Beaches, Parks, Pools, and Attractions!
Beaches
One of the best perks about living in Monmouth County is how close we are to the beach! Whether you like to lounge all day by the water, surf with the kids, or dine at great restaurants, there’s something for everyone. Check out some of our favorite spots to have some fun in the sun!!
Belmar
Belmar Beach is always a family favorite. It was ranked the highest in NJ in the “Testing the Waters” report done by the Natural Resources Defense Council. It also offers several playgrounds for the kids, which is great when you need to break up the day. Have a child interested in surfing? There’s a surf camp offered at 3rd Ave beach. Click here for more info. It’s also incredibly easy to wheel strollers and gear onto the beach, as they were one of the first towns to install Mobi-Mats. Didn’t pack lunch? There’s lots of great spots including a pizzeria, Playa Bowls, Dunkin’, and 7-11 for snacks!
Season badges: $70
Daily passes: $9 (16 and up)
Sea Girt
Our family been heading to Sea Girt beach for years. It’s beautiful, quiet, and family-friendly. There’s a great boardwalk to bring the running stroller, or take the kids for a walk. The pavilion offers breakfast and lunch items. You can also walk a block or two and grab some lunch on the patio at the infamous Parker House. Sea Girt is a great spot to relax and enjoy the family.
Season badges: $105
Daily passes: $10
Long Branch
Long Branch beaches are packed with things to do with the family. It’s home to Pier Village, a ‘city by the sea.’ Take a break for lunch at Stewart’s Rootbeer, Sirena, Playa Bowls, and McLoone’s Pier House, to name a few! There’s also great shopping! Long Branch beaches also have four different playgrounds for kids, concessions throughout the boardwalk, and beach gear rentals. Look out for movies on the beach this summer, click here for the schedule!
Daily passes:
– $5 M-F
– $7 weekends/holidays
– $3 every day for ages 14-17
Annual passes:
– $45
– $30 for 14-17
Always FREE for 13 and under/62 and older with ID and for disabled individuals!
This is for municipal beaches only and does not apply to Seven Presidents (North of Seaview Avenue).
Asbury Park
This historic shore town is home to some great beaches and family-friendly fun. Spend the morning on the beach, and take the kids up to the splash pad on the boardwalk to break up the afternoon. Bring the stroller and check out some unique shops and delicious lunch spots. End the day with some mini golf and ice cream at Coney Waffle!
RATES-SEASONAL
Regular (Age 18 thru 61 ) $70
Teens (age 13 thru 17) $20
Seniors (age 62 and over ) $20
RATES-DAILY
Monday-Friday $5
Saturday & Sunday: $7
Sea Bright
Sea Bright is an adorable beach town in Monmouth County, and definitely one of our favorites. Spend the day on the beautiful sand, and bring the kids to the brand-new playground, complete with swings and slides for all ages. Grab lunch walking distance at Woody’s Ocean Grille, Yumi, or Tommy’s Tavern + Tap. Don’t forget ice cream at Gracie & The Dudes!
Season badge: $100
Daily pass: $8
Under 12: Free
Sandy Hook
With seven miles of ocean and bay beaches, there’s a lot to do while visiting this national park. Take the kids on a bike trail, bring the dog for a walk on the bayside, plan a picnic for lunch, and go on a hike (perfect for your nature enthusiast!). Sandy Hook is also home to the oldest continuously operating lighthouse in the U.S. Parking fills up quickly on the weekends, so make sure to leave early!
Beach parking is $15 per day or $75 per season.
Spring Lake
Dubbed the “Jewel of the Jersey Shore,” Spring Lake is by far the cutest beach town in Monmouth County! The beaches are clean and pristine, family-friendly, and offer plenty to do. Downtown is a short walk from the shore where you can stay at adorable B & B’s, shop in their infamous shopping district, dine for lunch, or just take a stroll down the tree-lined, picturesque streets of this cozy beach town.
Seasonal badge: $105 (12 & up)
