Summer Fun? Not In 21 At This 30-Year-Old Bayville Family Entertainment Fixture

Generations of families have enjoyed miniature golf, arcade, batting cages, rides, games at this prominent family-owned business.  The sound of laughter, screams, and excitement will not be heard there this summer.  Let's take a look.

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Tens of thousands of families have gathered here for fun.  Maybe these pictures bring back memories for you?

If you loved hitting the bullseye with archery, I'm sorry.

Sadly, a fan favorite the Water Wars will not bring fun and splashes in the summer of 2021.

Nor will there be the Spin Zone Bumper Cars.

And we'll miss the excitement of the 20th hole and miniature golf.  Do you remember trying to get the golf ball to go into the hole without landing in the pond?  If you were able to get it in, that was probably the highlight of your trip!

Yes, you probably guessed it by now.  Blackbeard's Cave Family Entertainment Center at 136 Atlantic City Boulevard (Route 9) in Bayville will not be re-opening this summer.  I moved to Bayville in May of 2020 and was so excited to be able to take my children.  Unfortunately, COVID-19 swept through the area and the amusement center didn't open till mid-June and only miniature golf opened up.  I had big hopes for this year, but they were dashed by a Facebook post.  It said...

With spring break approaching we need to announce that Blackbeard’s Cave will not be opening for the 2021 season. We apologize for the inconvenience.

No trains, no airplanes, no batting cage...no family fun.  While disappointing, it wasn't totally surprising.  In September, the management of Blackbeard's Cave held a sale of many items.  So, what happened?  In an exchange on Facebook with a fan of their page, General Manager Lindsay Parrott alluded to a couple of challenges with the lease, equipment, and COVID-19 all led to the current situation.  There's hope as Lindsay explains, "There’s a series of events that we’d love to change. However, we hope to change gears and figure out a way to provide Bayville with a new family experience in the future."

Their "about" section states, "Whether you are 1 or 101, our goal is to put a smile on your face and keep you young at heart."  I sure hope they're able to rebound and bring family fun back to Ocean County soon!