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Ten Ocean County Adventures To Enjoy with the GrandchildrenGrandparents/grandchildren and Ocean County are perfect together. “Ocean County offers a variety of intergenerational activities that span the ages,” said Freeholder Director Joseph H. Vicari, who serves as both the county’s tourism spokesperson and liaison to the Office of Senior Services. To that end, some activities to be enjoyed this summer with the youngsters include:
1. County parks, particularly the three that have nature centers. Each has park naturalists who will enhance any visit. All have walking trails. Admission to the parks is free as are many activities. Others are available for a nominal fee. Cattus Island County Park, 1170 Cattus Island Blvd., off Fischer Blvd, tells the story of the wetlands and borders Silver Bay. 732-270-6960 Wells Mills County Park, 905 Wells Mills Rd./Route 532, Waretown is on Wells Mills Lake, is the humming bird capital of the county and located in the Pine Barrens. 609-971-3085 Jakes Branch County Park, 1100 Double Trouble Rd., Beachwood, 732-281-2750, is the newest in the system and the "Gateway to the Pinelands." Activity schedules for all the parks in the system are at oceancountyparks.org. There are van tours, special programs for youngsters, boat rides, nature walks and talks, outdoor concerts, hikes, field trips, canoe and kayak outings and seasonal activities.
2.BarnegatLighthouse State Park At the northern tip of Long Beach Island, Barnegat Light and is home to "Old Barney," the recently relit lighthouse icon, which is featured on Ocean County’s official flag and frequently, represents the state as well. No climbing is necessary to see the view from the top, which is available on monitors at the bottom via camcorders. One of the smallest parks in the state's system, it is packed with things to do. A 1/4-mile cement, handicapped accessible walkway is a boon for birders. Waterfowl usually can be found floating in the Barnegat Inlet. Programs are scheduled in the interpretative center where there are representations of birds that frequent the area as well as the history of the lighthouse. The "Friends of Barnegat Lighthouse" conducts programs on a scheduled basis. A maritime forest, one of the last on Long Beach Island, has a 1/5 mile-loop walking trail. Just right for little legs. Anglers can be found fishing at the foot of the lighthouse. It is exciting to watch boats traverse the testy inlet. Walk out onto the beach to take a great photo with the lighthouse in the background and meet the flashy red-winged blackbirds that inhabit the local bushes. Bonus: Visit the Barnegat Light one-room schoolhouse museum at 5thand Central Ave.to see, among other things, the lighthouse’s original 1027 plate Fresnel lens that is 12-feet high. The park is open daily off-season, 8 am - 4 pm. The lighthouse is open for climbing weekends 9 am - 3:30 pm, weather permitting. During the summer, lighthouse climbing hours expand, but then there is a $1 fee. Children 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult 609- 494-2016, www.state.nj.us/dep/parksandforests/parks/barnlig.html
3. Jenkinson's Aquarium Located directlyon the boardwalk in Point Pleasant Beach, the award-winning venue is open year round and is a great place to spend a rainy, extra hot (it's air-conditioned) or chilly (it’s heated) day. To enhance a visit, call or visit their website to find out when the fish and mammals are fed. The regional aquarium is large enough to explore and small enough not to be intimidating. Youngsters may have taken a school trip to the site, but its more fun to visit with grandparents who allow them to linger to learn about the things that interest them most. Many of the fish caught off the Jersey shore can be seen swimming here. The Aquarium is marking its 20th birthday this year, so look for some special events and promotions. Be sure to enjoy the other boardwalk activities. Open Monday to Friday, 9:30 am - 5 pm and Weekends 10 am - 5 pm. Adults/$10, seniors-62+/$6, Ages 3-12/$6 and 2 and under, free. 732-899-1212, www.jenkinsons.com/aquarium
4. LakewoodBlueClaws Baseball as it used to be and not just for the boys in the family. The park is clean, family oriented and offers an array of activities in addition to America’s favorite pastime. The million-dollar scoreboard flashes photos and stats for each player. Those who were here early in their careers include the likes of Ryan Howard and Cole Hamels. The stadium includes a full-circle concourse that allows strolling with the little ones to work off their energy while permitting fans to continue to keep an eye on the game. There are play areas and activities are held between innings (cheer for the racing eyeballs). Special deals available on the website. The BlueClaws have won back-to-back South Atlantic League Championships and the entire place is kid (and grandparent) friendly. 70 home games are held between April 7 and Sept. 5. The mascot, a pudgy yellow something, is kid friendly, so remember to bring the camera for a photo with Buster. FirstEngery Park is at the corner of New Hampshire Ave./Route 528 and Cedar Bridge Aves. /Route 623, Lakewood. Games start at varying times between 11:05 am and 7:05 pm, Adults are $11, Ages 5-12, seniors 60+ & military with valid I.D. & General admission lawn seats/$8, Ages 4 and under/free. Save $1 by ordering tickets in advance. 732- 901-7000, www.BlueClaws.com.
