This was our first trip to the Jersey Shore. We’d heard a lot about it, but not from the TV show. A few years ago, a family from New Jersey moved in next door to us and our kids became instant friends. One thing they missed about New Jersey was being able to hop in the car and drive to the beach in 20 minutes. They told us about how much fun they had on the boardwalks too. After a couple of years, they moved back to New Jersey, and we promised that we’d get out there to see them when we went there to check off New Jersey from our list of states. We selected Jenkinson’s Boardwalk in Point Pleasant as our destination based on its family friendly reputation and its proximity to our friends.
It wasn’t surprising to me that the first place that my kids wanted to stop was the Amusement Park. You can purchase tickets ahead of time online or buy them when you get there. The ride tickets never expire, so if you don’t use them all, you can save them for another time. The number of tickets required for each ride ranges from three tickets for the kiddie rides to 10 tickets for the big thrill rides.
Jenkinson’s has several rides especially for little tots, plus several more that parents can ride with their kids, like the train and miniature Ferris wheel.
If the rides look rather empty, it’s because New Jersey schools had not let out for the summer yet. The Tornado is a great first roller coaster for little kids.
They also have classic family rides like the Tilt-a-Whirl and Bumper Cars.
Older kids and teens have several options too.
I hope my readers will appreciate how difficult it was to obtain the next picture. I took seven pictures with no one in them before I finally captured my kids on camera during this fast-moving ride.
The biggest thrill ride at Jenkinson’s is also the newest: The Pendolo.
As you can see, there’s a little of something for all ages.
Of course, the beach is a big attraction.
The beach charges admission. You can also rent chairs and umbrellas if you didn’t bring your own. Use of the bathhouse is an additional fee. There are also passes available for a full season or half a season. Some hotels and motels in the area provide complimentary beach passes for their guests. If you forgot your sand toys, you can buy those on the boardwalk.
Jenkinson’s has a funhouse, batting cages, and three miniature golf courses to choose from. We played the Rooftop Golf course ($6 adults, $3 kids).
My husband tried to go for a hole in one to win a free game but didn’t make it.
Of course, there are lots and lots of food options at the boardwalk; so many that it’s worth a separate post.
Also worth a separate post is the Aquarium. Another big hit for my kids was the action in the arcades. Jenkinson’s has four different arcades to choose from. Our friends told us they enjoy coming to the arcade year-round.
And, of course, kids can collect tickets and trade them in for prizes.
And what did my kids think of Jenkinson’s Boardwalk? A big thumbs up. In fact, Camille said during our visit that she wants to move to New Jersey.
Would you like to visit Jenkinson’s Boardwalk?
300 Ocean Ave.
Point Pleasant Beach, NJ 08742
(732) 892-0600
Disclosure: we received complimentary admission to some of the attractions. The opinions listed here are my own.
This attraction appears in my e-book, How to Visit All 50 States in 12 Trips.
