Nothing will make your family hungrier than a day of fun in the sun at the beach. Whether you are taking your NJ kids on a day trip or for vacation – the Jersey Shore is a great place to visit for the whole family. Finding a kid-friendly place to dine can sometimes be a challenge, however, especially if you're not familiar with the area. Here are some of my personal favorite Jersey Shore eateries (including ice cream!) that are great for kids of all ages! And for more shore fun, check out our Jersey Shore Family Guide.
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Barnacle Bill’s, Rumson, NJ
This family-oriented restaurant features a sizeable menu with something for everyone. Tucked in the sleepy community of Rumson, this laid-back place doesn’t mind having little diners at its tables. It opens at 11:30am from Friday – Sunday and features brunch specials. 732-747-8396
C.B. Huntington’s Restaurant, Bayville, NJ
C.B. Huntington’s is a train-themed eatery that speaks to kids of all ages. They offer a BBQ menu, salads, sandwiches, burgers, pizza, steak, chicken and so much more. There is also a kid’s menu for diners under 10 years old and an all-you-can-eat breakfast buffet on Sunday mornings. On the same property, you will find Blackbeard’s Cave, featuring paint ball, a kiddie park, arcade and more. This is a must-do for an afternoon of family fun! 732-286-4414
The Circus Drive-In, Wall, NJ
This is one of my all-time favorite family dining experiences at the shore. It may look like it’s mostly for the kids, but the food is actually tasty! The Circus Drive-In has been a Jersey Shore staple since 1954 and is a great place to bring the kids for a meal that’s out of the ordinary. The menu is simple, but extensive and it’s all cooked to order. Drive-in and park for curbside service or go inside and eat under the big top. This place is sure to please even the toughest kiddie-critic! Now open year-round. 732-449-2650
Dorcas of Bay Head, Bay Head, NJ
This charming eatery resides in a Victorian house in the center of Bay Head, a quiet beach community with lots of local allure. Only a few blocks from the beach, Dorcas serves lunch, as it closes at 3pm, and breakfast all day. Its full old-fashioned soda fountain is open from 7pm – 10pm, and it’s a great place to get sundaes and milkshakes. 732-899-9365
Labrador Lounge, Normandy Beach, NJ
This family-friendly spot boasts casual “vacation cuisine in a laid-back, sea shore atmosphere.” During the warmer months, you can dine outside. Not your run-of-the-mill Jersey Shore beach fare, the Labrador Lounge’s menu offers items like smoked tuna sliders and short rib disco fries. They also offer a sushi menu. 732-830-5770
Mariner’s Cove Restaurant, Brielle, NJ
This is a great place to take the family out for a nice big breakfast. It’s close to both Point Pleasant Beach and Manasquan, so you can hop right onto the beach after you eat. Their menu boasts more than 200 omelettes (some very creative) and family faves like Bird of Paradise French Toast. This place gets wild during the summer, so it’s best to get there early – it’s also very small inside, so call ahead if you have a large party. 732-528-6023
Pete & Elda’s, Neptune, NJ
This place is famous for its thin-crust pizza, and the free t-shirt you get if you eat a whole one by yourself! This fun, family-friendly restaurant has been serving up pizza for more than 50 years. But, they aren’t just a pizzeria. The menu is extensive and features a barrage of appetizers, Italian entrees and sandwiches. 732-774-6010
Surf Taco, Multiple Locations, NJ
This is my family’s go-to dinner spots after a long day at the beach with the kids in tow. They have high chairs, kid’s meals, TV’s playing surfing videos, crayons and toys – my son is always happy here! The food is simple “coastal cuisine” featuring a “unique blend of Surf Mex Tacos, burritos, wraps and salads.” The prices are great, also! Coming off the beach and craving some tacos? This is the place to stop! 732-701-9000
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Ice Cream:
Hoffman’s Ice Cream, Multiple Locations, NJ
This family-friendly staple has been serving up homemade ice cream since 1955. With locations in Spring Lake Heights, Little Silver and Point Pleasant Beach (the location where all the ice cream is actually made) – Hoffman’s is a Jersey Shore tradition. 732-892-0270
Sundaes, Multiple Locations, NJ
Delicious homemade ice cream since 1986! Sundaes has locations in South Toms River and Point Pleasant. Unique flavors like Frosted Cupcake (invented by the owner’s daughter) and Birthday Cake are sure to please. Also, try take-home desserts like Bonnet Cones and Sundaes Bars (vanilla ice cream sandwich on a stick dipped in dark chocolate and rolled in chocolate crunch). Click here for coupons. 732-892-6464