Top Rated Family Vacation New Jersey Towns in South Jersey

The summer season is when kids are off from school and many families plan to go on vacation. But those families want to make sure they are visiting kid-friendly destinations and not subjecting their kids to inappropriate environments.

I have seen people asking on Facebook Groups for recommendations for family-friend vacation destinations this summer. So I gathered a list of the top-rated Family-Friendly South Jersey Towns from websites such as Niche, NJ Mom, and World Atlas:

What Are The Top Rated Family-Friendly South Jersey Towns

*Asbury Park
From the Amusement Rides and Arcades on the boardwalk to the Pedal Boats on Wesley Lake, there are numerous family-friendly activities in Asbury Park. One of the oldest vacation destinations and boardwalks in New Jersey, the Asbury Park Convention Hall off Ocean Avenue has hosted some of the biggest names in entertainment over the decades.

*Brigantine
Rated one of the ten best towns for Families in Atlantic County, Brigantine is a quiet Shore Town compared to some of the other Jersey Shore Coastal Communities. A family-oriented small town, Brigantine offers plenty of activities for vacationers including clean beaches, Mini Golf, and eateries to enjoy. Plus you are within a short drive to the busy environment of Atlantic City which has the world-famous Steel Pier.

*Cape May
One of the original vacation destination towns in New Jersey, Cape May has been welcoming visitors for over 200 years. The popular Washington Street has a plethora of shops and restaurants to visit along with the Cape May Point Lighthouse and the Cape May Promenade, there is something for everyone in New Jersey's southernmost town.

*Beach Haven
More than just picturesque beaches, the Jersey Shore town of Beach Haven hosts family-friendly shows throughout the summer months and has some great amusement parks to enjoy.  Rated one of the best family towns in Ocean County by Niche, there is plenty to do for vacationing families in Beach Haven and within a short drive of the Barnegat Lighthouse plus the Edwin B. Forsythe Wildlife Refuge.

*Long Branch
Former the Summer Vacation Home for United States Presidents Woodrow Wilson, Ulysses Grant, and James Garfield, Long Branch has been a popular vacation destination for over 200 years. The Pier Village is a great hub for restaurants and boardwalk games; Don't forget about the picturesque Long Branch beaches, they definitely should be on every family's list for vacation destinations at the Jersey Shore.

*Ocean City
Rated one of the best places to live in South Jersey according to Niche, Ocean City is also a popular family vacation destination. Along with the boardwalk featuring amusement rides, eateries, and family-friendly activities, the Ocean City Music Pier hosts shows throughout the summer. This is also a "Dry Town" with no alcohol sold on the island so there are no bars in Ocean City.

*Sea Isle City
Featuring numerous family-friendly shows and events throughout the summer months, Sea Isle City is a quieter Jersey Shore town compared to some of the others on this list. Sea Isle City has multiple arcades, a walking promenade, many eateries, and a nature park at the island's south end.

*Seaside Heights
Home to New Jersey's first Amusement Park, Seaside Heights has more to offer than just its Casino Pier. This popular resort town has plenty of family-friendly establishments and activities around town.

*The Wildwoods
Home to the world-famous Wildwood Boardwalk, there is plenty of activities to do on the Jersey Shore Community which is home to four different municipalities:
-The City of Wildwood is the heart of the island with Morey's Piers and Wildwood Convention Center.
-North Wildwood has to plenty of restaurants and the north end of the Wildwood Boardwalk.
-Wildwood Crest has several resort hotel properties and is connected to Diamond Beach.
-West Wildwood is the quiet neighboring town where you can escape the busy environment on the main island of The Wildwoods.

Next time you visit the Jersey Shore, here are some popular and locally owned restaurants you can enjoy while supporting Small Business Owners of South Jersey: