10 Fun Activities ‘Down The Shore‘

by Carol Anne Pagliotti

When most people think of the Jersey shore they think of beaches, boardwalks and bicycles. But The Shore’s summer schedule is full of other fun family activities. Here’s a selection of 10 affordable events scheduled “Down The Shore.”

ATLANTIC CITY – Aug. 15
Thunder Over the Boardwalk, the Atlantic City Airshow, returns to A.C. for a 5th year on Aug. 15 at 10:30am. This year’s lineup includes the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds, U.S. Army Golden Knights parachute team and a 4-ship flyby by the 177th Fighter Wing, N.J. Air National Guard. Free. 609-348-7000, www.atlanticcityairshow.com

BEACH HAVEN – All Summer
Sponsored by the Southern Ocean County Chamber of Commerce and Chowderfest, the Surflight Theatre offers Children’s Theatre shows at 6pm throughout the summer. Tickets are $9. Productions include Winnie the Pooh, June 20-24; Peter Pan, June 27-July 1; Snow White, July 5-18; Alice in Wonderland, July 11-15; Little Red Riding Hood, July 18-22; and Wizard of Oz, July 25-29. Aug. and early Sept. productions can be found online. 609-492-9477, www.surflight.org.

CAPE MAY – All Summer
The Mid-Atlantic Center for the Arts in Cape May hosts several children’s activities throughout the summer at the Emlen Physick Estate. They include Children’s Tours that teach children about life during the Victorian era while on a guided tour of the Emlen Physick Estate, June-Sept., Wed., 9:30am,

$5-$10. Kids Days offer dress-up activities, hat-making, storytelling and face painting, July 11 & Aug. 8, 10am, $5. At Teddy Bear Teas, children can bring their own bear or doll, July 8, 11, 22, Aug. 8, 12 & 26, at various times, $10-$17.50.

The Center also hosts the Cape May Playhouse at the Cape May Convention Center, where noted children’s entertainers perform July 2-Aug. 13 on Mon. and Thurs. at 10am and 7pm. Tickets are $2-$5. 609-884-5404, www.capemaymac.org

OCEAN CITY – Thursdays, June 28-Aug. 30; Aug. 13-17
Family Nights on the Boardwalk begin Thurs., June 28, and continue every Thurs., 8-10pm through Labor Day. Evenings include free entertainment such as live bands, face painters, magicians and string bands.

During this year’s Weird Week, Aug. 13-17, each day at 11am at the Music Pier at Boardwalk and Moorlyn Terrace, families can participate in these “wacky, but not tacky” events. 609-525-9300, www.oceancityvacation.com

SEA ISLE CITY – June 26
The Sara the Turtle Festival takes place on the Boardwalk at John F. Kennedy Blvd. June 26 from 6-8pm. Highlights include live turtle exhibits, puppet and wildlife shows, races, educational information and exhibits. Rain date June 28. 609-263-8687, www.seaisletourism.org

WILDWOOD – Aug. 12
The Rubber Ducky Regatta, Morey’s Pier, takes place at Raging Waters Water Park at Schellenger Ave. & the Boardwalk. On Aug. 12 from 7-9pm more than 10,000 rubber ducks race to the finish line in the endless river to benefit the United Way of Cape May County. Free to spectators. 609-729-2002, www.wildwoodsnj.com

Carol Anne Pagliotti is resources editor of MetroKids.