“Miss Ocean” teaches a marine science class in Wildwood Crest
We know it’s never easy to get your kids out of the ocean, but we have a few good reasons to pack up the towels and boogie boards. Towns at the Shore are loaded with events both on and off the beach that will keep your kids happy all summer long. So get everyone dried off, and check out these summertime treats.
Marine Science Program
Tuesdays & Thursdays through Aug. 25
11 am to 1 pm
Rambler Road Beach in Wildwood Crest
This free program is taught by “Miss Ocean,” aka Danielle DeJesse, an ocean literacy educator, who takes you to different areas of the beach to search for specimens of sea life brought in by the tide. You’ll identify species and talk about their anatomy, predator-prey relationships and conservation status. You’ll examine the color of the ocean and discuss how humans affect the sand and dunes. (Bonus: moms and dads can stay for the class – this is for all ages.)
Meet-and-Greet with a Giraffe
Daily, 11:30 am, 1:30 and 2 pm
Cape May County Zoo
This is a private, 20-minute encounter with the giraffes at the Cape May County Zoo. You’ll stand on ground level and offer them “browse” (plants) to eat while guides will teach you all about the giraffes and their home at the zoo. Cost is $140 for 1-4 people. Children must be at least 5 years old, and kids 5-17 must be accompanied by an adult.
Tour the Creek
Tuesdays & Thursdays through Aug. 30
10 am, 11 am, 1 pm, 2 pm, 3 pm
Tuckerton Seaport
Visiting the 40 acres of the Tuckerton Seaport is a fun activity on its own. (They’ve got a lighthouse, nature trails, gift shops and museum exhibits.) But you can also take a guided tour of Tuckerton Creek onboard a 30-foot pontoon boat. The 45-minute tour departs the Lighthouse Dock at the Seaport.
Explore the Beach
Mondays through Aug. 29
9:30 to 10:30 am
Meet at the trailhead at 122nd St. in Stone Harbor
Bring your bucket and explore Stone Harbor Point for seashells, birds and all the cool things that live under the sand. A donation of $3 to the Wetlands Institute is suggested.
Dune & Beach Walk
Wednesdays through Sept. 14
9:30 to 10:30 am 48th Street and Dune Drive in Avalon
Join a naturalist from Wetlands Institute for an hour-long walk along the maritime forest and dune trails. Identify and explore the flora and fauna along the way.
Ghost Trolley Tour
Mondays & Wednesdays through Aug. 31
8:15 pm, 8:45 pm and 9:15 pm
Ocean St. Trolley Stop in Cape May
Board a trolley with an experienced guide to hear the tales of hauntings and paranormal finds unearthed in Cape May by psychic medium and ghost writer Craig McManus. Trolley leaves promptly, so be sure to leave time to find parking.
Sand Sculpting Contest
Aug. 4, 9 to 11 am
6th St. Beach in Ocean City
Your entire family can get in on the fun and create an incredible sand sculpture. Registration is free, but be sure to get an early start – judging takes place at 11 am.
Full Moon Climb
Aug. 11, 8 to 10 pm
Cape May Lighthouse
The Cape May Lighthouse usually closes at dusk, but on just a few nights this summer, you can climb to the top after hours – during a full moon. Step out onto the Watch Gallery for a nighttime view of the Delaware Bay and the southern tip of New Jersey. Admission for the nighttime climb is $20 for adults and $10 for children (ages 3-12).
Baby Parade
Aug. 11, 10:30 am to noon
Ocean City Boardwalk
It’s older than the Macy’s Thanksgiving parade, and that’s because people love heading to the Ocean City Boardwalk to watch babies, toddlers and kids up to 10 walk the boards in elaborate costumes that clearly 1 or 2 family members spent a lot of time putting together. Be sure to get there early. The parade has a hard stop at noon (so nap time is not disturbed).
Boys & Girls Fishing Tournament
Aug. 13, 9 am
North-end beach by the Longport Bridge
There is no cost to join this fishing tournament, open to kids ages 8-16. Bring your own bait and fishing equipment and enjoy the day of fishing and fun. Prizes will be awarded for various categories.
Fish for Life
Aug. 20, 8:30 am to 3 pm
Aboard “Atlantic Star” in Wildwood Crest
This free trip will take 30 special needs children, 30 chaperones and 40 volunteers for a day of sportfishing aboard the 100 ft “Atlantic Star.” Guests and chaperones walk a red carpet to begin the day, then seasoned anglers teach the kids how to catch a fish. There’s lots of entertainment, including a real Mermaid and a water-gun battle with a passing pirate ship.
Seafarer’s Weekend
Aug. 27 & 28, 11 am to 4 pm
Historic Cold Spring Village
On this lively weekend at Historic Cold Spring Village, pirates will be on deck to entertain and edutain. Prepare to laugh, gasp and smile as you hear the tale of the death of Blackbeard the Pirate along with other tales of the sea. Village buildings will also be open, with historically clothed interpreters who will demonstrate the trades, crafts and lifestyles of Early America.
Boardwalk Parades
Mondays through Thursdays until Sept. 1, 7:30 pm
16th St. to the Convention Center in Wildwood
There’s a different parade every night of the week on the Wildwood boardwalk. On Mondays, see the Cape Atlantic Irish Pipe Brigade. On Tuesdays, you’ll hear a brass band that changes every week. On Wednesdays, watch the Duffy String Band march, and then on Thursdays, 3 Philadelphia Mummers String Bands rotate their performance – Duffy, Frahlinger and Woodland.
Annual Airfest
Sept. 2 – 5, 10 am to 4 pm
Naval Air Station Wildwood Aviation Museum
You can spend all day inside this World War II hangar checking out rare artifacts, more than 20 aircraft, and the real air traffic control tower you can climb inside. During the Airfest, the Classic Jet Aircraft Association will fly in, land and do a meet and greet. There will also be live music, exhibitors, and food and drink.
