11 New Jersey Lighthouses to Explore with Kids

As a New Jersey mom of three boys, finding ways to help them burn energy has always been one of my top priorities. So, climbing New Jersey lighthouses with them not only gets them out and about, it also lets us experience the beauty of the New Jersey coastline as a family.

Discover the stories behind each lighthouse, let your little explorers climb to new heights, and soak in the breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean. Whether you’re a seasoned adventurer or a family of first-time lighthouse explorers, this blog post will be your ultimate guide to embark on unforgettable family outings at New Jersey lighthouses.

Considering some lighthouses may have seasonal or weather-related operating hours, check our details below. Then, it’s best to check their respective websites for specific information.

Do you want to capture the sun rising or setting over the water? Then, time your visit around the sunset and sunrise times. But do check the lighthouse hours to make sure they are open at that time.

Are you looking for great photography shots of lighthouses? You may want to time your visit for the dawn or dusk hours when the light is not directly overhead.

Are you just looking for a unique experience? Climbing a lighthouse can be a great activity for a slightly cloudy day. With the sun behind clouds, it won’t be too warm on the climb up and you’ll have breathtaking views without having to squint from the sun being in your eyes.

Below is a list of New Jersey Lighthouses by county. If lighthouse information is available online, you can link to it by clicking on the website link we provided. For each lighthouse in New Jersey, we have included their address, hours of operation, admission prices, contact information, and a link to our review of that particular lighthouse.

• Here are some tips for getting outdoors and exploring Cape May Point State Park:
  • There are 3 nature trails – Red (.5 miles), Yellow (1.5 miles), and Blue (2.0 miles)  The Red Trail is both stroller and wheelchair accessible
  • Surf fishing, guided nature walks, and guided bird walks are available
  • Picnic areas are available (Groups of 20 or more must reserve and there is a fee)
  • Take a walk on the beach and you can check out the WWII bunker (Now partly under water, it used to sit 900 feet inland!)
  • The park has a beach wheelchair available for public use
• Special Events: To learn about more Cape May Lighthouse events for families visit this link for Cape May Lighthouse events.
• Learn more about the Cape May Lighthouse on their site or call (609) 884-5404.

Hereford Inlet Lighthouse is a working lighthouse as well as a museum. Visitors will learn about the history of Hereford and get a glimpse of the life of a lighthouse keeper in the late 19th and early 20th century.

What you will see at the Hereford Inlet Lighthouse? You can watch a 15-minute video of the history of the Lighthouse, look at different bedrooms in the lighthouse, see how a lighthouse keeper lives and learn how a lighthouse lantern works.

Tinicum has a skeletal structure, making it look different from the other lighthouse you are used to seeing.

• Lighthouse Hours: The Tinicum Rear Range Lighthouse is open on the third Sunday of each month April – October from 12 PM – 4 PM.
• Climbing/Admission Fee: Admission is free but donations are requested.
• Special Events: To learn about more Tinicum Rear Range Lighthouse events for families visit this link for Tinicum Rear Range Lighthouse events.
• Read more about the Paulsboro lighthouse in our review of Tinicum Rear Range Lighthouse.
• Learn more about the Tinicum Rear Range Lighthouse on their site or call 856-423-1554.

• Sandy Hook Hours
  • Sandy Hook Lighthouse: Tours offered between 1 pm through 3:30 pm. Tours are first-come first-serve. They take 8 people up per tour. Each tour lasts approximately half an hour.
• Lighthouse Hours: April 1 through October 31: The park is open from 5 AM to 9 PM daily, except by permit or as noted below.
  • November 1 through March 31: The park is open from 5 AM through 8 PM daily, except by permit.
  • Visitor centers and contact stations are open every day EXCEPT Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day (December 25) and New Year’s Day (January 1).
  • The Sandy Hook Lighthouse is open 1 – 3:30 daily. Lighthouse tours are first come first served. Children must be 48 inches and taller.
  • Lighthouse tours: Offered first-come first served, from 1 PM to 3:30 PM with extended hours in the summer
  • Lighthouse Keepers Quarters/ Visitor Center: Open 10 AM to 4 PM daily with extended hours in the summer
• Climbing/Admission Fee:
  • Parking at Fort Hancock is always free. There is a $20 charge per day for beach parking from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day.
  • There are no additional fees to enter or climb the Sandy Hook lighthouse. Children MUST be at least 48 inches tall to climb the tower.
• Special Events: To learn about more Sandy Hook Lighthouse events for families visit this link for Sandy Hook Lighthouse events.
• Read more in our review of 8 Ways to Spend the Day in Sandy Hook.
• Learn more about the Sandy Hook Lighthouse on their site or call (732) 872-5970.

If possible, visit the lighthouse with two adults.

My youngest was sometimes too little to climb the lighthouse, so when I took the boys alone, it meant that no one was able to climb. With two adults present, it’s easier for one to stay back with the child who is too small (or too scared!) while everyone else goes on ahead. It just makes the trip a lot less stressful!

Be prepared for different types of weather.

New Jersey weather can be unpredictable – especially in the summer! Be sure to pack some light raincoats or ponchos, so you’ll still be able to explore the lighthouse.

Try to visit on National Lighthouse Day!

National Lighthouse Day at New Jersey lighthouses is a blast! Many of them have special, family-friendly events planned that make exploring the lighthouse even more fun. Check below and your lighthouse’s website (if available) for more information about their planned events for the day. Keep in mind that many lighthouses still don’t have websites, so you may have to pick up the phone and call to inquire.

Take lots of pictures!

Don’t be shy about snapping pictures of your New Jersey lighthouse visits! They’re a great reminder of fun-filled summer days!

Above all else, have a great day, relax, and enjoy learning about the history of lighthouses along the New Jersey coastline! Tell them Jersey Family Fun sent you!

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Here’s another way to enjoy New Jersey lighthouses, visit a New Jersey National Lighthouse Day event.

National Lighthouse Day Events at New Jersey Lighthouses

Activities for National Lighthouse Day, Monday, August 7, 2023, in New Jersey include special tour hours and often includes free climbing for children up to age 14. In the past, participants were able to earn a Junior Lighthouse Keeper Certificate and souvenir sticker by answering questions on the specific characteristics and history of the lighthouse visited. See below for current National Lighthouse Day events in New Jersey.

• National Lighthouse Day at Absecon Lighthouse
• National Lighthouse Day at Cape May Lighthouse
• National Lighthouse Day at Hereford Inlet Lighthouse
• More National Lighthouse Day events in New Jersey

Click over here to read all of our blog posts about local lighthouses in New Jersey.