Plan the Perfect Family Getaway in Atlantic City, NJ
When most people think of Atlantic City, the first things that come to mind are casinos, nightlife, and entertainment, but Atlantic City is also a vibrant destination for families looking to enjoy a mix of sun, sea, and excitement. Whether you’re planning a weekend escape or a weeklong summer retreat, Atlantic City is packed with family-friendly attractions, scenic views, and delicious dining that make it a top destination for family fun.
Immerse yourself in Atlantic City’s hospitality at renowned casino and hotel resorts lining the boardwalk, including Caesars Atlantic City, Bally’s Atlantic City, Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City, Resorts Casino Hotel, Ocean Casino Resort, Tropicana Atlantic City, The Claridge Hotel and Showboat Resort, each offering unique accommodations and amenities for a memorable stay.
If you’re looking for a scenic escape with upscale vibes, head to the Marina District. Nestled along the Absecon Bay and Farley State Marina, resorts like Golden Nugget Atlantic City, Harrah’s Resort Atlantic City, Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa, and the MGM Tower at Borgata offers panoramic views, waterside elegance, and creates instant relaxation.
Family-Friendly Things to Do
Island Waterpark
Escape to ISLAND Waterpark at Showboat Resort, the largest indoor beachfront waterpark in the world. Dive into splash-worthy water slides, relax on the lazy river, and explore interactive areas designed for both adults and children.
For gaming enthusiasts of all ages, Lucky Snake Arcade offers over 300 games, ranging from classic arcade games to immersive virtual reality experiences, and a state-of-the-art indoor electric go-kart track.
Enjoy friendly competition at North Beach Mini Golf, an Atlantic City-themed 18-hole course. Bike rentals are a great way to explore the Atlantic City Boardwalk and its vibrant atmosphere. Be sure to check the biking hours to plan your trip down the boards. Pro tip: Rent a bike and take advantage of the Putt & Ride special to enjoy half-price mini golf!
The Atlantic City Aquarium offers up-close encounters with marine life, interactive exhibits, and fun features like the "Under the Sea" coloring zone and a hurricane simulator. Admission is $6 for adults, $4 for kids ages 3–12, and free for children under 2.
Climb aboard the Cruisin’ 1 for a variety of cruises the whole family will love! Book the Dolphin Watching Adventure cruises for a thrilling view of the Atlantic Bottle-Nosed Dolphins. It’s a fun and educational experience that will leave guests with unforgettable memories and a deeper appreciation for Atlantic City’s marine life.
Standing 65 ft tall and known as the world’s largest elephant, Lucy the Elephant is the oldest "roadside" attraction in America! Built in 1881, the non-gaming attraction welcomes visitors to take a guided tour through Lucy and learn about her iconic history.
Experience iconic sites from above at New Jersey’s tallest Lighthouse, the historic Absecon Lighthouse. This landmark offers panoramic views of the city and the Atlantic Ocean after climbing its 228 steps. The lighthouse also features an education museum, a gift shop, and special events throughout the year for the entire family. Climbing admission is $10 for adults, and $6 for kids ages 4-12.
No trip to Atlantic City is complete without experiencing the historic Steel Pier. This amusement park is a nostalgic blend of classic and modern fun with over 20 carnival-style rides, including a swing carousel, bumper cars, and numerous carnival-style games. For the ultimate view of the coastline, take a spin on The Wheel, the third-largest climate-controlled observation wheel in the U.S.
Looking for great food and family fun all in one place? Dave & Buster’s Atlantic City has you covered! Enjoy classic arcade games alongside a full-service restaurant and bar, making it the ultimate entertainment hotspot for all ages. Don’t miss out on unbeatable deals like the Eat & Play Combo: choose one entrée and receive a $10 Play Card for $19.99.
Located in the Orange Loop, Cardinal offers a delightful dining experience with a focus on seasonal, sustainable, and locally sourced ingredients. Enjoy family-friendly dining indoors or outdoors, with a playful garden area complete with outdoor games and a sandpit to keep the kids entertained.
Visit Sugar Factory at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City for the sweetest dining experience the entire family will love. Indulge in their iconic desserts, Instagram-worthy milkshakes, rainbow burger sliders and so much more.
Located at Tropicana Atlantic City, Carmine’s is a family favorite, serving up classic Italian cuisine in generous, sharable portions. Known for its warm, old-school atmosphere, it’s the perfect spot for families to gather and enjoy hearty, homestyle meals. Don’t miss their signature dessert, the Titanic: an over-the-top sundae stacked ice cream, bananas, cookies, fruit, and whipped cream, perfect for sharing and wrapping up the meal with something sweet.
Start your day at one of Atlantic City’s most iconic breakfast and lunch spots! Since 1946, Gilchrist has served the local community with tasty and honest flavors, creating a memorable experience for everyone. Order the signature blueberry hotcakes to discover some of the best hotcakes around! With three surrounding locations, the Gardner’s Basin location offers true relaxation with views overlooking the Back Bays.
Also tucked away in Gardner’s Basin, Back Bay Ale House is the perfect spot to refuel with comfort food, kid-friendly meals, and their signature Basin Mason drinks for adults. With picnic tables, breezy outdoor seating, and stunning Marina views, it’s a crowd-pleaser for all.
Whether you’re chasing thrills on the Steel Pier, cruising the ocean on a dolphin tour, or sharing pancakes by the bay, Atlantic City offers the perfect blend of excitement and relaxation for all ages. Atlantic City isn’t just for grown-ups, it’s a destination where families can reconnect, explore, and create memory-making memories!
