As part of the Jersey Shore, Seaside Heights Beach and Boardwalk is a very popular area that has endless amenities and activities for a family. Its famous boardwalk runs along the pier and is filled with arcades, boardwalk games for children and food vendors. Many people throw crusts and leftover foods to the seagulls making it a noisy spot that kids love. An outdoor carnival- like setting is also on offer, with rides, games and a huge Ferris wheel that is open for business all day. The beach itself is wide, with white sand and umbrella and chair rentals close at hand. When the boardwalk and beach gets busy, expect to see trash underfoot and blowing around on windy days but the beach has trash picked up and collected frequently. The beach is monitored by a number of qualified lifeguards, making it a safer option for children. Adult activities like gambling and nightclubbing can be found throughout the area. Boat rentals are available daily. For more information on accommodations, transportation, activities and entertainment, contact the Local Town Guide by Shore Advantage and Seaside Heights Beach Information here: www.seasideheights.net
If families would like to head over the western part of New Jersey, a water park called CoCo Key may be just what the family needs for a weekend away. CoCo Key is the only water park for families that also offers accommodations. Situated near the Pennsylvania border close to Philadelphia, CoCo Key has water activities that suit adults and children alike. Zero depth entry accommodates young kids and children's pools and slides are close by. For older children and adults, fast-paced tube slides, water rafting slides and water basketball are popular options. There are on-site restaurants that suit adults and kids, including a steak house and pizza restaurant. Connected to the water park is the Mt. Laurel Marriott non-smoking hotel where guests are welcome to stay overnight and enjoy passes for up to four people to the water park. Additional passes are available for purchase.
The hotel is on the same premises as the water park. Rooms with two double beds and crib options are available and larger families can opt for a king size bed with queen pull out sofa and crib options. All rooms offer hairdryers, tea and coffee making facilities, phones and video games, and a request may be made for a microwave or fridge. The water park is 55,000 feet in size and is open seven days a week. The hotel can be contacted here:
CoCo Key Water Resort at the
Mt. Laurel Marriott
915 Route 73
Mt. Laurel, NJ 08054
1-866-754-6964
www.cocokeywaterresort.com
If a little seclusion is more pleasurable for a getaway, then Silver Maples Organic Farm and B&B can be a lot of fun for a nature-loving family. Away from noisy pools and crowded beaches, this farm in Flemington, N.J., offers a stone farmhouse to spend a weekend where adults, children and family pets are welcome.
This B&B encourages visits with the farm animals including ducks, chickens and goats. Berry picking and helping to pick vegetables on the farm is promoted and these vegetables can then be enjoyed later, as all produce is used for meals. There is a swimming pool, year-round hot tub and tennis court. Hiking through the farmland is encouraged. Nearby attractions include kayaking, rafting and tubing on the Delaware river, theater, museums, historical sites and outlet stores. Rooms at the B&B have various themes including Asian and colonial motifs. Amenities vary (some share a bathroom) but are suitable for families as well as couples. A full breakfast is included in the price and offers organic, vegan, vegetarian and meat options. The Innkeeper can be contacted here:
Silvermaple Organic Farm Bed & Breakfast
Attn: Steve Noll, Inn Keeper
483 Sergeantsville Road
Flemington, NJ 08822
908-237-2192
www.silvermaplebandb.com
