Photo: Heather Cooper
Photo: Jeff Stilwell
Photo: Todd Roberts
Steel Pier
★4.3(5,801 reviews)$$Amusement Park
🕑 3-4 hours👶 Best for ages 4-14. Younger elementary kids will love the gentler rides and arcade games, while tweens and teens can enjoy the roller coaster and more thrilling attractions. Toddlers can participate in some activities but may be too small for many rides.🧡 Saved by 25 families
About
Steel Pier delivers classic boardwalk excitement with its perfect blend of thrilling rides, timeless arcade games, and stunning Atlantic Ocean views. This historic Atlantic City landmark offers everything from a towering Ferris wheel to kid-friendly attractions, making it an essential stop for families seeking traditional seaside amusement park fun without the overwhelming size of larger theme parks.
Highlights
- ✓Giant Ferris wheel offering breathtaking views of the Atlantic City skyline and ocean
- ✓Classic wooden roller coaster that delivers thrills for older kids
- ✓Extensive arcade with games, prizes, and tickets to redeem
- ✓Multiple family-friendly rides suitable for younger children
- ✓Spectacular ocean views and photo opportunities from the pier extending over the water
Pro Tips
- 1.Purchase an unlimited ride wristband if you're planning to stay more than 2 hours - it pays for itself after about 5-6 rides and eliminates the stress of kids begging for 'just one more'
- 2.Arrive during weekday afternoons in summer to avoid weekend crowds, and head straight to the popular rides first before lines build up
- 3.Bring sunscreen and hats as there's limited shade on the pier - reapply frequently with ocean breezes making the sun exposure deceptive
- 4.Check the pier's event calendar before visiting as they host fireworks displays and special entertainment that kids absolutely love
- 5.Use the boardwalk tram to get to Steel Pier if you're parking farther away - kids enjoy the ride and it saves energy for the actual attractions
Best Time to Visit
Weekday mornings or early afternoons during late spring (May-June) or early fall (September) offer the best experience with pleasant weather, shorter lines, and less crowded conditions than peak summer months. Avoid weekend evenings in July and August when crowds peak.
What to Know
Steel Pier charges per ride or offers unlimited ride wristbands (typically better value for families). Parking is available in nearby lots and garages along the boardwalk. Food options include on-pier restaurants and snack stands, plus numerous boardwalk eateries within walking distance.
Seasonal Notes
Steel Pier operates seasonally from late March/early April through late October/early November, with full daily operations during summer months (June-August). Spring and fall typically see weekend-only hours. The pier hosts special Halloween events in October and occasionally extends hours for holiday weekends.
Nearby Eats
Head to Boardwalk Taco for quick, kid-friendly Mexican fare, or visit White House Sub Shop (Atlantic City institution since 1946) just a short walk away for massive sandwiches the whole family can share.
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