5 Reasons to Visit Cape May with Kids

Cape May was my childhood summer vacation spot, so I can 100% vouch for it being kid friendly.  My mom would pile my brother and I into the car, fully loaded with sand toys, beach gear, and a cooler filled with beach picnic snacks. We’d leave at the crack of dawn and return to Philly at midnight, covered in sand and fully exhausted from a fabulous day of play in the hot sun. 

Years later, I ventured back with my husband and daughter, and wondered, “Can it really be as good as I remembered?”  OH YEAH!  It was like I never left.  Perfect sandcastle sand, loooong beaches, crazy cool clouds, and the best body surfing waves around.  Oh, we’re not done!  Boat rides, bike rides, swan habitats, fish dinner on the dock, and as the sun goes down – a sunset cruise with dolphins.  Then, tuck the kids into bed at your brightly painted, gingerbread Victorian B&B, sit out on the lazy front porch…and rock away.  It’s not 1950, it’s Cape May, New Jersey!  Cape May has that “kids-welcome-here-anytime” vibe, so, if you’re looking for a change of scenery, here are my 5 reasons to visit Cape May with kids.  

1. Beach-time is easy to do with kids

The beaches of Cape May are known for being pristine and beautiful — making it the top reason why Cape May is an excellent choice to visit with kids.  There are plenty of blue-bird sky days, but even the passing storm can make for some incredible photos.  Here are some family friendly beaches you’ll want to check out:

• The Cove –  a wide open beach with a gentle slope, plenty of lifeguards, and white sand.  This is the most popular spot to spend a beach day. (Note: beach passes are required, which can be purchased on site for $6/day. Visit this website for more info). 

• Cape May Point State Park–  while no swimming is allowed, it’s a great place for a family picnic or walk along the sand dunes.  It’s also a prime time spot for bird watching, or to catch a glimpse of dolphins passing by.

• Sunset beach-  This one is where everyone goes for…you guessed it…the sunset!  It’s also a well known spot for kite flying too.

2. There are plenty of kid-friendly hotels

Another reason to visit Cape May with kids is that there are plenty of accommodations suited for families.  Need to be close to the sand?  Check.  Prefer to have an option with more space for everyone to spread out?  Check. Looking for something a bit different — say, a bed and breakfast in an old, Victorian home?  Lots of checks.  No matter which you choose, make reservations far in advance.

• Caroll Villa Hotel–  We stayed here for our weekend escape and had a lovely time at this B&B.  It’s one block away from the beach, but they still provide some beach services, like umbrella set up. The staff was friendly and helpful — I really mean it!  We accidentally left our Uppababy stroller at the hotel, and they helped arrange for its safe return back to Connecticut.

• Congress Hall — this is a popular hotel option for families as its located as close to the beach as you can get!  The hotel takes care of all the beach-details, so that you don’t have to think twice.  They set up your chairs and provide beach-side dining.  On the hotel grounds, there’s a wide, open lawn with plenty of room for kids to run around, and a private hotel pool for guests to enjoy.  We did not stay here, but paid to use their beach chairs one day.  They treated us like royalty even without us being hotel guests.  That won my vote for a future trip! 

• Virginia Hotel – We dined at the Ebbit Room for dinner one night, and I loved everything about this hotel.   The porch was inviting and lively, and the lobby was charming with a fireplace and comfortable seating.  It’s one block away from the beach.

• Grand Hotel – The Grand Hotel is a very popular option for families heading to Cape May.  It has its own private pool, facility center, and game room.  It’s also located directly across from the beach, so the sand is only a few steps away.  Easy peasy! 

3. Active adventures for the whole family

Need a break from the sun and surf?  When you’re ready to hop off the beach, Cape May has plenty of family friendly activities to get your legs moving, or to experience the local wildlife. 

• Dolphin and whale watching excursions: I have many memories of sitting on Cape May beach as a young girl, and all of sudden people yelled, “DOLPHINS!”  I pretty much lost it with excitement when this happened, and loved seeing the majestic mammals cruise through the water. If you love dolphins as much as I do, then definitely book a whale/dolphin watching expedition, where you’ll tour Cape May Point and see plenty of marine life.

• Take the family bird watching:   Even if you’re not a birder, you’ll still want to flock to the Cape May Bird Observatory for an afternoon.  Or, if the kids are up early, head over for a sunrise viewing.  Cape May Point attracts thousands of birds because its located along the path of many migration routes. Have your camera ready!

• Head over to Shields Bike Rental to rent bikes.  They offer child seat attachments if you’ve brought an infant along.  If you’re traveling with older kids, be sure to rent one of the 4 seater surrey bikes, and explore more of the town on this spiffy ride. 

• You’ll also want to check out the Cape May Lighthouse, where you can climb the 199 steps for spectacular views.  

• After your legs recover from climbing the lighthouse, it’s time to rest those feet and hop on a trolley. The historic tour of Cape May is most popular.

• Test your putting skills at Cape May Mini Golf. There’s always serious mini-golf competition in my family. No gimmies!

• Take the family to the Cape May Zoo. Yes, I said zoo! This tiny town managed to find room for giraffes, zebras, lions, and more!

4. It’s easy to explore by foot with kids

If you travel with children, you may have learned that moving all members of your family from Point A to B sometimes feels like herding cats.  I’ve learned that while on vacation, the less transitions the better.  Cape May checks that box easily!  This small town has plenty to see and do within walking distance, making it another reason to visit Cape May with kids.  Here’s what you can check out by foot: 

• Admire the Victorian architecture and old world charm:  Cape May is known for its’ iconic Victorian homes, featuring stained glass windows, decorative trim, and spacious porches. Even kids won’t mind strolling through this storybook town. Many of these historic homes have been converted into inns and boutiques.  Gas lamps line the small, intimate streets, and you’ll frequently see a horse drawn carriage or trolley pass by. 

• The boardwalk beckons:  Like any good beach town, Cape May has a boardwalk that has an all American feel.  You’ll stumble across ice cream parlors, smoothie stands, shops and arcades as you set out for a leisurely walk with the family.

• The main shopping square — Washington Street Mall:  This 3 block brick promenade features plenty of pubs and restaurants that line the walkways.  No cars are allowed, making it easy for kids to run around and play.  There’s also just enough shopping to keep Mom, and even Dad, happy.  My husband is the king of kids’ bath time in our house, so he was excited to stumble across the Rubber Duckie mecca, Bath Time Cape May.  There are also local boutiques, mom and pop candy stores, and the necessary tourist shop or two.  You’ll most likely enter one of these, swearing you’re only there to browse…but before you know it, you’ve purchased 3 Cape May sweatshirts.  Hey, the whole family needs a souvenir, right?

5. Cape May has delicious food and kid friendly restaurants

Another reason to visit Cape May with kids is that there are plenty of heavenly dining options.  Sometimes, kid friendly restaurants don’t equate to a delicious foodie experience; thankfully, this is not the case in Cape May.  The restaurants put their best “food-foot” forward, all while catering to the various strollers, baby bottles, and rambunctious kiddos. Here’s where to go:

• Tisha’s:  At first glance, this restaurant’s fancier vibe may not scream “come here with the kids,” but they welcomed us with open arms.  After a day of exploring with a baby, we were ready to eat!  They accommodated us with an outdoor seat to fit the stroller, and served an exquisite meal.  If we had stayed in town longer, I would’ve returned for a second visit.

• The Lobster House:  This was my childhood spot.  We’d stop here at dinner, order fish and chips, and enjoy it while sitting on the outdoor dock.  It’s casual, comfortable, and yummy.

• Bagel Time Cafe:  If you’re out on a morning stroll on the boardwalk, stop here for a breakfast sandwich.  It’s easy to take your meal on-the-go, or you can sit outside to enjoy the views. 

• Ebbit Room: Located in the Victorian style bed and breakfast, The Virginia Hotel, this restaurant has excellent food and a relaxing vibe.  If you’re waiting for a table, grab a drink on the spacious porch, and watch the horse drawn carriages pass by.  It’s also the perfect date-night spot.  

• Louisa’s:  This restaurant is delicious!  It’s small and intimate, with a daily changing menu — whatever the sea provides that day, they cook up.  Reservations are absolutely required! (Note for parents with infants: While they are family friendly, they do not have the space to accommodate strollers).

I hope this article has inspired a family getaway to Cape May, NJ.  If you have any questions, or your own travel tips, please leave them in the comments below.  Also, don’t forget to sign up for the monthly newsletter, packed with travel tips, upcoming news, and access to FREE destination itineraries.