Family Fun Getaway In Atlantic City

This weekend the family and I were treated to a mini-get away at Harrah’s Resort in Atlantic City, NJ. We were super excited about this trip because it began right after my son’s Kindergarten graduation (which was a post all of its own- would crack you guys up) so we billed this Family trip to Atlantic City as an extended celebration for his graduation.

Day 1

Mr.Complicated and I visit Atlantic City a few times a year, but never with the kids. So we were interested to see how the trip would be with kids. Our group had the pleasure of staying in The Waterfront Tower, the newest tower at the resort. The rooms were beautiful- modern, clean and my son instantly claimed which of the 2 queen beds was going to be his (and his sister’s).

Because we were at Graduation earlier we arrived later in the day- so we met up with some of the other bloggers and their families who were hanging out at Harrah’s Family Fun Center Pool. I was surprised to see that Harrah’s had an entire area devoted to family activities. Not only was there a pool, there was also an arcade and an outdoor area on the roof top with Mini golf and basketball courts! We spent the whole 1st day there and even ordered pizza to the Family Center for dinner.

When we were finally able to tear the kids away from the Family Center we went back up to the room to get the kids ready for bed– but not before they rummaged through their “swag bags” where they enjoyed things like coloring pages, Goldfish crackers and toys from Jack Rabbit Toys, and I enjoyed coupons to for the Atlantic City Outlets and THE. MOST. SINFULLY DELICIOUS Pepperidge Farm Milano cookies ever created– Milano Melts (needless to say- those didn’t last long ;) )

Day 2

The next morning, we got up early to really explore Atlantic City as a family- because even though many see Atlantic City as an “Adult get away” there’s actually still many things for the kids to do.

The highlight for my kids was our visit to Gardeners Basin at  The Atlantic City Aquarium. At the Touch Tanks they were able to safely touch starfish, sting rays, and sharks! This activity is only $5 a person (and the website offers a $1 off coupon!)

My over all recommendation:

Atlantic City definitely calls to adults, however if you can forgo the calling of the slot machines- it is not to be over looked if you’re seeking a mini family getaway. I would absolutely recommend staying at Harrah’s- it is by far the most family friendly resort we’ve stayed at in Atlantic City. If you are staying more than one night, in addition to the great family attractions I’ve mentioned I would also recommend checking out some of the other great family attractions in neighboring towns- such as, Story Book Land in Little Egg Harbor.

The “REAL” Jersey Shore

realjsAfter watching quite a bit of the REALLY bad reality shows that are on tv today, like the Entertainer of Love – 30-something, living in his parents basement … and then watching my 14 year old sister’s Facebook status completely blow up with her and her little friends idolizing the cast of MTV’s “JERSEY SHORE”- I started to worry for my children’s futures.  THIS is the picture of fame and accomplishment? REALLY? .

So I decided I was going to write about it for my blog on NJ.com. My editor asked that I wait off on posting and watch The Jersey Shore’s latest episode before we posted… and so I did.

And while, I still worry for the future of teens who are growing up with their vision of accomplishment as being filmed with “Situations” at Seaside, NJ… I spent the entire show laughing harder than I’ve laughed in a while. Mainly, because it reminded me so much of a day, I knew- not so long ago.

us

Though according to my sister’s friends it’s EONS ago… because they think 29-30yrs old is SO old.. “Gross”.

(sigh)

What these teenagers today, don’t seem to understand is that being young and stupid is something we all do… but there is something about being able to leave those days in the past where no one can see them, that is comforting (lol).. because “Party Girl/Guy” is neither who we aspire to be for the rest of our lives, or what we plan on listing at the top of our resumes.

During my Jersey Shore days, I never had a poof, or a Situation… or the “potty mouth” & Bad attitude that we see on tv today, but my house still had the “guidos”.. and the fist pumps. So I’m going to do something brave and take you down memory lane with me…. 2 towns over from where MTV filmed, BELMAR, NJ…. A place that is only partially being accurately portrayed on MTV (for better or for worse), a place where we were not getting knocked out by random men at bars, or fighting over Flinstone toes… but possibly had suitcases of clothing thrown from balconies and stiletto heels flung at boyfriends. The REAL Jersey shore.