Travel With Teens and Tweens | Jersey Shore

Jersey Shore Daytrip to South Street Seaport

Mar 162010

Jersey Shore Daytrip to South Street Seaport

The northern reaches of the Jersey Shore in Monmouth and Ocean counties are well connected to New York City via trains, buses, highways and ferries. If your tribe is ready for a break from the beach (or the weather is not cooperating) consider heading north to the high speen catamaran Seastreak ferry from Highlands, NJ for the 40 minute ride to Pier 11 at Wall Street near the South Street Seaport. Our teen and tween had never visited New York so the trip to South Street Seaport , on the site of the former Fulton Fish Market, was a big thrill. Learn about America’s Maritime History at South Street Seaport Within walking distance of the Wall Street ferry terminal, you will find the South Street Seaport Museum which hosts [...]

A Rainy Day in Atlantic City with Teens and Tweens

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Mar 132010

A Rainy Day in Atlantic City with Teens and Tweens

When it rains on a summer’s day at the Jersey Shore, many families on vacation either hunker down with books and board games or head out to the mall or the movies. The last time it rained when we were in Wildwood we found virtually everyone at the Shore decided to go to the local theater and it was packed! Instead of waiting in line to see a movie we were not even interested in watching, we jumped in the car and headed up the coast to Atlantic City – it turned out to be a great way to beat the rain. Known mostly as an adult destination due to its concentration of casinos and adult entertainment venues, Atlantic City also offers a lot to families with teens and tweens. [...]

Sandy Hook Offers Jersey Shore Sun, Fun and History

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Mar 072010

Sandy Hook Offers Jersey Shore Sun, Fun and History

The Sandy Hook unit of the Gateway National Seashore represents the most northern reach of the Jersey Shore. The six mile barrier beach sand spit extends into lower New York Bay, south of Manhattan. The southern end of Sandy Hook hosts a number of fishing and bathing beaches while the northern end is home to a range of historic military sites. Whether you are looking for swimming, history, nature or biking you can find it on Sandy Hook. And, the sunsets are pretty awesome too! Most people access the Hook via car, although shuttle buses do connect the park to the Seastreak high speed NY-NJ ferry in the summer. Lifeguards oversee the main ocean swimming beaches from 10 am to 6 pm between Memorial Day and Labor Day. Be advised that Gunnison [...]

Jersey Shore Hikes, History and More with Teens and Tweens

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Mar 022010

Jersey Shore Hikes, History and More with Teens and Tweens

While the beach is the big draw at the Jersey Shore, don’t overlook the wonderful hikes, history, boating, golf, camping and other recreational activities available at the hidden jewels of the Shore, i.e. the county and state parks of Monmouth and Ocean Counties. We’ll just hit some of the highlights here but be sure to check out the official sites like the Monmouth County Park System home page and the New Jersey State Parks site for lots more information, reservations and operating hours. Within a short drive of the beach you can find: The Historic Village of Allaire and Allaire State Park The non-profit Historic Village of Allaire,Farmingdale, NJ, maintains a well restored 18th century industrial village of more than 40 buildings including row houses, a chapel, a store, a [...]

Jersey Shore Boat Tours with Teens and Tweens

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Feb 222010

Jersey Shore Boat Tours with Teens and Tweens

With 100 plus miles of coastline, you are never far from the water at the Jersey Shore. Marinas in Belmar, Point Pleasant, Cape May and other towns are the place to go to check out your options. From fishing to power boats, party boats, ferries, sailboat charters, riverboat rides or whale watches you can find them at the Jersey Shore. Major holidays like July 4th bring on specialty fireworks cruises to major extravaganzas in Red Bank and New York Harbor, as well as local shows. We love the sunset cruises up the coast that give you a bird’s eye view of the various boardwalks and towns along your route. Depending on your interests, budget and time you are sure to find something the whole family will enjoy. Some of [...]

Kayak Tour of Cape May Salt Marsh

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Feb 162010

The southern portion of New Jersey, including the Pine Barrens and the salt marshes around Cape May and Wildwood, are important stop off points for migratory birds up and down the East Coast. Parts of the marshes have been protected the Cape May National Wildlife Refuge although most of the tidal salt marshes closest to Cape May are still up for grabs. We spent a few hours paddling through the tranquil waterways in ocean kayaks as part of a small group tour involving 4 or 5 kayaks run by Aqua Trail Kayak Nature Tours. The 2 1/2 hour tour takes you close to nesting ospreys, herons, egrets, and other salt marsh flora and fauna. Our favorites were the fiddler crabs that dig into the sandbanks. Bring Sun Tan [...]

Twin Lights Overlook Sandy Hook

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Feb 142010

The Jersey Shore is home to a number of light houses from Cape May to the south to the Twin Lights of the Navesink overlooking Sandy Hook Gateway National Seashore at the Northern tip. The Twin Lights have protected the coast since 1828 and the current lighthouse was built in 1862. Decommissioned in 1949, the Twin Lights are maintained by private donations today. The lighthouse is worth a stop for both the sweeping views of Sandy Hook, and New York Harbor beyond, as well as for the history and architecture. We have visited the Twin Lights several times, and even as teens and tweens our kids enjoy climbing to the top of the North Tower to take in the views more than 200 feet below. They are impressed by [...]

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