Best Things to do in Seaside Heights 2024

There are plenty of amazing things to do in Seaside Heights, whether you’re traveling solo, as a couple, or with family and friends. You will see that Seaside is one of the most walkable beach towns at the Jersey Shore.

Free Things To Do in Seaside Heights, NJ

Whether off-season or peak summer there are plenty of free things to do in Seaside Heights. Each day of the week, the town puts on free activities, some examples include:

Watch a Movie on the Beach

This is a staple in the summer. Every Sunday around 8pm bring your kids, chairs, blankets and snacks down to Carteret Avenue Beach to watch a family friendly movie. Movies usually start at 8:30, and you can usually get a good view no matter where you are sitting. It can get a bit chilly on the beach at night so dress on the warmer side or bring blankets.

Take in a Concert

Every Monday night during the summer, make you way over to the Franklin Avenue Stage for a free concert. Every Thursday Seaside also hosts concerts on the beach that feature tribute bands for Billy Joel, U2 and more.

Fly Kites on the Beach

Kite flying is not allowed during the day on the beach, but every Tuesday from 4pm to 8pm you can break out the kites at Carteret Ave.

Visit the Boardwalk

The Seaside Heights Boardwalk is legendary and offers something for everyone. Stroll along the boardwalk and check out the shops and games. You can also indulge in some delicious treats like funnel cakes, cotton candy, and boardwalk fries.

Water Activities

Go Fishing or Crabbing

Seaside Heights is a popular spot for fishing enthusiasts. There is a pier perfect for fishing and crabbing is located at Dock Outfitters. Dock Outfitters also has bait available for you to buy including fresh and frozen bunker and worms. Surf fishing is allowed from the beach when the beach is not open for swimming. You probably won’t have much luck crabbing on the beach.

Enjoy the Beach

Seaside Heights is known for its gorgeous beaches, so make sure you spend some time soaking up the sun and enjoying the waves. You can swim, sunbathe, and even try your hand at surfing. This is one of our favorite things to do in Seaside Heights!

Boogie Board

Boogie boarding is relatively simple to pick up, making it accessible for beginners of all ages. You can also find cheap boards to buy all along the Boardwalk.

Rent a Wave Runner

Looking for some exhilaration? Wave runners can reach very high speeds making this the perfect option to get your blood flowing. Relatively easy to operate, wave runners allow riders to enjoy the outdoors and the beauty of being out on the water. Along the bay front, you can rent a wave runner at The Dock Outfitters

Rent a Party Boat

Also at Dock Outfitters, hang out on the bay in a 22 or 20 foot pontoon boat. Rates are priced at 4 hour and 8 hour blocks. These crafts are able to hold 6 people maximum or 6 adults + 2 children. 

Take The Plunge at Break Water Beach Water Park

The water park in Seaside Heights is fun for all ages. From the interactive, multi level play area for the smaller kids, to the gravity defying SALEM’S SCREAM… OH MY COD (which features a 50 foot free fall speed slide where the floor drops out from under you at the starting platform!!!), hot tub and wave pool, this water park has it all.

Splash Around at Sea Spray Park

A new addition to the boardwalk is a great option for the younger kids. They can play among the cool creatures, climb aboard the fun bus, dip under the cascading water flowers or get soaked by the big bucket. Sail past the palm trees on the coolest water slides ever!

Take a Surf Lesson

Surfing allows you to be out in the ocean, feeling the waves, and enjoying the natural beauty of the beach. The thrill of riding a wave and the occasional wipeout can also give you an adrenaline rush, adding to the excitement. There are a couple of local places like Hammer Surf School that offer private lessons.

Exciting Things to Do

Go Kart Racing

A great fun family activity! Who can race the fastest and perform the craftiest of pit maneuvers to be the winner! Only one way to find out. This option can get a bit pricy, so don’t for get to stock up on half price rides during their Easter Sale. This is one of those things to do in Seaside Heights that the kids will want to do over and over.

Ride the Pier Rides

Seaside Heights is home to Casino Pier amusement park, which offer a variety of thrilling rides and attractions. From roller coasters to kiddie cars, there’s something for all ages. There are now also a handful of kids rides at the south end of the boardwalk.

The pier also offers cross promotional options such as buy a full price Breakwater Beach pass and upgrade to unlimited amusement rides for only $20!

Play a Game!

Play Mini Golf

There are several mini-golf courses in Seaside Heights which offer a fun and challenging way to spend an afternoon with family and friends. The most expansive option is going to be Smuggler’s Quay Adventure Golf at Casino Pier. Multi level, you have the option to play 18 or 36 holes.

Casino Pier also has another option on the pier. Older and only 18 holes, this option is on the rooftop and does offer great views of the area. the last option is Beach Family Golf on the Boulevard.

Boardwalk Games

Up and down the Boardwalk you can find tons of fun games including ring toss games, balloon dart, basketball shooting, frog jumping, whack a mole and of course the water gun race. The games located at Casino Pier do tend to offer the most value for your money.

Play the Day Away in the Arcades!

There are numerous arcade options up and down the boardwalk. Two of the larger arcades are Lucky Leo’s (the oldest on the Boardwalk) and Casino Pier Arcade. If you are looking for an arcade with classic arcade games and newer options like VR Casino Arcade is where you want to go.

Other options include Shake Shoppe Arcade which is located on the north end of the Boardwalk. Coin Castle Arcade has hundreds of games to offer and is attached to Spicy’s Restaurant. Last, another option is Sonny’s & Ricky’s Arcade.

Family Activities

Rent a Bicycle

Seaside Scooters offers bike rentals during the summer season. They offer beach cruisers, kids bikes, tandem bikes and more! You can rent for the hours, day or the week.

Check out the Carousel Pavilion

Did you know the The Floyd L Moreland Dentzel / Looff Carousel is over 114 years old! It features 35 jumping horses, 18 standing horses, five other animals and two chariots. The Carousel was sent away for restoration in 2019 and is finally back. Visit the Pavilion and learn about the history of Seaside Heights New Jersey.

Hike at Island Beach State Park

Restaurants in Seaside Heights

Every one has to eat right? Checking out the local restaurant scene is also one of the things to do in Seaside Heights you should check off the list. If you do not want to eat boardwalk food all week check out these alternative places to eat in and around Seaside, including a pizza place that will deliver to you directly on the beach!

Things to Do in Seaside Heights for Adults

Willing to get in the car and go a bit outside of Seaside? There are also many things to do near Seaside Heights including the Blue Claws AAA baseball team and wine vineyards.

Which ever you choose, one thing is for certain, with so many things to do in Seaside Heights, your vacation will be one you want to repeat year after year.