Picturesque Victorian style and family recreation go hand in hand in Cape May, New Jersey.  This beautiful seaside getaway falls just below the Mason-Dixon Line at the southern tip of the state. 

The fact that this entire former whaling town is on the National Register of Historic Places tells something about its historic appeal.  Fun excursions prove as simple as a ride on the town trolley or a sightseeing surrey, a climb up the 199 steps of Cape May Lighthouse, or a stroll along seven miles of scenic beach. 

Between April and November (summer months are peak season), whale watches embark to view whales and dolphins feeding in the coastal waters.  The Nature Center of Cape May ( 609-898-8848) provides year-round natural history programs, including a hands-on Harbor Safari and a butterfly garden tour. 

If the creatures of the beach aren't enough, the Cape May County Park and Zoo ( 609-465-5271) features nearly 200 species of animals and a Children's Zoo.

Although Cape May welcomes visitors all year round, it becomes much more kid-friendly come summer. The local Mid-Atlantic Center for the Arts (MAC at 800/275-4278, 609/884-5404) sponsors a few fun Kids Days in July and August in addition to a variety of tours, as well as afternoon Teddy Bear teas, festivals and special events. At left, note the child learning to ride a Victorian bicycle during Kids Days 2006 at the Emlen Physick Estate.

For the Kids Days events, Cape May’s only Victorian house museum, located at 1048 Washington Street, is transformed into a wonderland of bubble-blowing, hatmaking, face-painting and story telling. For 2008, MAC plans a Teddy Bear Tea Party at the Carriage House Tearoom and Cafe where kids can dine with their favorite teddy bear.

If you go shopping (or browsing!), The Toy Shop ( 609-884-0442) on the Washington St. mall offers an especially enticing selection for youngsters. 

For winter travelers who brave the sometimes damp, chilly air, Cape May stays alive with festive events such as Taste of Christmas Walking Tours and evening Holly Trolley Rides. 

Visit www.capemay.com to learn more about what this traditional beach getaway has to offer.  Speaking of the beach, although it hugs the Atlantic, the narrow and crowded sand stretch lends itself to strollers and sand castle builders more than swimmers.

Family Welcoming Hotels and Inns

Amidst Cape May's array of Victorian lodging, full of antique furniture and decorative charm, several accommodations accept children.  The Virginia Hotel ( 800/732-4236) offers 24 guest rooms, some of which have private porches.  For the musically minded, each room includes a CD player and there's piano entertainment in the public area.  August rates start at $290/N double occupancy (extra charge for additional guests), and run on up.  The Virginia Hotel does not accept children under 12. Families with younger children should check out their sister properties: The Star( 800/297-3779); The Sandpiper Beach Club(800/732-7816); and Congress Hall(888/944-1816 or 609/884-8421).

The Mainstay Inn ( 609/884-8690) is Cape May's original bed and breakfast.  This inn welcomes children over 10, since  "young children generally find us tiresome" (the Mainstay website's claim).  A peaceful stay in one of the Mainstay's guest rooms or Officer's Quarter suites includes breakfast and afternoon tea.  Rates range from $175 to $4360/N, double occupancy. 

The Queen Victoria Inn ( 609/884-8702) stands one block from the ocean with 21 rooms and suites, all with private baths and mini-refrigerators.  This inn, like most others in Cape May, also offers breakfast and tea.  Rates fall between $110 and $465/N, based on double occupancy, plus $25/N for an extra person.

Finally, for an especially warm welcome for your children, contact Victorian Guest Accommodations ( 609/884-9199).  This business offers a referral system through its year-round hotline to match families with Victorian-style apartments and suites.  Participating accommodations include the Abigail Adams' Bed and Breakfast by the Sea, the Ralston Physick House, and the Thorn and the Rose. Prices vary widely.

Read through a list of things to do in Cape May, NJ  based on reviews from across the web at www.uptake.com.