Family Friendly AC

One of the oldest amusement piers at the JerseyShore, Atlantic City’s Steel Pier is an icon.  A trip to Atlantic City wouldn’t be complete without stopping here.

Atlantic City’s Steel Pier hosts just under 21 rides, but it’s still chock full of excitement and fun. 

 Here is the break down by height:

Wet Boats 3 tix 30” minimum 48” maximum
Jump Cycles 3 tix 30” minimum 60”maximum

Chopper Train 3 tix 36” minimum 60” maximum
Climbing Wall 4 tix maximum 250 lbs.
Kiddie Coaster 3 tix 36” minimum
Kite Flyer 3 tix 36” minimum 42” w/o adult
Mini Rocket 3 tix 38” minimum 42” w/o adult
Red Baron 3 tix 36” ride alone / under 36” w/adult
Dragon Jet 3 tix 36”minimum 60” maximum

Carousel 3 tix 42” w/o adult
Crazy Mouse Coaster 7 tix 48” minimum 54” w/o adult
Monster Plung 5 tix 47” minimum 51” w/o adult
Rocket $25 includes tax 44” minimum
Rock n Roll 5 tix 48” to ride
Scooters 4 tix 42” minimum 50” w/o adult
Sea Dragon 5 tix 42”minimum 48” w/o adult
Tilt 4 tix 46” minimum

Giant Wheel 3 tix 50” ride alone 40” minimum w/adult
Go Karts 7 tix 54” minimum

•Double Decker Carousel

Here’s the local low down:

This pier is a good stop for tiny ones.  They don’t mind repetition. So going on only the two rides they have for 30” inches and under isn’t too bad; especially, if you take a ride with you child on the Carousel and Red Baron planes.

Chopper Train

 However, if you child falls in the 30” -41” height range, this might turn into a disappointing time.  There are 7 rides total in this height range, two of which you need an adult to ride along.  A few of these are less than exciting. My 6 and 8 year old found a few of them “very babyish.”  The Chopper Train is a series of decked out motorcycle train cars that just travel in a circle slowly.  I thought it was more appropriate for my 2 ½ year old.  And different from other shore piers the tilt-a –whirl was off limits. The best rides are the Kiddie Coaster and The Kite Flyer.  The Rock Climbing wall is a big favorite also, but be aware wrist band riders are only allowed one climb per band. You’d need to purchase additional tickets to climb again.

Rock Climb

 If stopping by with kids under 41” buying tickets is your best bet.  Wrist bands are pricey and not worth it for just 7 or so rides; especially, if your kids snub their noses at a few.  The ticket count required for these rides are low, being only 3 or 4 tickets. 

 A great benefit is the Steel Pier doesn’t get as crowded during the day as some of its counter parts.  If you’re visiting AC with your little ones, The Steel Pier is a fun quick stop.

 For the 42” and up crowd Atlantic City’s Steel Pier is a blast.  If you have kids in this range, who will go on each ride more than once, grab a wrist band and stay awhile. My 11 year old had such a great time!  Some of her favorites were the Crazy Mouse Coaster, and the Monster Plunge. 

Mini Rocket

Ticket Prices:

* Note: NJ Sales and AC Luxury Tax are included in prices.

Special Attractions (additional fees)

 *All ride and ticket information was proided by The Steel Pier

One of the best views of Atlantic City can not be found in a posh casino hotel room.  It is found, rather in New Jersey’s tallest Lighthouse. The Absecon Lighthouse is 150 years old, and one of Atlantic City’s Historical Family Attractions.

You and your family can take a journey up the 228 steps of one of the countries oldest lighthouses.  Stop on each landing and peer out the windows as you make your way to the top.  Atop the lighthouse you’ll see the original first- order Fresnel Lens, first lit in 1857.

2 year old making his way up

Step out side on the landing for breathtaking views of Atlantic City and the Atlantic Ocean.  Parents there’s no need to fret as the top open landing is encased in bars, and the bars are to close for little heads to fit.  You children will OOOO and AAAAHHH with excitement and all there is to see.

Hours of Operation:

Fall/Winter hours:

Open Thursdays through Mondays  11am- 4pm

Last Climb is at 3:30pm

September – June
Thursdays through Mondays, 11am to 4pm
Closed Tuesday & Wednesday
July & August
Open daily 10am to 5pm
Closed on major holidays

Cost to Climb the Lighthouse:

Adults $7
Children 4-12  $4
3 & under Free
Active military FREE
Dogs are welcome

The Local Lowdown:

The Lighthouse is a great place for you and your family to stop and check out.   My kids had fun climbing to the top and beating Mom and Dad.  The 228 steps are not too bad to scale.  However, it can be quite a bit for some.  There are ladings all the way up for resting. The steps are large and easy to manage.

My two year old did climb all the way up, however I had to carry him all the way down.  My 6 and 8 year old went up twice!

When you get to the top a lighthouse attendant will hand you a small card.  The card states that you made it!   Save this card.  When you visit Lucy the Elephant flash your accomplishment, and you’ll get a discount on admission.

They Made It!

There is a small gift shop and museum.  Very small.  My little ones were not at all interested in anything in the museum.  There are bathrooms located in a small building behind the Lighthouse.  There is also free parking in the small lot behind the lighthouse. Everytime we’ve visited the staff has always been delightful.

Your Lighthouse visit will not be an all day event. Climbing to the top and seeing all there is to see will probably take you any where from 30 mins to an hour tops.

On the lighthouse grounds there’s a life guard row boat.  This is a great spot for family pics. If everyone looks, oh well, better luck next time!

The Absecon Lighthouse does host some fun family events.  Check out their calendar to see whats going on during your visit to AC.