Rainy Day Activities in Atlantic City

I feel bad for anybody who planned this week as their one week down the shore. The weather's been sucky every day, and I saw a lot of bored and frustrated families in Wildwood and Stone Harbor yesterday.

Could I offer a suggestion that might not automatically pop to mind when you think "what do I do with my family?" Take them to Atlantic City.

Yes, that Atlantic City, which has a lot of things for families to do, especially on a rainy day. There's Ripley's Believe it or Not (1441 Boardwalk, Atlantic City, 877-713-4231), the Atlantic City Aquarium (New Hampshire Avenue and the Bay, Atlantic City, 609-348-2880), Absecon Lighthouse (31 South Rhode Island Avenue, Atlantic City, 609-449-1360) and Flyers Skate Zone (501 North Albany Avenue, Atlantic City, 609-441-1780). The Tropicana (2801 Pacific Avenue, Atlantic City, 609-340-4000), has an IMAX theater, which is showing the latest Harry Potter movie and a flick about Dinosaurs (go to their website for a coupon). The Trop also has a magic and spy shop in the Quarter -- fun for kids and grown ups.

You could take the kids back-to-school shopping at the outlets at The Walk (1931 Atlantic Avenue, Atlantic City, 609-872-7002) and The Pier at Caesars (One Atlantic Ocean, Atlantic City, 609-345-3100). Don't be intimidated by the Pier -- I scored better bargains there than at the outlets last time I went through. And talk about kid friendly: You can even make your own chocolate bar at It's Sugar (The Pier at Caesars, 609-345-3100 ).

If you're feeling adventurous, you could drive inland a bit to the Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge (Great Creek Road, Oceanville, 609-652-1665). It's 43,000 acres of preserved land that's home to buckets of wildlife, especially birds. You can drive an eight-mile loop or hike one of the shorter trails. Stop in the welcome center for a bird ID sheet, and to rent binoculars. If the kids groan and say that it'll be boring, tell them there's a lookout tower they can climb.

What I'm Listening to: If You Want Blood by matt pond PA.