If you're looking for amusement park excitement this summer, look no further than Funtown Pier!

 

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