Cape May & Cape May Zoo: Family-Friendly Fun at the Jersey Shore

Cape May is located at the southern tip of New Jersey and lays claim to being the country’s oldest vacation resort destination. With its charming Victorian architecture, beautiful beaches, and relaxed atmosphere, it’s easy to see why people have been flocking here for generations. While it’s not the most convenient place to reach from major cities like New York, Philadelphia, or Washington D.C., it's well worth the effort—whether you’re planning a full week-long escape or just a spontaneous day trip.

If you're a beachgoer, Cape May’s shoreline is among the gentlest on the Jersey coast. The waters here are typically calmer than in most other beach towns in New Jersey, making it especially great for families with young kids. And while the data from NOAA doesn’t necessarily support this, we always feel like the water here is warmer than at any other spot on the Jersey Shore. We’ve made plenty of beach day comparisons—from Ocean City to Wildwood—and somehow, Cape May always comes out ahead in the comfort department.

When we plan a beach day in the area, we’ll often make Cape May our home base, then hop over to another nearby beach for a change of scene. But we always find ourselves coming back to Cape May—drawn by that warm water, clean sand, and the ease of parking and getting around.

If You’re Not a Beach Person…

Cape May has plenty more to offer beyond the surf and sand. From browsing the quaint shops of Washington Street Mall to wandering through tree-lined neighborhoods filled with impeccably preserved Victorian homes, there’s something for everyone. But one of our absolute favorite family-friendly attractions—especially for when the kids (or adults) need a break from the sun—is the Cape May County Park & Zoo.

Cape May Zoo

About 15 miles (roughly a 20-minute drive) north of Cape May proper, the Cape May County Park & Zoo is a hidden gem that punches well above its weight. Best of all? It’s completely free—yes, you read that right. Admission and parking are both free, and the zoo is open every day of the year except Christmas Day. It’s a nonprofit operation supported by private endowments, and you can feel the love and care that goes into every exhibit.

The grounds are beautifully maintained, and the layout makes for an easy, stroller-friendly walk with plenty of shade. The zoo is home to a surprisingly wide array of animals—from giraffes and snow leopards to black bears, camels, and a few feisty monkeys that always seem to know when you’re watching.

There’s also a small playground near the entrance and a concession stand that’s reasonably priced—especially by typical zoo standards. You won’t feel like you’re being nickel-and-dimed here, which is refreshing. A donation at the gate is appreciated and well-deserved.

For families looking to stretch their legs, take a break from the beach, or simply explore something different, the Cape May Zoo is a perfect addition to the itinerary.

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Whether you're soaking in the sun on the beach, strolling past pastel-painted homes, or watching giraffes graze under the shade of tall oaks, Cape May offers a little bit of everything. It’s easy to see why this historic seaside town has remained a beloved destination for generations—and why we keep coming back.

Cape May tip: Arrive early for beach parking in peak summer months, and pack a lunch if you're heading to the zoo—it makes the day feel even more like a classic summer picnic.

Disney on Ice: A Whirlwind of Magic, Music, and Skating Sparkle

There’s something about seeing a child’s face light up when their favorite Disney character steps onto the ice that never gets old. Whether you’re a lifelong Disney fan or just tagging along with a kiddo or two, Disney on Ice is one of those rare live shows that truly delivers on the promise of magic.

We recently caught a performance of Disney on Ice and honestly, it was enchanting from start to finish. The costumes dazzled, the skating was far more athletic than you’d expect from people dressed like talking animals, and the crowd was buzzing with excitement before the first spotlight even hit the rink.

The Show Itself

The storylines change depending on the production, but they all have a few things in common: high-energy choreography, beautiful sets, and seamless transitions between scenes. Ours featured a mix of classic characters and newer favorites threaded together into one theatrical event. 

Mickey and Minnie, of course, serve as the enthusiastic emcees throughout the show, offering just the right amount of nostalgia and charm. And the kids in the crowd? Totally captivated. (So were the adults, but we all pretended we were just “there for the kids.”)

We had pretty amazing seats, right at ice level but a little behind the first section of audience members. This is one of the few times that I would say that closer isn't better. Since we were at ice level, some of our views were blocked by the people in front of us. Maybe being a section higher, or a level above the ice (depends on the layout of the venue you are attending) may provide a more spectacular experience, to an already spectacular show. 

Sorry to not be able to share more photos - you know Disney can be with copyrights and proprietary information - I don't want to get on their bad side... 

What to Know Before You Go

• Dress warm – even though it’s indoors, you’re sitting around an ice rink for two hours, and it does get chilly.

• Get there early – especially if your little ones want cotton candy, a wand, or a souvenir spinning light-up thing (and they will).

• Budget for treats – the merch is adorable and the themed snacks are tempting, but they’re not cheap. A few dollars go a long way toward adding to the experience, though.

• No bad seats – honestly, the show is staged well enough that even upper-level seating gives you a great view of all the action.

Final Thoughts

Whether you're surprising the kids, planning a multi-generational outing, or just treating yourself to a bit of wholesome nostalgia, Disney on Ice is a joyful ride from beginning to end. It’s not just a performance, it’s an experience, wrapped in music, color, and a little bit of Disney pixie dust.

And like any good Disney experience, it leaves you humming the songs all the way home.