Cape May with Kids: Your Perfect 5-Day Family Getaway

After unpacking, take a scenic trolley tour to orient yourself to the area. Learn the captivating history of Cape May's Victorian past and admire the beautifully preserved architecture. Next, take a stroll down Washington Street Mall. There you will find a pedestrian-friendly street lined with shops, cafes, gelato, souvenirs and toy stores, offering something for everyone. Grab a pick-me-up at Coffee Tyme or purchase some jars of unique peanut butter flavors to bring back as gifts at the Cape May Peanut Butter Co. Stop in at Cape May Grilled Cheese Co. or the Cheese Shop to pick up sandwiches or charcuterie for a picnic on Cape May Beach. Spend the rest of the day enjoying Cape May's pristine beaches, building sandcastles and splashing in the waves. Don't miss the sunset at Cove Beach!

Start your morning with breakfast and some eclectic shopping at West End Garage Shopping & Bakery. Afterwards, enjoy a visit to Beach Plum Farm, a sprawling 62-acre working farm, market and kitchen. Check availability for guided tours in advance to learn about sustainable agriculture and how it supplies local restaurants with its produce. Alternatively, you can have fun just visiting with the farm animals and enjoying the grounds. Afterward, indulge in a delicious farm-to-table lunch featuring fresh, seasonal ingredients. Take a short hike on the Marsh Trail just across the parking lot, but be prepared for some wet spots. Next, head over to Willow Creek Winery, where you can enjoy some local wine and relax with plenty of room for kids to run and play. Afterwards, head to Sunset Beach or opt for the more private and secluded Higbee Beach. These calmer beaches are perfect for shelling and searching for the famous "Cape May Diamonds" — smooth quartz pebbles. For dinner, grab a locally sourced (from Beach Plum Farm) seasonal pizza at the Boiler Room at Congress Hall.

Enjoy breakfast at George's Place. There are multiple locations in the area. I recommend the tiramisu waffle or limoncello French toast if you want to try something fun. After breakfast, immerse yourself in the animal kingdom at the Cape May County Park & Zoo, which is about a 30-minute drive from Cape May. This free zoo boasts a diverse collection, including lions, tigers, bears and monkeys. Don't miss some of the more unique animals such as camels, giraffes, snow leopards and zebras. Kids will love spotting all the fascinating creatures and learning about their habitats. For dinner, live music and even a movie screen for entertainment, visit Exit Zero Filling Station. I recommend starting out with the Indian disco fries, and follow that with the Bollywood burger or hot chick sandwich.

Grab breakfast at the Mad Batter. I recommend the Belgian waffle with vanilla batter, malted flour and pecans. The chorizo scrambler is another great option if sweets aren't your thing in the morning. Next, buckle up for a fantastical adventure at Storybook Land! This enchanting amusement park is about a 45-minute drive from Cape May in Egg Harbor Township and brings your children's favorite fairy tales to life. Explore interactive displays such as the three bears' house or journey down into the rabbit hole in Alice in Wonderland. You will want to reach your hand into the beehive at the three bears' house to see what happens! This park is very manageable for little ones. It is clean with friendly staff and plenty of shade in the summer. On the way back, stop in at Poppi’s Pizza for a fig, prosciutto and gorgonzola pie in Wildwood.

Pick up coffee at Golden Stop and some pastries at Chez Michel before heading over to the Cape May Lighthouse. This is one of the oldest lighthouses in the United States. Ascend the steps and be rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views of the coastline and the charming town below. The next stop is Garrett Family Preserve, where you can take a short walk to enjoy monarch butterflies and bird watching.

In the afternoon, take a fascinating tour of Congress Hall, "America's First Seaside Resort." Led by the "Annie Knight" character who owned the hotel from 1904-1931, the tour brings the grand hotel's storied past to life. Learn about its role in shaping Cape May as a premier vacation destination. While you are there, stop in Tommy's Folly Café to get some blue pig cookies, which are a nod to the building's history. For dinner and live music, I recommend Taco Caballito Tequileria. In the evening, enjoy a captivating performance at the renowned Cape May Stage, one of the oldest professional summer theaters in the country. Choose from a variety of shows, ranging from musicals and comedies to dramas.