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Family Guide To The AC Airshow

Last year, about 800,000 people watched what is now called one of best air shows in the country. This year, The Atlantic City Airshow "Thunder Over the Boardwalk" could draw even more people, as it's been moved from a Wednesday to a Friday for its 10th year. Many say the secret time to watch the air show is Thursday when the pilots practice the show from 10 a.m. to about 3 p.m., however. On the day of show, the best place to watch is on the beach. Families should come prepared for a day of fun in the sun, because the show runs from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Planes will zoom directly overhead, so earplugs will be a good addition to pack. For a play-by-play of the action,  tune into WOND Radio (1400 AM). Just outside Boardwalk Hall, take a break from the beach with games, food and activities provided by vendors there for the show.

Atlantic City Airshow
2301 Boardwalk (Boardwalk Hall)
Atlantic City, NJ 08401
www.atlanticcitynj.com/

Date: Aug. 17 – 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Price: free
Click here for performance schedule.

Parking

Parking is available at the SJTA Expressway Intercept lot at $20 per car. The fee includes a shuttle to and from the Boardwalk. Shuttles will run from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m

Atlantic City Salutes America's Armed Forces Parade
Date: Aug. 15
Time: 6:30 p.m.

Arrive on Wednesday for the kickoff to the air show, the Second Annual Atlantic City Salutes America's Armed Forces Parade. The parade, featuring military and high school bands, as well as some air activity, travels down the Boardwalk at New Jersey Avenue and ends at Albany Avenue.

Related: Getaway Guide: One-Tank Trip to Little Tinicum Island

Dining

Rainforest Cafe
Trump Plaza Casino Hotel
2201 Boardwalk
Atlantic City, NJ 08401
(609) 345-5757
www.rainforestcafe.com/

Children will believe they've left the beach and gone on a completely different vacation when they enter the Rainforest Cafe. From the waterfalls to animated wildlife, families will have plenty to discover. The kids menu offers options that will keep any little ones happy.

Lindy Hops Homemade Ice Cream & Water Ice
401 S. Pitney Road
Galloway, NJ 08205
(609) 652-6020
www.lindyhops.com/

There are plenty of choices for ice cream on the Boardwalk, but for a special treat, travel a short distance to nearby Galloway. Lindy Hops is a '50s-style parlor with 32 flavors of ice cream and eight flavors of water ice each day.

Lodging

The Chelsea
111 S. Chelsea Ave.
Atlantic City, NJ 08401
(800) 548-3030
www.thechelsea-ac.com/

If you thought all hotels in Atlantic City were gaming hotels, think again. The Chelsea is a modern hotel with a pool, spa and two restaurants, but no casinos, making it great for families.

Wyndham Skyline Tower
100 S. North Carolina Ave.
Atlantic City, NJ 08401
(800) 989-6901
www.extraholidays.com/

The Wyndham Skyline Tower provides families with spacious suites including a full kitchen, living space and private bedroom. It also offers an activities program perfect for the whole family.

Related: Getaway Guide: Family One-Tank Trip to Dorney Park

Samantha Sinclair is a freelance writer who lives in South Jersey. She has two boys who love "adventuring." Her work can be found at Examiner.com.

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