The Wildwoods have a rep for being a raucous section of the Jersey Shore, but I didn't find that to be the case on a recent family trip. A summer weekend tends to be filled with flocks of multigenerational families who fill the boardwalk with bikes in the early morning hours and the amusement parks, beaches, and restaurants the rest of the day.
Wildwoods is comprised of three towns, North Wildwood, Wildwood, and Wildwood Crest. There are five miles of beach, and a roughly two-mile boardwalk that's loaded with the typical kitschy beach supply shops, but also Morey’s Piers and all the amusement park fun that comes with it.
Read on for all the details on what to expect from your summer getaway to this Jersey Shore hot spot, and check out our article covering 70 Things To Do at the Jersey Shore with Kids for more ideas.
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You can never go wrong with a day on the Jersey Shore! Photo by author
Best Things to Do in Wildwood, NJ, with Kids
1. Hit the Beach
The best part of Wildwood’s beach? It's all FREE and access points run throughout the towns, including right off of the entertainment piers. The beaches here are huge, by the way: Note that you’ll be walking quite a ways (15 minutes with slow toddlers) to get from the boardwalk or street to the actual water. Bring a cart or wagon to haul all your stuff to the water’s edge. You will find porta-potties and chair and umbrella rentals about at the halfway point on the beach before you hit the wet sand.
2. Catch a Flick or Build a Sandcastle
The beach plays host to a number of events, some more family-friendly than others. There are outdoor movies, sand castle competitions, and more. Check the Wildwoods full event calendar before you plan your trip. There’s even a section of the beach reserved for dogs (just look for the giant red fire hydrant) during non-peak hours!
Hop on a motorcycle and other thrilling rides at Morey's Piers. Photo by Rose Gordon Sala
3. Enjoy the Rides at Morey’s Piers
Morey's Piers has more than 100 rides on offer, from dozens of kiddie rides like carousels, ride-on cars, trains, and boats to intermediate thrill rides that spin, twist, and splash to huge roller coasters with names like the Great Nor'Easter and the Great White, log flume rides, and even a Ghost Ship. Get a wristband and let the kids go wild with the rides. It's a splurge, but you'll save money (and headaches) overall by going this route unless you have the discipline to limit them to just a few rides each.
RELATED: Top Amusement Parks and Water Parks in New Jersey
Raging Waters Water Park at Morey's Piers is just one of the water parks in Wildwood. Photo by Kipp Dawkins
4. Make a Splash at a Water Park
Another attraction at one of the three piers that make up Morey's Piers is the Raging Waters Water Park. The same pier is also home to the iconic Giant Wheel. My 2- and 4-year-olds were able to go on plenty of the rides on their own, but there were an equal number that I could accompany them on, too. There's also the Splash Zone Waterpark on the boardwalk. So many options!
Ride the rides, indulge in snacks and simply enjoy the boardwalk. Photo by author
5. Enjoy the Boardwalk Amusements
You'll find plenty more to do on the boardwalk, including a mini aquarium, Ripley's Adventure Maze, and, mini golf (just a block away near the Instagram-ready Wildwoods sign at 4501 Boardwalk).
6. Ride a Bike
Bicycles are allowed on the boardwalk every morning before they are booted off around 11am to make room for the tram car. You can find rental spots all along Ocean Avenue, the main drag that runs parallel to the beach. Consider a surrey bike for multiple passengers. Toddlers and little kids can sit up front with the horn, while you pedal!
7. Rent a Boat
There are plenty of water sports to explore in Wildwood: parasailing, jet skiing, boat rentals, and whale watching. Search through the top attractions and tour operators ahead of time, or just stroll the boardwalk to see what the kids gravitate toward.
8. Explore Nearby Cape May
Wildwood sits in Cape May County, so not far from the pretty Victorians and quieter beachfront just south. There is so much to do: be sure to check out the FREE Cape May Zoo. For the adventurous, try rail biking with Revolution Rail in nearby scenic Cape May. If you are a family of history buffs there is the Harriet Tubman Museum, NAS Wildwood Aviation Museum, and Historic Cold Spring Village.
Family-Friendly Restaurants in the Wildwoods
9. Steamers at Jumbo's Seafood Grille
We loved the steamers at Jumbo's Seafood Grille, while the kids gulped down mac and cheese and lemonades between rides at Mariner's Pier near Schellenger Avenue.
10. Coffee at La Bakerie
The kids also wolfed down crepes from La Bakerie, while we loaded up on coffee.
11. Stubborn Brothers Beach Bar & Grille for Beachfront Dining
Try Stubborn Brothers Beach Bar & Grille if you want to overlook the beach while you dine.
12. Stuey’s Juice Bar & Bistro for Casual Chow
Grab breakfast omelets, smoothies, or a kids lunchbox (PB&J or grilled cheese with cookies and juice) at Stuey’s Juice Bar & Bistro at the south end of the boardwalk near Ocean Towers South.
13. Hassles for Awesome Ice Cream
For delicious homemade ice cream in a huge variety of flavors check out Hassles, which is at the northern end and right off the boardwalk (and cash only, but there is an ATM out front).
14. Mud Hen Brewing Company for Pub Grub
If you are willing to go off the boardwalk, Mud Hen Brewing Company offers pub food, TVs galore, a big beer list, and an amazing outdoor area for kids! There is cornhole, large wooden blocks, giant dominos, and a hook game I have never seen before but boy was it addicting. And on weekends they have live music.
15. Poppi's for Affordable Italian
We also liked eating at Poppi's with our kids. They had a kid's menu, affordable Italian food, a nice outdoor seating area, offered the kids crayons and an activity menu, and were kind when our son spilled his drink not once, but twice.
The pool at the Pan American Hotel offered the perfect post-amusement-park dip. Photo by Rose Gordon Sala
Best Hotels in Wildwood, NJ, for Families
16. Pan American Hotel
We received complimentary accommodations at the Pan American Hotel in Wildwood Crest. It offered an outdoor pool, kitchenette, and a popular onsite restaurant. Our room had a daybed, plus two queen-size beds, making it ideal for families. There was a playground right outside, bike rentals, and of course the beach. We were just past the boardwalk, though, so it was a walk to the rides before the tram car started up in the morning.
17. ICONA Diamond Beach Resort
ICONA Diamond Beach Resort is another excellent option for a stay with kids, offering a private beach with dolphins swimming in the water every morning, a restaurant on site, a bar with live music right on the beach (although I would not recommend eating there) and a pool filled with children for yours to play with. They also provide umbrellas and beach chairs so you don't have to bring your own.
18. The Shore House
At the northern end of Wildwood is The Shore House, which also has a pool, a variety of room options, and either a rooftop area or a courtyard depending on what building you are in with fire tables for you and your kids to relax and mingle. The Shore House provided wagons, umbrellas, and beach towels making your trips down to the beach just a little more convenient.
19. Morey's Resorts: The Starlux, The Port Royal, and The Blue Palms
You might also consider these Morey’s resorts, which will offer a wristband deal for the rides with your overnight accommodations: The Starlux, The Port Royal, and The Blue Palms.
Originally published in 2017. Rose Gordon Sala contributed additional reporting.
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