Family events in Tuckerton, NJ

Enjoy a scenic one hour ferry ride across the bay connecting Tuckerton Seaport and the public dock in Beach Haven, with a Seaport captain and guide sharing the coastal culture and heritage of South Jersey along the way. Roundtrip fare is $22 per person, and advance online reservations are required. When booking, travelers select both departure and return times, and all sales are final with no refunds or exchanges. Each ticket also includes admission to the Tuckerton Seaport Museum. Passengers must be at least 2 years old. Children ages 2 to 12 are required to wear a U.S. Coast Guard approved life jacket, which you can bring from home or use from the supply available on board for both adults and children. Expect some bay spray and dress in layers for changing conditions, and keep phones protected in waterproof bags. Trips operate rain or shine unless conditions are unsafe. If weather disrupts return service, guests are responsible for arranging their own transportation back to the original port, such as by taxi or rideshare. On the rare occasion a crossing must be postponed or canceled for safety, the Seaport team will contact reservation holders using the phone number provided at checkout to adjust plans.

The Downbeach Seafood Festival, presented by South Jersey Gas, returns to Ski Beach in Ventnor with a full lineup of coastal flavors and entertainment. Across the weekend, sample dishes from 25 restaurants and food trucks, explore the Oyster Tour of the Shore, and catch a chowder cookoff that supports the Community FoodBank of NJ. A New Jersey craft beer tasting tent offers local pours while live music sets the tone. The festivities also include a crab cake eating contest and activities for kids, with more to discover throughout the event.

Create clay heishi and bling stretch bracelets while learning the basics of jewelry design. Choose your own bead colors, with examples shown only as inspiration, and add a personal touch with a word or name. This event is for ages 8 and up. Each person can make up to three bracelets for $25. Space is limited, and RSVPs are requested.

Hosted by the American Angler Fishing Club, this two day surf fishing tournament on Long Beach Island marks its ninth year. It is open to the public and offers prizes for adults and kids. Anglers can take advantage of free 4x4 access as the fall Striper migration gets underway. Registration takes place at Bayview Park, and the tournament wraps up with a complimentary BBQ and an awards presentation.

Delmarva DockDogs celebrates its 15th anniversary in Jumping in Jersey at the Old Time Barnegat Bay Decoy and Gunning Show, bringing high-flying canine action to Tip Seaman Park. As part of the Delmarva DockDogs Affiliate Series, the lineup includes multiple Big Air waves, Extreme Vertical, Speed Retrieve, and a Big Air Finals that follows a divisional finals format. Practice opportunities are available between waves as time allows, with no set practice times. Dogs six months and older of any breed or size are welcome, and no prior experience is required, making it a friendly setting for new handlers. Club early bird registration is available. Pre-registration fees are $39 per adult team for Big Air, Speed Retrieve, Extreme Vertical, and Iron Dog, and $19 per youth team for Big Air, Speed Retrieve, and Extreme Vertical, with $38 per youth team for Iron Dog. Onsite registration fees are $42 per adult team for Big Air, Speed Retrieve, Extreme Vertical, and Iron Dog, and $22 per youth team for Big Air, Speed Retrieve, and Extreme Vertical, with $40 per youth team for Iron Dog.

Savor wood fired farm pizza made to order. Place your order with the market staff, then head to the pizza patio to pick up a fresh farm pie. Availability is limited and served while supplies last.