Family-Friendly Things to Do in Atlantic City
Looking for your next fun-filled family getaway? Atlantic City is calling! With a vibrant mix of attractions, events, and activities for all ages, this iconic seaside destination offers something to delight every member of your crew — from toddlers to teens and, yes, parents too!
Top Family-Friendly Attractions
Atlantic City is full of exciting experiences the whole family will love. Looking for a great place to start? The Steel Pier — an iconic boardwalk favorite with classic rides, midway games, and the third largest observation wheel in the country! Just steps away, Island Waterpark at Showboat offers the ultimate all-weather adventure for families with slides, splash zones, relaxing cabanas, and a lazy river, perfect for all ages. Discover even more Atlantic City family-friendly attractions below.
Steel Pier
The Steel Pier is the centerpiece of family entertainment on the great wooden way. Originally opened in 1898, Steel Pier welcomes kids of all ages to enjoy the amusements, thrill rides and games of chance.
Island Waterpark
The excitement never stops at Island Waterpark at Showboat. This family-friendly water park is just a splash away with 11 thrilling waterslides, 4 fantastic restaurants, 3 lively bars, and access to the world's largest arcade!
Next up is the Atlantic City Aquarium, a fan-favorite for budding marine biologists. After the recent exciting debut of its latest updates, there are even more underwater wonders to explore together.
Craving a little friendly competition? Try your luck at Atlantic City Miniature Golf, where cascading waterfalls add a touch of magic, or swing over to North Beach Mini Golf & Bike Rentals for a game with clear views of the Absecon Lighthouse. For a high-tech sporting twist, the Topgolf Swing Suite, Kitchen & Bar at Ocean Casino Resort offers interactive games the entire family can enjoy — rain or shine!
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Sign Up!Outdoor Adventures
Nothing beats the joy of fresh air and sandy toes! The Atlantic City Boardwalk & Beach offers the ultimate seaside escape, and it’s one of the only free beaches in New Jersey. Lounge in the sun, splash in the surf, or rent bikes and cruise the iconic boardwalk together.
Looking for a touch of nature? Head to Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge, or wander through Historic Smithville Village, where you can browse specialty shops and boutiques as you soak up a little small-town charm.
Be sure to visit the legendary Absecon Lighthouse, New Jersey’s tallest, for breathtaking views and photo ops. For ocean-loving families, hop aboard Atlantic City Cruises for dolphin sightings or take to the skies with Atlantic City Parasail for an unforgettable view of the coastline. And don’t miss the area’s seasonal events and activities on holidays like Easter, Christmas, St. Patrick’s Day, and the 4th of July.
Kid-Approved Entertainment
Atlantic City has a variety of entertainment catering to adults, but the possibilities are also endless when it comes to keeping the kids engaged. In addition to the world’s largest indoor beachfront waterpark Island Waterpark at Showboat Resort, right next door you’ll also find the world's largest arcade Lucky Snake Arcade, which has more than 300 games, including pinball, bowling, virtual reality, the largest crane in the world, and an indoor electric go-kart track called the Raceway.
The interactive fun doesn’t stop there! Another must is the ARCADE at Harrah’s Resort, decked out in neon lights with supersized games to play. Over at Tropicana Atlantic City, Escape AC has several rooms for a challenging and intense 60 minutes of fun for the whole family.
The IMAX Theatre at Tropicana Atlantic City is the only Giant Screen Certified IMAX Theatre in Atlantic City and will deliver a movie experience like never before. And, of course, a trip to Atlantic City is not complete without a visit to see the National Historic Landmark, Lucy The Elephant.
Lucky Snake Arcade
The Lucky Snake Arcade is 85,000 square feet of fun for all ages! Home to over 300 games including…
Dave & Busters, Atlantic City
Enjoy nonstop fun at Dave & Buster’s Atlantic City, where great food, drinks, and games come…
The Arcade at Harrah's
Discover non-stop fun at The Arcade at Harrah’s Resort Atlantic City. The vibrant, high-energy…
Escape AC - Escape Rooms
Clue meets Beat-the-Clock in this live action, team-based game that challenges you to ‘escape’ a…
Lucy The Elephant
Lucy the Elephant was built by real estate developer, James Lafferty, in 1881, as a gimmick to…
IMAX Theatre at Tropicana
The IMAX Theatre at Tropicana offers an unparalleled movie experience with its state-of-the-art IMAX…
Central Pier Arcade and Speedway
Central Pier Arcade & Speedway is the hottest family entertainment center in Atlantic City…
Storybook Land
Family-fun Storybook Land has kept the spirit of childhood alive for over 50 years. Fun for the…
Upcoming Family-Friendly Events
Santa's Hideaway Adventure
Santa’s Hideaway Adventure is open from November 6 through December 24 at the Shops at the Row…
Tanger Outlets Tree Lighting
Join the Holiday Tree Lighting Celebration on November 14 from 5:00 p.m.to 8:00 p.m. at the Tanger…
Toys for Kids Toy Drive
The Toys for Kids Toy Drive runs from October 1 to December 17 at the Ducktown Office inside the…
Tree Lighting Ceremony
On November 21 at 1:00 p.m., Tropicana Atlantic City will be hosting the annual Tree Lighting…
Family Fun Night at the Rink
Join the fun at Family Fun Night at the Rink on November 28, December 19 & 26 and January 2,9…
Dining That Delights All Ages
Atlantic City serves up plenty of family-friendly dining options, and a must-visit for kids and adults alike is the Sugar Factory at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino. From the moment you walk in, the floor-to-ceiling candy wall and over-the-top desserts steal the show. Kids will be wowed by the legendary King Kong Sundae, which serves 12, while adults can indulge in the signature 64-ounce goblets and a wide selection of creative comfort food.
For even more family fun, Dave & Buster’s Atlantic City offers the perfect mix of food, games, and entertainment that appeals to all ages. If you're looking for a dining experience that’s both fun and immersive, Rainforest Café delivers with a jungle-themed atmosphere, animatronic animals, and a kid-friendly menu packed with favorites like dinosaur-shaped chicken nuggets and tropical treats.

