OT-- Philadelphia & nearby beaches

[The 4 "Quay"balleros]

Another great family spot around Atlantic City is Storybook Land- I've been taking DS(4) since spring of '08. He absoluty loves it. It's clean and the crowds are very manageable.
Also the A.C. Aquarium- It's small, but you can get a couple hours of fun. We come here about 3 times a year.
And a great spot is the Cape May Zoo-It's free and in the middle of a nice park.
Sorry I had the links, but I don't have enough posts to have links in my post????

 

[Dotsie]

I love Storybook land. As far as South street is concerned... I wouldn't drive down South street in a National Guard tank much less walk down there with my kids. My husband is in law enforcement and he gets stationed down there from time to time. I was down there a few months ago with my 6 y/o. Never again. Not the environment I wish to spend time in.

 

[shinysparklybubbles]

I love Storybook land. As far as South street is concerned... I wouldn't drive down South street in a National Guard tank much less walk down there with my kids. My husband is in law enforcement and he gets stationed down there from time to time. I was down there a few months ago with my 6 y/o. Never again. Not the environment I wish to spend time in.

Agree with you! There is no reason for kids on south street unless you want to explain what condom kingdom is and the other adult stores are.....

 

[Disney2NJ]

Another vote for Ocean City! I went there as a child and now I'm taking my family. We just booked our house this week! Even though you aren't concerned about a boardwalk--consider it a bonus. Very family friendly!

 

[dmoore718]

Ocean City NJ is very nice. You will have to buy beach tags for about $5 for the day. It's about 1.5 hrs from Philly. It's the closest and the most family friendly. There are others with nice beaches too, Avalon, Sea Isle, Stone Harbor. All have their own charm. Have fun.

 

[Mkrop]

Ocean City is the best shore town for families!

 

[billwendy]

HI!!

I live just a minute or so south of PHL. We can make to Ocean City in an hour no problem. OC is really a nice family resort. Its fun to spend the day on the beach and then stroll the boardwalk at night!!! If you dont want to go on the main part of the beach, you can go south to 56th street where the beach is free, but there are no lifeguards. Will you be spending the night at the beach? We usually only go over to Atlantic City to go to the rainforest cafe!!

 

[disneemama]

I would agree with "Dotsie" South st. in Philly is not a good choice for young kids. I have lived close to center city most of my life and find it kind of seedy.

 

[tms295psu]

Cape May is nice... quite... and laid back... but on the expensive side. And there is not much of a boardwalk (even though they call what they have a boardwalk).

We prefer Cape may over most Jersey beaches. We usually make 3 or 4 trips to Cape May over the summer months.

 

[marycaym]

I would recommend the DE beaches over NJ beaches. Specifically, rehoboth, or fenwick island. Fenwick Island has a beach area that is a state park w/bathhouse, lifeguards, etc. It sounds like you are used the FLA beaches, if you so you may be very disappointed in the jersey shore.

 

[MariDisney]

OK, I admit to just waking from a nap and I'm a little bleery. My first thought upon reading the OP is "well, you can't go on a beach here, you'll have to go down the shore for that". Maybe I better finish off this nap.

 

[The 4 "Quay"balleros]

The local paper reported that the 2 towns went in together to get new sand for some of their beaches. But if bad weather slows down the job, a coin flip will decide which town gets the sand first. Which means the job MAY not be done in time for the start of the season for the loser (As a side note, this work is being done in Avalon from 9th to 26th streets and in SIC 73rd to 94th streets)

 

[Vility]

Ha ha That made me giggle out loud!

LMAO!

Ocean City is the most popular for families.
It's a great little beach and it's dry, which keeps out some of the more *cough* trashier people...

 

[The 4 "Quay"balleros]

Avalon won the coin toss. Their beaches get the sand first and Sea Isle doesn't get it until June!

 

[Mkrop]

Avalon won the coin toss. Their beaches get the sand first and Sea Isle doesn't get it until June!

You will love Avalon. The drive to either OC or Wildwood boradwalk is not far or the Cape May zoo is not far either!

 

[Our 2 Princesses]

My ds and her dh live in Philly and we visited last year. We went to Wildwood and had a great time. The boardwalk was very nice (except for the usual t-shirt shops with their interesting sayings. ) After that we headed to Hershey Park and Lancaster. Those are not far from Philly and great for the kids. We just love Hershey!!

 

[Our 2 Princesses]

Forgot to mention that our dds really enjoyed Adventure Aquarium as well. Have a great trip!

 

[Sugardimples]

No one has mentioned Long Beach Island. If what you want is beach, not boardwalk, you can't beat Long Beach Island.