Jessica Norton 
The Jersey Shore may be known for its sun-soaked beaches and bustling boardwalks, but when cold and dreary weather arrives, it still offers plenty of fun for families to enjoy. From trampoline parks and creative art studios to lively play spaces and waterparks, the shore is a treasure trove of indoor, kid-friendly activities. The colder months offer a special opportunity to explore a different side of the Jersey Shore, as the indoor spaces and opportunities available in our coastal beach towns are often overlooked during the off-season. Whether you’re a parent, babysitter, sibling, aunt, uncle, or anyone spending time with kids, there are plenty of indoor activities to keep little ones entertained, happy, engaged, and out of the cold and harsh weather. Read on to learn more about indoor activities for kids at the Jersey Shore.
Asbury Park
Silverball Pinball Museum | 1000 Ocean Avenue
The Silverball Retro Arcade in Asbury Park is a nostalgic gaming haven and an ideal spot to keep the whole family warm and entertained on a chilly day at the Jersey Shore. Admission pricing is based on time. A half-day or all-day pass option allows gamers to come and go into the arcade whenever they’d like throughout the day to conquer some – or all! – of the 150 pinball and video games they have inside. Plus, all games are set to free play with an entry pass, so no coins are required.
Read More: A Guide to the Jersey Shore’s Best Boardwalks
Atlantic City
Islands Waterpark at Showboat | 801 Boardwalk
Islands Waterpark, located at the Showboat Hotel in Atlantic City, is a massive indoor waterpark that is open year-round. The waterpark features thrilling slides, a lazy river, wave pools, and play areas that are appropriate for all ages. Islands Waterpark also has four restaurants and three lively bars. With its warm, climate-controlled environment, an afternoon here is a fantastic way to enjoy a summer-like adventure without leaving the Jersey Shore during the off-season. Hours of operation and ticket info can be found on the Islands Waterpark website.
Brick
The Gravity Vault | 10 Brick Plaza Suite 41
The Gravity Vault in Brick offers an exciting indoor rock-climbing experience that is perfect for keeping both kids and adults active during the winter months. With climbing walls designed for all skill levels, children can challenge themselves in a fun, safe, and supportive environment. The minimum age to climb at The Gravity Vault is 5 years old, but there are some age restrictions for different activities. Indoor climbing at The Gravity Vault is a great way for families to burn off energy and enjoy an adventurous activity, no matter how cold it is outside.
Eatontown
Monster Mini Golf Eatontown | 749 Hope Road
Monster Mini Golf in Eatontown is a glow-in-the-dark adventure that is great for entertaining kids during the winter months. The indoor mini-golf course features 18 monster-themed holes with blacklight pop art and music. Monster Mini Golf’s arcade has pinball, video games, classic arcade games, and cutting-edge VR experiences. Guests can trade in tickets won from the arcade for prizes at the redemption center. Admission for mini golf is $13 for “little monsters” and $14 for “big monsters”.
Freehold
iPlay America | 110 Schanck Road
From thrilling rides and go-kart racing to arcade games and a laser tag arena, there’s something for every age group to enjoy at iPlay America. Guests can grab food from The Bistro – which has a menu of all-American favorites – inside iPlay America for lunch or dinner during a visit. With its all-inclusive play options and warm indoor environment, iPlay America is a great way to spend a fun-filled day with the whole family, no matter what the weather is like outside. Information on pricing, passes, and hours of operation can be found on iPlay America’s website.
Pups of War Arena | Freehold Mall
Pups of War is a foam dart play arena inside the Freehold Mall. With its combination of physical activity and playful challenges, Pups of War provides an indoor space where kids can burn off energy and unleash their competitive spirits. The foam dart battle facility has a large assortment of Nerf blasters available for use, or players are allowed to bring in their own. Walk-in players are welcome any time Pups of War is open and not hosting a private event. All players must be at least four years old to play, and eye protection/glasses must be properly worn at all times. Children under the age of five must be accompanied by an actively engaged adult in the field. The adult non-player must have Pups of War Safety Socks (available for purchase on-site), a signed waiver, and eye protection to enter the arena when accompanying a child.
