New Jersey has more boardwalks per mile of coastline than any other state — and if you’re a family living in Union County (or relocating to NJ from NYC), they’re one of the best reasons to love living here. The closest is about an hour from your driveway. The farthest is still a reasonable day trip. But not all boardwalks are created equal, and what works for a couple looking for nightlife won’t necessarily work for a family with a toddler in a stroller and a ten-year-old who wants roller coasters.

This guide ranks the best family-friendly boardwalks in New Jersey — with honest takes on what each one does well, what it doesn’t, and which families each boardwalk is actually best for. We’ve included drive times from Union County, beach tag costs, parking tips, and the specific attractions that matter to parents.

🎪 1. Point Pleasant Beach (Jenkinson’s Boardwalk)

If you could only visit one NJ boardwalk with kids, this should be it. Jenkinson’s has been family-owned since 1928 — four generations running the same operation — and the result is a boardwalk that’s polished without feeling corporate. The scale is perfect for families: big enough to fill a full day, small enough that you won’t lose a kid in the crowd.

The amusement park has rides for every age, from gentle kiddie rides to coasters for tweens and teens. In 2026, Jenkinson’s is debuting Patriot’s Run, a new family roller coaster. The aquarium ($18 adults, $12 kids) is a genuine attraction — sharks, penguins, seals, touch tanks, and a sloth named Wally that kids obsess over. Two miniature golf courses, batting cages, an enormous arcade, and a fun house round out the entertainment.

The beach itself is well-maintained with attentive lifeguards. The food scene is solid boardwalk fare — pizza, funnel cake, sausage and peppers — plus a few sit-down options. Martell’s Tiki Bar gives parents a spot for a drink while still being steps from the action.

🎢 2. Wildwood Boardwalk

Named the #1 boardwalk in America by USA Today’s 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards for the second year in a row, Wildwood is the biggest, loudest, and most ambitious boardwalk in New Jersey — and possibly the country. The 2.5-mile boardwalk connects Wildwood, North Wildwood, and Wildwood Crest, and it’s anchored by Morey’s Piers: three amusement piers and two waterparks with over 100 rides and attractions combined.

The scale is staggering. Surfside Pier has the thrill rides (the Great Nor’easter hanging coaster, the AtmosFEAR drop tower). Mariner’s Pier has the classics — Giant Wheel, Tilt-A-Whirl, bumper cars, plus Raging Waters waterpark. Adventure Pier has go-karts, the Great White coaster, and more. For little kids, there are dedicated kiddie ride sections on each pier. Morey’s opens in early May and runs through September, with special events throughout the season including Beach Jam (late May), fireworks every Friday night at 10 PM, and block parties all summer.

Here’s the kicker: Wildwood’s beaches are completely free. No beach tags required. Five miles of clean, wide, free sand. In a state where beach tags can run $10–$15 per person per day (and seasonal passes hit $145 in some towns), this is a massive cost savings for families. Admission to the boardwalk and piers is also free — you only pay for rides, either per-ride or via wristbands.

The iconic Sightseer Tram Car has been rolling up and down the boardwalk since 1949 (originally built for the 1939 World’s Fair). Single fare: $5. All-day hop-on hop-off wristband: $13. If your kids are old enough to walk, they’ll hear the unforgettable “Watch the tram car, please!” announcement and remember it forever.

🧒 3. Ocean City Boardwalk

Ocean City has called itself “America’s Greatest Family Resort” for over a century — and the claim isn’t hollow. This is a dry town: no alcohol is sold anywhere within city limits. No bars, no liquor stores, no drinks served at restaurants. For families with young children, this fundamentally changes the boardwalk atmosphere. Evening strolls feel safe and calm. The crowd skews toward families, not party-goers.

The 2.5-mile boardwalk runs from 1st Street to 23rd Street along eight miles of meticulously maintained beach. The amusement zone (roughly 6th to 14th Street) features Playland’s Castaway Cove (30+ rides including roller coasters and a log flume), OC Waterpark & Adventure Golf, and the Jolly Roger Amusement Park. Ocean City also has four mini golf courses along the boardwalk — more than any other NJ shore town.

