Moms Vibe:
By Krystle J. Bailey
In this week’s letter from the editor, Cindy talked about making extraordinary summer memories with her children. As a mom of two young children, it inspired me to think about all the ways, all the resources, and all the opportunities to create incredible moments for our children at the Jersey Shore.
We are surrounded by beaches and amusement parks that some people dream their whole lives of visiting. From Wildwood to Atlantic City, Ocean City to Cape May, there is so much to do on our shores. Who needs to travel anywhere when vacation is right here in our back yard, if we just shift our perspective and look at it through eyes of gratitude.
As we tip over the mid-summer mark and stare down the last weeks of summer, here are a few ways to create lasting memories with our families.
Check out Island Aquapark on Amherst Avenue in Margate for a wild adventure everyone is sure to remember. Challenge your balance as you climb over inflatable hurdles and crawl through hoops nestled right on the water in Margate. The laughs and thrills are sure to create that extraordinary experience.
Take the adventure a little further out on an Atlantic City Cruise. Catch beautiful sunset views or go dolphin watching with the family. Cruises depart right out of Gardner’s Basin in Atlantic City. Atlantic City Cruises can also be booked for private parties so consider your next family reunion, birthday party, or other celebration on what my kids refer to as “the party boat.”
Rise above the water for a parasail adventure with FLY OCNJ. Departures leave from Bay Ave in Ocean City and require no experience. Family members ages six and up can fly above the shore line for 90 minutes of breathtaking fun.
Need for speed? Rent a jetski from Bayview Marina Jet Ski Rentals. Children above the age of five are invited to ride with an adult, while older kids, ages 16 and up, can participate as a driver. Take a ride in the Great Egg Harbor Bay on a 1 or 2 seat jet ski. The certified and friendly staff is located on Bay Ave in Ocean City.
So many of my childhood memories were created at our local amusement parks. Steel Pier in Atlantic City or Playland’s Castaway Cove in Ocean City are must-visits for summertime memories with the family. Ride the rollercoasters, grab some ice cream, and enjoy a stroll down one of our iconic boardwalks.
Lucy The Elephant is another South Jersey must-see. For over 100 years, the giant elephant has guarded the Margate coastline. Did you know that Lucy is America’s oldest roadside attraction and she’s right here in our back yard? Lucy is open every day for tours at 1 Lucy Plaza in Margate.
Music is a key ingredient to creating lasting memories. Have you ever heard a song play on the radio that brought you back to a 20-year-old memory? Music has a way of sticking with us for decades. Create those memorable, music-inspired moments at any of the local beach concerts this summer. Check out the Atlanticare concerts on the beach series in Somers Point, the free summer concerts every Wednesday night at Kennedy Plaza in Atlantic City, Country at the Point every Thursday night in Somers Point, and the Ski Beach Concert lineup in Ventnor. Let your hair down, unwind, and dance the night away with or without the kids this summer.
Relive your own childhood nostalgia as you create new memories with your little ones at Storybook Land. Since 1955, Storybook Land has been a South Jersey hot spot for family memories. Adventure through the Alice in Wonderland’s card maze and take a ride on Bubbles the Rollercoaster. The park offers water-based activities to stay cool in the summer.
For more events and happenings, check out Shore Local every week to stay up to date on concerts, events, discounts, grand openings, and so much more. We are here to help you live your best Jersey Shore Summer.
Krystle J Bailey. Multimedia journalist, Author, Poet.
Connect with Krystle on Instagram @thedailybailey5
