The best family-friendly hikes and walks around Atlantic City

There are 6 family-friendly hiking trails around Atlantic City featured in this guide, offering a variety of experiences for different ages and abilities. You'll find 2 easy routes and 4 moderate options to explore.

The terrain around Atlantic City is quite diverse. You can expect flat, sandy paths, especially in areas like the New Jersey Pine Barrens. Closer to the coast, trails might include paved sections like the AC Waterfront Sculpture Walk, or boardwalks through cedar swamps and marshes. Generally, the coastal plain offers relatively flat and accessible paths suitable for families.

Yes, for an easy and potentially stroller-friendly option, consider the Atlantic City Beach loop from Ventnor City. While the Atlantic City Boardwalk itself is excellent for strollers, the AC Waterfront Sculpture Walk is a 1.1-mile paved path offering scenic views of the Back Bay estuary, perfect for a leisurely stroll with a stroller.

The region offers several scenic highlights. The Back Bay estuary is great for birdwatching, and the New Jersey Pine Barrens provide unique pine and oak forests. You might also spot diverse wildlife in areas like the Malibu Beach Wildlife Management Area or the Absecon Wildlife Management Area. The Garrett Family Preserve at Cape Island Creek features beautiful wildflower meadows and tidal marshes.

For families looking for a longer adventure, the Atlantic City Beach loop from Atlantic City is a moderate 18 km route that offers an extended walk along the iconic boardwalk and beach, providing plenty of space to explore and enjoy the ocean views.

The family-friendly trails in this guide are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 5.0 stars. Reviewers often praise the accessibility of the paths, the beautiful coastal scenery, and the opportunities for leisurely walks suitable for all ages.

While many trails focus on natural beauty, you can find points of interest like the iconic St. Nicholas of Tolentine Church near some urban routes. For a broader historical experience, Wharton State Forest, home to Batsto Historical Village, is also within the wider region and offers hiking opportunities.

Yes, for a unique perspective, if you venture into the New Jersey Pine Barrens, specifically from Apple Pie Hill, on a clear day you can catch a glimpse of the Atlantic City skyline framed by the surrounding forests. Closer to the city, the boardwalk routes offer direct views of the city's architecture and oceanfront.

The Atlantic City Beach loop from Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall provides a fantastic opportunity for a family walk directly on the beach, combined with sections of the famous boardwalk. You can also enjoy the expansive sands of Atlantic City Beach or Margate City Beach.

Yes, the Garrett Family Preserve at Cape Island Creek offers over four miles of flat, sturdy nature trails, along with amenities like a picnic pavilion and a bird blind, making it a great spot for families to spend time outdoors. Estell Manor Park also features trails through forests and along rivers, with boardwalk sections.

Spring and fall generally offer the most pleasant weather for family hiking in Atlantic City, with mild temperatures and beautiful scenery. Summer can be warm, but coastal breezes make beach and boardwalk walks enjoyable. Winter can be crisp and quiet, offering a different kind of beauty, especially on less exposed trails.