Daily pass: $10
Parks
353 ROUTE 537
Colts Neck, NJ 07722
(732) 542-1642 – Visitor Center
(732) 460-1167 – Activity Center
(732) 542-1643 – Ranger Station
161 Emley’s Hill Rd.
Upper Freehold, NJ 08526
Trail Head Parking
202 Davis Station Rd.
Upper Freehold, NJ 08514
(609) 259-5794
County Route 537
Upper Freehold, NJ 08514
(609) 259-5794
1764 Union Ave.
Hazlet, NJ 07730
44 Longstreet Rd.
Holmdel, NJ 07733
(732) 946-9562 – Ranger Station
299 Middle Rd.
Holmdel, NJ 07733
44 Longstreet Rd.
Holmdel, NJ 07733
(732) 946-3758
311 Windeler Rd.
Howell, NJ 07731
(732) 919-0996
805 Newman Springs Rd.
Lincroft, NJ 07738
(732) 842-4000 ext 4312
521 Route 520
Marlboro, NJ 07746
(732) 842-4000 ext. 4312
151 Red Hill Rd.
Middletown, NJ 07748
152 Red Hill Rd.
Middletown, NJ 07748
(732) 671-6050
719 Port Monmouth Rd.
Port Monmouth, NJ 07758
(732) 787-3033- Activity Center
(732) 495-2115 – Ranger Station
50 Market St.
Red Bank, NJ
Pools
400 Lloyd Road
Aberdeen, NJ 07747
732.765.6220
The Cambridge Club of Aberdeen is a year-round family social club nestled in the heart of Aberdeen, NJ. The club offers resort-like amenities including an expansive pool deck with multiple features – splash pad, kiddie pool, jacuzzi, heated therapy pool, zero entry
activity pool and lap pool, a fine dining restaurant, casual poolside and indoor lounge grille, rooftop deck, ballroom, spa, technogym, fitness classes, and regular social events for adults and kids to enjoy!
214 Harmony Road
Middletown, NJ 07748
(732) 856-9700
Hazlet Swim Club
1766 Union Ave.Hazlet, NJ 07730
732.739.0662
Holmdel Swim Club
21 Bailey LaneHolmdel, NJ 07733
732.946.2820
Marlboro Swim Club
Marlboro, NJ 07726
732.617.9600
Howell Pointe Swim Club
22 Howell Rd.Freehold, NJ 07728
732.414.2172
Monmouth Heights Swim Club
650 Elton Adelphia Rd.Freehold, NJ 07728
732.462.8477
Spring Lake Bath & Tennis Club
1 Jersey Ave.Spring Lake, NJ 07762
732.449.6400
The Atlantic Club
1904 Atlantic Ave.Manasquan, NJ 08736
732.223.2100
Ocean Community Pool & Tennis
615 W Park Ave.Ocean Township, NJ 07712
732.229.6161
Candlewood Swim & Racquet Club
31 Newbury Rd.Howell, NJ
732.363.5541
Attractions
110 Schanck Rd.
Freehold, NJ 07728
732.577.8200
Join us at the Indoor City of FUN for NEW rides and attractions – XD Dark Ride and Ballocity – 2-level laser tag arena, go-karts and New Jersey’s largest indoor arcade and MORE!
300 Ocean Ave.
Point Pleasant Beach, NJ 08742
732-892-0600
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. Attractions open all year around include the Jenkinson’s Aquarium, Arcades, and Sweet Shop.
749 Hope Rd.
Eatontown, NJ 07724
Monster Mini Golf & Arcade is your go-to destination for one-of-a-kind family entertainment! Monster Mini Golf & Arcade is a state-of-the-art, indoor, climate-controlled family entertainment center completely under the luminescent glow of black lights. With full renovations, including a BRAND NEW arcade, just being completed in late September by the center’s new owner, Monster Mini Golf & Arcade invites you to enjoy MONSTROUS EXPERIENCES!
100 South Street
Morristown, NJ 07960
Mayo Performing Arts Center is a 1,300-seat nonprofit performing arts center in downtown Morristown. We present a wide range of shows each year including rock & pop concerts, comedy, Broadway tours, dance, family shows and more! MPAC’s diverse offerings also include performing arts classes and free community events.
101 Crawfords Corner Road, (inside Bell Works!)
Holmdel New Jersey 07733
Escapology Escape Rooms are high adrenaline exciting games where players are immersed inside a series of themed rooms and must race against the clock before time runs out. During the 60-minute adventure, players must find clues, discover secret rooms, solve puzzles and escape! 6 themed escape rooms are available from finding the hidden treasure in Lost City, proving your innocence in Mansion Murder, saving Air Force One from sabotage in Mayday, put on your detective hat in Budapest Express, save the world in Antidote or finding the vault in Vegas Hangover!
Highlands, NJ
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!
128 Hartshorne Drive
Highlands, NJ 07732
(732) 708-4004
1215 Wyckoff Rd.
Farmingdale, NJ 07727
(732) 919-7070
Boardwalk, Rides, and Water Park
275 Beachway Ave.
Keansburg, NJ 07734
(732) 495-1400
214 Harmony Road
Middletown, NJ 07748
(732) 856-9700
765 Newman Springs Rd.
Lincroft, NJ 07738
(732) 747-2266
1107 Route 35
Middletown, NJ 07748
(732) 615-9091
50 Broad St.
Red Bank, NJ 07701
(732) 450-9525
Ice Skating
76 Chestnut St.
Red Bank, NJ 07701
(732) 450-9001
2153 Highway 35
Sea Girt, NJ
848.469.8733
1000 Ocean Ave.
Asbury Park, NJ 07712
(732) 774-4994
Bell Works
Holmdel, NJ
732.490.7175
Bell Works
Holmdel, NJ
(833) 627-4787
Freehold, NJ
732.333.0448
Asbury Park, NJ
732.927.5475
Red Bank, NJ
732.842.9000
Basie Center Cinema
Red Bank, NJ
Mini Golf Centers:
Hole in One Mini Golf – Leonardo
Farmer Brown’s Mini Golf – Farmingdale
Asbury 18 Mini Golf – Asbury Park
Swing Time Family Fun – Howell
Shipwreck Island – Bradley Beach
Oceanport, NJ
732.222.5100
2399 NJ-36
Atlantic Highlands, NJ 07716
732.872.4380
Movie Theatres
Canoeing, Kayaking, and Water Fun
Matawan Recreation Canoe Rentals
Rent a canoe on Lake Lefferts in Matawan!
