With a laidback vibe, expansive 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, try your hand 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
Sun up to sundown, Wildwood beaches are beautiful and free. Photo credit: Istock/Carl Kaminski
Relax at Wildwood NJ beaches
Unlike other shore beaches, Wildwood NJ 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. There’s a dune system in place to preserve the beauty of this natural habitat, adding to the 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.
Get ready to bike through Wildwood. Photo Credit: NJ MOM
Bike on the boards
Not only is riding a bicycle on the boardwalk a blast, but the whole fam can access Wildwood’s attractions while exercising and enjoying spectacular views. While bike riding is permitted on the boards until noon, you can cruise around town for the rest of the day or hit 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 to cruise along the boards.
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
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. The show can be enjoyed 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 an explosion of colors in the summertime night sky.
Go back to the Doo Wop era at the Starlux Hotel in Wildwood NJ. Photo Credit: Morey’s Piers Starlux.
Go back in time
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 Pink Elephants or thrill rides, including The Giant Wheel and Riptide. For more 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.
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
Want to get wet? Raging Waters Water Park and Ocean Oasis Water Park & Beach Club are located directly on the beach, giving your family many 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 Puddle and Shipwreck Shoals. And when mama needs a drink, head to the adults-only Water Lilly Swim-Up Bar.
Challenge the family to a game of putt-putt. Photo Credit: NJ MOM
Get a hole-in-one at miniature golf
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
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
