Things to do with kids in Long Beach Island

9 family-friendly places in Long Beach Island: zoos, aquariums, playgrounds and more.

Ranked with the travel guide's picks and well-known places first.

See
Barnegat Lighthouse State Park
Climb the famous lighthouse at the northern tip of LBI! There is also an Interpretive center to learn about the history of the lighthouse.
8AM-4PMPark: free, lighthouse: $3 adults, $1 children
Do
Fantasy Island Amusement Park
Fantasy Island is a place for rides, games, arcades, food and ice cream. Fantasy Island is a more family orientated place so the rides aren't exactly "extreme thrillers". The amusement park offers rides such as a merry-go-round, bumper cars, the "Sea Dragon", tea cups, drop tower, and more. Although Fantasy Island is a fun and entertaining place, they do not offer large roller coasters.
Admission, entertainment: free; rides: 75¢/token, 3-5 tokens/ride; arcade: games vary, but use quarters
Do
Thundering Surf Water Park
A fun family water park that consists of many wet attractions. Thundering Surf includes eight giant water-slides, the "Cowabunga Beach" which is a kids play area, a giant water bucket, "Flowrider Double" which is a wave surfing stimulator and a lazy river. Thundering Surf also has mini-golf which customers find to be a great family activity.
Summer 9:30AM to 6PM$24-26; $10 for seniors
Buy Not mapped
B&B Department Store
B&B Department Store sells a wide variety of items. The store is mostly known for selling low priced yet stylish women's clothing but they also offer a selection of men's and children's clothing. B&B also sells Long Beach Island souvenirs and beach supplies. There are several locations of the B&B Department store on the island. They are usually crowded because the B&B chain is extremely popular.
Buy Not mapped
Ron Jon Surf Shop
The famous Ron Jon Surf Shop started in LBI, but only maintains one store here. Nonetheless, this huge store is full of surfing and other ocean equipment to ensure you have a great time at the beach. Ron Jon Surf Shop also includes laid back surf apparel for men, women and children. The prices are reasonable and the brand is popularly known on the island. The Ron Jon company not only sponsors professional surfers but also many events for causes on the island.
Daily 8AM-11PM
Do Not mapped
The Beach
Lifeguards on duty during daylight until 4 or 5PM. Swim/surf/body board in-between designated flags.
Badges range in price depending on type and location. Season badges cost $18-30. Weekly badges $15-20 and daily badges are usually $5-6. Tags for adults age 65 or older are discounted or free; badges for children under 12 are not required. Badges are on sale from 8:30AM to 3:30PM weekdays at the Borough Hall. Badge checkers will sell badges on the beach as well, but usually not until the last week in June.
Eat Not mapped
The Chicken or the Egg
The Chegg
Situated near the southern end of Beach Haven, "The Chegg" is the only 24-hour joint around. Popular with families for the basic three meals, the restaurant has a huge menu with all the typical diner favorites. All meals served all day. The Chegg is also the most popular hangout for intoxicated partiers after-hours. Stop by if you’ve had a few for a good time after midnight. BYO.
May-Oct: daily 24 hours$8-15
Eat Not mapped
The Holiday Snack Bar
Take a seat at the giant, singular wrap-around counter in this small restaurant and talk up the other patrons! Home-style burgers, hot dogs, grilled cheese, fries, onion rings make up the menu. Portions run small, on account of the joint being a “Snack Bar,” but are very reasonably priced. Homemade cakes for dessert; they can be ordered a week in advance for parties, too. The Holiday is great for kids, but not to large parties of 6 or more.
Mid May-late Aug: daily 11AM-9PM$2-8
Eat Not mapped
Tucker’s
This spacious restaurant by the bay in Beach Haven offers a wide variety of all-American cuisine. The chef’s specialty appetizer, fried tomatoes, has become a huge hit with locals and visitors. A kids' menu is available. Shuffleboard and popcorn are available near the bar during the summer season. Indoor and outdoor seating available – check out the Black Whale tour boat parked in the bay nearby if seated on the patio. Reservations are taken at Tuckers.
Year round: daily 11AM-11PM$14-40

Listings from the Wikivoyage guide to Long Beach Island (CC BY-SA 4.0).