Is There Enough Family Fun in Atlantic City to Take my Kids?

Everyone knows that Atlantic City is known for it’s casinos, but people often wonder if there is also family fun there. The short answer is: Yes! Atlantic City is generally more known for its “adult fun,” and we’ve had some great times watching concerts, dancing at nightclubs, and visiting the casinos. But, there are plenty of family attractions to enjoy as well!

In many places, kids are not allowed in Casinos as a rule. But, the casinos in AC also function as eateries, hotels, and shopping establishments. So, children can stroll through them, as long as they don’t stop at any tables and start gambling (obviously).

Our Mexican-American family loves el sabor Latino at the Havanna-inspired Quarter. Here you can find good things to eat at a variety of restaurants that are suitable for the whole family. Another fun one is the Rainforest Cafe inside the Tropicana. And not only do adults find the festive atmosphere and tropical décor fun and exciting, but kids do too! They are interested in the extravagant look of the casinos. And, it’s fun to walk and drive around pointing out gaudy statues and over-the-top signage and lighting.

The Atlantic City Boardwalk and Showboat

Of course, the boardwalk is a great place for such a stroll. The beach itself is great here too, because its wide with soft white sand. Even if it’s not warm enough to swim, who doesn’t enjoy a walk on the beach and their feet in the sand?

The Steel Pier

In addition, the steel pier is one of the oldest amusement parks in the area. It was founded in 1898, and has over 20 rides. It is actually built on a pier, so it extends out over the ocean. There are a mix of thrill rides and kiddie rides to appeal to all ages. You can even take an ocean front helicopter ride! All the classic boardwalk treats, such as boardwalk fries, funnel cake, and cotton candy are available there. If you’re not there during summer, the Ferris wheel is open on weekends year round (though most of the other rides close in the off season.) For a good deal, visit on a “two ticket Tuesday,” where all rides only cost two tickets. Tickets are $2 each.

At the north end of the boardwalk, a little past the Steel Pier, you’ll find a playground. Next to it, you’ll find the Absecon Lighthouse, which offers tours for a small fee. Though dwarfed by the giant hotels of Atlantic City, this is actually one of the tallest lighthouses in the USA. It’s quite picturesque and includes interesting historic information about how lighthouses were kept in the past.

The Atlantic City Aquarium is near Absecon and is a smaller aquarium that is perfect for younger children. It includes touch tanks, the opportunity to feed baby rays from your hand, and talks and demonstrations with the animals.

The Showboat

The Showboat is another attraction that is very popular with families. This hotel actually has the largest indoor waterfront waterpark in the world. It also features one of the largest arcades on the East coast, with a go-kart track, minigolf, and virtual reality attractions. If you stay at the hotel, you can purchase waterpark tickets at a heavily discounted rate (about $25 vs. $50), or you can just purchase day passes if you have a rainy day during your vacation.

Other Excursions for family fun near Atlantic City

There are also some pretty natural areas near to Atlantic City, including Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge and Birch Grove Park, if you’d like to get away and enjoy some peace just outside of Atlantic City.

Finally, for a quainter stop along the way in or out of Atlantic City, Historic Smithville is an interesting retail area (not actually a historical town, though many of the buildings are restored historic buildings, and all of them are quite unique!) that hosts various events throughout the year. They have Christmas lights and train rides in December, a visit from the Easter Bunny and Carousel rides in spring, car shows, antique shows, and a pleasant lake and walkway. The shops and bed and breakfasts are very appealing and cute, and offer something quite different from what you find in Atlantic City. We think it’s worth a visit, and one of the reasons Atlantic City works as a fun, family getaway (even off season)!

Other nearby excursions that are great for kids include the Cape May County Park and Zoo, where you can feed the giraffes; Lucy the Elephant, where you can climb inside this architecturally unique, six-story elephant; and Storybook Land, where you can ride the Cinderella Rollercoaster.

For more family-friendly fun throughout New Jersey, check out our post on things to do with kids in New Jersey. For other Mid-Atlantic region beach vacation ideas, check out our page on seasonal fun in the Mid-Atlantic.