From north to south, my recommendations:
Sea Girt, in NJ
Normandy Beach
Stone Harbor
Rehobeth
Bethany

I agree completely and enthusiastically with 10:57. OCNJ is a great place for families.

If you go, don't forget to go see Lucy the Elephant in Margate!

Honestly, you can't go wrong with Avalon, Stone Harbor, Ocean City, NJ and Cape May. Even Wildwood Crest. Just look around and you will get a feel for what town appeals to your family. They are all better than OCMD and Delaware beaches.

The only ones to avoid are Wildwood and Atlantic City.

We love Stone Harbor, which is less hectic than Avalon or Wildwood. Very much a throwback. DH and his family went there as children and says it is much the same.

Anonymous wrote:You will not be disappointed with Cape May. Our favorite out of all those mentioned and the best place for kids.

That said -- Spring Lake is a little more convenient to New York.

Spring Lake is a LOT more convenient to New York and also a lot more convenient to DC. You can get there in 3 hours from the top of the beltway because it's all interstate until the last ten minutes. Other really nice nearby beaches are Sea Girt and Avon-by-the-Sea.

Wildwood Crest is dry and very family friendly. And the beach is free. Also close to the boardwalk in Wildwood without the general rowdiness. Agree with the PP that suggested doing the boardwalk and getting out by 8pm. If you go during the day, they usually have a deal once per week where you get a kids wristband for the rides, plus a slice of pizza and drink for $20. Super good deal - the regular prices for the wristbands are much higher.
Good luck!

I grew up very close to these southern jersey beaches. First off, you can eat/drink on the beaches. Not sure why someone mentioned you can't. There are several free beaches (Atlantic City, Wildwood, Wildwood Crest, and Strathmore.) But honestly, the reason they charge tags is to keep the beaches in good condition and family friendly. They are $5 a day or $10 a week. Not a lot of money.

With a 6yr old I personally recommend Ocean City, NJ. It is family friendly resort town (dry town so no teens/college kids partying) and the beach is full of kids your only-child can play with giving you time to relax sometimes. They also have the cleanest most family-friendly boardwalk around. Kid rides, mini golf, even a small waterpark. Cheap bike rentals that you can bike on the boards in the AM. Good breakfast and dinner locations too. There are playgrounds at least every 3 blocks around the entire town. The beaches near the boardwalk can get pretty crowded. The beaches on the southern end are more quiet and empty. If you go, Manco & Manco pizza is the absolute best.

If you want a quieter vibe, my next recommendation is Cape May. Lots of quaint hotels and B&B's. Popular for simple beach weddings, couples, older adults, and young families. They have a nice beach and a few really good restaurants. Not as many kids but it is not as crowded on the beach if you prefer a slightly more OBX feel. They do not have a boardwalk but you aren't far from Wildwood which has a massive one. Although Wildwood is not dry and is very teen/college friendly. Not like Jersey Shore and it is safe, but there will be that vibe going on during nighttime hours. You can avoid that by going to the boardwalk at dinner time hours and leaving by 8pm.

It really just depends on what you are looking for. Kid fun/kid friendly is OCNJ and quaint/relaxing is Cape May.

If you do decide to stay in one of those southern NJ beaches, your 6yr old would love the Cape May Zoo. It is free, clean and a must see.

Good Luck!