Ocean Life Center Gardner’s Basin 800 N. New Hampshire Avenue Atlantic City, N.J. 08401 (609) 348-2880 Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily

Children marvel at marine life, and will delight in the aquariums, touch tanks and interactive exhibits the Ocean Life Center has to offer. They will leave with a greater appreciation of the creatures that live in the deep as well as the region’s marine ecosystem.

The Steel Pier Trump Taj Mahal Virginia Avenue and Boardwalk Atlantic City, N.J. 08401 (609) 345-4893

No trip to the Jersey Shore is complete without a night of rides, carnival games and cotton candy, all of which are available at the Steel Pier.

Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Museum New York Avenue and Boardwalk Atlantic City, N.J. 08401 (609) 347-2001

This odd museum exhibits oddities from Robert Ripley’s world travels. Visitors can also view films and experience an interactive funhouse.

Absecon Lighthouse Rhode Island Avenue Atlantic City, N.J. 08401 (609) 449-1360 Hours: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday through Monday, or by appointment

Opened in 1857 and last used in 1933, historic Absecon Lighthouse once helped guide mariners into the island’s treacherous inlet. The state’s tallest lighthouse provides a moving history lesson, as children consider what it must have been like for sailors in a time without electric lights or sophisticated navigation tools, and only the oil-fueled flame of the lighthouse for guidance.

Lucy the Elephant 9200 Atlantic Ave. Margate, N.J. 08402 (609) 823-6473 Hours: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekends, April to mid-June and September to October 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily mid-June to Labor Day

Lucy is the world’s biggest metal elephant. Her 90 tons of metal stand 6 stories tall, and stepping inside her is enough of a marvel to fuel any child’s imagination. Lucy was built in 1881 for $38,000 as a real estate marketing stunt. When she was new, Lucy attracted throngs of visitors who wanted to tour her insides and step out on the “howdah” – her observation deck – to view the ocean.

Towne of Historic Smithville Route 9 and Moss Mill Road Smithville, N.J. 08201 Hours: Variable by season (609) 652-7777

A stroll along the historic, brick-lined streets of this 18th-century village will give children a glimpse of South Jersey’s colonial past. Young shoppers will enjoy the year-round Christmas shop, bakery and toy stores that are housed in the restored cottages and homes.

Cape May County Park Zoo Route 9 and Crest Haven Road Cape May, N.J. 08210 (609) 465-5271 Free Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily