Have a vacation planned to the nation’s oldest seaside resort? I’ve got ya covered! From what beaches are best for little ones to manageable mini golf, you’ll see it all here. As a mom of two and long time Cape May family photographer, I’m here to share 5 favorite things to do in Cape May NJ with kids.
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Check out Cold Spring Village
Alright, history on vacation? Hear me out here – Cold Spring Village is hands down one of the coolest things to do in Cape May NJ. You don’t need to be a history buff to enjoy this spot! Cold Spring Village is a collection of the oldest structures that dotted Cape May county, preserved on a plot of land just off of the island. You’ll see beautifully restored buildings with craftsmen and reenactors to share a peek at what life was like for the people in the area hundreds of years ago.
There’s a whaling cottage where you see a piece of baleen, a schoolhouse where you can discover how children learned 200+ years ago, a printshop, and even a blacksmith. There are also animals (cows, a horse – Levi – and pigs), an ice cream shop and bakery, and general store where you can purchase the handicrafts made by the artisans who demonstrate their work.
Pro tip: there’s a restaurant on the premises, as well as a more casual take-out stand (think hot dogs). If you decide on the casual route, you can bring your food over to the brewery and relax on their lawn or in the AC inside.
One of the tastiest things to do in Cape May, NJ: visit an ice cream shop!
Ice cream and the shore are an iconic duo – it’s one of the top things to do in Cape May NJ. We certainly have a ton of shops to choose from depending on where you’re staying. If your hotel is close to the Mall, Fine Fellows is a great option; there are vegan choices, and options for dogs as well. Seating is limited so we like to head to the promenade to enjoy our ice cream.
If you’re staying in North Cape May or Villas, you’ll also have a bunch of options. Fleck’s is perfect if you’re looking for something truly decadent; they specialize in truly unique sundaes, milkshakes, and other treats. Milky Way is right down the road, as is Mr. Softee (which has a drive through).
Pro tip: bring cash for Fleck’s and expect a line!
Get competitive with a game of mini golf
Is it mini golf or is it watching your child guide the ball in one continuous stroke into the hold like someone pushes dust into a dustpan with a broom? Either way, mini golf is an excellent way to end a long day at the beach. There are several options for mini golf on the island. If you’re been to Hot Dog Tommy’s, you’ll see Ocean Putt Golf – it’s small but very quirky and close to all of the action. We personally like Cape May Mini Golf, which has a plethora of water features, parking, and an active Facebook profile where they’ll share how busy they are at the moment and any weather related updates to their hours.
Pro tip: Is it raining? Check out the indoor mini golf on my “5 favorite rainy day activities for kids” list here.
Spend time at the Cape May Zoo
The Cape May Zoo is a consistent hit for visitors and locals to Cape May alike. It’s my most highly recommended on my things to do in Cape May NJ with kids when we have friends visit and I promise you’ll see why when you visit. Not only is it free (please donate to them) but there is a great playground as well.
There’s plenty of shade and it’s very stroller friendly (though there are strollers to rent there as well). We love the capybaras, the otters, and Jilly the cow. You’ll find zookeepers answering questions about the animals and tending to the zoo inhabitants. It’s very manageable and can easily be done in a morning!
Pro tip: Stop at TacoShop in Cape May Courthouse for lunch or dinner on the way back!
Couldn’t get through a list of things to do in Cape May NJ without mentioning a trip to the beach!
You didn’t think I’d share my top things to do in Cape May NJ with kids and NOT mention the beach, did you?! I’ll be honest – we’re not big beach people. We maybe go for 1-2 hours at low tide, usually in the late afternoon. However, we really love Cove Beach, at the very end of the Promenade. There’s a short entrance to the water and it’s shallow and flat especially at low tide.
Tidepools form which are great for hesitant swimmers who may not want to enter the ocean. You can take a walk down to the lighthouse (granted, it’s a long one, but my kids have roped me into doing it) and lots of shells wash up by the jetty.
Pro tip: Cape May hosts movies on the beach throughout the summer. Check out their list and showtimes here.
On the way to Cape May? Don’t miss 5 top Things to Do in Cape May NJ with kids!
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Veronika Paluch is an award-winning and highly sought after maternity, newborn, baby, and family photographer offering luxury, organic fine art portraits and an impeccable client experience. She specializes in documenting authentic connections and simple moments of children & families and the quiet beauty of motherhood. Stripping away all of the extras – the costumes, the props, the rigid posing – leaves room for her to capture classic, timeless images that showcase love & family connection.
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