With expansive FREE beaches, a kitschy 50s feel, a lively boardwalk, and lots of shore favorites, you can’t go wrong with a trip to Wildwood, NJ. Sure, your kids will be thrilled to spend time at Morey’s Piers, the legendary boardwalk amusements that have been entertaining families for over 50 years, but there’s a lot more to Wildwood than just the rides. Spend the day biking the boards, cool off in a waterpark, test your stick skills at mini-golf, or just revel on the beaches for free (yup, no badges required)—the whole family will have a ball making memories here. Ready to head down to this spot at the shore? Here’s what you need to know before you go. (featured photo credit: Alessandra Agabiti Braghelli)

Wildwood NJ: 9 Kid-Friendly Things To Do

Relax at Wildwood NJ beaches

Unlike other shore beaches, Wildwood beaches are free to access, so no beach badges or tags are required. With five miles of broad swaths of sand, you have plenty of space to toss a Frisbee, dig sandcastle moats, and spread a towel and umbrella to relax. Beauty is abundant, thanks to a dune preservation system that enhances the natural habitat and preserves its pristine surroundings. Plus, many beaches are dog-friendly, especially at the Wildwood Dog Park & Beach between Glenwood and Maple Avenues—it’s known as one of the largest dog parks in the world.

Wildwood, NJ Bike — *Get ready to bike through Wildwood. Photo Credit: NJ MOM*

Bike on the boards

For the family that likes to move on two wheels, biking on the boardwalk is that kind of activity everyone will love. Start early on the boards (biking on the boardwalk stops at noon) so you can check out Wildwood’s attractions while getting some exercise and soaking in those fantastic views. After, cruise around town for the rest of the day or hit the beaches along the coast. Bike rentals open early and are available at various locations on and off the boardwalk. And for an insta-worthy photo and ride, rent a family-friendly surrey bike where littles and bigs can have a blast pedaling together.

Wildwood NJ food nj mom — *Wilhelm’s is a great spot to stop in Wildwood NJ, for a quick drink or bite to eat. Photo Credit: Morey’s Piers and Water Parks by Kip Dawkins.*

Shop for souvenirs and tasty treats

From gifts and clothing to souvenirs and toys, you can find shops and boardwalk favorite food stands (hello cheesesteaks and hot dogs) all along the boards. If your feet (and little ones) need a break from all the excitement, enjoy a filling breakfast, grab a slice of pizza, or sip on an iced coffee to refill your batteries at one of the many local Wildwood restaurants and cafes in the area. Grab a float at the Doo Wop Diner, fried clams at Joe’s Fish Company, or munch on those world-famous crab fries at Chickie and Pete’s.

Hear the boom of the fireworks

There’s no better way to celebrate the start of the weekend than by kicking off your family’s Friday night with fireworks on the beach. Every Friday evening in the summer at 10 PM, catch a free fireworks display set to music along the boardwalk in Wildwood. Catch the explosive show almost anywhere in the Wildwoods, although the best location is on the beach at Pine Avenue. So, grab a blanket and spread it out in the sand to take in a burst of colors in the summertime night sky.

Wildwood NJ Starlux nj mom — *Go back to the Doo Wop era at the Starlux Hotel in Wildwood NJ. Photo Credit: Morey’s Piers Starlux.*

Go back in time

Did you know Wildwood is home to the country’s largest collection of mid-century resort architecture? Visit the Doo Wop Museum or spend the night in Starlux Boutique Hotel and take a step back to the 1950s. Or, if you are looking to play games you enjoyed as a kid, stop at one of the many classic arcades along the boardwalk for some skeeball, dancing games, PacMan, chance games, driving simulators, and, of course, prizes. There are plenty of arcades to choose from, but a family favorite is Gateway 26 in North Wildwood, which boasts the most extensive collection of video games on the boardwalk.

Wildwood rides nj mom — *Hold on tight on Wildwood’s wildest rides. Photo by Alessandra Agabiti Braghelli*

Go for wild rides on Morey’s Piers

With three amusement parks, Morey’s Piers is a kid’s (or kid at heart) paradise. Swing above the crowds on the Wave Swinger or try a classic ride like the Tea Cups or Carousel at Mariner’s Pier. Surfside Pier is home to kiddie rides like the Balloon Race or family rides, including The Runaway Tram. If your crew wants action, head to Adventure Pier, with the Great White wooden roller coaster and the Skyscraper. Want to get a feel for all the rides? Check out our guide to Morey’s Piers before you go.

Wildwood NJ water nj mom — *Get wet at the Raging Waters Activity Pool in Wildwood NJ. Photo Credit: Morey’s Piers and Water Parks by Kip Dawkins.*

Cool off at a waterpark

When the temps heat up and you need to cool off, Raging Waters Water Park and Ocean Oasis Water Park & Beach Club are located directly on the beach, giving your family multiple ways to get wet. With thrilling features like Rocket Raft Run and Shotgun Falls, daring kids can exercise their sense of adventure while littles hang in the family-friendly Shipwreck Shoals. And when mama needs a drink, head to the adults-only Water Lilies Swim-Up Bar.

Wildwood NJ Golf nj mom — *Challenge the family to a game of putt-putt. Photo Credit: NJ MOM*

Get a hole-in-one at miniature golf

Playing miniature golf as a family is a Jersey Shore tradition, and playing on one of the themed courses in Wildwood lets you sample a few adventurous ways to putt-putt. Get glowing with Dragon’s Lair Mini Glow Golf, full of blacklights to give you a unique indoor golf adventure, or be greeted by a 15-foot-tall T-Rex at Jurassic Adventure Golf in North Wildwood for a prehistoric experience. And don’t miss Starlux Mini Golf, which has the world’s largest artificial dune and castle at the center of its mini-golf course.

Wildwood NJ Kohr's New Jersey nj mom — *Yum—Kohr Bros is a Jersey Shore favorite and a boardwalk must in Wildwood, NJ. Photo Credit: Morey’s Piers and Water Parks by Kip Dawkins.*

End the day with something sweet

Did you really visit the boardwalk if you didn’t get something sweet? Johnny Scoop’s has everything from root beer floats to ice cream to coffee if you need a pick-me-up. Or try Duffer’s Homemade Ice Cream Parlor and restaurant, which offers ice cream, water ice, and sorbet as well. Looking for a fruity frozen treat? The Chillin Pineapple has plenty of Dole Whip flavors. Or, if you are in the mood for some ice cream, sample some classics at Kohr Bros.

Wildwood NJ Morey's Piers New Jersey games nj mom — *Wildwood NJ is full of fun for everyone—don’t miss the games, rides, food, and excitement.*

What to know before you go to Wildwood NJ

Beyond the beach, Wildwood has other fun things to do, like the Farmer’s Market, concerts, and boardwalk parades. For a retro fun night, the Doo Wop Back to the 50’s Neon Night Tours takes you past all the Doo Wop style landmarks in the area. And if you want to know more, Wildwood has a calendar full of kid-friendly events and a Wildwood NJ webcam. Ready to go? Buy tickets and water park wristbands ahead of time online. Parking is free on some streets if you are lucky to find a spot, but meters are located along Pacific Avenue on the east side up to Ocean Avenue. Hotels and restaurants typically supply free parking for guests. If you can’t find parking, lots are also available for a fee (typically $10-$20).

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