Family Travel Guide: Visiting Cape May, New Jersey with Kids

• Cape May County Park & Zoo: Just a short drive from downtown Cape May, this zoo is a local gem and completely free. Families love strolling through shaded paths to see giraffes, lions, zebras, and monkeys. There’s also a great playground and picnic areas, making it easy to spend a half or even a full day here.

• Cape May Boardwalk and Promenade: Cape May’s boardwalk is perfect for a family stroll by the ocean. It’s smaller and quieter than Wildwood or Ocean City, which makes it extra family-friendly. Here are a few highlights for kids:

  • Cape May Arcade: Classic games, claw machines, and ticket prizes.

  • Ice cream and treat shops: From Kohr Bros. frozen custard to candy shops, there’s no shortage of sweet stops.

  • Bike rentals: Rent surreys or beach cruisers for a fun family ride along the promenade in the morning.

  • Shopping stands: Pop into small shops for beach toys, souvenirs, or Cape May-themed treasures.

• Ocean views and suunsets: Simply walking the promenade is a highlight—kids can scooter or stroll while parents enjoy the views.

• Cape May beaches: Cape May’s beaches are the main attraction, and they’re all family-friendly. A few favorites:

  • Poverty Beach: Wide and less crowded, perfect for families with young kids.

  • The Cove: A calm stretch of beach with stunning sunset views.

  • Grant Street Beach: Convenient location near food and shops, great if you want easy access back into town.

  • Higbee Beach (Delaware Bay side): A quieter, rustic option near the Cape May–Lewes Ferry terminal. With calm waters, dunes, and birdwatching, it’s ideal if you want a natural, less crowded spot. Families love hunting for “Cape May Diamonds” (smooth quartz pebbles) and watching breathtaking sunsets.

• Cape May Lighthouse: Climb the 199 steps to the top of this iconic lighthouse for incredible views of the Atlantic Ocean and Delaware Bay. Older kids will love the challenge, and younger ones can explore the surrounding nature trails at Cape May Point State Park.

• Rainy day fun: Even the sunniest beach trips can get a cloudy day, but Cape May has plenty of family-friendly indoor options:

  • Nature Center of Cape May: Hands-on exhibits and aquariums that teach kids about local marine life.

  • Cape May Fireman’s Museum: A free, small museum with vintage fire trucks that little ones adore.

  • Washington Street Mall shops – Covered walkways, toy stores, and candy shops make for an easy (and tasty) rainy-day stroll.

Cape May is full of delicious dining options, and plenty of them welcome kids with open arms.

• Hot Dog Tommy’s: A must-visit spot with fun, creative hot dogs (and quick service for hungry little ones).

• Flight Deck Diner: A local favorite for breakfast and lunch, serving hearty diner classics in a kid-friendly setting. Bonus: You may see airplanes taking off from Cape May Airport.

• H & H Seafood: Casual, picnic-table dining where you can dig into fresh crab, shrimp, and clams—perfect for adventurous little eaters (and parents!).

• Madison’s Bakery (best buns on the beach): Famous for fresh-baked cinnamon rolls and sticky buns, ideal for a sweet start to the day.

And of course, no beach vacation is complete without ice cream:

• Fine Fellows Creamery: A popular spot for homemade-style scoops, milkshakes, and sundaes.