The food is a destination in itself: Manco & Manco Pizza has been a boardwalk institution since 1956, Johnson’s Popcorn is legendary, and Shriver’s has been making saltwater taffy since 1898. The Music Pier hosts concerts year-round, including the Ocean City Pops. Every Thursday night in summer, the town puts on free family entertainment throughout the boardwalk area.

The honest caveat: Ocean City is in transition. The beloved Gillian’s Wonderland Pier closed permanently, and the city is studying what will replace it. A council subcommittee is evaluating options including a possible hotel, new entertainment venues, or a mix — but another traditional amusement park is considered unlikely due to high operating costs and insurance requirements. Playland’s Castaway Cove and the other attractions remain strong, but if Wonderland Pier was a key part of your OC memories, know that it’s gone. The rest of the boardwalk is still thriving.

🎸 4. Asbury Park Boardwalk

Asbury Park isn’t a traditional family boardwalk — and that’s exactly why it belongs on this list. It’s the boardwalk for parents who also want to enjoy themselves, and for kids old enough to appreciate something beyond rides and arcade games. The vibe is eclectic, artsy, inclusive, and food-forward. If your family gravitates toward cultural experiences over carnival culture, Asbury Park is your spot.

The anchor attraction for families is the Silverball Retro Arcade — a museum-quality collection of 200+ playable vintage pinball machines, classic ’80s video games, Skee-Ball, and air hockey. You pay a flat admission fee (around $25 for all-day access) and every game is free to play, unlimited. For kids who’ve never seen a physical pinball machine, it’s genuinely magical. For parents who grew up in the arcade era, it’s a time machine. This alone is worth the trip.

Beyond Silverball, the boardwalk is lined with unique shops, excellent restaurants (well beyond typical boardwalk fare), art galleries, and cafés. Convention Hall hosts pop-up markets on weekends. The Asbury Splash Park gives little kids a place to cool off. The Stone Pony — the legendary venue where Springsteen launched his career — hosts shows year-round, including the Summer Stage outdoor concert series. 2026 marks the Stone Pony’s 50th anniversary.

The beach is solid with good lifeguard coverage. Asbury Park also provides adaptive beach chairs for visitors with disabilities, available on a first-come or reservation basis.

⚡ 5. Seaside Heights Boardwalk

Yes, Seaside Heights is the town from the MTV show. No, it’s not actually like that anymore. The boardwalk has undergone a remarkable transformation since Hurricane Sandy devastated it in 2012 (followed by a 2013 boardwalk fire that destroyed nearly 50 businesses). What’s emerged is a rebuilt, revitalized boardwalk that retains its classic Jersey Shore energy while being genuinely family-friendly during daytime hours.

Casino Pier is the main draw — the Hydrus Euro-Fighter roller coaster (which replaced the iconic Star Jet lost to Sandy), the Giant Ferris Wheel, Air Race with 3-G loops, and a solid lineup of family rides. Wristbands run $40–$60 for all-day access, or pay per ride using a Surf Card for shorter visits. Breakwater Beach Waterpark ($34–$40 admission) has slides, a lazy river, and a dedicated kiddie splash area. The recently restored 1928 Dentzel/Looff carousel — 58 hand-carved wooden animals and a 1923 Wurlitzer band organ — reopened in 2024 and is worth riding just for the craftsmanship.

The Sky Ride chairlift gives aerial views of the entire boardwalk and is surprisingly fun for families. Food is everywhere — pizza, zeppole, sausage, and every fried thing you can imagine.

The honest caveat: Seaside Heights has a split personality. Daytime is family-friendly and fun. After dark, particularly on summer weekends, the crowd shifts younger and louder. If you’re visiting with small kids, plan your visit during the day and early evening.

🏙️ 6. Atlantic City Boardwalk

Atlantic City’s four-mile boardwalk is the original — the one that inspired the Monopoly board — and it’s still one of the most iconic walks in America. For families, AC is best understood as a combo trip: the beach and boardwalk are excellent; the casino/nightlife areas are obviously not for kids. But the family-friendly attractions here are legitimately great, and the beach is completely free (no tags required).

Steel Pier is the family attraction hub, extending 1,000 feet over the Atlantic Ocean. After a $23 million renovation, it offers 25+ rides for all ages — kiddie rides, coasters, spinning rides, a Grand Carousel, and the Slingshot (which launches riders 225 feet into the air). The Wheel at Steel Pier is a 227-foot observation wheel offering 360-degree ocean views in climate-controlled gondolas. Steel Pier also offers the only helicopter ride on the Jersey Shore — a unique aerial tour of the coastline. Tickets are sold individually ($2 per ticket cash) with ride-specific pricing.

