40 Things To Do with Kids on a Rainy Day at the Jersey Shore

Not every summer day can be a sunny beach day, even at the Jersey Shore—but there are plenty of indoor spots where families can find rainy day fun.

From Asbury Park to Cape May, we've put together a list of shore activities that will get you off the beach and out of your condo or hotel room. So whether the rain is spoiling your beach day, you need a day out of the sun, or just a change from the sand and surf, we have you covered.

For more entertaining activities this season, check our list of 70 Best Things To Do at the Shore all summer.

Rainy Day Fun in Monmouth County

1. Climb the walls at Gravity Vault in Middletown, where kids can take part in walk-in climbing sessions, introductory classes, and more.

Get out of the rain (or sun) for a round of putt-putt at Monster Mini Golf. Photo courtesy of the venue

2. Play a spooky round of golf at Monster Mini Golf in Eatontown, a glow-in-the-dark experience that takes place in black-light rooms.

3. Take a ride on the historic Pine Creek Railroad at Allaire State Park in Wall Township.

4. Show the kids what games were like when you were a kid at the Silverball Museum in Asbury Park, which is loaded with pinball machines.

Don't try this at home: Asbury Park's Hot Sand will teach you the art of glass blowing. Photo courtesy of the studio

5. Check out the Jersey Shore’s first public-access hot glass studio, Asbury Park's Hot Sand, where you can participate in drop-in activities or just watch the masters at work.

6. Go bowling at Playdrome Lanes in Toms River, with 24 lanes, automatic scoring, bumpers, and Sunday afternoon glow bowling.

7. Learn more about bugs than you could possibly imagine at Insectropolis in Toms River.

8. Bounce away the rainy-day blues at NJ's newest Urban Air location in Toms River. 

RELATED: 70 Things To Do with Kids at the Jersey Shore

Try the ropes course at iPlay America. Photo courtesy of iPlay America

9. Travel 30 minutes west of Asbury Park to iPlay America in Freehold, a large indoor boardwalk-inspired amusement park with rides, games, mini bowling, a ropes course, and more.

Rainy Day Fun in Ocean County

Hang out with the penguins at Jenkinson's Aquarium. Photo courtesy of the aquarium

10. Spend an afternoon exploring Jenkinson's Aquarium on the boardwalk in Point Pleasant.

11. Enjoy a spectacular star show at the Robert J. Novins Planetarium, featuring shows for all ages plus laser-light music shows.

12. Get creative at the Long Beach Island Foundation of the Arts and Sciences, with arts and craft activities for the whole family as well as weekend drop-in classes.

13. Find a good read at The Little Point Bookshop in Point Pleasant.

14. Go for lunch at the Ocean County Mall and let the kids hang out in the indoor play area.

15. See a show at Beach Haven's Surflight Theater on Long Beach Island. The 2019 summer season includes Matilda The Musical.

Rainy Day Fun in Atlantic County

16. Peruse the artwork of the Arts Garage at The Noyes Museum of Art, which houses artists' studios, galleries, shops, and a cafe.

17. See exotic sea creatures at the Atlantic City Aquarium.

18. If you have a pint-sized shopper on your hands, check out the Tanger Outlets in Atlantic City.

19. Experience the oddities at Ripley's Believe It or Not! in Atlantic City.

20. Visit the Smile Factory in Brigantine, an arcade that's sure to delight younger kids.

21. Drop into an open gym time at Kiddie Korner, where little kids will enjoy the ball pit and slides.

Rainy Day Fun in Cape May County

22. Browse the Discovery Sea Shell Museum in Ocean City, where kids can check out the hermit crabs and selection of pretty shells to look at or purchase.

23. With several arcades, indoor mini-golf, and countless shops, Ocean City's boardwalk has plenty to do, even in the rain.

RELATED: Indoor Play Spaces and Sports Centers in Jersey

Can you find the alien in the spacecraft maze? Photo courtesy of Encounters

24. Climb aboard an alien spacecraft and see if you can navigate the mirror maze at Encounters Ocean City.

25. Visit the Avalon History Center and experience what it was like for beachgoers in the past. Plus, enjoy family-friendly programming, including a drop-in "mini-camp" several times a month.

26. Browse the local town's department of recreation calendar. For example, check out the Avalon Recreation Department calendar, which has almost daily indoor events for kids at the Avalon Elementary School or Community Hall.

27. Get creative with pottery and mosaics at Island Studio in Stone Harbor.

28. Make it a game day at RiGis in Stone Harbor. This family-owned amusement center has games for people of all ages, but also what it claims as "the only original Italian Water Ice."

RELATED: Best Jersey Shore Beaches for Families

Meet turtles and more at Wetlands. Photo courtesy of Wetlands Institute

29. Learn about local wildlife and conservation efforts at Stone Harbor's Wetlands Institute's frequent events.

30. Wildwood's boardwalk is filled with indoor activities, including arcades, indoor mini-golf, an aquarium, and more.

Try for a strike at Island Bowl at Wildwood. Photo courtesy of the venue

31. Go bowling at Island Bowl in Wildwood, which opens early on rainy days, but is closed Sundays, Mondays, and Wednesdays.

32. Get lost in Ripley's Adventure Maze, home to both a laser maze and mirror maze.

33. Climb to the top of one of the Jersey Shore's many lighthouses, including Hereford Inlet in North Wildwood or Cape May Lighthouse.

34. Check out the Tightwad Tuesday movie specials (or the schedule any day) at the Frank Theatres in Rio Grande.

35. View the planes, helicopters, and interactive flight exhibits at the Naval Air Station Aviation Museum in Rio Grande.

36. Step back in time with a visit to Historic Cold Spring Village in Cape May.

RELATED: 7 Great Jersey Shore Lighthouses To See with Kids

Whales don't stop for rain. Photo courtesy of NOAA

37. Don't mind getting a little wet? Go whale watching and still get your ocean time in while seeing some truly majestic sights. As long as the weather isn't too rough, the boats will likely still go out, and they even often offer some indoor coverage.

38. Catch a children's tour at The Physick Estate in Cape May, or attend a princess or pirate luncheon on select dates.

39. Go shopping at the Washington Street Mall in Cape May, where little can browse toys at Whale's Tale and taste sweet treats at Bonnie's.

40. Take a trolley tour through Cape May. Explore its Victorian history while taking a special ride designed for 3–7-year-olds.

This article first published in 2015 and has since been updated.