Jackson
United Skates Roller Rink | 2270 W County Line Road
United Skates Roller Rink in Jackson, New Jersey, offers a lively environment where kids can skate to music, participate in themed events, and enjoy the excitement of a roller-disco experience. United Skates has a state-of-the-art sound system, live DJs, and an arcade with prizes. The rink also has a snack bar with food and drinks available for purchase. All children ages 2 to 18 are required to pay the full admission fee to come into the facility. Non-skating adults above age 18 may pay a $5 spectator fee when they accompany a child who has paid admission. Skate rental is $6 to rent regular skates or $7 to rent rollerblades. Skaters can BYOS (bring-your-own-skates), but quad skates must have toe stops, and inline skates must have heel brakes to use them on the rink. Every roller skating session has certified and trained floor guards who control traffic in all areas of the rink. Skate mates – walkers with wheels designed to help keep balance while skating – are available to rent for beginner skaters.
Lincroft
The Monmouth Museum | 765 Newman Springs Road
View this post on Instagram
The Monmouth Museum has changing exhibits focusing on art, natural sciences, and cultural history that are appropriate for all ages. The Wonder Wing is a children’s play and educational area designed for children ages 6 and under. The Wonder Wing features a puzzle corner, a treehouse, a stage area for imaginative play, a lighthouse to explore, a ship to steer, a rope bridge, a whale slide, an arts and crafts room, and a reading nook. The Becker STEAM Wing brings science education to life with sections deeply rooted in the STEAM disciplines (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics). The STEAM Wing features fossils, dinosaurs, horseshoe crabs, a paleo lab, a multimedia room, an aquaponics system, and a recycled arts studio. The second floor features an innovation lab and an air/space section. Admission tickets for The Monmouth Museum include access to all exhibits.
Oakhurst
Just Play! Indoor Playground & Cafe | 1610 NJ-35
View this post on Instagram
Just Play! Indoor Playground & Cafe is designed for toddlers and kids up to age seven. The indoor play space hosts open play sessions and birthday parties. The space is filled with carefully chosen toys, curated play environments, and furnishings that are designed to engage a child’s imagination. Just Play! offers a variety of snacks and treats for kids as well as coffee, tea, and bottled water for adults to purchase. Open play sessions must be booked online.
Ocean
Sky Zone | 2355 NJ-66
Sky Zone in Ocean, New Jersey, is a high-energy indoor trampoline park with a variety of attractions like foam pits, dodgeball courts, and basketball dunk zones. All ages are welcome to jump at Sky Zone, but to comply with safety standards, certain attractions are separated by age and size. Sky Zone offers Little Leapers, an event dedicated to toddlers, so they can enjoy Sky Zone’s activities without the intimidation of big kids. Ticket information and Little Leapers time slots can be found on Sky Zone Ocean’s website.
Point Pleasant
Jenkinson’s Aquarium | 300 Ocean Avenue
Jenkinson’s Aquarium is a privately owned facility on Jenkinson’s boardwalk in Point Pleasant Beach. The aquarium has been dedicated to educating the public on all aspects of marine life and conservation since 1991. Kids can explore a variety of marine life, including sea turtles, penguins, and sharks. The aquarium offers interactive exhibits and hands-on experiences. Jenkinsons is open every day of the year except Thanksgiving and Christmas. Jenkinsons is offering ½ off admission during weekdays in January (not including Martin Luther King Day). Hours and admission information can be found on the Jenkinson’s Aquarium website.
Wish Upon a Jar | 3128 Bridge Avenue
View this post on Instagram
Wish Upon A Jar is a paint-your-own pottery and art studio in Point Pleasant Borough. Wish Upon A Jar is open seven days a week for ceramic painting and clay hand-building. The studio has a large selection of both child and adult pieces that range from functional to decorative. Projects start at $18 and go up in price depending on the size and complexity of the piece. The studio does not take reservations; space and seating are first-come, first-served. Wish Upon A Jar also offers a variety of classes and events for both kids and adults.
