10 Things to Do in Spring Lake, NJ: Outdoor Fun, Attractions, Shopping, and Family Activities
Spring Lake, New Jersey, is hands-down one of the best places to visit on the Jersey Shore.
It’s known for its beautiful beaches, quiet streets, and small-town charm, but there’s so much more to do than that.
You can explore historic villages, ride scenic bike trails, visit exciting museums, go fishing, or even spot whales along the coast.
And there’s plenty of entertainment; you can play classic arcade games, catch a live theater show, or visit an indoor amusement park full of fun activities.
But, of course, no trip is complete without a stop at the boardwalk for funnel cake and saltwater taffy—it would be rude not to.
Spring Lake has plenty to offer no matter what kind of trip you’re planning—a relaxing weekend, a family getaway, or a fun day out with friends.
So, here’s a complete guide to the best things to do in Spring Lake and the nearby area so you can make the most of your visit!
- Explore History at Allaire Historic Village
Location: 4265 Atlantic Ave, Wall Township, NJ 07727
Contact: (732) 919-3500 | allairevillage.org
If you’ve ever wanted to see what life was like in the early 1800s, then Allaire Historic Village is the perfect place for you.
Tucked inside the beautiful Allaire State Park, this restored iron-making town gives you a real sense of what it was like to live and work nearly two centuries ago.
As you stroll through, you’ll find historic buildings like the blacksmith shop, carpentry shop, general store, and church, plus a bakery where they still make fresh bread the old-fashioned way.
The best part is that costumed guides bring history to life, showing you exactly how metal was forged, wood was carved, and goods were sold back in the day.
And if you love a good event, the village hosts some really fun ones throughout the year, from Civil War reenactments to fall festivals and even a magical holiday candlelight tour, where the streets glow with lanterns.
On top of all this, you can even try pottery, weaving, or iron forging workshops.
After soaking up all that history, you can take a break in the surrounding park, where you’ll find some of the best hiking trails, picnic areas, and even a peaceful spot along the Manasquan River for a little fishing.
- Go Fishing on the Big Mohawk Fishing Charter
Location: 905 NJ-35, Belmar, NJ 07719
Contact: (732) 974-9606 | bigmohawk.com
If you’re looking for a fun day out on the water, then you’ve got to check out The Big Mohawk, one of the best fishing charters in New Jersey.
This spacious and well-equipped boat leaves Belmar Marina and is captained by Captain Hueth, an experienced and highly skilled Fisherman who knows all the best fishing spots along the Jersey Shore.
The crew makes sure you have everything you need, from bait and rods to expert tips on how to reel in a fluke, sea bass, striped bass, and blackfish.
Even if you’ve never fished a day in your life, they’ll walk you through it so you can feel like a pro by the time you cast your first line.
There are both morning and afternoon trips, so you can choose the best time that works for you, whether you want a half-day or a full-day adventure.
And if you manage to hook a big one, some local restaurants will even cook your fresh catch for you, so you can sit back and enjoy perhaps the tastiest seafood you’ve ever had.
- Ride the Edgar Felix Bike Path
Trailhead: Main St & North Main St, Manasquan, NJ
For a good bike ride, jog, or stroll, the Edgar Felix Bike Path is a great little trip.
It’s a paved trail that runs for about 5.2 miles, connecting Manasquan, Wall Township, and Allaire State Park.
As you ride along, you’ll pass through quiet neighborhoods, open fields, and wooded areas, giving you a nice mix of scenery.
About halfway through, you’ll come across a charming little general store in Allenwood, where you can grab a snack, refill your water bottle, and take a break at one of the picnic tables.
One of the coolest parts of the trail is the two pedestrian bridges that take you right over the Garden State Parkway, and it gives you a picturesque view of the surrounding landscape.
But it doesn’t have to stop there; you can keep going into Allaire State Park, where you’ll find even more trails and historic spots to explore.
Since the trail is completely paved and mostly flat, it’s perfect for all skill levels, whether you’re a seasoned cyclist or just looking for a relaxed ride.
- Visit Insectopolis – The Bug Museum
Location: 1761 U.S. 9, Toms River, NJ 08755
Contact: (732) 349-7090 | insectropolis.com
Even if bugs usually make you squirm, Insectopolis might just change your mind.
This super fun and interactive bug museum has thousands of creepy crawlies from around the world, including tarantulas, scorpions, butterflies, and even some of the biggest beetles you’ve ever seen.
The exhibits are designed to feel like a mini jungle, with lots of hands-on displays that let you see how insects live, hunt, and survive in the wild.
If you’re feeling brave, you can even hold a giant millipede, a stick bug, or a hissing cockroach—yes, it actually hisses, and it’s weirdly cool.
They also have live demonstrations where you can watch ants build tunnels, see how predatory bugs catch their food, and learn why bees and butterflies are so important to the environment.
It’s the perfect spot for kids, families, or anyone who’s even a little curious about the tiny creatures that run our world.
And once you’ve seen these bugs up close, you might just walk away with a whole new appreciation for them.
- Indoor Fun at iPlay America
Location: 110 Schanck Rd, Freehold, NJ 07728
Contact: (732) 577-8200 | iplayamerica.com
If you’re in the mood for non-stop fun, meet your new best friend: iPlay America.
