When you’re travelling with a young family it’s easy to stick to the tried and tested options. You don’t want to go too far by plane. You don’t want to find yourself wandering around with nothing much to entertain the children, so you tend to go with what’s easiest.

But with the east coast of America just a few hours away, this might just be the best idea for a holiday that combines travel and a bit of adventure.

Hit NYC and Boston and wind up in that playground of the east coast, Atlantic City. With beaches, parks and of course the ubiquitous casinos, this is the perfect end to a family trip State side.

In this blog, we take a look at what you can do at New Jersey’s answer to Las Vegas and why it’s a great option for travelling with the family.

What You’re Going to Do

The great thing about this area is that you get the relaxed beach vibe of a coast holiday combined with the pizazz and excitement of a new city. Spend a day or two on the beach watching those Atlantic rollers coming in and making sand castles before you take a stroll along the famous boardwalk, stopping for some salt water taffy and an ice cream (or two).

If you haven’t had too much ice cream you might want to take a walk to the Steel Pier Amusement Park, where you’ll be turned upside down and spun all around on fairground rides that your young tourists will love.

Once you’ve recovered head down to the city aquarium that not only features a great selection of sea creatures to gaze at but also rescues them and nurses them back to health at the onsite marine hospital.

For an afternoon spent with the weird and wonderful, try Ripley’s Museum of Oddities. A museum dedicated to the strange and the unusual. You’ll meet shrunken heads, have to find your way out of a maze and cover 14 rooms of fascinating exhibits. Fun for all the family and a great option on a rainy day.

There are some green spaces that are perfect for a lunchtime picnic and the chance to relax on the grass. Head to Brighton Park and splash about near the fountain. You’ll also find the impressive Korean war memorial here, making it well worth a visit.

If you’re feeling energetic then take a trip to Abescon lighthouse. With 228 steps to take you to the top, it might be hard on the legs for the smallest in your group but if you can make it to the top, the view is well worth it. You’ll also find an interesting exhibit in the form of the lighthouse keeper’s living quarters and a museum.

This lighthouse is famed for having the first lens of its type when it was built in 1857. You’ll also learn about shipwrecks and other maritime history.

If you need a break from the hedonism of Atlantic City, head 11 miles up the coast to Ocean City, a mecca for families with amusement parks and its own two and a half mile boardwalk. This alternative destination is alcohol-free but you will still find an impressive number of options when it comes to finding somewhere to eat. You’ll also find a good museum that showcases the city’s early history through various clothes and artefacts.

The beach is every bit as good as Atlantic City and offers similar activities in terms of water sports and cycling along the boardwalk. Head back to AC after a day in Ocean City for when you are looking for an evening cocktail.

Naturally, in a city dedicated to gambling you might want to hit up a casino and while the gambling floors may not be suitable for children is plenty of entertainment on offer with musical legends such as the Rolling Stones and so forth holding concerts in hotels such as the Borgata. Check the borgata blog for details.

Where You’re Going to Stay

One thing you can say about Atlantic City is that there are no shortage of places to stay with the boardwalk lined by hotels. There are plenty of hotels offering family rooms and if you’re looking for a little luxury, you’ll be spoilt for choice. Check out The Claridge which offers a variety of double rooms and suites where extra beds are available for families.

A cheaper option, but with a convenient location is the Showboat, which you can also find on the boardwalk.

If you’d rather stay out of the action then you might consider one of the out of town hotels such as the Travelodge. This is a great option if you’ve hired a car and want the freedom to travel outside of the area.

Another option that has become increasingly popular in recent times is renting an Airbnb. While often a cheaper option, it also has the benefit of being a home from home. You’ll find a huge variety in properties but if you’re travelling with younger children, the familiarity of staying in a cosy home and not a vast hotel can make the experience an easier one.

Be sure to choose a property that has plenty of reviews and whose owner is great at communicating and answering your questions.

Finally there’s the Atlantic Palace. A good option for families and a stone’s throw from the beach. Each of these rooms comes with a kitchen and dining area giving you the option to dine at home if you need a break from eating out.

Where You’re Going to Eat

You’re certainly not going to go hungry in Atlantic City and you’ll find the usual offering of fast food restaurants that will look all too familiar. Sometimes that bit of familiarity is a welcome sight for young children but if you’re looking for great alternatives, then take a look at some of these options.

If you’re looking for some of the best Italian food in the area then book a table at Angelo’s Fairmount Tavern.  This popular eatery has been run by three generations of the same family since it came into being in 1935. You’ll see all your favourites plus a great selection of fish and more adventurous dishes from the specials board. You’ll be dining in a restaurant that really is woven into the fabric of the history of this city.

You might also want to check out Gordon Ramsay’s Pub and Grill, a great option for catching a beer and spending a relaxing dinner with great food.

Why not ramp up the excitement levels by taking a visit to the Hard Rock Cafe, where you’ll a high energy atmosphere and the world famous burgers. You might also catch some live music and take a look at some of the items from the cafe’s collection of musical memorabilia

Finally, check out The Continental, a bright exciting restaurant on the boardwalk, open for breakfast all the way through to dinner and happy hour with some fabulous cocktails

Atlantic City might not seem like the obvious choice for a family holiday but there really is enough here to entertain everyone. The food and drink is plentiful and the choice of entertainment means there’s bound to be something to keep everyone happy.

Combine a trip to AC with a fly-drive along the east coast and you’ve got the makings of a family adventure that you’ll be talking about for many years to come.