Coming up 295 from the south. Eating after probably around 5ish since the show is at 3 and I think it will be easier to feed the little cherubs first before driving home.

I enjoy Texas Roadhouse but I have yet to go to one that doesn't make you wait even when you do the app.

Happy to help! My only other advice is to practice taking down the beach tent before going to the beach. Depending on which one you have, some of them are a little tricky. I got a face full of sand and was very frustrated the first time I had to take down the tent for my little ones.

Only go to brigantine if the wind is coming off the ocean. If you go and the wind is coming off the land you'll get to meet an insect called a Greenhead. Those suckers hurt when they bite and I don't think an 8 month old would appreciate it. I love brig but those greenheads suck.

OC is a good beach and the boardwalk is great with families but it can get crowded unless you go further down past the boardwalk, definitely visit when your little one is older. Another good option is Margate/Ventnor. You will still need a beach pass and I 'never' went to the beach right on the border between Margate and Ventnor right where the boardwalk ends to avoid getting checked for beach tags when I was younger.

Really depends where you stay, south vs north. Great options in both, if you are doing a beach vacation vs staying inland.

Check websites like Mommy Poppins or fun new jersey for so many lists of options and events.

My personal bias, but a little more money, check out South/central Jersey for a nice beach getaway. Cape May has a 'free'(optional donation at entry) zoo that is really nice, military museum with planes nearby, wineries for the adults, nice shopping. You can drive a bit to hit Story book Land, 8 years old is right on the cusp of Story Book Land being boring so depends what he likes, obviously Six Flags has bigger rides. Diggerland If he likes anything to do with construction trucks. There is the Popcorn zoo, where you throw popcorn at animals but it is small, South Jersey also has The funny Farm which although a little muddy, the animals are all rescues and they are everywhere walking around and you can feed and pet them. Philly zoo is also very large with the Camden Aquarium there as well.

You can still drive a bit for North Jersey and NYC but if I were personally going on vacation to relax I would look further south.