Wildwood NJ: 9 Kid-Friendly Things To Do For A Day Of Fun

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With a laidback vibe, wide beaches, kitschy 50’s feel, 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
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Wildwood NJ: 9 Kid-Friendly Things To Do

Wildwood NJ

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 of the beaches are dog-friendly, so you can bring Fido along too.

Wildwood NJ

Get ready to bike through Wildwood, NJ. Photo by Alessandra Agabiti Braghelli

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 on and off the boardwalk at various locations. And for an insta-worthy photo and ride, rent a family-friendly surrey bike to cruise along the boards.

Wildwood NJ

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

All it takes for family seaside shopping and dining experiences is a stroll down the boardwalk. From gifts and clothing to souvenirs and toys, there are enough unique stands to pique anybody’s curiosity for an entire afternoon of shop-hopping. 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. The show can be enjoyed from 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.

Wildwood NJ

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 that Wildwood NJ 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 NJ

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 Happy Feet or thrill rides, including It and The Great Nor’easter suspended roller coaster. For more action, head to Adventure Pier, with the Great White wooden roller coaster and Luna’s Lost Labyrinth.  Want to get a feel for all the rides? Check out our guide to Morey’s Piers before you go.

Wildwood NJ

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 and give 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.

Wildwood NJ

Challenge the fam to a game of putt-putt in Wildwood NJ. Photo Credit: Morey’s Piers and Water parks by Kip Dawkins.

Get a hole in one at miniature golf

Playing miniature golf as a family is a Jersey Shore tradition, and there is no shortage of courses throughout Wildwood. 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, with the largest artificial sand dune and castle in the world right on their mini-golf course.
Wildwood NJ Kohr's New Jersey

Yum—Korhr 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

Boardwalks are known for their sweet treats, and Wildwood has everything you can (or your kids) imagine. Visit The Rollin’ Girls for rolled ice cream, boba tea, or try a bubble waffle with cinnamon, Nutella, or ice cream. If ice is more, your speed, try TLC’s Polish Water Ice in over 20 flavors. 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 soft or hand-scooped ice cream at Johnny Scoops or stick with the classics at Kohr Bros.
Wildwood NJ Morey's Piers New Jersey

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, don’t miss their Farmer’s Market, Concerts Under the Stars, and boardwalk parades. Or, if you are looking 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 here. 

What’s your favorite part of Wildwood NJ? We’d love to hear about it!

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About Author

Melanie Bodner has always had a love for writing, but now she has a new love…being a mom. Before having her kids, Melanie was no stranger to writing or working with children. She wrote for a local newspaper as a reporter and taught English and Dance in a public school. Now Melanie enjoys spending time with her kids, doing yoga, writing and decorating her home. Check out her Instagram @burlapbythebeach.

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