• Breakwater Beach Waterpark at Casino Pier, Seaside Heights. The former water park is in the midst of a multiyear renovation. This summer families will find a state-of-the-art water park boasting the largest interactive play area on the North Atlantic Coast. Features include a toddler area; multi-level family play section with a variety of water slides, hundreds of interactive play elements and dancing fountains; Tipping Troller, which periodically dumps thousands of gallons of water; two new Hot Springs; Zero-Gravity Racer, a six-lane racing slide; and the Lazy Crazy River, with cannons, bubbles and depth charges.
Also featured: private cabanas, with chairs, chaise lounges and bottled water; locker rental and food and beverage service also available. All-day rental: $85; three hours, $60. Taxes additional and water park admission is not included. Reservations suggested. 732-793-6488, ext. 8211; casinopiernj.com/ breakwaterbeach.
• Jake's Branch County Park, 1100 Double Trouble Road in Beachwood, is the newest addition to the Ocean County Parks System. Designated "The Gateway to the Pines," the nature center will highlight the history and natural surroundings of the Pine Barrens, and an observation deck will offer views of the area. Also miles of nature trails, a "tot lot" and recreation facilities. www.ocean.nj.us/Parks/jakesbranch.html.
• Rides at Morey's Surfside Pier (Moreyspiers.com) in Wildwood:
Cygnus X-1, a new gravity-free ride for families, based on the idea of a black hole: lots of ways in — but no way out.
Magic Bikes, an interactive family attraction.
Renovation of The Great Nor'Easter suspended looping coaster: a redesigned station, plus new trains with ergonomically designed "Freedom Flight" seats allowing unhindered views and free arm movements.
Ocean Oasis, which opened midsummer last year, has its first full season at Morey's Pier. The water park is geared toward adults, with cabanas, spas and cocktails available.
• Cape May:
Washington Street Mall in Cape May has been undergoing major refurbishing and will open for the summer season with new pavers and "a fresh look," according to Diane Wieland, director of the Southern Shore Tourism Council.
Wine-tasting tours have been added to the Mid-Atlantic Center for the Arts' already busy schedule of activities. The tours will take participants to the Cape May Winery on Wednesdays.
Harborfest, a new event, celebrates sea and song June 20-22 at the Cape May Harbor, Delaware Avenue. A street festival with music, food, cooking demonstrations, beer garden, kids activities, nature programs, arts and crafts, kayaking, wharf tours, Around Cape Island Tours, free trolley shuttle and more. Info: 609-884-5508; capemaymac.org.
— Jill Schensul
• Breakwater Beach Waterpark at Casino Pier, Seaside Heights. The former water park is in the midst of a multiyear renovation. This summer families will find a state-of-the-art water park boasting the largest interactive play area on the North Atlantic Coast. Features include a toddler area; multi-level family play section with a variety of water slides, hundreds of interactive play elements and dancing fountains; Tipping Troller, which periodically dumps thousands of gallons of water; two new Hot Springs; Zero-Gravity Racer, a six-lane racing slide; and the Lazy Crazy River, with cannons, bubbles and depth charges.
FILE PHOTO
The Washington Street Mall in Cape May will open for the summer looking refreshed from renovations.
Also featured: private cabanas, with chairs, chaise lounges and bottled water; locker rental and food and beverage service also available. All-day rental: $85; three hours, $60. Taxes additional and water park admission is not included. Reservations suggested. 732-793-6488, ext. 8211; casinopiernj.com/ breakwaterbeach.
• Jake's Branch County Park, 1100 Double Trouble Road in Beachwood, is the newest addition to the Ocean County Parks System. Designated "The Gateway to the Pines," the nature center will highlight the history and natural surroundings of the Pine Barrens, and an observation deck will offer views of the area. Also miles of nature trails, a "tot lot" and recreation facilities. www.ocean.nj.us/Parks/jakesbranch.html.
• Rides at Morey's Surfside Pier (Moreyspiers.com) in Wildwood:
Cygnus X-1, a new gravity-free ride for families, based on the idea of a black hole: lots of ways in — but no way out.
Magic Bikes, an interactive family attraction.
Renovation of The Great Nor'Easter suspended looping coaster: a redesigned station, plus new trains with ergonomically designed "Freedom Flight" seats allowing unhindered views and free arm movements.
Ocean Oasis, which opened midsummer last year, has its first full season at Morey's Pier. The water park is geared toward adults, with cabanas, spas and cocktails available.
• Cape May:
Washington Street Mall in Cape May has been undergoing major refurbishing and will open for the summer season with new pavers and "a fresh look," according to Diane Wieland, director of the Southern Shore Tourism Council.
Wine-tasting tours have been added to the Mid-Atlantic Center for the Arts' already busy schedule of activities. The tours will take participants to the Cape May Winery on Wednesdays.
Harborfest, a new event, celebrates sea and song June 20-22 at the Cape May Harbor, Delaware Avenue. A street festival with music, food, cooking demonstrations, beer garden, kids activities, nature programs, arts and crafts, kayaking, wharf tours, Around Cape Island Tours, free trolley shuttle and more. Info: 609-884-5508; capemaymac.org.
— Jill Schensul
