25 Best Things To Do- Mommy Poppins

Long Branch is an often-overlooked New Jersey beach town steeped in history. One of the largest towns on the Jersey Shore, Long Branch has recently experienced a rebirth and there are plenty of fun activities for children all year long. Walk the boards, grab a bite at one of the many family-friendly restaurants, take in a show, visit an art festival, spend time at the beach, and much more. 

Here’s our list of 25 fun things to do in Long Branch, New Jersey, for kids and families!

Check out our New Jersey Beaches, Lakes, Pools, and Water Parks Guide for more on NJ’s best beaches. 

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Best Things to Do in Long Branch with Kids

1. Hit the Beach 

With more than 2 miles of beautiful beach, you are sure to find a spot that suits your family. And after Labor Day, the beaches are free again!

2. Dine at Pier Village

Shop or dine at the beautiful Pier Village, which offers eateries and boutique shopping along the boardwalk.

3. See a Show

Take the kids to the Axelrod Performing Arts Center, where they’ll enjoy children’s programming throughout the year.

4. Catch a Concert

Catch live tunes oceanside with the FREE summer concert series Thursdays by the Sea at Pier Village.

5. Eat Jersey Pizza

Grab a slice–it’s a Jersey Shore tradition. Lezama’s on Broadway is touted by many to be among the best pizza in Long Branch. 

RELATED: Jersey Shore Guide for Families

Tony’s Playground suits all abilities. Photo courtesy of the park

6. Visit Seven Presidents Oceanfront Park

Hit the beach to play in the surf and sand at Seven Presidents Oceanfront Park. Then enjoy the adjacent playground, Tony’s Place, when the kids are ready for drier pursuits.

7. Go Skating

Got a skater in the family? Let them try out new tricks at the recently rebuilt Skateplex at Seven Presidents; the skate park is open year-round and is always FREE. 

8. Get a History Lesson

Visit the historic Church of Presidents, where all seven presidents who visited Long Branch spent time.

RELATED: 3 Days on the Jersey Shore with Kids: Ultimate Itinerary by a Local Mom

Grab some coastal cuisine at Surf Taco. Photo courtesy of Surf Taco

9. Grab a Taco

Feast on coastal cuisine with the kiddos at Surf Taco. 

10. Check out the Jazz Festival

Don’t miss the annual Long Branch Jazz and Blues Festival every August on the Great Lawn.

Make memories at the Boardwalk Fun and Games arcade. Photo courtesy of Pier Village

11. Play at the Arcade

Try to beat the kids in skee ball at the Boardwalk Fun and Games arcade.

12. Visit the Library

Catch a storytime just for toddlers at the Long Branch Public Library.

RELATED: 12 Hidden Beaches on the Jersey Shore

Oceanfest is the biggest Independence Day celebration in New Jersey. Photo courtesy of Oceanfest

13. See Fireworks

Don’t miss the annual Oceanfest celebration for the 4th of July, one of the state’s largest fireworks and Independence Day events.

14. Pick an Omelette

Fulfill your daily protein requirement at Amy’s Omelette House where 220 varieties of omelettes are available. Of course, the kids might prefer the Mickey Mouse Pancakes.

15. Get Theater Tickets

Peruse the local New Jersey Repertory Company’s current season for family-friendly performances from this celebrated nonprofit theater company. 

Bring a picnic and chair to Bands by the Beach. Photo courtesy of The City of Long Branch.

16. Listen to Music on the Beach

Spend your Sunday evenings watching various Bands by the Beach in West End Park.

17. Play Mini Golf

Minutes from Long Branch is the horse-themed Bluegrass Mini Golf. Enjoy one of two 18-hole courses.

18. Try the Burgers

Fill up first at Jr’s, hailed by some as the “best burger on the Shore.”

19. Walk the Boardwalk

Take a walk on the Long Branch Boardwalk. Take advantage of the wide, plentiful boards and stroll with your family in the ocean breeze.

20. See an Outdoor Movie

Catch a family-friendly movie on the beach during the summer months with the Movies at the Pier series.

RELATED: New Jersey Kid-Friendly Restaurant Guide

Try the cheese fries and dogs at the Windmill. Photo courtesy of the restaurant

21. Get the Best Fries

Try the “best fries in the state” at Windmill. Yes, the readers of NJ Monthly decided that the fries here are delicious. 

22. See a Concert

See a concert with the family at MAC at Monmouth University. 

23. Stay at an Awesome Beachside Hotel

Long Branch has some beautiful hotels that are right on the beach, like the Wave Resort & Spa and the Ocean Place Resort & Spa.

24. Get Some Sweets

If the need for chocolate and candy is taking over, head to Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory. Their selection of fudge, candy, and caramel apples should help.

25. Enjoy an Ice Cream Cone

Finish off any and every adventure in Long Branch with a delicious ice cream cone at Nicholas Creamery or Coney Waffle.

This article was first published in September 2012 but has since been updated.

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