Rain or Shine, There is Plenty To See, Do and Enjoy in Ocean County
Posted by Michael Favor III on
OCEAN COUNTY offers an array of intriguing and exciting indoor activities that make it easy to continue a great day of fun regardless of the weather.
"Ocean County is a destination that includes entertainment, history, educational activities and playful venues that will keep the dark clouds from disrupting your fun," said Ocean County Freeholder Director Joseph H. Vicari, the liaison to Ocean County Tourism.
For instance, Jenkinson's Boardwalk in Point Pleasant Beach features oceanfront dining, arcades, a fun house and the spectacular Jenkinson's Aquarium with its abundant sea life, penguins, tropical birds and more, providing an enriching indoor experience that is open all year long.
Additionally, on Arnold Avenue in Point Pleasant Beach, shoppers can enjoy classic "Main Street" boutiques, antiques and specialty shops, as well as cafés and various dining options.
"This is a great area to shop local and enjoy some of the vibrant small businesses that Ocean County has to offer," Vicari added.
In Seaside Heights, indoor arcades are plentiful, and so are the restaurants and bars, both on the boardwalk and on the Boulevard. Many of these venues offer live entertainment depending on the day of the week and the time.
There are also many museums around Ocean County to satisfy the history buffs. Two of the largest are the Tuckerton Seaport & Baymen's Museum in Tuckerton, and the New Jersey Maritime Museum in Beach Haven.
As for the unusual, check out Insectropolis in Toms River. This unique ‘bugseum' is home to thousands of insects to keep your kids dazzled and engaged when outdoor conditions are not the best.
For those who love nature and wildlife, Ocean County is an eco-tourism wonderland with classes and programs for adults and children available at many of the 20 county parks.
"Although the county parks are wonderful in the sunshine, Cattus Island's Cooper Environmental Center and the Jakes Branch Nature Center are both outstanding choices rain or shine," Vicari said.
In addition, Double Trouble State Park features the Village Interpretive Center in Berkeley Township, which takes visitors back in time with a look at the history and village-life of the Pine Barrens. Other options include the Nature and Interpretive Center at Island Beach State Park, the Jacques Cousteau National Estuarine Research Reserve in Tuckerton, The Lighthouse Center for Natural Resource Education in Waretown and the Barnegat Lighthouse Interpretive Center in Barnegat Light.
Of course, theater lovers can also fulfill their craving for live performances at one of the many performing arts venues throughout the county. The Strand Theatre in Lakewood, The Grunin Center for the Arts on the Ocean County College campus in Toms River and the newly re-opened Surflight Theatre in Beach Haven all have events for all ages during the summer.
"There are plenty of activities available in Ocean County that move the fun indoors," Vicari said. "Taking advantage of those days to explore all there is to offer here shows you can never be bored at the Jersey Shore, even in the rain!"
To find links on all of the above, and other things to do in Ocean County, visit OceanCountyTourism.com or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/tourismoceancounty.
Ocean County News Release