Family Tides
With spring in bloom and summer around the corner, the possibilities for kids’ outdoor birthday parties are endless. If you’re looking for something memorable, crowd-pleasing and big enough for the whole class, these local venues in Atlantic and Cape May counties deliver.
Step into a fairytale at Storybook Land
(Egg Harbor Township)
Storybook Land offers a magical birthday experience that drops your littlest celebrant and their guests right into the heart of their favorite fairytales. The all-inclusive package covers all-day park admission for 30 guests (ages 2 and up), along with four pizza pies, two sides, snacks and four drink pitchers of your choice. Families also get access to the birthday cake pavilion, plus table covers, paper products, balloons and a coloring activity for kids.
The birthday child receives a special pin, a gift and free admission, along with free admission for two guardians. Best of all, there’s no cleanup — just show up and enjoy the day.
The package is $1,725, including tax, and is available on select days from April through October. Parties are not offered in November or December, and weekday bookings are unavailable in May, June and October, as well as on special event days. For more information, visit storybookland.com/birthdays.
Enjoy boardwalk thrills at Playland’s Castaway Cove
(Ocean City)
For kids who love rides, games and classic boardwalk fun, Playland’s Castaway Cove is sure to please. The park offers two party packages. The Lil’ Mates Package is $20 per person and includes one hour of rides, a small Dairy Queen ice cream, one slice of Prep’s Pizza, a small soft drink and 45 minutes in the outdoor party area. The Captain’s Package, priced at $25 per person, includes everything in the Lil’ Mates package plus an extra hour of ride time.
Add-ons like go-kart rides or miniature golf are also available. For families who prefer a simpler option, rides-only packages are offered in April, May, June and September.
Parties are typically available except on major holiday weekends, including Memorial Day, Fourth of July and Labor Day. In September and October, parties are limited to weekends. Reservations must be made at least one week in advance, with a minimum of 10 paying children. The birthday child is free with the purchase of 10 or more wristbands. Paper products are included. For more information, visit oceancityfun.com.
Celebrate with wildlife at the Cape May County Park and Zoo
(Cape May Court House)
For little animal lovers, the free Cape May County Park and Zoo delivers a wildly fun birthday setting. Though families will need to bring their own food, drinks and decor, pavilion rentals are just $125 (which you’ll have the use of from open until dusk), making this an easy, budget-friendly option, especially for larger groups.
Some pavilions are located near the park’s playgrounds, giving kids a chance to burn off energy before or after exploring the zoo and visiting their favorite animals.
For an extra-special touch, the birthday child can enjoy a 20-minute meet-and-greet with one of the zoo’s ambassador animals. The standard meet-and-greet is $100 (with a rabbit, snake, turtle, tortoise or guinea pig) while a goat meet-and-greet is $200. A pavilion reservation is required. For more information, visit cmczoo.com.
Make a splash at OC Waterpark
(Ocean City)
Cool off with a birthday party at OC Waterpark, where the base package includes three hours of fun for $400. The package covers admission for the birthday child and 10 guests, with additional guests priced at $40 each. It also includes a round of golf, a three-hour non-swimming spectator pass (for parents who are there to just chaperone, not splash), a reserved party space, table covers, candles and paper products. Adults who plan to swim must be upgraded to party guests.
Food options include Pirate’s Pizza, which is two slices of cheese pizza, assorted chips, cupcakes and a drink for $10 per person, or the Lil’ Buc’s Picnic Buffet, which features hot dogs, burgers, grilled chicken sandwiches, Caesar salad, macaroni or potato salad, and a drink for $20 per person.
Families can also add goody bags filled with Ocean City favorites like Johnson’s Popcorn, Shriver’s taffy and cotton candy, along with other upgrades. For more information, visit ocwaterpark.com/parties.
Keep it cost-conscious
Looking to keep things simple and budget-friendly? You can’t go wrong with a classic beach birthday. Beaches in Wildwood and Atlantic City don’t require beach tags, making them an easy option for a laid-back celebration with friends.
Another great option is Lake Lenape East in Mays Landing, which has been recently renovated with updated walkways and new pavilions. The pavilions, located behind Young’s Skating Center, can be rented for $35 per day and accommodate up to 100 guests. The pavilions include access to electricity and water.
The park also features a playground, pickleball courts and plenty of open space for fun and games. For more information, call 609-625-8219 or visit atlanticcountynj.gov.
