Little Beach Big Adventures: July 19-26

Week 5 - July 19 - 26

Hi, I’m Kezi! Proud wife, mom of four, and longtime local here on the beautiful stretch of Long Beach Island. Whether it’s your first visit or you've lost count, I’m here to help make your family trip unforgettable. From kid-approved activities to can’t-miss local eats, consider me your go-to guide for making the most of your time on LBI.

Welcome back to another summer on Long Beach Island

Summer is in full swing on Long Beach Island, and the island is buzzing with energy, excitement, and endless sunshine. The beaches are golden, the ocean breeze is just right, and every block has something happening—from outdoor concerts to kids’ camps to unforgettable ice cream nights. Whether you’re here for just a weekend escape or you’re lucky enough to be spending the whole season by the shore, this week on LBI is filled with something for everyone. Think surf lessons at sunrise, craft fairs and vendor markets during the day, and music under the stars at night. It’s the kind of summer rhythm that makes LBI such a beloved destination for families year after year.

So grab your beach bag, slather on the sunscreen, and get ready to make some memories!

😎 The Lineup

📕 Bayview Park Story Walk
Saturday July 19 – Sunday July 20
Surf City Library @ Bayview Park

🖼️ 38th Annual Arts Festival
Sunday July 20 | 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Harvey Cedars / Sunset Park

🏄‍♀️ 17th Annual Coquina Jam
Sunday, July 20 | 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Brant Beach / 68th Street

🧸 Kids Corner Ages 5-8
Monday, July 21 | 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM
Holgate / Field Station

🧒 Baby Bookworms Ages 0-24 months
Monday, July 21 | 10:00 AM – 10:30 AM
Surf City Library

🖍️ Drop In Craft
Monday, July 21 | 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Surf City Library

🍅 Surf City Farmers Market
Monday, July 21 | 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Surf City

🎄Family Nights/ Christmas in July
Monday, July 21 | 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Brant Beach/Bayview Park

🎉 Mix Up Monday Vendor Village
Monday, July 21 | 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Brant Beach/Bayview Park

🎈Kids Night at Sunset Park
Tuesday, July 22 | 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Harvey Cedars

🍳 Breakfast with SpongeBob
Tuesday, July 22 | 7:30 AM
Beach Haven/Queen City Kitchen

🐢 Terrapin Tuesday
Tuesday, July 22 | 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Holgate / Field Station

🐠 Bay Day 
Tuesday, July 22
|  9:00 AM – 10:00 AM
Surf City Bay beach 

🪡 Basic Weaving
Tuesday, July 22 | 10:30 AM – 11:30 AM
Surf City Library

🎨 Krafty Kids Tuesdays/ Crafting with Shells
Tuesday, July 22 | 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Brant Beach/Bayview Park

🐚 Teen Tuesday Ages 10-14/ Trivia
Tuesday, July 22 | 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Brant Beach/Bayview Park

🦀 Critter Round Up
Tuesday, July 22 | 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Ship Bottom Bay Beach

💦 Make Waves Wednesday
Wednesday, July 23 | 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM
Holgate / Field Station

🌅 Sunset Craft and Vendor Market
Wednesday, July 23 | 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Beach Haven

📸 Seas The Day Thursday
Thursday, July 24 | 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Holgate / Field Station

🌳 Gardening with Native Plants
Thursday, July 24 | 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Holgate / Feild Station

🪄 Be A Magician 
Thursday, July 24 | 2:30 PM – 3:30 PM
Surf City Library

🌊 Bay Day at Bayview Park
Thursday, July 24 | 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Brant Beach

🧚‍♀️ Fairy House Craft Ages 5-12
Friday, July 25 | 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Surf City Library

☀️ Field Station Friday
Friday, July 25 | 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Holgate / Field Station

🤶 Christmas in July Craft and Music Fair
Friday, July 25 | 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Beach Haven

🥁 Bucket Drumming
Friday, July 25 | 10:00 AM
Beach Haven / Bay Village Playground

 

🍔 Family Restaurant of the Week

Uncle Will's

Featured image of Uncle Will's in Long Beach Island Lifestyle Page
Credit: Photo by The Guarino Team | Source

There’s a reason Uncle Will’s Pancake House has been a beloved Long Beach Island institution for over 50 years. Located right in the heart of Beach Haven, this cozy, colorful spot isn’t just about breakfast—it’s about tradition, flavor, and family memories served up with every plate. If you’re spending time on LBI this summer, make sure a visit to Uncle Will’s is at the top of your list.

Photo by Uncle Will's

🌞 Why We Love It:

Uncle Will’s isn’t just a breakfast spot—it’s an experience. From the whimsical pig decor to the smell of sizzling bacon and cinnamon wafting out the door, every detail makes you feel like you’ve stepped into a seaside diner dream. Whether you’re an early riser or strolling in post-beach morning, it’s a cozy space that welcomes everyone.

