Fun Summer Activities for Kids in New Jersey, Surflight Theatre

If you’ve spent any time at the Jersey Shore, you already know the Surflight Theatre in Beach Haven isn’t just a theater, it’s a tradition in New Jersey.

A place where summer memories are made, where first curtain calls happen, and where kids discover confidence they didn’t even know they had. And this summer, Surflight is opening those doors wide with its morning Musical Theatre camps, and spots are filling fast.

There’s something really special about theater camp. It’s not just about singing and dancing (although there’s plenty of that). It’s about kids finding their voice, learning how to work as a team, and stepping outside their comfort zone in the best possible way. Whether your child is a natural performer or a little more on the shy side, theater has a way of meeting them exactly where they are.

Programs for Every Age Group

Surflight’s summer programs are designed for all ages, which is part of what makes them so great. Little ones ages 3 - 5 get a playful, imaginative introduction to theater, movement, music, and storytelling that feels more like fun than learning.

Kids ages 6 - 12 dive deeper into musical theatre, building skills while working toward performances inspired by shows they already love.

And for older teens, the apprentice program offers something truly next-level: real-world experience, mentorship, and a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to bring a production to life.

Shows Kids Already Love

And let's talk about the shows, because WOW! This summer’s lineup includes kid-favorite favorites like Zootopia, Broadway magic with Wicked, the high-energy fun of The SpongeBob Musical, and more.

These are the kinds of titles that light kids up the moment they hear them. Suddenly rehearsals aren’t “practice,” they’re something your child actually can’t wait to go to in the morning.

Why Theatre Camp Is So Good for Kids

The beauty of a theater camp is that it builds so much more than performance skills. Kids gain confidence, improve communication, learn discipline, and form friendships that often last long after the final bow.

Summer at the Shore goes by fast, and parents are always looking for activities that are meaningful, enriching, and genuinely fun. A theater camp checks all those boxes. It keeps kids engaged, creative, and off their screens, while letting them be part of something exciting and memorable.

Because sometimes the best summer memories don’t happen on the beach, they happen under the lights, behind the curtain, and on a stage where kids learn to shine.

Only True MTV Kids Can Name These ’80s Music Videos From One Freeze-Frame

How well do you really remember the music videos that defined the ’80s? We’ve grabbed a single freeze-frame from 11 of the decade’s most iconic videos. Scroll slowly and see how many you can name before peeking at the answers.

Gallery Credit: Stephen Lenz

LOOK: 79 Photos That Prove the '70s Had Style All Its Own

These photos capture the '70s exactly as they were — everyday outfits worn to school, around town, and to family gatherings, with just enough high-fashion flair mixed in to remind you how stylish the decade could be.

Gallery Credit: Stephen Lenz