Put your kids on the swings and your feet in the sand at these beachfront playgrounds along the Jersey Shore. The beaches of New Jersey are home to playgrounds that are like giant sandboxes, with colorful play structures and ocean views. Swing by some of these beachy-keen playgrounds on your next day trip or vacation to the Shore.
Please note that some of these playgrounds may require fees for beach entrance during the summer months. Find more great things to do on hot New Jersey days in our Summer Fun Guide, and all our top picks for a Jersey Shore vacation on this 3-day itinerary for a Jersey Shore getaway crafted by a local mom.
Best Jersey Shore Beach Playgrounds, At-a-glance:
- Best for toddlers/small kids: Benjamin Wheeler Playground in Ocean City
- Best for big kids/active play: Tony’s Place Playground in Long Branch
- Best playground with shade: Sunset Beach Inclusive Playground in Seaside Heights
- Best playground near boardwalk/amenities (bathrooms/food): Belmar Beach
- Must-check before you go: Beach tag requirements, parking requirements, and bathrooms nearby
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Which NJ Shore Playgrounds are Best for Kids?
1. Belmar Beach Playground – Belmar
Belmar’s beaches are home to a series of colorful, fun beach playgrounds for kids to enjoy. There’s one located every five beaches or so. The
2. Rachel D’Avino Playground – Asbury Park
This dragonfly-themed playground was built in 2013 in honor of a teacher who was a victim of the Sandy Hook shootings, as part of the Sandy Ground playground projects honoring the 26 people slain. The purple structures are based in the sand and reflect the victim’s love of dragonflies and her passion for working with special-needs children. Ten of the Sandy Ground playgrounds are located on the Jersey Shore.
3. Fox Park – Wildwood
If you are near the Wildwoods Convention Center, this large community park features a great playground and is located across the street from the boardwalk.
4. Tony’s Place Playground – Long Branch
A few steps from the beach, this colorful play area boasts slides, tunnels, bridges, playhouses, instruments, swings, and much more, all of which are accessible for children of all abilities. The surfaces are wheelchair-friendly, and all signage includes Braille. Permits are available for children with special needs and their families for FREE access all summer.
5. Benjamin Wheeler Playground – Ocean City
On your next Ocean City vacation, take a play break at Benjamin Wheeler Playground, another Sandy Ground Project. With proximity to the ocean, this playground is dedicated to a young Sandy Hook victim and features actual drawings by Benjamin. The fenced-in play area has a squishy ground cover with slides, bridges, and climbing walls.
6. Sunset Beach – Seaside Heights
This new inclusive playground features shady areas for climbing and swinging on ship-themed play structures.
7. C Sure Children’s Park – Ventnor City
A stone’s throw away from the busy Atlantic City beaches lies the quieter Ventnor City Beach, where you’ll find the C Sure Playground by the seashore. The wooden structures, on padded ground, include bridges, castles, slides, and a sandbox with authentic beach sand.
8. 33rd Avenue Playground – Longport
The ideal oceanside playground, this one is grounded right in the sand. Kids will have a blast on the swings, slides, climbing wall, bridge, and a play car. Grown-ups will enjoy chilling out in the shady gazebo.
9. Winward Beach Park – Brick
Located on the Metedaconk River Beach, this spacious playground features separate areas for kids ages 2-5 and 5-12. The fenced-in park, which is on a soft surface, consists of bridges, climbing walls, swings, a play forest, and lots of other creative structures.
10. Bayview Playground – Long Beach Island
With beautiful ocean views, Bayview Park is situated on a quiet bay of LBI. Sand play, slides, climbers, and riding animals make for some fun playground time, plus the adjacent gazebos are home to summer concerts and events.
11. 16th Street Playground – North Wildwood
This playground is located steps from the beach and offers ages 2-8 swings, slides, and small climbing structures.
12. Scoop Taylor Park – Wildwood Crest
If the kids have a little vacation energy to burn, stop by this bustling playground on the FREE Wildwood Crest beach. The enclosed play area contains vibrant slides, tunnels, and climbing walls. Basketball and tennis courts round out the fun. Plus, there are public bathrooms.
13. Pirate’s Cove – Cliffwood Beach
A recent visit to my childhood hometown included a stop at this beautifully renovated waterfront park. With scenic views of the Raritan Bay, the waterfront park houses walking paths to the beach and an imaginative pirate ship playground. Kids can climb and slide from the huge ship, and go for a ride on the swings, all over a rubber ground covering.
What Amenities Do These Beachfront Playgrounds Offer?
Some Jersey Shore beachfront playgrounds, such as Sunset Beach in Seaside Heights and Tony’s in Long Branch, may offer amenities such as ADA accessible features. Others, such as Pirate’s Cove in Cliffwood Beach, have rubberized, safety surfaces, so kids can run and play with fewer bumps and bruises from hard falls. Pirate’s Cove also has a splash area to keep you cool in the summer heat. You’ll find shady seating areas at Tony’s Place in Long Beach, Pirate’s Cove in Keyport, and C Sure Children’s Park in Ventnor City. Many playgrounds offer bathroom facilities on-site or nearby.
How Can I Find Parking Near Jersey Shore Playgrounds?
It depends on the park. If there isn’t a dedicated lot, look for municipal lots and make sure you don’t park in spots intended for residents with parking passes. For street parking at the Shore, try to arrive early in the day before the big beach run.
Which Beachfront Playgrounds Are on the Boardwalk?
Certain Belmar playgrounds are located on the boardwalk. The 16th Street Playground is located right on the Wildwood Boardwalk, and Fox Park is just across the street from the boardwalk near the convention center.
FAQs about Beachfront Playgrounds on the Jersey Shore
Are these beach playgrounds FREE to use?
You’ll need a beach pass to play on the playground of the Belmar beaches. You’ll also need a beach tag for the 33rd Avenue Playground. Check the rules for other playgrounds before heading out.
Which of these playgrounds have public restrooms nearby?
Tony’s Place, Rachel D’Avino, Pirates Cove, Fox Park, and Newport Green.
Are these beachfront playgrounds stroller-friendly?
It can be tough on playgrounds with sand, but those on rubberized surfaces like Tony’s Place and Pirate’s Cove let you push strollers with ease.
When is the best time to visit to avoid crowds?
Head out first thing in the morning to avoid crowds.
What should I pack for a day at a beach playground?
Don’t forget the water, sunscreen, and hats. It’s also nice to bring sand toys and a towel or blanket to sit on. A change of clothes could be handy, too!
