For years, LBI has been known to serve as arguably the best family friendly island on the Jersey Shore. From nights filled with thrill and excitement at Fantasy Island to long, hot walks on the beach, LBI has it all. However, some activities for teens often fall under the radar.
Whether you are a local and down for the summer or are visiting for the week, there’s always a hidden gem to discover. For those teenagers looking to branch away from the rest of the family and spend a night out with their friends or a day filled with adventure, here are the top ten activities on LBI for teenagers to enjoy.
🏕️ Adventurous Teen
Breathtaking Views and Out-of-Breath Climbs:
See the Top of Old Barney
As natural elevation on the island is sparse, the Barnegat Lighthouse makes up for the lack of high terrain. From 9 am to 3 pm daily, put on your hiking boots and gear up to climb the 217 steps that the renowned historic site has to offer. Commissioned in 1834, the 172 foot tall structure offers panoramic views of the beautiful, natural landscape around it. At the top, climbers can observe fishing boats entering and exiting the Barnegat Inlet while also taking in a three-sixty view of the Northern end of Long Beach Island, the Southern shoreline of Island Beach State Park, and the vastness of the Atlantic Ocean. However, not only will you see the world from the height of a seagull’s flight, but the trek to the top of the Lighthouse also entails small rooms part of the original lighthouse. These rooms offer both a good history lesson and a second to breathe for those who underestimated the climb.
In addition to the daily hours the Lighthouse maintains, Old Barney also offers night climbs on select nights in the summer to admire a picturesque sunset over Barnegat Bay or a chance to get up close and personal with a full moon.
While full moon climbs are only hosted on select dates, teens eager to climb Old Barney earlier in the day can get into the lighthouse through making a donation to the Barnegat Lighthouse State Park at its doors.
Soaring over LBI: Parasailing Around Barnegat Bay
Want to see the island from the view of a seagull but don’t want to hike up 217 stairs to do so? LBI Parasail around Barnegat Bay offers beautiful bird’s eye views with less sweat and tears. With discounts applied for an adventurous friend group of six or more eager to travel with the Atlantic breeze, LBI Parasail provides a sixty to ninety minute boat ride. During the adventure, riders are guaranteed ten to twelve minute parasail flight’s between 250 and 300 feet in the sky.
Even better, LBI Parasail offers riders a photo package while on the boat. Here, LBI Parasail staff take approximately forty photos of a parasail flight with a professional digital camera and a high powered zoom lens. These pictures are then sent directly to the parasailer’s iPhone.
Not only does LBI Parasail provide a plethora of photos and a big splash in the ocean (optional), but it also comes with a lifetime of laughter and a story that teens will never forget. Tickets for parasailing experiences can be bought within the coming months on the LBI Parasail website.
🧘The Chill Teen
Yoga: From the Studio to the Beach
Not a night-owl? Yoga on the beach is perfect for teens who enjoy rising with the sun and seeking a serene environment, either by the comfort of waves crashing or wind chimes dancing. If that last sentence sounded like a perfect safe haven for you, Yoga Bohemia is the go-to spot for Yoga on the island. Yoga Bohemia offers summer classes seven days a week, catering to all yoga styles, with locations both in Surf City and Beach Haven. Around 100 classes per week are offered across three studios, as well as beach and stand-up paddle board sessions. Yoga Bohemia uses professionally-trained instructors to guide yogis through an array of classes: from slow flow and restorative to slightly more intense vinyasa. And don’t worry, if you still can’t touch the tip of your toes like some of us, these classes are a judgement free zone!
Besides a calm mind and a relaxing time, you can actually leave the studio with a tangible souvenir. Both studios are filled with handcrafted and locally made products, from jewelry and accessories to activewear and loungewear. Everything found at Yoga Bohemia is environmentally friendly, recycled, and reclaimed.
For those interested in yoga classes in or out of the studio, yogis can sign up beforehand on Yoga Bohemia’s website.
Catching Rays: Picnic on the Barnegat Light Sand Dunes
As almost all of Long Beach Islands’ sand dunes are off limits for vacationers and locals, Barnegat Light is the only exception. Starting from East 18th Street and stretching into Barnegat Lighthouse State Park, the sand dune paths house natural greenery, beautiful ocean views, and a lot of sand. Whether teens are looking for an aesthetic picnic spot to romanticize the island’s charm or want to find a picturesque setting for their next instagram post with the caption “life’s a beach,” the sand dunes are a perfect place for relaxation, long walks, and good talks.
On the peak of the dunes, explorers can spot the top of Old Barney herself, or can see the countless boats, jet skis, and charters passing through the Barnegat Inlet. Whether sitting down with a best friend for a catch up or grabbing your surfboards and riding the waves, make sure to stop at How You Brewin’ or The Local for the best iced lattes on the north side of the island to bring to this secret spot.
🎨 The Artsy Teen
From Nature to Stained Glass: SwellColors Glass Studio
Longing for a high school art class while on the island? SwellColors Glass Studio, located in Surf City, offers a collection of classes for the teen that can’t get enough of their imagination. From creating handmade fused glass ornaments and mosaics to using professional tools to produce stained glass windows and mosaic signs, SwellColors Glass Studio turns LBI nature into glass works of art. You can even create a fused glass ice cream bowl to enjoy the biggest scoops on the island from Surf City’s The Big Dipper. No matter what way you want to express your artistic abilities, SwellColors is the perfect place to put down the paintbrush and play with the kiln. Depending on the class, some activities may accept walk-ins but entry for other classes can be bought on the SwellColors Glass Studio website.