And the food? Absolutely worth the hype and the icing on the pan…cake: Uncle Will’s was just named one of the Top 10 Pancake Spots in New Jersey! 🥇🥞 If you needed another reason to stop in, their perfectly fluffy, golden pancakes now come with a side of bragging rights.

🥞 What to Order:

    •    Banana Pecan Pancakes – fluffy, warm, and full of flavor

    •    Pacific Coast Benedict – a beachy twist on a brunch classic

    •    French Toast with Strawberries – sweet, dreamy perfection

    •    Signature Omelets – packed with fresh ingredients and always satisfying

    •    Pork Roll, Egg & Cheese Sandwich – a Jersey must-try

Everything is made with care, served hot, and guaranteed to fuel your LBI adventures for the day ahead.

🐷 Family Friendly & Fun

Uncle Will’s is a hit with kids and grown-ups alike. The bright decor and friendly service make it an stress-free outing with little ones, and the extensive menu means there’s something for even the pickiest eaters. Bonus points: the pig-themed mugs and shirts make for the cutest souvenirs! Don’t forget to snap a pic with the famous pig!

📍Uncle Will’s Pancake House

3 S Bay Ave, Beach Haven, NJ

Open Daily | Breakfast & Lunch

Featured image of Uncle Will's in Long Beach Island Lifestyle Page

🗺️ Adventure of the Week

Brant Beach Sunrise Surf | Photo by Alien Ker
Brant Beach Sunrise Surf | Photo by Alien Ker

🏕️ Summer Camps on LBI: Where Fun, Friends & Sun Collide! ☀️

When it comes to keeping kids happy and engaged during the summer, Long Beach Island has no shortage of exciting, action-packed camps. Whether your child is a budding athlete, a future performer, or just loves making new friends in the sun, LBI offers a wide range of camps that help them grow, learn, and have a blast. Here’s a roundup of some of the top summer camps happening on the island this season:

🎾 Eyes on the Ball Tennis Camp

If your child dreams of serving aces and mastering their backhand, Eyes on the Ball Tennis Camp is a must. This camp focuses on skill-building, match play, and teamwork in a fun, encouraging environment. It’s a great way for kids to improve their game and stay active.

⚽ Rushmore Soccer Academy

Rushmore Soccer offers week-long camps throughout the summer designed for kids who live and breathe soccer. With a strong focus on ball control, technique, and game strategy, players walk away feeling more confident and game-ready.

🥍 Brothers Lacrosse Camp

For the lacrosse lover in your life, Brothers Lacrosse Camp is one of LBI’s most popular sports-focused camps. Coached by collegiate players and high school coaches, this camp is all about elevating your child’s skills, fitness, and game IQ.

🏊 St. Francis Swimming Lessons & Camp

The St. Francis Community Center offers both structured swim lessons and all-day summer camp options. With certified lifeguards and instructors, it’s the perfect setting for kids to learn water safety, build swimming skills, and enjoy indoor and outdoor fun.

🩰 Art & Dance Camps at Surflight Theatre

If you have a little star on your hands, Surflight Theatre offers camps in musical theatre, dance, and acting. Kids can take the stage and work with professional performers to bring scenes and shows to life by the end of the week.

🏄‍♀️ Surf’s Up! Surf Camps for Kids

Avacado Surf Camp

South End Surf Camp

Spray Beach Surf Lessons

There’s no better place to learn to surf than right here on Long Beach Island. With soft sandy beaches, friendly waves, and experienced local instructors, LBI is a dream spot for kids to get comfortable in the water and build surf skills — whether it’s their first time on a board or they’re looking to level up. Here are the best surf camps and lessons happening this summer across the island.

🚲 Bike and Surrey Rentals

Not a camp but a fun ride the whole family can enjoy. Whether you’re looking for a cruiser, tandem bike, kid-sized ride, or one with a basket for beach towels and iced coffee runs — LBI has plenty of rental spots with hourly, daily, or weekly options.

Surf Buggy Bike Shop

Shore Brake Cyclery

Farias

☀️ Whether your child wants to run, splash, dance, or score goals, there’s a summer camp on LBI that’s perfect for them. But spots fill up fast – don’t wait to sign up!

✨ And don’t forget – these camps not only keep your kids entertained, but also help them build confidence, make friends, and create summer memories they’ll never forget.

About Me

Screenshot

Hello! I’m a proud wife and mother of four living on the beautiful seaside stretch of Long Beach Island, NJ—where the days are full of sand (a lot of it!), saltwater, and just enough chaos to keep life interesting.

My life is a blend of beach days, dance recitals, grocery runs and baseball games. I’m passionate about making memories with my crew, mornings by the ocean, Sunday dinners (that are normally a little loud), enjoying coastal sunsets, planning adventures, solo target runs, strong coffee and I find joy in the beautiful, messy moments of motherhood.

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