Best Things to Do in Cape May, NJ With Kids
Cape May family days: a beach and promenade morning, the Cape May Lighthouse climb, a whale-and-dolphin-watching cruise, the Cape May County Park & Zoo (free), and a Cape May–Lewes Ferry day trip to Delaware. Book the whale watch and ferry ahead in July and August — both sell out on sunny weekends.
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1Area photo: Smallbones / Wikimedia Commons (CC0)Cape May Beach + Promenade Morning
A classic Jersey Shore beach with a walkable promenade and the Washington Street Mall's ice cream and mini-golf a few blocks in. This is the low-key, unscheduled morning that anchors a Cape May trip.
Watch out: New Jersey beaches require paid daily or weekly beach tags in season — buy them before you set up, not after. Parking near the beach is metered and competitive in July/August. Sunscreen and shade tents matter; there's little natural cover.
2Area photo: Smallbones / Wikimedia Commons (CC0)Cape May Lighthouse Climb
199 steps up a working lighthouse inside Cape May Point State Park, with a view over the point where Delaware Bay meets the Atlantic. It's a manageable, kid-sized adventure that also works as an easy nature-walk stop for the surrounding trails and dune habitat.
Watch out: No elevator and no real shade on the climb — go morning or evening in summer heat, not midday. Strollers can't go up; plan for someone to wait below with younger siblings if the group is mixed-age. Steps are narrow and spiral; single file only.
3Area photo: Smallbones / Wikimedia Commons (CC0)Cape May Whale and Dolphin Watching
Dolphins are seen on the vast majority of summer trips, and humpback and finback whale sightings pick up seasonally. It's a shorter, calmer-water trip than most New England whale watches since it stays closer to the bay and coastline.
Watch out: Book ahead in July and August — popular sailings sell out on sunny weekends. Whale sightings are less reliable than dolphin sightings; set expectations accordingly. Bring a light jacket even in summer; it's breezier on the water.
4Area photo: Smallbones / Wikimedia Commons (CC0)Cape May County Park & Zoo
A genuinely well-stocked free zoo — giraffes, big cats, a walk-through aviary, and a playground — that punches well above its no-admission-fee weight. This is the reset day when everyone needs a break from sand and sun.
Watch out: Free means crowded on nice weekends; go on a weekday if possible. Donations are appreciated and fund the zoo — bring cash if you can. It's a sizable park; a stroller or wagon helps with the walking distance between exhibit areas.
5Area photo: Smallbones / Wikimedia Commons (CC0)Cape May–Lewes Ferry Day Trip
A 90-minute crossing of the Delaware Bay to the small, walkable town of Lewes, Delaware — dolphins are commonly spotted on the crossing itself, so the ferry ride is part of the activity, not just transport. Lewes has its own beach and a historic downtown worth a few hours.
Watch out: Book ahead for summer weekends, especially if bringing a car — sailings sell out. Foot-passenger-only trips are cheaper and simpler if you don't need a car in Lewes. It's a long day round trip; plan for tired kids on the way back.
Frequently asked
Do we need beach tags?
Yes — Cape May and most New Jersey shore towns require paid daily or seasonal beach tags in-season. Buy them at a tag booth near the beach before setting up.
Is the lighthouse climb OK for a 4-year-old?
It's 199 narrow, spiral steps with no elevator — manageable for most kids 5+ who can handle stairs independently, tougher for younger kids who need to be carried.
Should we bring a car on the Lewes ferry?
Only if you plan to explore beyond walkable downtown Lewes. Foot-passenger tickets are cheaper and simpler for a day trip focused on the town and beach.
Activity budget for a week?
Plan $450–$750 for a family of 4 doing the whale watch, the lighthouse, and the Lewes ferry. The zoo and beach days keep the rest of the week nearly free.
Same destination, where to stay
Booking these activities? Pick the right resort first.
Activity days work best when your resort is the right launch pad. Our Cape May family-resort guide ranks the whole-family-experience winners.
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