Ten Atlantic City Activities To Do for $10 or Less

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This private, non-profit organization rescues and rehabilitates stranded whales, dolphins, seals and sea turtles that wash ashore on New Jersey beaches. Visitors can explore the Sea Life Educational Center and gift shop and occasionally view fish in the Observation Tank.

Our Local Expert Says:

Lucy's original name was "Elephant Bazaar"; she was dubbed "Lucy the Elephant" in 1900.

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This beloved six-story architectural landmark in the shape of an elephant has been delighting visitors to the Jersey Shore since its conception in 1881. Originally built as a way to attract visitors to South Altantic City landowner James V. Lafferty, Jr.'s properties, Lucy stands 65 feet high and contains many rooms as well as a spiral staircase which climbs to the top of the edifice. Check out the website for an in-depth account of Lucy's long history.

Our Local Expert Says:

Fun, interactive and educational - well worth a visit!

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Kids of all ages will delight in the exotic menagerie of sea denizens that inhabit this aquarium. Gaze in awe as a live diver enters the 25,000 gallon "Fish of the Mid-Atlantic" tank to hand-feed cownose rays and swim with nurse sharks in an underwater picnic included with admission. Loggerhead Sea Turtles, Moon Jellies and Moray Eels are just a few of the species you'll find here.

Our Local Expert Says:

Be sure to catch the entertaining historical video "Boardwalk Ballyhoo: The Magic of Atlantic City", shown continuously throughout the day.

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Learn about the history of this one-of-a-kind resort in a museum that is free to the public. On display you'll find photographs, postcards, costumes and artifacts that evoke Atlantic City's heyday. Discover things you never knew in the museum's permanent exhibit, "Atlantic City, Playground of the Nation", and learn all about that timeless of American institutions, the Miss America Pageant. The museum's newest exhibit, Shore Deco: Atlantic City Design Between the Wars,1919-1939 is in the Al Gold Photography Gallery.

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Do you want to know a hummingbird's wingspan? What about how far birds fly each season? Stop in at the headquarters and auditorium (weekdays between 10 am and 3 pm) to learn more about birds.

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The Edwin B. Forsythe Wildlife Refuge consists of about 40,000 acres of coastal wetlands that have been set aside as a refuge that acts as a resting place for migratory birds. Anyone who enjoys birdwatching will love it here. There is a wildlife drive and trails open seven days a week, from sunrise to sunset. To get here, take the White Horse Pike to Route 9 North; you'll find the main vehicular entrance on Route 9 just north of Atlantic City.

Our Local Expert Says:

This little gem is off-the-beaten-path but well worth a visit.

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The Noyes certainly covers all aspects and mediums of art. Here, visitors can view the approximately 1313 pieces of 19th to 20th century American art, covering sculpture, photography and painting. Although most of the pieces are part of the private collection of museum founder, Fred W. Noyes, Jr., many other exhibitions grace the museum from up-and-coming painters to seasoned photographers and sculptors.

Our Local Expert Says:

If you want to explore the entire Boardwalk put on your running shoes. It stretches all the way from from Absecon Channel on the northern edge of town into Ventnor to the south.

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The Boardwalk in Atlantic City is the granddaddy of all boardwalks! Dating from 1870, ForbesTraveler.com rates it among the top of the "Top 10 American Boardwalks." Lined with dining, gambling, nightlife and a wealth of fun family attractions (and some not-so-family friendly), this miles-long deck boasts some of the poshest hotel casinos in the world, including Caesar's and the Trump Taj Mahal, as well as some kitschy tourist draws such as the famed Boardwalk Rolling Chairs.

Our Local Expert Says:

Kids will love the Terrapin Station, the first exhibit in the world dedicated to the diamondback terrapin.

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The Wetlands Institute promotes conservation and preservation of coastal ecosystems by making every visitor's experience fun and educational. In the winter, visitors can take self-guided tours of all the Institute's facilities. In the summer,complete guided tours are offered, as well as back bay boat rides, kayaking, live animal shows, family entertainment and guided beach and dune walks. The Salt Marsh Trail offers unparalleled views of migratory birds, fiddler crabs and other creatures, depending on the season.

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Wheaton Arts & Cultural Center, a non-profit organization, celebrates the long history of New Jersey's glass industry. The site features a Museum of American Glass that has over 6,500 pieces. The center is also a place for today's glass makers to come practice their technique and use the provided equipment. The center aims to preserve the history of glass-making and further artistic endeavors. They also accommodate private events.

Our Local Expert Says:

The museum, located in a replicated 1925 Keeper's House, contains interesting exhibits and shipwreck information.

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Walking distance from Showboat Casino, Absecon Lighthouse, the tallest lighthouse in New Jersey and the third tallest in the United States, towers 171 feet over the north end of Absecon Island. Built in 1857, it's the oldest lighthouse in the country. Visitors can explore the museum and gift shop or brave its 228 knee-trembling steps to the top for some truly fabulous views of the Atlantic City skyline.