5. Ice cream shoppes and more. Ocean County boasts two mini-theatres where, for the price of a sundae, you are treated to a musical revue and interactive entertainment with the wait staff for less than $10 a person. Music Man Singing Ice Cream Shoppe, 2305 Grant Central Ave./Route 35 North, Lavallette, 732-854-2779, www.themusicman.com Show Place Ice Cream Parlour on Long Beach Island, 200 Centre St. next to the Surflight Theatre, Beach Haven. 609-492-0018, www.Surflight.org
6. Ahoy mates set sail for a pirate adventure. Arrive before sailing time to enjoy a pirate experience on land before setting sail for more than an hour interactive adventure aboard a pirate ship. Come back with some loot and pirate tales to share. Jersey Shore Piratesaboard the Sea Gypsy II on the Metedeconk River, $18, Riverfront Marina, Princeton Ave., Brick, 732-899-6100, www.jerseyshorepirates.com Long Beach Island Pirate Boat Toursaboard the Black Pearl in Little Egg Harbor, $20, Center Street at the Black Whale Dock, Beach Haven, 609-978-9951, www.piratesofLBI.com Pirates on the Manasquanaboard the S.S. Jersey Girl on the Manasquan River, $17.95, 1600 Route 70 at River Rock Grille, Brick, 732- 233-7333, www.piratesonthemanasquan.com Check for sunset cruises, chartered birthday parties and other cruise adventures.
7. Dr. Floyd L. MorelandDentzel Looff Antique Carousel The prancing horses and Wurlitzer organ music recall memories of yesteryear. The carousel is tucked away in the Casino Arcade, across the boardwalk from the amusement area. This is one of only two genuine Americana antique carousels that remain in the state. Remember to look for the original 15 antique paintings. The carousel is located on the Boardwalk at Sherman Ave., Seaside Heights, 732-793-7275. For more things to do in the area, visit www.seasideheightstourism.com. Tickets are $2 each or $7 for ten rides.
8. Live theatre for the younger set. Children learn to stretch their imagination when they see live actors performing in shows. A number of theatres have a children’s play series. Ocean County Fine Arts & Community Centerat Ocean County College, College Dr., off Hooper Ave., Toms River 732-255-0400, www.ocean.edu. Strand Historic Theatre, 4th and Clifton Ave, Lakewood, 732-367-7789, strandlakewood.com Surflight Theatre, Beach and Engleside Aves., Beach Haven, 609-492-9477, www.surflight.org. Music Man Singing Ice Cream Shoppe, 2305 Grant Central Ave./Route 35 North, Lavallette, 732-854-2779, www.themusicman.com Ocean County Parks & Recreation Department at Ocean County Park, Route 88, Lakewood, 732-506-9090, www.oceancountyparks.org Not quite live performances, on weekends Robert J. Novins Planetarium at Ocean County College presents stars shows for those under 7 years of age at 11:30 am with other shows being more appropriate for other age groups. Check the schedule at www.ocean.edu/planet.htm, 732-255-0342
9. Insectropolis A bugseum, which, ironically, is, sponsored Ozane, a pest control company. Much is done with tongue in cheek such as Mother's Day, when the "Queen of the Hive" -- mom, is admitted free. Then, there is the annual Bugfest. Learn about bugs as friends and some that are not. Youngsters will meet creepy crawlies up close and personal. There also is an extensive butterfly collection. Open summers Monday to Saturday, Insectropolis is found at 1761 Route 9, Lakewood. Hours are from 10 am - 3 pm, Admission is $7, children two and under, free, 732-349-7090, www.insectropolis.com.
All ages enjoy going through the largest drive-through safari outside of Africa with 1,200 exotic animals found along a 4.5-mile route. Even toddlers are impressed when an ostrich wanders over to the car and pecks the window or an 8-foot giraffe strolls by to peek in the car. Do not neglect the other two parks, as at both the Great Adventure Theme Park and the Hurricane Harbor Water Park, there are special sections for the tiny ones and shows that do not require the stamina necessary to take on one of the adventurous roller coasters. 1 Six Flags Blvd, of Route 537, Jackson, $21.99, ($12 with theme park ticket) 732-928-1821, www.sixflags.com. “This list is but a sample of the many things all members of the family can enjoy in Ocean County, “ said Freeholder Director Vicari. “For even more experiences to enjoy visit www.OceanCountyTourism.com or call 800-ENJOY-33.”
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Apr 30, 2012
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