Keeping the Grownups Entertained

You’ve got a long weekend, or a week, or a month to spend down the shore. What are you going to do with all that time? Sure, it’s great to have the freedom from work, the lack of business calls and urgent projects… but you may also feel the stretch of a bunch of long, dull days ahead. Lucky for you, the Jersey shore has a lot to offer you “big” kids!

Love the nightlife? Need to do something besides sit on a porch and watch the waves?

  1. Atlantic City, baby! Test your luck at the slots or the tables… but don’t blow all your vacation money in AC! Set yourself a limit and stick to it. If you or someone you know has gambling problems, call 1-800-GAMBLER.
  2. Atlantic City is more than just the casinos. You can enjoy a night on the town with a fancy dinner and a concert or comedy show!
  3. Even the smaller towns have a bar or two that feature live music on weekends. Pick up the local paper and see who’s playing where.
  4. Most coffee houses are open late; bring a book or magazine, or even your laptop! Some coffee houses provide wireless internet access so you can catch up on your e-mail or check in with your pals on instant messenger.

Bored on the beach? Don’t just sit there!

  1. Walk the boardwalk. There’s lots of people-watching and window shopping to be done.
  2. Hit the arcade. Kids aren’t the only ones who like video games! Try your hand at skill cranes, pinball, and other fun games.
  3. Build sandcastles with the kids, or by yourself. Your superior architectural abilities should make a dazzling sand home easy!
  4. Crafty? Collect shells to bring home for use in decorating. Fill a glass bowl with shells for a lovely centerpiece — add a candle to the center for color. Craft stores or lighting stores may sell clear plastic lamp bases that you can fill with shells.
  5. A week’s vacation is a great time to take up a new hobby.
  6. All those books you’ve been meaning to read? Bring one or two along on vacation! Not a big reader? Magazines have pictures AND articles. Or grab the local newspaper and see what’s going on in town.
  7. Try a new sport! Beach volleyball is a good workout, or learn how to bodyboard.

Need something to do off the beach?

  1. Check out local historical attractions like Historic Cold Spring Village or the Cape May Lighthouse.
  2. Hit the Cape May Zoo with the family.
  3. Learn a little more about the wetlands of the Jersey shore at the Wetlands Institute in Stone Harbor or the Marine Mammal Stranding Center in Brigantine. South Jersey is also a great bird watching area.
  4. Go shopping! Whether you love antiques, unique boutiques, or modern malls, the shore has it all. The folks at your lodgings can probably suggest a ton of places to go shop.
  5. Head for the nearest library. Grab a book, magazine, or newspaper, or take advantage of free internet access. And be sure to pick up a schedule — libraries are great places to find activities for children all summer long. Crafts, shows, and more, and usually free!
  6. Culture yourself! South Jersey has lots of art museums. You can get out of the heat and humidity and explore some fine art from local and international artists.

Going down the shore means more than just sitting on the beach all day! South Jersey is full of places to go and things to do. Have fun!