family activities
Let’s Go to the Beach!
B
each blankets, swimsuits, the ocean breeze, and more! Nothing says summer like a day (or night) at the beach. Whether you like to lay on the sand, take a dip in the water, or try your hand at boardwalk games, there’s something for everyone at our local beaches. Check out our round-up of beach destinations located nearby in New York and New Jersey—including right here on Staten Island—then head to the shore for some fun in the sun!
Point Pleasant Point Pleasant Beach, NJ 732-892-0600 pointpleasantbeach.com Features arcades and games, beach, restaurants, Jenkinson’s amusement park rides & aquarium, live entertainment, and fireworks shows.
7 Presidents Oceanfront Park Long Branch, NJ • 732-229-7025 monmouthcountyparks.com The 38-acre park includes an activity center, a boating launch, fishing, a playground, swimming, sand volleyball, pavilion with snack bar, and restrooms.
Seaside Heights Seaside Heights, NJ • 732-793-6488 seaside-heightsnj.org The beach and boardwalk features Casino Pier amusement rides, Breakwater Beach water park, plus go-karts, mini golf, arcades, games, and food.
Ocean City Ocean City, NJ • 609-399-7082 oceancityvacation.com Two and half miles of boardwalk containing 24 July 2021 • siparent.com
family amusements like OC Waterpark and Gillian’s Wonderland Pier, plus the beach and free entertainment.
Sandy Hook Sandy Hook, NJ • 732-872-5970 nps.gov/gate/planyourvisit/sandy-hook One of New Jersey’s most beautiful beaches, visitors can go fishing, birding, camping, boating, canoeing, enjoy picnics, take sightseeing tours, and eat at local seafood restaurants.
Wildwood Wildwood, NJ • 800-992-9732 wildwoodsnj.com Features more than 100 rides and attractions including Morey’s Piers & Beachfront Waterparks, Ocean Oasis Waterpark & Beach Club, Splash Zone Water Park, games, arcades, food, and restaurants.
Coney Island Brooklyn, NY • 718-373-5862 coneyisland.com Amusement park rides for kids of all ages, games, food, fireworks shows, beach, live entertainment, New York Aquarium, ferris wheel, carousel, and more.
Nautical Mile Freeport, Long Island • 516-377-2200 longisland.com/freeport-nautical-mile A lively, seaside destination featuring great restaurants, shopping, fishing boats, mini golf, and ice cream shops.
Rockaway Beach and Boardwalk Queens, NY nycgovparks.org/parks/rockawaybeach-and-boardwalk/ A year-round destination for locals along the Rockaway peninsula, it comes alive each summer from Memorial Day to Labor Day weekend. It features the city’s only legal surfing beach, a variety of concessions, playgrounds, and other activities.
Franklin D. Roosevelt Boardwalk and Beach Midland Beach and South Beach, Staten Island nycgovparks.org/parks/fdr-boardwalk-and-beach Features a 2.5-mile boardwalk, barbecue ares, playgrounds, basketball courts, soccer fields, baseball fields, and kayak and canoe launch sites.
