Seastreak cruises are the BEST way to get the family on the water!
The weather is finally getting warmer and the sun is starting to shine a little brighter, which means it’s officially time to get outdoors. Seastreak, the primary ferry provider for
commuters traveling between NJ and NYC, also offers unique, seasonal routes that the family is sure to love. Take in the NYC skyline on a Sunset Cruise: Enjoy a cocktail while cruising through New York Harbor. Pass all the most iconic sights, like the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, the Brooklyn Bridge, and the Hudson River. A sunset cruise is the perfect activity for a unique and affordable date night. Feast on a tasty (& boozy) brunch in NY Harbor: Join us on a NYC Sunday Brunch Cruise!
Take some photos from the open-air top deck and then come inside to check out the food spread and visit the bar for a mimosa or Bloody Mary. Just like the Sunset Cruise,
you’ll get up close views of all the most famous NYC landmarks. Take a boat ride to the beach bar of your dreams: The Sandbox at Seastreak Beach is quickly becoming one of the Jersey Shore’s favorite beach bars. NJ Digest even named it on a list of “10 Jersey Shore Beach Bars to Visit During Summer!” Summer is meant to be spent with a drink in your hand and your feet in the sand. With live music every night, signature cocktails, and food trucks on the premises, it’s no surprise that the Sandbox is a popular spot.
Go on an adventure looking for humpback whales: Humpback whales, sea turtles, bottlenose dolphins, pelagic birds, and sharks? Yes, they all call New York and New Jersey waters home! Whale Watching cruises depart from the Highlands terminal and in less than 15 minutes, passengers find themselves off the coast of Sandy Hook – ideal whale watching habitat. The best time to see whales is between May and October. Spend a weekend in Nantucket or Martha’s Vineyard: Seastreak also offers ferry service from New Bedford, MA to the beautiful islands of Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard. This route is available between April and December. They even offer valet parking and trip protection with the purchase of tickets. This way, you get a full refund if your travel plans change!
All Seastreak ferries are high-speed, luxury vessels, which makes them an excellent choice for leisure cruises. Spacious seating, an open-air top deck with 360 degree panoramic views, a fully stocked bar, and a climate controlled cabin all ensure comfortable travel. Whether you’re craving some sun, city energy, or an adventure at sea, Seastreak can
get you on the water. Can wait to see you out there!
Check Out The Monmouth Moms Springtime Festival on Sunday May 7th!
Collect Seashells
One of our favorite things to do with the kids when the weather gets warmer is go for a walk on the beach and collect seashells. When we come home, we’ll paint them and make fun crafts. Check out some of our favorite local beaches below! And stay tuned for our 2023 Guide to Beaches & Pools coming later this season!
Explore Pier Village
Pier Village is a fun way to spend the afternoon with the weather warming up, and we get closer to beach season! It’s home to plenty of great restaurants like McCloone’s Pier House, Sirena Ristorante, Stewart’s Root Beer, Turning Point, Playa Bowls, Wine Loft, and lots more! Take the kids on the carousel, do some shopping, and grab dessert at Coney Waffle or Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory. And make sure to check out their annual kite festival on April 22nd!
Visit the Twin Lights Museum and Lighthouse
Twin Lights Museum and Lighthouse, located in Highlands, NJ, offers a view from the highest landmass on the Atlantic coast between Maine and South America. With not one, but two lighthouse towers to climb, connected by the museum and museum store, a weekend visit is sure to bring some family fun!
Location Details & Website
2 Lighthouse Road
Highlands, NJ
2 Lighthouse Road
Highlands, NJ
Take the Kids Fishing!
The spring is a great time to get outdoors without the humidity and hot sun! We take our daughter fishing to one of the local ponds in Colts Neck, and she had a blast! Before you head out, you do need to purchase a fishing license with the NJ Division of Fishing + Wildlife, which can be purchased here! There is a full list of parks you can go fishing throughout the Monmouth County Park System, which can also be found here!
Visit Oak Hill Farms
Head to Oak Hill Farms, located in Holmdel, NJ, for family fun this Spring! Family-owned and operated, Oak Hill Farms was born out of love for family, a passion for nature, and a true love for community. Bring the family for farm-oriented kids activities such as Alpaca Story time, Goat Yoga, Farm Tours, Seasonal Markets, and more. Sip on a cup of their delicious organic and locally roasted Peruvian coffee, sit out back, and take the kids to see the farm animals! Inside you can peruse a wide array of Oak Hill Farms’ best smelling soy wax candles, gorgeous fresh flower bouquets, fresh dairy, homemade ice cream, farm-made jams, caramels, honey, maple syrups, and farmhouse home decor.