This massive, 150,000-square-foot indoor amusement park has everything you could want for a full day of entertainment.
You can race go-karts on an indoor track, battle it out in a multi-level laser tag arena, or test your luck on over 250 arcade games.
And there’s also a spinning coaster, bumper cars, and even virtual reality experiences.
Plus, you can have a go on the many old-school pinball machines and retro arcade games; they never get old.
I can’t forget about their candy store, either, since it’s loaded with all kinds of treats, and there’s even a mini bowling alley and a sports bar.
They also throw live concerts, DJ nights, and special events, not to mention they offer birthday packages where you can rent private event spaces.
- See Marine Life at Jenkinson’s Aquarium & Boardwalk
Location: 300 Ocean Ave, Point Pleasant Beach, NJ 08742
Contact: (732) 892-0600 | jenkinsons.com
Jenkinson’s Aquarium is a blissful day out where you can get lost in the world of marine life, and if you haven’t been, it’s worth the trip.
This aquarium, right on the Point Pleasant Beach Boardwalk, is home to sharks, penguins, seals, and hundreds of colorful fish.
One of the biggest highlights is the shark tank, where you can watch these fascinating predators swim just inches away from you.
The penguin exhibit is always a favorite, especially during feeding times when you can see them waddle around and dive into the water.
Over at the harbor seal habitat, you’ll meet playful seals that love interacting with visitors.
Besides the main exhibits, the aquarium also has touch tanks where you can feel stingrays, sea stars, and even horseshoe crabs.
Once you’ve explored the aquarium, take a stroll along the Point Pleasant Boardwalk, where you’ll find classic arcade games, amusement rides, and mini-golf.
And, of course, you can’t visit the boardwalk without grabbing some funnel cake, saltwater taffy, or a slice of fresh boardwalk pizza.
- Shop at Jersey Shore Premium Outlets
Location: 1 Premium Outlet Blvd, Tinton Falls, NJ 07753
Contact: (732) 918-1700 | premiumoutlets.com
As far as scoring great deals goes, Jersey Shore Premium Outlets is the best place on the shore to do so.
This outdoor shopping center has 120 designer and name-brand stores, all offering discounts from 25% to 65% off.
You’ll find big brands like Nike, Adidas, Michael Kors, Coach, J.Crew Factory, and Kate Spade—just to name a few.
The outlets also have a food court where you can take a break with a coffee or grab a quick bite.
Parking is free, and the layout makes it easy to walk from store to store without getting overwhelmed.
- Go Whale Watching with Jersey Shore Whale Watch
Location: 905 NJ-35, Belmar, NJ 07719
Contact: (732) 451-6003 | jerseyshorewhalewatch.com
If you’ve never seen a whale up close, now’s your chance.
Jersey Shore Whale Watching Tours take you out from Belmar Marina for an unforgettable boat ride along the New Jersey coastline.
From April through November, humpback whales migrate through the area, giving you a great chance to see them in their natural habitat.
It’s not just whales—these trips often spot dolphins, sea turtles, and even sharks swimming alongside the boat.
The tour guides are marine experts, so you’ll also learn interesting facts about the local ocean ecosystem and the animals that call it home.
Most tours last about three to four hours, and the boat has indoor and outdoor seating, so you can enjoy the ride no matter the weather.
If you’re lucky, you might even see a whale breach—which means it jumps out of the water, so keep your camera handy.
Don’t forget to bring a light jacket, though—it can get breezy out on the water.
- Catch a Show at Spring Lake Theater
Location: 300 Madison Ave, Spring Lake, NJ 07762
Contact: (732) 449-4530 | springlaketheatre.com
At Spring Lake Theater, you can catch a Broadway-style performance without leaving the Jersey Shore.
Since 1978, this theater has been known for producing high-quality musicals, comedies, and dramas that rival professional productions.
Each season, they present six major shows featuring incredible actors, detailed sets, and stunning costumes.
Past productions have included hits like Les Misérables, Mamma Mia!, and The Sound of Music.
The theater itself is a beautifully renovated historic venue that seats over 350 guests.
An added bonus: Opening night tickets for some performances are often donated to local charities, so it’s a great way to support the community.
- Play Classic Games at Silverball Pinball Museum
Location: 1000 Ocean Ave, Asbury Park, NJ 07712
Contact: (732) 774-4994 | silverballmuseum.com
You can’t beat classic arcade games, and Silverball Pinball Museum in Asbury Park is where you’ll have a field day.
Seriously, this place is a fully interactive arcade with over 600 pinball machines and vintage video games.
You’ll find everything from 1950s pinball machines to 1980s arcade classics like Pac-Man and Space Invaders.
Instead of paying per game, you pay for time, meaning you can play as much as you want for one set price.
The games are well-maintained and in perfect working condition, and there’s also a snack bar serving classic boardwalk favorites like hot dogs, fries, and fresh pizza.
As it’s right on the Asbury Park Boardwalk, you can easily step outside to walk the beach, grab an ice cream, or check out live music at nearby venues.
And there you have it!
Spring Lake and the surrounding Jersey Shore area have so many fun things to do, no matter what you enjoy.
We’ve covered the highlights, and now it’s up to you.
What activity on this list will you do first?