Read More: 11 Must-Visit Art Galleries at The Jersey Shore
Sea Girt
The Little Gym of Sea Girt | 2100 NJ-35 Unit 8
View this post on Instagram
The Little Gym of Sea Girt is an enrichment and physical development center for kids ages four months through 12 years. From crawling and cartwheels to handstands and handsprings, the progressive gymnastics program begins at four months with parent + child classes and grows with the child through Pre-K and Grade School. The 45-minute to an hour-long classes provide an environment to make new friends, build strength, and develop coordination. Information about classes and memberships can be found on The Little Gym of Sea Girt’s website.
Shrewsbury
Matcha and Minis | 555 Shrewsbury Avenue
View this post on Instagram
Matcha and Minis is an elevated cafe and indoor playground for toddlers. Classes at Matcha and Minis are thoughtfully designed with a curriculum that focuses on nurturing a positive mindset. “Minis” will explore self-love, kindness, and confidence through fun activities like affirmations, music, and art. Matcha and Minis is a fun spot for a coffee date and catch-up sesh with a bestie/fellow mom, or to bring your child for open play to make new friends. Information about reservations, memberships, and classes can be found on Matcha and Minis’ website.
Tinton Falls
Snapology | 980 Shrewsbury Avenue
Snapology of Monmouth County offers year-round STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art & Math), robotics + engineering classes, summer camps, and birthday parties for kids. Snapology’s programs engage children from ages two to 14 in hands-on activities. Children will explore robotics, computer programming, and video game design using LEGO® bricks, K’Nex, and technology.
Toms River
Color Me Mine | 1877 Hooper Avenue
Color Me Mine is a paint-your-own ceramics chain with a studio available for walk-ins, workshops, and private parties. The Color Me Mine team will help painters select the perfect ceramic piece. Painters will select paint colors – no limit to how many or how much. Ceramic pieces start at $9. The studio is closed on Mondays. Table reservations can be made on Color Me Mine’s website.
Go Playland | 1201 Hooper Avenue (inside Ocean County Mall)
Go Playland is an exciting indoor playground experience that can help kids let out some energy during a trip to the Ocean County Mall. The playground offers a safe and vibrant space for children to explore and play. From climbing structures to interactive games, children can unleash their creativity and enjoy the thrill of play in a controlled environment. Open “play all day” access, with unlimited re-entry at any time of the day, is $20 per child.
Insectropolis | 1761 US-9
View this post on Instagram
Insectropolis – the “bugseum” of New Jersey – is a lively insect learning center with thousands of beautiful and bizarre exotic insects from all over the world. Visitors can pet tarantulas, hissing roaches, millipedes, and scorpions, and experience live presentations daily. Admission is $12 per visitor.
Robert J. Novins Planetarium | Ocean County College, 1 College Drive
Robert J. Novins Planetarium is a large planetarium on the Ocean County College campus that has multiple shows a week, plus a shop with space-related merchandise. The planetarium presents a wide variety of fun and educational programs for all ages in a 103-seat dome theater. OCC cannot guarantee that tickets for shows will be available for every show on a walk-up basis, so buying online in advance is highly recommended.
Urban Air Trampoline and Adventure Park | 1256 Indian Head Road
Urban Air Trampoline and Adventure Park in Toms River is a large-scale indoor trampoline center that hosts open jumps, fitness classes, dodgeball, and parties. Any child who is jumping or accessing any attractions, regardless of age, will need to be paid for. Tickets can be purchased ahead of a visit on Urban Air’s website.
Wall
Little Dreamers Play Cafe | 2903 NJ-138
View this post on Instagram
Little Dreamers Play Cafe is a Montessori-style indoor play space offering open play sessions and birthday parties. Little Dreamers provides a safe, clean, and fun indoor space for the kids to play while parents relax. Open play reservations can be made online.
See More: Kinderdance: A New Movement-Based Experience for Hoboken Kids
Follow @thejerseyshoregirl_ on Instagram for the latest Jersey Shore updates, sign up for our weekly newsletter here that shares everything you missed each week, and check out our events calendar, which has over 40+ events weekly to peruse.