Beyond Steel Pier, the boardwalk itself is an experience — wide, long, and lined with restaurants, shops, and street performers. Lucy the Elephant (in nearby Margate) and Storybook Land (20 minutes away in Egg Harbor Township) make great add-ons for families with younger kids. The Island Waterpark at Showboat is an indoor waterpark open year-round.

🏖️ Honorable Mentions

Long Branch (Pier Village): Not a traditional boardwalk — it’s more of an upscale waterfront shopping and dining promenade. The beach is great and there’s a carousel and some family entertainment, but if you’re expecting rides and arcades, this isn’t the spot. That said, it’s only about 45 minutes from Union County, making it the easiest “shore day” on this list. Good for families who want beach + a nice lunch.

Belmar Boardwalk: Rebuilt after Hurricane Sandy with ADA-compliant beach access at every entrance point and Mobi-Mats for wheelchair and stroller accessibility. The 1.3-mile boardwalk is great for walking and biking, and Belmar’s free parking on side streets is a nice perk. But this is a scene boardwalk — younger and more social than most, especially after dark. Families are better served during the day.

Spring Lake Boardwalk: A wide, non-commercial, two-mile boardwalk along the beach — no arcades, no food vendors, no rides. Just ocean, sand, and beautiful homes. Perfect for a quiet family walk or jog, but don’t come here expecting entertainment. It’s the anti-boardwalk boardwalk.

Avalon Boardwalk: A half-mile, non-commercial boardwalk best for strolling, biking, and dog-walking. No rides or amusement options, but the quiet atmosphere and free sunscreen stations (through a melanoma prevention partnership) make it appealing for families with very young kids who just want calm beach time. Free parking in Avalon is a bonus. Beach tags are reciprocal with Stone Harbor.

💡 Tips for NJ Boardwalk Day Trips from Union County

Leave early. Summer Saturdays on the Garden State Parkway are brutal, especially heading south between 9 AM and noon. If you’re going to Point Pleasant or Seaside Heights, leave by 7:30 AM and you’ll beat the worst of it. For Wildwood, Ocean City, or Atlantic City, consider making it a weekend trip — the 2+ hour drive each way is a lot for a single day with kids.

Budget for the real costs. Beach tags, parking, rides, food, and games add up fast. A family of four can easily spend $200–$300+ on a boardwalk day trip. Wildwood and Atlantic City soften the blow with free beaches. Buying ride wristbands or ticket books in advance online almost always saves money versus buying at the gate.

Check weather and crowd calendars. Weekdays are dramatically less crowded (and often cheaper for rides) than weekends. If your schedule allows, a Tuesday or Wednesday boardwalk trip is a completely different experience — shorter lines, easier parking, and more relaxed energy.

NJ Transit is an option for two boardwalks. The North Jersey Coast Line stops at both Point Pleasant Beach and Asbury Park stations. From Union County, you’d drive or take a bus/train to one of these lines. It’s a viable option if you want to skip the drive and parking headache — and it’s a fun train ride for kids.

Sunscreen. Water. Stroller wheels that work on boardwalk planks. Sounds obvious, but boardwalk planks can be tough on narrow stroller wheels. Wider wheels roll better. And bring more water than you think you’ll need — dehydration sneaks up on everyone.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

📚 Related Resources

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For a broader look at what makes New Jersey special beyond the commute, our Gateway Region guide covers Union, Essex, Bergen, Hudson, and Passaic counties — the heart of North Jersey’s suburban landscape. And if you’re exploring The Shore Region, that guide covers the lifestyle, communities, and real estate market along the coast.

The Michael Martinetti Group | Keller Williams Premier Properties · 1 Elm Street, Westfield, NJ 07090 · 1716 E 2nd Street, Scotch Plains, NJ 07076 · 1-855-I-SELL-NJ · Members of GSMLS, NJMLS, MOMLS, ALLJersey MLS, Hudson MLS, Bright MLS · Information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Beach tag prices, hours, and attraction details are subject to change — verify directly with each boardwalk before your visit.