Belmar sits on the Monmouth County shore, between Avon-by-the-Sea and Spring Lake. It has a real downtown, a mile of boardwalk, and a marina on the Shark River. Four playgrounds sit right on the sand, which makes beach days easier with toddlers. Better still, the boardwalk and beaches stay open all year.
Getting Your Bearings in Belmar
Ocean Avenue runs along the beach, and the boardwalk follows it from First Avenue to Twentieth Avenue. That adds up to about one mile, which suits a stroller and a short attention span. Main Street runs a few blocks inland and has many of the shops and restaurants. The NJ TRANSIT North Jersey Coast Line stops in town, so guests can arrive without a car.
Parking takes some planning on summer weekends. Meters cover the boardwalk blocks, so arrive early. Streets a few blocks inland often have free spaces. A free lot also sits at Dempsey Park, at 16th and Railroad Avenues.
Beach badges are required from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day. Children 13 and under are free. Outside that window, fall visitors skip the badge. Still, check the borough beach site for current rules before you go.
Top Things to Do with Little Ones
Belmar Boardwalk and the Beach Playgrounds
The boardwalk makes an easy stroller route in the morning or after dinner. Belmar also has four beachfront playgrounds, at 4th, 8th, 12th, and 16th Avenues. Kids can swing and slide without leaving the sand. Pick the one closest to your rental and make it a daily stop.
Maclearie Park
Maclearie Park sits beside the marina on Route 35, along the Shark River. The fenced Ed Brown Playground has a scale model of a plane that kids can climb aboard. Shaded picnic tables and grills make lunch simple. The water views also give parents a calm break after a busy beach morning.
Marina Mini Golf
Marina Mini Golf sits at the Belmar Manutti Municipal Marina. Toddlers usually care more about the ball than the score. Meanwhile, fishing boats and charters give small kids plenty to watch. Hours depend on the weather, so call 732-749-3800 before you go.
Jane Magovern’s Playground
Jane Magovern’s Playground sits at 8th Avenue and C Street, beside Silver Lake. It offers a calmer option when the beach playgrounds fill up. The grassy paths nearby also work well for a stroller nap.
Where to Eat with Kids
These spots suit families with strollers and short patience.
Federico’s Pizza and Restaurant
Federico’s has served Belmar from 700 Main Street for about thirty years. The menu covers pizza, subs, and Italian dinners, so picky eaters have options. Indoor and outdoor seating helps when the stroller needs space.
Klein’s Fish Market and Waterside Cafe
The Klein family has run Klein’s at 708 River Road since 1929. It sits on the Shark River, so kids can watch boats and trains go by. The menu includes burgers, pizza, pasta, and fried seafood alongside fresh fish. Expect a crowd on summer weekends.
Marina Grille
Marina Grille overlooks the Shark River from inside the Belmar Marina. An early dinner here pairs easy waterfront views with a sunset. Fall hours can differ from summer schedules, so confirm before you head over.
Belmar After Labor Day
Belmar does not shut down when summer ends. The boardwalk and beaches stay open, and the playgrounds remain a good bet on sunny afternoons. Fall weekends suit grandparent visits, small family gatherings, and holiday stays. Pack layers, because sea breezes turn cool fast. Restaurants often trim their hours off-season, so check before you go. Shorter trips also mean less to pack, which is when a rented crib pays off.
Staying in Belmar with a Baby or Toddler
Most families with little ones rent a house or condo instead of booking a hotel. A kitchen and a separate bedroom make nap schedules easier. Fall and spring stays usually book later than July and August, which gives you more choice near the beach.
However, cribs, high chairs, and strollers rarely come with a rental. Most homes are set up for adults. That gap is where Coastal Baby Rentals comes in. The family-run team has served Jersey Shore families since 2009. Our crew also knows the narrow stairwells and tight bedrooms common in Shore rentals.
A crib, a stroller, and a beach cart can fill a whole trunk, so renting saves real space.
Baby Gear Delivery to Belmar
Coastal Baby Rentals delivers to Belmar rentals, hotels, and private homes. Gear arrives on your check-in day, between 1 and 6 p.m. You unpack the car while the crib is ready to open. On departure day, leave everything on the porch for pickup.
Options include full-size cribs with ultra-pedic mattresses, jogging strollers, high chairs, car seats, and beach carts. The boardwalk suits a jogging stroller. For sand, read our guide to the strollers Jersey Shore families rely on. Chasing two little ones? See when a double stroller makes more sense than renting two singles.
Browse the rental shop to see what is available for your dates. Our Belmar baby equipment rentals page lists what we deliver in town. Belmar falls within our North Shore service area, which stays open year-round. Call 732-272-6804 or reach out here with any questions about your order.
One Last Tip
Belmar rewards a loose plan. Pick one playground, one dinner spot, and one backup for rainy hours. Then add a jogger for boardwalk laps and a beach cart for the walk to the sand. Heading south along the coast? Our Point Pleasant Beach guide covers another family-friendly stop. With gear waiting at your rental, you skip the store run and start the trip sooner.
