Walking through shoreline natural areas or up and down a long ocean strand will delight any child. On the Atlantic Ocean, New Jersey boasts a number of such great beach trails:
Cape May Beach State Park’s Yellow Trail
The 1.5-mile long trail heads through varying coastal habitats, including a wetland marsh, coastal dunes and the grand finale: the ocean beach.
Corsons Inlet State Park
Listen for migratory birds and watch for the nesting sites as hiking a sandy path through a lush coastal forest.
Barnegat Lighthouse State Park
Climb 217 steps to the top of this lighthouse built in 1859. Afterward, picnic at the lighthouse’s base. Warning: Following Labor Day, the lighthouse closes for winter.
Spizzle Creek Bird Blind Trail
Keep an eye out for osprey and wading birds as this trail heads through a thicket at Island Beach State Park on a 1-mile round trip. Cool off afterward with a dip into the ocean.
Fisherman’s Cover Conservation Area
Bring Spot or Queenie with you to this dog-friendly beach. The shoreline runs several hundred feet on Manasquan Inlet.
Read more about day hiking with children in my Hikes with Tykes guidebooks.
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