A.C. Now: Come Kid Around

Don’t rule out Atlantic City as a summer escape just because you have youngsters in tow — bring them along and embrace your own inner child. Start off your day with a trip to the Atlantic City Aquarium in the historic Gardner’s Basin, where you and your little deep-sea divers will love the exhibit’s touch tanks that are teeming with stingrays, sea stars and more. And if you’ve got a super-adventurous group, be sure to get there around noon so you have time to feed the sharks!

Don’t rule out Atlantic City as a summer escape just because you have youngsters in tow — bring them along and embrace your own inner child. Start off your day with a trip to the Atlantic City Aquarium in the historic Gardner’s Basin, where you and your little deep-sea divers will love the exhibit’s touch tanks that are teeming with stingrays, sea stars and more. And if you’ve got a super-adventurous group, be sure to get there around noon so you have time to feed the sharks!

Then, head to Steel Pier for a classic good time. Let the kids go wild with a spin on the Tilt-A-Whirl and join them as they “unintentionally” crash into each other on the bumper cars. Once the tykes have settled down, enjoy the view as you relax on the Ferris Wheel and look out on the small-as-ants beach-goers and boardwalkers.

If your family wants a break from the carnival rides, take Steel Pier’s helicopter to see the seaside city like you’ve never seen it before. Those who are squeamish about the high-flying trip can go on the basic five-minute tour to see the coastline from a bird’s eye view.

After you’ve planted your feet firmly on the ground, head to IT’SUGAR to refuel. Check out their “Make-Your-Own Candy Bar” facility, where you can experiment with fillings to make your new favorite can’t-live-without-it treat. This first-ever department store of candy also has the world’s largest assortment of Jelly Belly jellybeans and M&Ms, so it’s the perfect place to pick up “we thought of you” gifts for those who couldn’t join you.

Continue the fun at Tropicana’s 4 o’clock showing of Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix to see the movie as J.K. Rowling intended. Curl up and get comfortable in their high-back chairs — without a towering witches’ hat in you way; stadium seating ensures you see every moment of the adventure. The Tropicana’s enormous IMAX screen will be sure to wow your favorite Potter fans, as it spans a whole eight stories. The larger-than-life IMAX images, combined with the digital surround sound, will make your kids — and you — feel as if you’re in the film with Harry, Ron and Hermione. The movie only gets better when it’s time for the 20-minute, 3-D finale. The excitement is overwhelming, and as spells and debris fly around you, you’ll have to remind yourself not to jump up and help Harry on his quest to defeat Lord Voldemort.

Wind down your day of fun with dinner at any of the Trop’s top eateries. Carmine’s family-size portions are perfect for your happily tired group and will satisfy all of their just-survived-a-run-in-with-a-Death-Eater appetites.