Atlantic City has a reputation somewhat similar to Las Vegas and is known as a big source of adult-oriented fun.
It can also be surprisingly kid-friendly and adaptable to many different situations.
Many parents are surprised at how much fun their little ones have on a family trip to the area.
Here are several things that your children are likely to enjoy doing in Atlantic City.
They include outdoor activities, indoor fun, restaurants, museums, and more.
You’ll be surprised at just how many unique and fun things are available for kids in a place like Atlantic City!
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10 Things to Do in Atlantic City With Kids
If you’re bringing your kids to Atlantic City and want to find fun things for them to do, you’re in luck: many options are available!
We did the hard research to identify the best choices to ensure you’re satisfied with what you get.
We included a link to the destination’s official website (when available) to ensure that you know exactly what to expect and can even book ahead, if necessary, with any of these unique stops.
Atlantic City Princess
Atlantic City Princess is designed to be a fun and engaging experience that the whole family will love!
It features an 87-foot yacht you and others can rent for a few hours or a whole day!
You’ll get the chance to get brunch, lunch, dinner, go sightseeing, and even experience fun holiday events.
This unique cruise is popular for kids because many activities on board may appeal to young ones, as well as the chance to spot various animals, such as dolphins, while on the trip.
This way, it provides the fun and engaging event your family deserves at a fair price.
Atlantic City Aquarium
Do your little ones love animals, especially sea life, and you want to take them to a fun and unforgettable place?
The Atlantic City Aquarium is packed with plenty of fun activities they’ll likely love.
There are dozens of species, including sea turtles, manta rays, snappers, groupers, and more.
Your kids can even visit the live coral tank and learn the importance of these reefs on ocean environments.
They can get real hands-on experiences interacting with various animals and learn more about their behavior.
This experience is a unique and fun way to enjoy Atlantic City with your kids.
IMAX Theater at Tropicana
Have you ever been to an IMAX theater?
If not, you’re missing out on a unique experience that will change how you view movies.
Thankfully, Atlantic City has the IMAX Theater at the Tropicana that you can try if it interests you.
This experience includes cool polarized glasses that your kids get to keep when they’re done watching!
Various films will be shown in this theater, including normal films, specialized educational films for kids, and even old classics.
The goal of this theater is to entertain you and your children and bring you closer together as people.
Ensure your child understands this experience’s full scope before trying it.
Steel Pier
Amusement parks are a big part of the Atlantic City experience, and Steel Pier is one of the biggest and most popular in the area.
With a history of over 125 years, it operates on a large pier and provides a unique experience you can’t get at other amusement parks.
There are old-fashioned rides, like Ferris wheels, combined with more modern classics.
Furthermore, many kid-friendly games are available on the pier, such as arcade games, ball-throwing competitions, and much more.
Even better, you and your kids will love a lot of tasty food, such as sliced pizza, ice cream, elephant ears, and much more.
It’s a big carnival, one that your kids will love and make you feel young at heart.
Atlantic City Miniature Golf
Mini golf is a fun and unforgettable experience that can teach kids all about the joys of nailing a hole-in-one from 10 yards back.
If you’re into golf, think your kids like it, or simply want some fun outdoor competition, Atlantic City Miniature Golf is an excellent option.
It’s a family-owned business on the boardwalk that includes 18 holes of challenging golf.
Throughout the course, you’ll be surprised at the realistic contours, the elevated greens, the beautiful waterfalls, and the unique feel of the course.
It’s designed not just to be fun for kids but challenging for adults as well.
You can call ahead to make a reservation, though that’s rarely required: most people can get in on a first-come-first-serve basis.
Escape at the Shore
The concept of the escape room left the video game world and has become a real-world phenomenon.
Escape rooms task you and your family with figuring out various puzzles and getting out at a specific time.
Atlantic City’s Escape at the Shore highlights the fun of this experience and brings you together with your family in a variety of different scenarios.
In fact, this escape room center is designed specifically for family bonding and is very kid-friendly!
Other escape rooms focus on horror or scares that might not be appropriate for children.
