The Jersey Shore, For Sure!
By Golda Turner
Winter has finally passed and Spring is in the air. It is a beautiful time of renewal, with trees sporting variegating shades of green leaves. Colorful bright blossoms grace plants of all shapes and sizes. Birds chirp merrily as they fly from tree to tree and cute baby animals have begun making their appearance.
As the weather warms up, our thoughts turn to the upcoming Summer months and the many opportunities for exciting family outings.
Though I love the peace found in mountains covered with thick forests and bubbling brooks, the rising temperatures now draw me to the edge of the vast, seemingly endless ocean. The sun sparkles on the water as wave after foamy wave come crashing against the beach. They deposit their treasure trove of shells and return as undercurrents to the other end of the world.
New Jersey’s Shore Region boasts more than 90 miles of sandy white beaches awaiting your arrival. Stake out your spot, spread out a towel, and dig your toes into the warm sand. Get a tan, collect interesting shells, build a sand castle, and enjoy a relaxing day. Stroll along the boardwalk and enjoy the many amusements, shows, and vendors located there.
Speaking of sand castles, did you know that there is a yearly sand castle contest in Belmar NJ? Sand artists gather from near and far to construct amazing sculptured masterpieces out of the grainy sand. This summer’s contest will be held on July 13, 2022. For information contact 732-681-3700, ext. 214
The Jersey Shore area has many river cruises for your sailing pleasure. Ride a yacht, paddle wheeler or cycle ship down river. Many are wheelchair accessible, though advance arrangements are necessary. Here is just a sampling. River Lady (www.Riverlady.com Toms River NJ) is an 85 foot paddle wheeler boat which sails down Toms River into Barnegat Bay. River Queen (www.Riverboattour.com Pleasant Beach NJ) cruises down the Manasquan River. Cape May Cycle Cruises (www.Capemaycyclecruises.com Cape May NJ) offer cruises through Cape May Harbor powered by YOU! 10 Cycle stations allow passengers to propel the ship through the water. Backup motor used as necessary. The Cape May-Lewes Ferry (www.cmlf.com Cape May NJ/Lewes DE) provides regular service across the Delaware Bay. It carries both passengers and all types of vehicles.
Whale watching is one of my personal favorites. I have caught pictures of huge whales blowing their spouts before diving and of dolphins breaching in the distance. Seeing them in their natural environment rather than an aquarium pool is an unforgettable experience. To experience it yourself, sail on Cape May Whale Watcher (WWW.Capemaywhalewatcher.com Cape May NJ) or Thunder Cat Dolphin Watch (www.Thundercatdolphinwatch.com Wildwood Crest, NJ).
Looking for something a little different? Ahoy Mates! Turn your kids into pirates for the day. Upon boarding ship they will don pirate clothing, learn the lingo, attack with water cannon, and find the treasure. Choose from Pirate Adventures (www.Jerseyshorepirates.com Brick, NJ), Black Pearl Pirates (www.Piratesoflbi.com Beach Haven, NJ) or Pirate Voyages (www.Piratevoyages.com Ocean City, NJ)
Do you prefer to be a landlubber? Spend the day at an amusement park. Six Flags Great Adventure (www.Sixflags.com/greatadventure Jackson NJ) boasts over 100 rides, shows, and a large wildlife safari. They are a certified Autism center and provide accommodations for the disabled with advance registration. Morey’s Piers (www.moreyspiers.com Wildwood, NJ) is a beachside amusement park with over 100 rides and attractions of all kinds. Keansburg Amusement Park (www.keansburgamusementpark.com Keansburg NJ) has dozens of rides, games, three arcade centers, and go karts for young and old. Fantasy Island (www.fantasyislandlbi.com Beach Haven NJ) is a small family friendly amusement park with 18 rides, games, and arcade.
If your kids enjoy outdoor adventure, Tree To Tree Adventure Park (www.treetotreecapemay.com Cape May, NJ) is the perfect place for them. They have treetop obstacle courses for both younger and older kids and a circuit of five zip lines of varying heights, speeds, and lengths.
Jenkinson’s Aquarium (www.Jenkinsons.com Point Pleasant Beach, NJ) is a privately owned aquarium dedicated to educating the public on all aspects of marine life and conservation. Exhibits include sharks, coral reefs, penguins, turtles, seals rain forest, and more. The touch tank allows visitors to touch live sea stars, sting rays, sea urchins, crabs, and whelks.
Looking for indoor fun for a hot or rainy day? I Play America (www.iplayamerica.com Freehold, NJ) is an entertainment center with a large arcade, virtual games, laser tag, go karts, rides, and more. Jillys Arcade (www.jillysocnj.com/jillys-arcade Ocean City, NJ) houses all of the arcade games you love---more than 100 retro and modern arcade games of all kinds. Or visit Climbzone (www.climbzone.us/howell Howell, NJ) and tackle their climbing walls, rope courses, virtual reality experiences, and arcades.
Here’s something for the Sherlock Holmes in you. Challenge your thinking skills to a game of Escape Room, where your group uses clues, keys, codes, and hands-on tasks to complete the objective and escape the room. Each location has themed rooms of various levels of complexity. Once you try one, you will go back to try them all. Visit both East Coast Escape Room (www.eastcoastescaperoom.com Toms River, NJ) and Solve It Sherlock (www.solveitsherlockescape.com Neptune, NJ).
Have I tempted you to get in the car and go? Countdown to vacation has begun!