Website
Sandy Hook Kayaks
Rent kayaks, sups, and take private lessons on Sandy Hook
Website
A Canoe to You
Rent canoes, paddle boards, and kayaks in Keyport, NJ
Website
Oceanport Paddle Club
Rent paddle boards and kayaks in Oceanport, NJ
Website
Bridge Marina
Rent a boat in the Highlands!
Website
Red Bank Marina
Red Bank Marina offers various recreational activities for families such as Row Boats, Motor Boats, Kayaks, SUP’s, & Pontoons
Website
Salty Dog Water Sports
Go water skiing, wakeboarding, tubing, and more in Atlantic Highlands, NJ!
Website
Manasquan Reservoir
Rent a rowboat or kayak at Manasquan Reservoir
Website
Turkey Swamp Park
Rent a Kayak, Canoe, Rowboat or Paddleboat in Freehold
Website
Thompson Park
Marlu Lake Canoe Rentals at Thompson Park
Website
Jersey Jet Ski & Boat Rentals
Jet Ski Rentals, Pontoon Boats, and Tours in Keyport, NJ
Website
Paddle Time Kayaks
Kayak Rentals in Shark River Hills
Website
Paddle Out
Paddle Board and Kayak Rentals in Manasquan
Website
The Endless Sup Company
Rentals, SUP Classes, and more in Belmar and Manasquan
Website
Asbury Park Pedal Boats
Rent a Pedal Boat in Asbury Park!
Website
Belmar Parasail
Go Parasailing in Belmar, NJ!
Website
Lucky Dog Surf Co.
Surf Lessons & More
Website
Summertime Surf
Surf Lessons & More
Website
Jersey Shore Skim Camp
Skim boarding Camps and Lessons
Website
Greenlines
Surf camp, lessons, and a clothing shop in Monmouth Beach and Fair Haven, NJ!
Website
Day Trips in NJ/NY/PA
New Jersey Day Trips
American Dream
East Rutherford, NJ
Big Kahuna’s Indoor Waterpark
West Berlin, NJ
Diggerland
West Berlin, NJ
Liberty Science Center
Jersey City, NJ
iPlay America
Freehold, NJ
Adventure Aquarium
Camden, NJ
Morris Museum
Morristown, NJ
Jenkinson’s Boardwalk
Pt. Pleasant, NJ
Six Flags Great Adventure
Jackson, NJ
Website
Storybook Land
Egg Harbor Township
Insectropolis
Toms River, NJ
Legoland Discovery Center
East Rutherford, NJ
Medieval Times
Lyndhurst, NJ
Essex County Turtle Back Zoo
West Orange, NJ
Monmouth Museum
Lincroft, NJ
Bergen County Zoo
Paramus, NJ
Cape May Zoo
Cape May Court House
Casino Pier & Breakwater Beach Water Park
Seaside Heights, NJ
Fantasy Island Park
Long Beach Island
Grounds for Sculpture
Hamilton, NJ
Keansburg Amusement Park
Keansburg, NJ
Land of Make Believe
Hope, NJ
Morey’s Piers & Beachfront Waterpark
Wildwood, NJ
Mountain Creek
Vernon, NJ
Ocean City Waterpark
Ocean City, NJ
Popcorn Park Zoo
Forked River, NJ
Skylands Stadium
Augusta, NJ
Somerset Patriots
Bridgewater, NJ
Blue Claws Stadium
Lakewood, NJ
Supercharged Entertainment
Edison, NJ
Top Golf
Multiple Locations
Crystal Springs Family Water Park
East Brunswick, NJ
Pier Village
Long Branch, NJ
New York Day Trips
Legoland
Goshen, NY
Kartrite Resort & Indoor Water Park
Monticello, NY
Intrepid Sea, Air, and Space Museum
New York City, NY
MOMA
New York City, NY
American Museum of Natural History
New York City, NY
American Girl Place
New York City, NY
Bronx Zoo
Bronx, NY
Prospect Park Zoo
Brooklyn, NY
SplashDown Beach Water Park
Fishkill, NY
Adventureland
Farmingdale, NY
Central Park Zoo
New York City, NY
New York Aquarium
Brooklyn, NY
Guggenheim
New York City, NY
Broadway Shows
New York City, NY
Pennsylvania Day Trips
Crayola Experience
Easton, PA
Legoland Discovery Center
Philadelphia, PA
Sesame Place
Langhorne, PA
Aquatopia Indoor Waterpark
Tannersville, PA
Great Wolf Lodge Indoor Waterpark
Scotrun, PA
Kalahari Indoor Waterpark
Pocono Manor, PA
The Franklin Institute
Philadelphia, PA
Please Touch Museum
Philadelphia, PA
Bushkill Falls
Lehman, PA
Philadelphia Zoo
Philadelphia, PA