Cape May with children

[Anonymous]

We are trying to plan a family vacation (including extended family). The extended family has a strong preference for Cape May. We've never been there but have heard good things. However, as we look for a house, it seems that a lot of the places are Victorians and the decor matches, which doesn't seem particularly kid-friendly (not that our kids care about the decor- I am wondering instead about the houses having a lot of delicate items, etc., and not having common space to play). Also, I think I've read on this forum that some people think the town itself is not kid-friendly. Any opinions on Cape May for a week during the summer with kids?

[Anonymous]

I have no clue about houses since we only do day trips (over the ferry). But there are a couple of playgrounds, arcades on the promenade, a little zoo, and the beach of course. Definitely take a trip on the Lewes ferry, too.

[Anonymous]

I’ve tried the Cape May Victorians twice with my Elementary school age children and it’s just not worth the stress. However, we have stayed in very nice, quaint, hotels right on the water and have enjoyed it. Cape May is very kid friendly. We love it.

[Anonymous]

We stay a little further north in Ocean City and absolutely love it. Perfect for families. The boardwalk is wonderful, the beaches great, and all sizes of house. We stay in the North End, still has the boardwalk, but at the north end of it where there are few/no stores so its much more quiet. We use Fox Realty (Google it w/ ocean city).

[Anonymous]

There are a lot of other types of accommodations that aren't Victorian and better for kids, including rental homes, condos, hotels, etc. there is TONS of stuff for kids to do there. I take my two boys every summer. Of course, the beach is what the kids love best and there are really great beaches. There is also a state park with walking trails, a little nature museum and and a lighthouse to climb. There is a boardwalk that is nice to walk on at night and play arcade games and get ice cream. The outdoor mall is also nice at night. There is a Nature Center with drop-in classes for kids to learn about marine life and other animals (and they have tanks of animals for touching, etc.). There are parks, playgrounds, biking, kayaking, good restaurants for families, outdoor concerts, farm stands, etc. and of course wildwood is a short drive away. Go and have fun!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:There are a lot of other types of accommodations that aren't Victorian and better for kids, including rental homes, condos, hotels, etc. there is TONS of stuff for kids to do there. I take my two boys every summer. Of course, the beach is what the kids love best and there are really great beaches. There is also a state park with walking trails, a little nature museum and and a lighthouse to climb. There is a boardwalk that is nice to walk on at night and play arcade games and get ice cream. The outdoor mall is also nice at night. There is a Nature Center with drop-in classes for kids to learn about marine life and other animals (and they have tanks of animals for touching, etc.). There are parks, playgrounds, biking, kayaking, good restaurants for families, outdoor concerts, farm stands, etc. and of course wildwood is a short drive away. Go and have fun!

I second everything this poster said. Just a matter of finding the right accommodatios (my parents have a house there so no specific suggestions) but thevyown is very kid friendly. We go all the time and love all there is to do with the kids. Definitely check out the (free) zoo. Pretty decent for a small town zoo. And at the zoo park there is a big playground and a carousel, too. The promenade and outdoor mall are great. Lots of kid-friendly restaurants -- we like Jackson Mountain Cafe, McGlade's on the Pier, Lobster House, the Fish Market, and Uncle Bill's Pancake House. the Aviation Museum is pretty cool. Kids can actuallu get inside some of the planes. The Boardwalk.in Wildwood is great for a night of rides, carnival games, and junk food. Really, I can't think of a better place to go with kids!