Rock Hunting at Deep Cut Gardens
Take the kids to Deep Cut Gardens in Middletown and explore the grounds for hidden painted rocks. Once you find one, take a picture and post it on the Facebook page dedicated to Deep Cut Rocks (found here), and then hide it somewhere else for others to find!
Check out iPlay America!
When you visit THE Indoor City of FUN, you’ll be amazed by what one of New Jersey’s largest indoor amusement park has to offer. iPlay America features the NEWEST and greatest rides and attractions, the best arcade, unbeatable food and more. Experience go-karts, 2-level laser tag, NEW attractions like XD Dark Ride and Ballocity and so much more. You’ll never be short of FUN. Plus, choose from hundreds of video, skill, and crane games as iPlay America holds New Jersey’s largest indoor arcade! Delicious Burgers, Apps & More! iPlay America’s Topgolf Swing Suite has an ALL NEW menu you have to try. Several suite favorites and dishes include Disco Tots, Drunken Pasta, Caribbean Fish Tacos and Hot Honey Grilled Chicken Sandwich! Get Inside the FUN at iPlayAmerica.com.
Location Details
110 Schanck Rd. Freehold, NJ 07728
Head out for a Treat!
Take the kids for a treat, and check out some of our favorite spots for candy, donuts, and yummy food!
Favorite Local Treats!
Earth Day Outdoor Walks & Activities
Monmouth County Park System has coordinated several walks and activities taking place during Earth Day weekend, Saturday April 22nd! A full list is linked below. Can’t make it that day? These locations are still great to visit throughout the spring!
monmouthcountyparks.com
Go for a Bike Ride
The Henry Hudson Trail or Sandy Hook are perfect for a long bike ride! We got our bikes from the Trek store in Middletown. If that’s too far for you, check out Brielle Cyclery or Asbury Park Cyclery!
Visit a Local Winery
Have a babysitter for the evening? Visit or pick-up some local wine and do a tasting at a local winery! We’ve listed some below!
Local Wineries
Plant a Garden with the Family!
The kids love getting their hands dirty, and planting in the garden. Head out to a local nursery to get some seeds and supplies, and plant vegetables, flowers, and more! We’ve put together a list of local nurseries below!
Local Nurseries
Head to the Movies
Bring the family to the movies. We’ve listed some of our favorite spots below!
Go Bowling
Bowling is a great way to spend some time with the family, and it’s fun for all ages! Check out local spots below!
Visit a Trampoline Park
Get out of the house and have some fun at a local trampoline park! Here’s a list of local spots!
Check out Fun & Free Local Activities!
Looking for summer fun that won’t break the bank? Check out our latest guide below!
Visit a Monmouth County Park
We love our Monmouth County Park system, and with good reason! You could spend the entire summer visiting the parks, going fishing, hiking trails, and renting boats and canoes! Here’s a list of must-tries if you’re new to the area, or haven’t been yet!
Visit Jenkinson’s Boardwalk!
Jenkinson’s Boardwalk is one of the premier family destination spots on the Jersey Shore. Located in Point Pleasant Beach, NJ, Jenkinson’s Boardwalk is conveniently located in close proximity to the greater New York City and Philadelphia areas. As one of the most family-friendly boardwalks in New Jersey for 95 years, Jenkinson’s Boardwalk offers a wide range of fun and exciting activities for the whole family – including a mile-long beach, amusement park, aquarium, arcades, games, restaurants, mini golf, a night club, shops, and much more! Whether you’re visiting for the day, the weekend, or the entire summer…you’ll never run out of things to do!
Location Details
Mark Your Calendars for Local Events!
Jersey Shore Food Truck Festival at Monmouth Park
Storywalk Grand Opening at Poricy Park
Guided Fossil Hunt at Poricy Park
Free Bubble Show in Farmingdale
Town Wide Garage Sale in Middletown
Bradley Beach 2nd Annual Green Fair
Spring Bazaar with Asbury Bazaar
The Monmouth Moms Spring Fun Guide is presented by Seastreak!
All Seastreak ferries are high-speed, luxury vessels, which makes them an excellent choice for leisure cruises. Spacious seating, an open-air top deck with 360 degree panoramic views, a fully stocked bar, and a climate controlled cabin all ensure comfortable travel. Whether you’re craving some sun, city energy, or an adventure at sea, Seastreak can
get you on the water. Can wait to see you out there!
