Family Day Trip NJ: Atlantic City Boardwalk

Atlantic City, NJ – Atlantic City, the East Coast’s gambling mecca and adult playground has softened its image over the past few years in an attempt to lure the average American family into its once sinful clutches.

The Atlantic City we knew when we had just turned 21 is much different today, just as 42nd street then is not the 42nd street of today.  While 42nd street in Manhattan has become the new commercial tourism Mecca of New York City, Atlantic City still has a way to go, but it’s getting there.

Just off the boardwalk, a once run down section of town has been converted from check cashing, strip clubs and bars into an urban factory outlet center with a Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse thrown in the mix.  On the other side of the island, the Convention Center has become one of the state’s most popular professional tourism draws.  While you’re at the Convention Center, don’t forget to have lunch at Tunn Tavern, a modern day recreation of the birthplace of the United States Marine Corps.

On the boardwalk itself, things have also changed where it was once just an avenue for adults to casino hop long into the night, it is becoming a very popular family spot as well.    For starters, there is the age old miniature golf course across from the old convention center.   After a game of miniature golf, you can get lunch and adventure across the boardwalk at the Rainforest Cafe.

The Rainforest Cafe is one of the most unique restaurants you’ll ever visit as it’s as close to eating in the jungle as you can get without actually eating in the jungle.   The restaurant is decorated lavishly with jungle trees, ponds and fish tanks, surrounded by a tropical landscape where elephants, tigers, alligators and monkeys lurk.  Every half hour a tropical storm rushes through the restaurant.   The food is decent, but the experience is why you should go.    The cafe is also a tourist trap, so be ready for the kids to want anything and everything that’s available in the gift shop, which you have to walk through before and after your meal.

Walking up the boardwalk a bit to the north, you will find the New Jersey Korean War Memorial where you can educate your children about America’s once forgotten war.  Beyond the memorial, you can take the family for a movie at the Imax theater at the Tropicana resort always playing a selection of family movies.

Ripley’s Believe it or Not Museum is another place the kids will fully enjoy.  It’s a museum full of strange oddities and makes for a great Halloween season destination.

If the Rainforest Cafe is not your idea of a nice family meal, you can always opt for the Hard Rock Cafe.     Along your walk, you’ll pass numerous souvenir shops, arcades and boardwalk style eateries.

The main attraction for kids at the Atlantic City Boardwalk of course is the Steel Pier, full of rides, amusements and games of chance.

Atlantic City’s boardwalk, while not quite the family environment you will find at Wildwood or Point Pleasant does make for an entertaining day trip.  While you’re in the area, you might also want to check out Lucy the Elephant, the Atlantic City lighthouse, Storybook Land or even the Ocean City Boardwalk.

If mom and dad want to get in a little shopping time, there’s also the Pier Shops at Caesars which is full of higher end retail outlets and restaurants.