By Julia Train
School’s out for the summer! That means the kids have a ton of free time to be filled … but with what?
If you’re struggling with ideas on what to do, have no fear. Here are some for your kids’ Summer 2024 Bucket List.
- Visit Dave and Busters.
The newly opened location in Atlantic City’s Tanger Outlet is a great idea to get the kids’ energy out on a rainy day.
- Go to a waterpark.
There are a handful to choose from in Atlantic and Cape May Counties in the price range of $30-$90. There’s Island Waterpark, OC Waterpark, and Splash Zone Waterpark among others.
- Have a beach day.
This may seem like a no-brainer, but the beach is always there for people of all ages!
- Spend a day at Cape May County Park & Zoo.
Learn about all your favorite (or new) animals for free.
- Check out Tree to Tree Adventure Park.
Want a bit of adventure? The zipline course was added to the Cape May County Park & Zoo property in 2016 with a price starting at $45.
- Mingle with alpacas at Jersey Shore Alpacas.
Spend a day among the alpacas, located at 521 NJ-47, Cape May! Feed and mingle with the furry guys, starting at $25 for one to two people. Just make sure to book an appointment on their website. They can’t accommodate drop-ins.
- Play or relax at local parks and playgrounds.
Spend some time walking around, relaxing or playing! There are so many parks and playgrounds nearby. Just search up “parks near me” and there you go!
- Climb a lighthouse.
Feeling fit? Go climb either the Absecon Lighthouse in Atlantic City or Cape May Lighthouse. You and your kids will definitely be ready for a nap after. Purchase tickets to climb Cape May Lighthouse on their website. It costs $12 for adults, $8 for children ages 3-12, and $8 for veterans. To climb Absecon Lighthouse, it costs $10 for adults, $9 for seniors and college students, $6 for children ages 4-12, and $5 for Atlantic City residents (with ID). Admission is free for kids under 4 and active-duty military. Tickets can be purchased on location.
- Spend a day at Storybook Land.
Do your kids love fairytales? Bring them to Storybook Land on the Black Horse Pike in Egg Harbor Township and let them spend a day pretending to be in one! General admission is $37.99, and season passes are $199.99 per person.
- Play a round or two of miniature golf.
It’s a classic summer activity with tons of options in Atlantic and Cape May Counties. Ocean City’s Boardwalk is lined with them, and there are plenty in each shore town.
- Spend a day at Cape Square Entertainment Complex.
Bowling, movies, food: What more could be needed for a family outing? Especially when the weather isn’t the best, this can be a good option.
- Attend the beach concert kids series.
During the summer, Somers Point puts on free concerts each week on its beach. There are a few times during the season that they put together concerts for kids.
- Check out local history.
Atlantic and Cape May Counties are filled with history. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, learning each town’s story will be interesting. Plus, it can be cheap or even free. You can really tailor it to your price point. Here are some ideas: Naval Air Station Wildwood Aviation Museum, Historic Cold Spring Village, Emlen Physick Estate, and The Museum of Cape May County, among many others.
- Spend some time at the Showboat.
Located on the Atlantic City Boardwalk, there’s so much to do: Go-karts, Lucky Snake Arcade, and Island Waterpark.
- Break out of an escape room.
Get some family bonding in by putting your brains together to escape a room. They’ve become incredibly popular within the past few years, so it’s easy to find a location.
- Bike on the boards.
Rent a bike or bring your own to the boardwalk and see the sights. Make sure to follow the bike riding rules of whatever city you’re in (Ocean City’s Boardwalk doesn’t allow bikes after noon). Of course, if the town you’re in doesn’t have a boardwalk, like Cape May, there will still be sights to see around the area!
- Go souvenir shopping.
Even if you’re a local, it could be fun to find a trinket that reminds you of your love for your hometown.
- Play at an arcade.
This is a fun way to bond with your kids because you get to feel like you’re one again too! Check out Jilly’s Arcade on the Ocean City Boardwalk.
- Play on the boardwalk.
Go to Ocean City, Atlantic City or Wildwood and enjoy a day or night at the amusement park, playing games, mini golfing, shopping, eating and more.
- Visit Lucy the Elephant.
Check out the beloved six-story elephant-shaped roadside attraction and learn about its fun history. It’s free for those who just want to visit the grounds, but visitors who wish to take the guided tour through Lucy the Elephant must pay for admission. Tickets are sold there for $8.50 for adults (ages 13 and up) and $4 for children 3-12 years old. Admission is free for those 2 years old and under.
Now that you’ve got quite a few ideas, take out some paper and a pen and add them to your kids’ Summer 2024 Bucket List!
