Posted: 02/09/2007--25/11/2008 || Rate this Article: 3 || Views|| Sign In || Register ||Hello Guest
When most people think of Atlantic City, New Jersey, casinos and the Miss American Pageant come to mind. Although these may be fine for adult recreation, they dont really make for a fun family vacation. In addition to beaches and boardwalks, the Jersey Shore has more than a few family friendly attractions.
Ocean Life Center
Gardners Basin
800 N. New Hampshire Avenue
Atlantic City, N.J. 08401
The Ocean Life Center is located in Atlantic Citys Historic Gardner's Basin. The center houses more than 100 varieties of fish and marine animals. The Fish of the New Jersey Coast Aquarium features sea bass, sand tiger sharks, northern stingray, bluefish, and kingfish. Visitors can handle horseshoes, hermit and spider crabs, sea urchins, seastars, horse and blue mussels, common shore shrimp, and other marine life in touch tanks. Computer-enhanced information stations are at each exhibit for self-tours.
Cape May County Park Zoo
Route 9 and Crest Haven Road
Cape May, N.J. 08210
Only a half-hour drive south of Atlantic City, the Cape May Zoo houses almost 200 species of wild animals on eighty acres. Its exhibits include a fifty-five acre African Savannah and an extensive aviary. A picnic area and playground are adjacent to the zoo. Admission is free, but donations are greatly appreciated.
The Sandcastle Baseball Stadium
545 north Albany Ave
Atlantic City, NJ 08401
Catch a minor league game and cheer for the Atlantic City Surf. The Sandcastle has 5900 seats, with 30 premium boxes on the third level. There are group rates and a picnic area.
The Steel Pier
Trump Taj Mahal
Virginia Avenue and Boardwalk
Atlantic City, N.J. 08401
Enjoy a night of rides, carnival games and cotton candy at the steel pier. A Ferris wheel, bumper cars, a log flume and many other rides operate at this historic Atlantic City attraction. After first opening in 1898, the pier was known for hosting some of the worlds top entertainers. Today, the pier has twenty-four rides, games and a food court.
Storybook Land
6415 Back Horse Pike
Egg Harbor Township, NJ 08234
All of the rides at Storybook Land are family friendly and based on storybook themes. Besides rides, there are many fantastical buildings with interior dioramas of fairy tales. For one cover price, you can have unlimited rides. The amusement park is located ten miles west of Atlantic City.
Ripleys Believe It or Not! Museum
New York Avenue and Boardwalk
Atlantic City, N.J. 08401
Housed in a building that looks as if its being hit with a wrecking ball, this museum is home to oddities from Robert Ripleys world travels. Many bizarre and fascinating exhibits are on display. Among its artifacts are shrunken heads, the skeleton of a Jersey devil and a lock of George Washingtons hair. Also in the museum are various films and an interactive fun house.
Absecon Lighthouse
Rhode Island Avenue
Atlantic City, N.J. 08401
Built in 1857 to help navigate the treacherous island shoreline, the historic Absecon Lighthouse was last used in 1933. Before the lighthouse was erected, Abescon Island had earned the nickname the Graveyard Inlet. In 1854 the US Lighthouse Service requested funds to build. In the first month of operation, not a single ship wrecked. The states tallest lighthouse is the third tallest in the United States. The lighthouse is open to the public and holds several community events throughout the year.
Lucy the Elephant
9200 Atlantic Ave.
Margate, N.J. 08402
Standing six stories tall, Lucy is the worlds biggest metal elephant. Lucy was built in 1881 as a real estate marketing stunt. Curious visitors tour her insides and use her observation deck to view the ocean. Over the years she has served as a summer home, a tavern and has even been visited by United States President, Woodrow Wilson.
Wheaton Village
1501 Glasstown Road
Millville, NJ 08332
The main purpose of Wheaton Village is to promote interest and education in American craft, particularly glassworking, which is an important aspect in New Jerseys cultural history. In addition to gallery exhibits, there are also demonstrations, collectors seminars and craft workshops available for a variety of mediums. The Museum of American Glass hold pieces from Americas first successful glass factory, Wistarburgh Glass, which was located in Salem County, New Jersey.
Print article ||
Send to friend ||
Publish this Article ||
Author feedback ||
Add new Comment ||
Article Comments