Instead, Escape at the Shore uses visuals and experiences that won’t stress out your children and will instead make their experience far more enjoyable and entertaining.
Marine Mammal Stranding Center
Marine Mammal Stranding Center is a unique organization that’s truly making a difference in the world.
They’re dedicated to the rescue and rehabilitation of stressed marine mammals, as well as turtles.
Over the years, they’ve helped out over 5,000 different animals, including whales, seals, sea turtles, and dolphins, and welcome the public to check out their facility.
While you’re here, you’ll learn about how animals are rescued, which steps the team takes to ensure their safe return, and discover some amazing success stories.
You’ll also get to see rehabilitation in action and watch beautiful sea creatures regain their mobility and strength.
It’s an experience that will touch even the most hardened heart.
Absecon Lighthouse
As the tallest lighthouse in New Jersey, Absecon Lighthouse is already worth visiting.
It’s the kind of historical family fun that your kids will love because it’s so visual and hard to deny.
Things like battles and other lessons are hard to imagine, but standing in a physical building and seeing the world of the past jump out at them is likely to engage any child’s imagination.
Even better, you can climb this amazing lighthouse with your little ones (an astonishing 228 steps) and see a view that only a select few did before this lighthouse opened to the public.
There are also many activities that take place throughout the week, including Wacky Wednesday, during which kids (and adults) are encouraged to dress up in silly and fun ways!
Playlands Castaway Cove
Here’s another Atlantic City favorite that should have your kids hopping: Playlands Castaway Cove.
Known for its exciting roller coasters and old-school family fun, it’s the kind of place you can spend hours playing at and come back for more the next day.
For example, there’s a popular tilt-a-whirl ride, exciting bumper car fun, and even arcade games available here.
The most fun part about this destination might just be the old-fashioned train!
You’ll get to ride along on a steam engine with your kids and feel its raw power as you go.
There’s nothing quite like it in New Jersey!
Don’t forget that they also offer group sales for birthday parties and more if your kids plan on bringing any of their friends along on your summer trip.
Storybook Land
At Storybook Land, your little ones will get the chance to explore a Disney-styled adventure without paying Disney-level prices.
In fact, this amusement park has been open since 1955 and is run by the same family, which makes it very similar to Disneyland beyond its theme!
However, it has a different vibe that’s focused more on total family fun.
For example, you’re going to ride some fun, kid-friendly roller coasters and take off in a fun bounce room!
Even better, you can enjoy a carousel or jump in the water area and cool down on a hot summer day.
These amenities make Storybook Land a fun and exciting adventure that will appeal to the young and young at heart.
Atlantic City Safety Overview
READ THE FULL REPORT: Atlantic City Safety Review
Safety Index:
- OVERALL RISK: MEDIUM
- TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW
- PICKPOCKETS RISK: LOW
- NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM
- MUGGING RISK: MEDIUM
- TERRORISM RISK: MEDIUM
- SCAMS RISK: LOW
- WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Atlantic City very big?
Atlantic City is actually not that big of a town and has less than 39,000 full-time residents.
However, it’s designed to support many tourists and can feel like a bigger city as a result.
Thankfully, it’s not unusual to find accommodations in other nearby cities.
What’s the best time to go to Atlantic City?
As Atlantic City is in New Jersey, it’s probably best to visit it during the summer, when the winter cold isn’t so intense.
That said, lots of people come here at this time, so visiting during the less busy fall and spring seasons may also be an appropriate option for you.
Is Atlantic City safe?
While you might hear some horror stories about places like Atlantic City, it’s mostly very safe.
As with any area with many people, there are some risks, so make sure you stay close to your family and regularly communicate.
Doing so should ensure that you stay safe and happy.
Why is Atlantic City called an island?
While it might not be obvious at first sight, most of Atlantic City is on an island (Absecon Island), a small isle that’s located very close to the mainland.
As a result, it is technically an island and is treated as such.
Thankfully, bridges make it easy to access.
In Atlantic City, there are many fun and unique things to do with kids, making it a great family vacation destination.