Although summer reigns supreme in Long Beach Island, New Jersey, there's fun to be had year-round in this beach community located in the middle of the New Jersey shoreline. While adults are sure to enjoy both the outdoor attractions and nightlife appeal of Long Beach Island--"LBI" for short--kids are also bound to have a great time visiting. There's enough to do on Long Beach Island to keep kids busy all day long without ever needing to hear those dreaded words, "I'm bored!"
Fantasy Island Amusement Park
Kids can have a blast playing arcade games at this park any time of year, and once summer comes, they'll be begging to ride the rides. If you don't want to break the bank on ride tokens, check the park schedule to find "Pay One Price" days. The arcade is open weekends all year, and both the arcade and rides are open daily in summer.
Fantasy Island Amusement Park
Seventh Street & Bay Avenue
Beach Haven, NJ 08008
(609) 492-4000
fantasyislandpark.com
Thundering Surf Water Park
You'll have to drag the kids away from this water park, which is only open in summer. Located just a block north of Fantasy Island Amusement Park, kids of all ages will love this park, from the kiddie area for toddlers all the way up to the rushing water slides and crazy river ride for older kids. Once everyone's feeling waterlogged, head over to the 36-hole miniature golf area to dry off--it's just one of the many miniature golf courses you'll pass while traveling up and down the island.
Thundering Surf Water Park
Eighth Street & Bay Ave
Beach Haven, NJ 08008
(609) 492-0869
thunderingsurfwaterpark.com
Long Beach Island Foundation of the Arts of Sciences
For educational and creative fun, Long Beach Island Foundation of the Arts of Sciences offers kid-friendly activities throughout the year. They offer an after-school program during the off-season, and once summer comes, there's a variety of classes--ranging from "Creative Arts and Crafts" to "Marine Biology"--available for kids from ages 3 to 15. They also offer children's tennis lessons.
Long Beach Island Foundation of the Arts & Sciences
120 Long Beach Blvd.
Loveladies, NJ 08008
(609) 494-1241
lbifoundation.org
Surflight Theatre & Show Place Ice Cream Parlour
Every parent knows that late in the day, children can become theatrical. From June to September, the Surflight Theatre--the county's only professional theater--offers a season of children's performances that take place in the early evening, five days a week. Just around the corner, the Show Place Ice Cream Parlour--and its waitstaff in striped aprons who frequently burst into song--also provides a sweet and memorable way to end the day.
On the Green of Veterans Memorial Park, directly across from the Surflight Theatre, the Beach Haven Community Arts Program hosts free musical performances each week throughout the summer, to enjoy as a lustrous sunset fades behind the performers--just remember to bring your own chairs or blankets, and sweatshirts or jackets to keep warm in the cool evening breeze.
Surflight Theatre
Engelside Avenue & Beach Avenue
Beach Haven, NJ 08008
(609) 492-9477
surflight.org/childrens.htm
Show Place Ice Cream Parlour
Centre Street & Beach Avenue
Beach Haven, NJ 08008
(609) 492-0018
www.theshowplace.org
Beaches
Although there are tons of fun things to do on Long Beach Island that don't involve sand, it's hard to beat the beaches you'll find here. It's a long, narrow island, so there are dozens of beaches to choose from. To find the one that's best for your sand castle-builders--and learn about purchasing the beach badges required during the peak summer season--check the "Beach Use Guide" on LongBeachIsland.com.
If you head to the beach on a summer afternoon, consider tucking some extra cash in a dry place. Children are sure to notice the spritely tune of one of the many ice cream trucks that prowl the streets just off the island's beaches all summer long.
Tags: Long Beach, Beach Island, Long Beach Island, Beach Haven, Avenue Beach, Beach Haven 08008