Pre-Trip Fun for Jersey Shore, New Jersey

"Baby Road Trip BEACH" -- Watch this at home and Baby will think she's at the beach. And when Baby gets to the beach, she'll feel right at home. (Babies to Preschoolers)

"Finding Nemo" -- The kids may be out of school and heading for the shore, but this school (of fish, that is) is always in session. (Toddlers and Up)

"Big" -- This classic flick was filmed in the town of Cliffside Park, New Jersey; you'll find a similar boardwalk down the shore. (School Age and Up)

"Beaches" -- The story of a great friendship started at the shore; maybe your kids will also find a buddy for life. (Pre-Teens and Up)

"Eddie and the Cruisers" -- This fictional rock band sounds like the E Street Band and played regular gigs in Somers Point and Ocean City -- until the lead singer mysteriously disappears over one the local bridges. (Teens)

Crab Cakes -- Two bites and you'll feel two steps away from the boardwalk.

Jersey Summer Salsa -- Take advantage of New Jersey's fresh summer produce to create a salsa that's spicy and sweet.

Make Your Own Taffy -- Who says you can only find saltwater taffy at the shore?

Comforting Calzones -- Fill your belly with something substantial to offset all the saltwater taffy.

"Ribbons of Sand: Exploring Atlantic Beaches" by Larry Points and Andrea Jauck -- The beautiful illustrations and elegant descriptions of how Atlantic beaches look and are formed will make your kids excited to see the real thing. (Ages 4 to 8)

"52 Fun Things to Do at the Beach" by Lynn Gordon -- When the kids are tired of swimming, here are 52 more fun things for them -- and you -- to do. (Ages 4 and Up)

"Safely to Shore: America's Lighthouses" by Iris Van Rynbach -- Betcha didn't know that the Cape May lighthouse was the first lighthouse in the country to be illuminated by a sodium vapor lamp. (Ages 6 to 12)

"Sandcastles Made Simple: Step-by-Step Instructions, Tips, and Tricks for Building Sensational Sand Creations" by Lucinda Wierenga -- With this step-by-step guide, don't be surprised if your "beach house" ends up on "Cribs." (Ages 7 and Up)

"Mystery of the Hidden Beach (Boxcar Children Mysteries)" by Gertrude Chandler Warner -- Your kids may not find a coral reef, but they will be inspired to investigate the mystery of the empty conch shell. (Ages 9 to 12)

"Haunted Jersey Shore" by Charles A. Stansfield Jr. -- The first line declares the Jersey Shore haunted. Will this book make a believer of you? (Ages 13 and Up)

"Down the Jersey Shore" by Russell Roberts and Richard Youmans -- This lively history covers everything from beaches and boardwalks to babes (by way of the Miss America Pageant and how it originated) and boats. (Ages 14 and Up)

Make Your Own Beach Bag -- It's made from a towel, so you can also use it to wipe off greasy sunscreen fingers -- and just throw it in the wash when you get home.

Water Bottle Holder -- Keep water handy with this easy make-ahead trick.