From the Beach to the Canvas: LBI Foundation Art Classes
For teens with parents urging them to put down their phone, LBI Foundation allows teens to pick up a paintbrush and connect with a canvas at their array of art classes. Located in Loveladies, the classes at LBI Foundation are instructed by experienced local artists that teach technique and balance, as well as encourage creativity. Whether teenagers are looking to unleash their inner artist or want to take up a new hobby, LBI Foundation offers a span of different classes with an abundance of styles. From block printing tote bags and learning watercolor techniques to creating sterling silver stain glass necklaces and figure sculpting. LBI Foundation provides a blend of versatility and talent and is the perfect place to put the brain to work after a week on the beach.
More information about class schedules and prices can be found on the LBI Foundation website.
📖The Bookworm Teen
Between the Shelves: Book Shopping at The Dune Market
For teens that would prefer to dive into a book rather than LBI’s high tide, The Dune Market’s extensive collection of literature housed in their visually pleasing shop has everything to offer. From fantasy and romance to historical fiction and thriller, The Dune Market’s assortment of books are spread across a range of genres. With walls covered in shelves filled with stories, this beachy rustic shop with a hint of boho chique offers an experience of uniqueness and tranquility. The houseware and self-care items set The Dune Market apart from other stores on the island, as well as floods customers with comfort and relaxation.
In addition to its storefront, The Dune Market also organizes monthly book club meetings. Each month of the summer, The Dune Market chooses one summer-themed book for participants to read and hosts one meeting at the end of the month, taking place on the beach in Beach Haven. With toes in the sand and body in a beach chair, these book club meetings are ideal for teen bookworms who want to make new friends and bond over a good book. All readers need are the book of the month and a beach chair. More information about monthly books and gatherings can be found on The Dune Market’s website.
From Historical Fiction to Historical Sites:
LBI Book Store and Beach Haven Library
Finished reading every book you packed for vacation? No problem, LBI Book Store has four floors full of books to choose from. From cult classics to new and up and coming authors, one truly feels surrounded by literature in this book haven. Located in Bay Village, LBI Book Store has pieces for all ages sold at reasonable prices, and even accepts used books to add to their extensive collection. Whether you are eagerly craving a trip to the English countryside or a flight to space, LBI Book Store will have a story for all of your fantasies.
For teens staying down for the whole summer, it might be worth investing in a Library Card at the Beach Haven Public Library. Not only does the Library house a wide variety of genres, however its historical appeal sets the structure apart from other Libraries in the area. With rustic brick floors and a second-floor indoor balcony, this one hundred year old Library brings cozy vibes to life with its intimate feel. Additionally, on the second floor, readers can check out the small, yet captivating museum that transports visitors back in time to the 1800s Beach Haven society. The building truly is a story in itself and its books are not the only interesting narrative the Beach Haven Public Library has to offer.
🏄The Sporty Teen
Ride the Waves: Surf Lessons at the Wave Hog
Whether riding offshore on whitewater and catching the waves like a pro or attempting to stand up on the board for the first time, you can live out your “gnarliest” surf dreams at the Wave Hog Surf Shop. The Wave Hog not only sells and rents out surf boards, however also offers surfing lessons through their Matador Surf School. Teens of all sizes are provided a board that will fit them the best, as well as a wetsuit and beach badges for the entirety of their lesson. Teens will also be taught by professional surfing instructors in a safe, yet exciting environment. The Wave Hog Surf Shop and the Matador Surf School make sure that their students are stoked for their lessons and who knows: sometimes a wipeout can lead to a hang ten.
Whether trying to surf like John B from Outer Banks or want to pick up a new hobby, more information about surfing lessons and rental prices can be found on the Wave Hog’s website.
“Hole” Lot of Fun: Mini Golfing at Hartland Golf
Mini golf isn’t just a game of talent and ability, but also of patience. At Hartland Golf, you might end up breaking up a friend group but one person is bound to come home with a victory and a “hole” lot of bragging rights (pun intended). Hartland Golf, known for claiming the title of #1 voted mini golf course on LBI, blends traditional aspects of the jersey shore with family fun. Located right off of Long Beach Boulevard in Ship Bottom, the golf course is ideal for teens looking for a fun night out with a side of strong competition.
Upon completing the course, golfers can play to win inside the Hartland Golf arcade or can help themselves to a refresher at the counter. Hartland Golf not only offers a good match, but also an experience and a night full of laughter and heavy competition.
Besides daily golf matches, Hartland Golf also hosts weekly tournaments every Wednesday in the summer at 9:00 am. Players can compete to win trophies for the best scores or get a chance to win a prize drawing, with two hundred dollars worth of prizes.
And there you have it — a few fun ideas to get teens out of bed and off on an island adventure. Whether they’re looking for a full-day excursion or just a quick break from the beach, there’s truly something for every teen on LBI. As a current local teen myself, I can say there’s never a reason to be bored — there’s always something happening on the island.
About the Author
Born in North Jersey, Aiden spends his summers and weekends with his family and friends in Beach Haven West and Long Beach Island. Aiden is a rising high school senior who is an active member of his schools’ theater department and other clubs, including Vice President of the World Cultures Club, Environmental Club, and Peer Pals Club. On the island, Aiden has worked as a Beach Badge Checker for three summers, and enjoys exploring the island and shopping with his friends in his free time.