Things to do with Kids in Cape May
Cape May, New Jersey offers so many family-friendly activities that are sure to keep kids entertained. Start your day by visiting the Cape May County Park and Zoo, where children can marvel at a wide variety of animals and even enjoy a train ride through the park. For a fun and educational experience, head to the Cape May Lighthouse, where kids can climb to the top and learn about the area’s maritime history. Finally, don’t miss out on a visit to the Cape May Beach, where kids can build sandcastles, swim in the ocean, and enjoy the beautiful shoreline.
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1. Enjoy the Cape May Beaches
I know, I know… I jumped right in with the most obvious of activities. But really, the beaches here are beautiful! They stretch for over 2 miles, they are clean, safe, and have public bathrooms available along the boardwalk.
2. Ride the Cape May-Lewes Ferry
Take the 1 and a 1/2 hour long ferry from the city of Cape May, known for its stunning homes that can be dated back to the Victorian era, as well as being the oldest seaside resort in America, with countless streets and beaches for you to explore, to the city of Lewes, a small but fast growing town that was one of the earliest founded towns in America, and is home to incredible views of the Atlantic Ocean, as well as local National Parks and many historic buildings.
3. Take a Trolley Tour
Hop on one of Cape May’s cheery red trolleys and take a guided tour the easy and comfortable way. Knowledgeable guides will tell you everything you want to know about America’s first seaside resort, from our Victorian heritage to our seashore and maritime history and more, with plenty of fun facts sprinkled in.
4. Washington Street Mall
In the heart of America’s Original Seaside Resort you will find Washington Street Mall. A great outdoor shopping area made up of restored Victorian buildings. The Washington Street Mall is Cape May’s picturesque town square lined with unique shopping, dining, and more.
5. Visit the Free Cape May County Park and Zoo
You really can’t beat free admission to an 85 acre zoo that houses over 500 animals. Our kids had a blast on July 4th weekend walking around the zoo visiting with the animals. There is even a playground on site that we had to visit before leaving.
6. Play a Round of Mini Golf
Swing a round or two of mini golf at one of the many courses. Here is a list of the many courses to choose from.
7. Kayak or Paddleboard in Cape May Harbor
Explore Cape May by water! Renting a kayak or paddle-board allows you a day of exploring the harbor. This location has rentals but also offers tours. Such a fun way to spend your day!
8. Wander Around Beach Plum Farm
Beach Plum Farm is located less than two miles from Cape May’s historic downtown. Bring your whole family to explore this lovely farm and do a little local shopping while you’re there!
9. Climb the Cape May Lighthouse
Climb the 199 steps up the original, cast iron spiral stairway to the top of the 1859 Cape May Lighthouse and see a staggering view of the Delaware Bay and Atlantic Ocean, the surrounding nature trails of Cape May Point State Park, and Cape May Point Borough. Admission is $12 for adults and $8 for children 3-12.
10. Rent Bikes
Take it easy, get some exercise, and take in scenic ocean views with biking in Cape May. Whether you’re looking to cruise along or stick to one of the Cape May bike trails you’ll be sure to have a good time as you peddle your way around town.
11. Take a Whale Watching and Dolphin Cruise
Unlike other areas, where the whales are a great distance from shore, Cape May, New Jersey is uniquely situated offshore, offering many sightings both within the Delaware Bay or within ten miles of land. This allows for an awesome offshore experience for the family and something to do with the kids as well as seasoned adventurers and seafarers.
12. Visit the Harriet Tubman Museum
The Harriet Tubman museum is a great educational experience. Harriet Tubman lived in Cape May in the early 1850s, working to help fund her missions to guide enslaved people to freedom. Cape May played a pivotal role in the fight to end slavery. Several historic figures critical to the fight against slavery spent their summers in Cape May.
13. Eat a Lobster Roll during Happy Hour at Quincy’s
Order a delicious lobster roll at the original Quincy’s on the Shore. It’s a can’t miss destination!
14. Play in the Tide Pools at The Cove
Cove beach is known as a family-friendly beach location and the surfing there is always popular. The Cove Beach is known to change from year to year; one year there could be a walkway and the next year a huge tide pool. The ocean horizon seen from this popular beach is completely unobstructed, allowing for a panoramic view of the sky as the sun dips below the horizon.
15. Stroll through Cape May’s Historic District
Cape May is known as the nation’s oldest seashore resort. Directly in front of Cape May Beaches along Ocean Ave you can’t miss this 380 acre district of charming Victorian era homes.
16. Visit the Cape May Fire Department Museum
A perfect cold or rainy day activity, this free museum is home to artifacts, memorabilia, and photographs depicting Cape May’s past and some of its devastating fires.
17. Take a Horse Drawn Carriage Ride
Can you think of anything more charming than a horse drawn carriage ride down brick paved streets full of historic Victorian homes? The Cape May Carriage Company offers 15 minute rides for $60, 30 minute carriage rides for $80, and 60 minute rides for $160. Prices are valid for up to 4 people and additional riders are $10 and small children are free.
18. Tour the Emlen Physick Estate
Looking for a little interactive history lesson? The Emlen Physick Estate is a fully restored 18-room Victorian mansion. Get an up close look at what life was like for the Physick family in 1879. Tickets are $20 for adults and $15 for children 3-12.
Have you been to Cape May, NJ? What are your favorite things to do there? Let me know in the comments!
And before you go, check out some of our other family travel posts! If you want to learn how to travel more with your family for less, check out my Quick Start Guide for traveling with credit card points! Our family takes 4-5 nearly free vacations a year and I’d love to show you how to do it too!
More on our families free travels!
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