Beach Haven, New Jersey is home to a wonderful family amusement park named Fantasy Island. My family and I take several trips there each and every summer and it never fails to disappoint us.
Fantasy Island is not large, but has plenty of rides for the kids including a roller coaster, bumper cars, train ride, ferris wheel and several classics like the Scrambler and Himalaya. The most popular rides for the younger children is the bumblebee ride in which the cars are shaped and painted like bumblebees and spin around. You can control how high up in the air the bumblebees fly by pulling on an inside lever. We have tons of video of my younger daughter on the bumblebee ride having the time of her life.
Tickets are required for the rides and the prices are reasonable. There are many Pay One Price ride nights where for $25.00 the kids can ride unlimited rides from 2 PM until 7 PM.
Aside from the rides, there is an indoor arcade that is comfortably air conditioned with lots of games for children and adults alike. The standard crane games hold such popular stuffed animals as Care Bears, Simpsons, South Park characters and Scooby Doo. There is skee ball, pinball machines and also poker machines for the grown ups.
Don’t worry about going home hungry as there is an abundance of treats to be consumed at Fantasy Island. Funnel Cake, ice cream, Italian ice and frozen yogurt are available for a sweet treat. I can’t forget to mention the cotton candy which is made while you watch and when it was served for the first time to my daughter, it was so big I thought it was a joke! Now I know to mention to the cotton candy vendor to cut down the portions unless he wants to kick in for my children’s dental bills! Those looking for heartier fare can enjoy hot dogs, hamburgers and cheese steaks. Water bottles, lemonade, soda and coffee are available to complement your meal and to ensure you stay hydrated while you walk around the amusement park.
My children love the entertainment that Fantasy Island provides it’s patrons. Certain nights of the week there are magic presentations as well as a reptile exhibit and presentation which includes snapping turtles, iguanas and cobras. This year, Fantasy Island is adding something new to it’s calendar of events, Christmas In July! We will be sure to visit Fantasy Island when they are presenting Christmas in July as it sounds very festive and fun.
Fantasy Island is decorated in a Victorian style theme. There are oak benches and lovely lamp posts scattered throughout the park. The carousal is absolutely beautiful and a nice ride for children and adults. Cleanliness is of the utmost priority and litter is not tolerated. There are many trash receptacles in the park and the employees are frequently seen sweeping up debris. Although crowded, the bathrooms are kept very clean and there are changing stations available for
infants.
Fantasy Island has Free Admission and Free Parking. There is no charge for the entertainment either. Simply walk up to the stage and enjoy the show! Fantasy Island is a smoke free amusement park.
Fantasy Island is located at 320 7th Street in Beach Haven, NJ. The park opens at 2 PM on weekends and 6 PM during the week. They are usually open until midnight, but reserve the right to close early due to inclement weather. They can be reached at 609-492-4000 for more information.
