Family events in Pleasantville, NJ

Travel across the bay between Tuckerton Seaport and the public dock in Beach Haven on a narrated ferry ride led by a Seaport captain and tour guide who share the coastal culture and heritage of South Jersey. Roundtrip fare is $22 per person and advance online reservations are required. During booking, choose both departure and return; all sales are final and refunds or exchanges are not available. Tickets include admission to the Tuckerton Seaport Museum. Guests must be at least 2 years old. Children ages 2 through 12 are required to wear a Coast Guard approved life jacket, which may be brought from home or borrowed on board for both adults and children. Expect a bit of bay spray and changing conditions, so dress in layers and keep phones in waterproof bags. The ferry runs rain or shine unless conditions are unsafe. In inclement weather, guests are responsible for arranging their own return to the original port by Taxi or Uber. The captain may postpone or cancel for unsafe weather such as lightning, and the Seaport team will contact reservation holders using the phone number provided at checkout to adjust plans.

Sea Isle City’s Division of Tourism presents a family-friendly celebration by the shore, featuring a seaside craft market along the oceanfront promenade, a food court with a variety of food and beverages, and live music from Brass Pocket Band in Excursion Park. Children can take part in free activities that include the Art Bar, balloon art, bounce houses, face painting, and a photo booth, and sand art is available to make for a small fee. For more information, call 609-263-8687.

The annual Downbeach Seafood Festival, presented by South Jersey Gas, brings a flavorful celebration to Ventnor Ski Beach. Savor offerings from 25 restaurants and food trucks, explore the Oyster Tour of the Shore, and follow the Chowder Cookoff that benefits the Community FoodBank of NJ. The NJ Craft Beer Tasting Tent features local brews while live music adds to the atmosphere. Highlights include a Crab Cake Eating Contest and a range of activities for kids, shaping a full weekend of seaside fun.

Enjoy Playland’s Castaway Cove with a $20 wristband that unlocks unlimited access to every ride, including Gale Force. Each wristband sold supports the Humane Society of Ocean City by helping provide food and veterinary care for animals. Wristbands are available at any Castaway Cove ticket booth during the event.