By Amy L. Gouger
Atlantic City, New Jersey, is most known for casinos and gambling for those older than 21. The history of the area started rather innocently enough with a boarding house. It grew into a vacation spot for prominent
Philadelphia residents. The famous Atlantic City boardwalk was rebuilt after a hurricane. While Atlantic City draws in gamblers from all over, it sports many less-advertised activities for those 21 and younger.
Steel Pier Amusements
On the boardwalk, the Steel Pier opened in 1898. It hit its heyday in the 1920s to 1950s with famous musicians such as Frank Sinatra and shows such as the Diving Horse. Casinos started the decline of the Steel Pier. A fire finished it off in 1982. Rebuilt and under new management, the Steel Pier thrives again. Expect great shows, amusement games, a variety of boardwalk food and rides. The 24 rides include Giant Slide, Double Decker Carousel and Flip-n-Fly Trampolines.
Steel Pier Amusements
1000 Boardwalk
Atlantic City, NJ 08401
(609) 345-4893
Atlantic City Historical Museum
The Atlantic City Historical Museum explores Atlantic City's past. The city developed into a prominent gambling location, though it began as a vacation spot. Atlantic City hosted the Miss America pageant in its infancy. Permanent exhibits include "Atlantic City" and "Playground of the Nation." Admission is free. Recommended by the museum, the Atlantic City Art Center sits nearby.
Atlantic City Historical Museum
204 S. Vermont Ave.
Atlantic City, NJ 08404
(609) 347-5839
Atlantic City Aquarium
This aquarium plays dual roles as an aquarium and a marine science center. It accommodates 100 fish, including Morey eels. Visitors also see north stingray, tiger sharks, sea bass and kingfish. The aquarium uses a wind tunnel and a model sailboat in an interactive exhibit to show the difficulty of sailing.
Atlantic City Aquarium
800 N. New Hampshire Ave.
Atlantic City, NJ 08401
(609) 348-2880
Lighthouse
The Absecon Lighthouse stands 171 feet tall. Take 228 steps, and you are at the top and seeing a magnificent view of the New Jersey shore. The lighthouse took only 2 years to construct. For 76 years, the lighthouse warned of shore and stones before closing in 1933. In 1970, it became recognized as a historical landmark. Restoration began in 1997. A fire destroyed the light keeper's house. The tower survived and opened to the public in 1999. After restoration and rebuilding, the light keeper's house opened to the public in 2001. The lighthouse celebrated its 150th anniversary in 2007.
Absecon Lighthouse
31 S. Rhode Island Ave.
Atlantic City, NJ 08401
(609) 449-1360
Imax Theatre
Located at Tropicana, the Imax theater is a unique viewing experience. It brings viewers right into the action with large screens, crisp images and digital sound. Imax also uses 3-D with some films, including "Under the Sea 3-D." Films at Imax Theatres may be made only for Imax or running concurrently at regular theaters.
Imax Theatre at Tropicana Casino and resort
2831 Boardwalk
Atlantic City, NJ 08401
(609) 340-4000
Ripley's Believe It Or Not! Museum
Ripley's Believe It Or Not! Museums are the product of Robert Ripley's quest for odd things. The building itself is an oddity. It looks as though a wreaking ball is splitting the building in half. The Ripley's collection fills 27 museums. Ripley's Atlantic City displays a scale model of the Santa Maria made of matchsticks, Fiji Island Mermaid and a statue of Michael Jordon made of paper, plastic and glass shards.
Ripley's Believe It Or Not!
1441 Boardwalk
Atlantic City, NJ 08401
(609) 347-2001
Playcade Amusements
It's gambling for kids. Video games and slot machines are only two types of games kids and grownups can play. Playcade Amusements is an old-fashioned arcade with various prizes. It is great place to take the whole family.
Playcade Amusements
2629 Boardwalk
Atlantic City, NJ 08401
(609) 345-4893
About the Author:
Amy L. Gouger holds a Bachelor of Arts in English from East Stroudsburg University. Previously a technical agent, she now serves as a ghostwriter and contributor to various online publications.
