My husband and I each spent our childhood summers on vacation along the Atlantic shore. My family usually visited Delaware, while he traveled farther north along the coast. We both have many fond memories of lazy beach days, delicious seafood dinners, and evenings spent playing arcade games on the boardwalk.
Two years ago, we decided to relive those summer memories. We also wanted to introduce our kids to the fun of a seaside promenade by taking a trip to Wildwood, New Jersey, where my husband and his family spent many summer vacations. The trip turned out to be so much fun for the whole family!
Make Memories
First of all, visiting Wildwood is like taking a trip back in time. Although this was my first visit to the Jersey shore, it reminded me of my own childhood beach vacations.
The Wildwood Boardwalk became one of the highlights of our trip. It stretches for two miles and is lined with dozens of souvenir shops, restaurants, arcades, and snack stands. The smells of fried food, sunscreen, and salty air instantly brought back wonderful memories.
My kids had never experienced anything like the boardwalk before. They were completely amazed by everything they saw. We started at one end and walked about halfway down the boardwalk.
Doo Wop Diner
Along the way, we stopped in a few shops and spent some time people-watching. Then we decided to grab something to eat. There were plenty of dining options, but we chose the Doo Wop Diner. It is a fun 1950s-style diner with colorful décor, tasty food, and delicious milkshakes.
Morey’s Pier
After lunch, it was time for the part the kids had been waiting for—the rides! They could hardly wait.
The rides on the boardwalk are operated by Morey’s Pier and are spread across three different locations. There are rides for every age, from merry-go-rounds, teacups, and mini scooters to exciting roller coasters and a giant swing that lifts riders seventy feet into the air. We decided to skip that one!
We purchased a reloadable ride pass that could be used at any location. The hardest part was deciding which rides to try first.
We all started with the giant Ferris wheel. Our timing couldn’t have been better because we enjoyed beautiful sunset views over the beach. Next, we visited Dante’s Dungeon, a haunted attraction filled with monsters and spooky surprises.
Then it was time for the roller coasters. The kids began with the smaller coaster, the Runaway Tram. After that, my son felt brave enough to ride the larger coaster, The Great White, with me. We had so much fun that we rode it twice.
The kids also played a few carnival games and enjoyed several more rides. Before heading back, we stopped for some fudge and made a quick visit to the arcade.
It had been a long day at the beach, so we treated ourselves to a tram ride back. We ended the evening watching an amazing fireworks display over the beach, which takes place once a week during the summer.
Review of the Venue
We want to share two observations as part of this honest review.
First, we had to pay close attention while walking because the yellow tram cars regularly travel along the boardwalk. Whenever pedestrians get too close, a recorded message plays: “Watch the tram car, please.” The message is heard so often that it has become a nostalgic part of the Wildwood experience for many visitors.
Second, for moms looking to make the most of their time, Morey’s also operates a water park on the boardwalk. It can easily provide a full day of family fun and fits nicely into a vacation schedule.
We also noticed that pets are not allowed on the boardwalk. While we understood the rule, we thought it was a bit strict.
Why We Loved Wildwood
Overall, our trip to Wildwood was an amazing experience and one we will always remember. We will definitely return in the future. I give it five stars on the Kid Friendly Venue app because it is a wonderful destination for families with children of all ages.
It offers many kid-friendly features, including:
- Restrooms and portable bathrooms on beach ramps, the boardwalk, and nearby avenues.
- Handicapped-accessible restrooms at 7th and 15th Avenues and at the boardwalk level on Glenwood.
- Kid-friendly exploration.
- Kid-friendly rides operating from noon until either 6:00 p.m. or 10:00 p.m., depending on the location.
- Kid Friendly Approved by KFV.
- A welcoming family environment.
- Wheelchair- and stroller-accessible pathways.
- Ample parking (parking fees apply).
Kid-Friendly Exploration
For more information about the Wildwood Boardwalk and other kid-friendly destinations, download our free Kid Friendly Venue app, available through MomKidFriendly.com.
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