10 Tips for Your Seaside Heights Family Vacation on a Budget

Seaside Heights is the perfect place to plan your family vacation. It offers the perfect blend of sun, sand, and family-friendly activities without breaking the bank. Known for its iconic boardwalk, beautiful beaches, and a ton of attractions, a Seaside Heights family vacation is an ideal option for families looking to create lasting memories.

But let’s face it, taking a family vacation is getting more and more expensive each year, and planning your Seaside Heights Family Vacation is no exception.

In this article, we’ll guide you through everything you need to know to plan a budget-friendly family vacation in Seaside Heights. We want to help you make the most of your trip without compromising on fun and adventure!

Best Time For a Seaside Heights Family Vacation

The best time to visit Seaside Heights for your family vacation depends on how old your kids are. If you are vacationing with teenagers, by far the best time to visit is going to be earlier on in the summer, end of June. There are going to be A LOT of high school kids in town during that time.

If your kids are younger, or, if you would like a more quite atmosphere, the best time to plan your Seaside Heights family vacation is going to be late August, specifically, that last full week before Labor Day weekend. Why is that the best weekend you ask?

• Seaside is less crowded at the end of August compared to all of the other weeks. PA schools have already started back up and kids are going back to college.
• The weather is by far the best. It tends to be less rainy and the weather is very warm. Keep in mind, coastal weather is 10 to 15 degrees cooler than inland temps!
• The ocean water is the warmest compared to earlier weeks, which makes it much more enjoyable! In early July your kids may come out of the water with a tinge of blue.

Affordable Places to Stay

Finding the right place to stay can make or break your vacation. Everyone is looking for that right mix of budget friendly but clean and nice. In Seaside Heights, you’ll find a range places to stay that cater to families. Finding the right fit for you may take a bit of research.

Budget-Friendly Hotels and Motels

Seaside Heights has many motels across town. Many of these establishments are budget friendly, and located just a short walk from the beach and boardwalk. Tips for booking a motel in Seaside Heights:

• Be sure to read reviews, all of the motels in Seaside Heights have been around for a long time. A handful offer clean and comfortable accommodations, but many may not quite meet your expectations
• Choose a motel that is within one block to the beach or on the Boulevard. The motels further away are more likely to be in disrepair.
• Consider the amenities that are important to you. Most of the motels will have a pool as an example
• Ask about military discounts
• Ask if beach badges are included in the rental
• Really consider all of your costs price, during peak summer, staying in a motel may not be cheaper than renting a condo or private home especially once you factor in the cost of eating out

Check out our guide to Motels in Seaside Heights.

Family-Friendly Vacation Homes

Vacation rentals in Seaside Heights and Airbnb properties are excellent choices for families seeking more space and flexibility. Unless you are renting a one room efficiency, these rentals will have kitchens allowing you to save on meals out. Tips for booking a family friendly vacation rental:

• Book as early as possible! Vacationing at the Jersey Shore is a tradition for most families, with many booking their rentals a year in advance
• Consider traveling with another family, you could consider larger and nicer accommodations but keep your costs the same by splitting them
• Ask if beach badges are included in the rental
• Look for a rental that also provides amenities such as high chairs, pack and plays and strollers
• Ask if beach toys, chair and other beach amenities are included
• Consider the amenities that are important to you!

Saving Money on Food and Dining

Let’s face it, who likes to spend money if we don’t have to? Well, here are some simple ideas to keep that food budget in line. The most cost-effective place to eat on your vacation is right at home! Not only is it more budget friendly, but it likely is also a healthier option. Here are some tips on planning for food in Seaside Heights:

• Plan all of the food you will take to the beach in advance, make all of your lunches and avoid all quick food on the Boardwalk. Last we checked, a single slice of pizza on the boardwalk costs over $8
• The local grocery store is an Acme, it is a regular full sized grocery store, but, it may be more expensive than your local grocer at home. We recommend bringing as much as you can with you, and shopping for incremental items or frozen items locally
• Plan which nights you will make meals and which nights you will eat out
• Consider mixing making some of the food and ordering the rest. For example, getting mac and cheese sides on the boardwalk or empanada appetizers!

Budget Friendly Seaside Heights Restaurants

But, if you don’t feel like cooking, here are some great restaurants in Seaside Heights that won’t break the bank.

• Lenny’s Pizza in Lavallette NJ. Great menu options and regular pizza parlor prices. Eat in or they will deliver to Seaside Heights.
• Johnny Fries in Ortley NJ. Baskets of food for under $10 including fresh cut fries.
• Jimbo’s Bar and Grill in Seaside Heights NJ. Right on the Seaside Heights Boardwalk, 5 for 5 daily special Monday to Friday from 3pm to 5pm – $5 Bar Pies, $5 Pitchers of Coors Light,$5 Wings, $5 Three Olives Drinks, $5 Sliders. (note these prices may have gone up lately)
• Gigi’s
• Ryan’s Boulevard Deli and Grill SSH. Ryan’s only does take out and delivery. Great option for a simple night of ordering out.

Family Friendly Restaurants in Seaside Heights

Almost all restaurants in Seaside Heights are family friendly, but here are some of our favorites. These restaurants aren’t necessarily the cheapest options but they have family friendly menus and can often accommodate larger groups for seating.

• Spicy Mexican Cantina in Seaside Heights NJ. Very large restaurant right on the boardwalk. The upper deck has fantastic views, wide variety of food on the menu and entertainment almost every afternoon and evening of the summer.
• Klees Bar and Grill in Seaside Heights NJ. Family owned and operated, Klees will always welcome you and your family. Great menu for every age group.
• Ebby’s in Seaside Park. A taste of New York at the Jersey Shore. Ebby’s offers traditional homemade Italian fare.
• The Sawmill in Seaside Park. General all around grill and bar that is family friendly. If you go on the weekend, be prepared to wait for a seat.
• Seaside Social House is the newest addition to the Seaside Heights Restaurant scene. They mainly offer pizza and burgers.

Budget-Friendly Activities and Attractions

Families flock to Seaside Heights because there is so much to do, and in fact, much of it is free!

• Make sure your rental comes with free beach badges, and remember, kids 12 and under are able to get on the beach for free
• Enjoy the free events that the town has to offer, from concerts to fireworks and movies on the beach.
• Shop the Casino Pier Easter sale for deeply discounted ride, waterpark, mini golf and go cart tickets.
• If you miss the Casino Pier Easter sale, take advantage of their daily package offers.
• Newly reopened carousel located at the north end of the Boardwalk
• Come prepared with pre planned games and beach activities
• Go crabbing

Start Planning Your Vacation Today!

A family vacation to Seaside Heights offers a wealth of benefits that make it an ideal place for families looking to create memories without overspending. From affordable vacation rentals and restaurants to a wide array of free and cost-effective activities, Seaside Heights fun and excitement is accessible to all!

So, pack your bags, head to Seaside Heights, and embark on a fantastic family adventure that won’t break the bank!