A Weekend of Pirates and Camping in Tuckerton, NJ

Here’s how new experiences usually go with my son Evan.

Me: Evan, guess what we’re going to do? We’re going to (fill in the blank with something every other kid would think to be fun)!!!

Evan: Do we have to do that? Can’t we just stay home so I can (watch TV/play video games/be a slug on the couch)?

Me: Nope, sorry. We’re going and you’re GOING to have fun.

Evan: (Sigh) FINE. But can I at least bring my iPad?

Last year, when I signed my family up for a weekend camping trip to visit Tuckerton Seaport in New Jersey and attend the Pirates & Privateers Fest at Tuckerton Seaport, I pretty much got the exact. same. reaction. What I’ve since learned is that Evan doesn’t embrace new experiences because he doesn’t know what to expect. He’s a planner. I’m not.

So with that in mind, I asked the family if they wanted to head back to Tuckerton this year for a little pirates and camping again. It would mean that I would miss game night with my girlfriends and we’d miss a birthday party. And with all of that in mind, Evan said, “I’d love to go back!”

I can’t explain if it was the time spent offline in our cozy little cabin, or the time spent around the campfire every evening with friends, or talking to the old clamming captain who regaled us with stories of yore, or the very loud weaponry that was fired several times during our visit to the festival. Whatever it was, he has some great memories of attending and knows what to expect this year.

So what would you expect if you were heading to Tuckerton Seaport?

Expect a throwback to New Jersey’s maritime history. Seriously. I didn’t know before last year that the Jersey Shore used to be a swampland full of clamming activity.

Stroll the boardwalk and experience life on the Tuckerton “Crik.” Decoy carvers, boat builders, basket makers and baymen entertain, educate and delight visitors of all ages. And for the nature lover, you can identify birds and plants on the nature trail through their Maritime forest.

Plan your visit for their once a year Privateers & Pirates Family Festival.

The price is cheap. It’s fun for all. And it’s pretty close. I did the Google mapping for you.

• 188 miles from Washington, DC
• 155 miles from Baltimore, MD
• 132 miles from Dover, DE
• 101 miles from New York City
• 62 miles from Philadelphia, PA

And when you’re all done for the day, you can head up to Long Beach Island and enjoy today’s Jersey Shore!

This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of the Tuckerton Seaport.  This program is in partnership with Real Mom Media. All opinions are my own.