As a New Jersey native, some of my best childhood memories are from the Jersey Shore – specifically Wildwood. Returning as an adult, I’ve crafted this guide to help you plan the ultimate family vacation in Wildwood this summer.
Why Choose Wildwood for Your Family Vacation?
Wildwood holds a special place in my heart. It was the destination for nearly every summer family vacation from my toddler years through college. It’s where I built some of my earliest and most cherished memories. Now, experiencing it as an aunt, spending weeks with my nephews Henry (7) and Elijah (4), my brother, sister-in-law, and parents, for the past two summers, has deepened its magic.
What truly surprised me is how little Wildwood has changed in the two decades since my last college visit. The activities my nephews adore – flying kites, building sandcastles, biking, and exploring the boardwalk – are the very same joys my brother and I shared with our parents and grandparents. Remarkably, many of the restaurants and hotels remain!
large 50s-style sign saying Welcome to the Wildwoods in orange letters
Welcome to Wildwoods sign in retro style, a classic symbol of family vacation destination.
Discovering the Jersey Shore and Wildwoods for Your Family Trip
The Jersey Shore: A Coastal Gem
The Jersey Shore stretches 141 miles along the Atlantic, from Perth Amboy to Cape May Point, encompassing five counties. As a New Jersey native, I can confidently say we are proud of “the Shore,” a place filled with childhood and teenage memories for many of us. We do, however, collectively cringe at the reality show “Jersey Shore,” filmed in Seaside Heights from 2009-2013.
Wildwoods: Your Family Vacation Hub
“The Wildwoods” encompasses North Wildwood, Wildwood, and Wildwood Crest. Most locals simply say “Wildwood” for all three. Located on a five-mile island at New Jersey’s southern tip in Cape May County, these towns attract over 9 million tourists annually. North Wildwood offers a vibrant, youthful atmosphere, while Wildwood Crest, where my family prefers to stay, is quieter and more residential, perfect for a relaxed family vacation.
beach scene with three white lifeboats that say
Wildwood beach scene with lifeguard boats, showcasing the safe and family-friendly environment for vacation.
Crafting the Perfect Wildwood Family Vacation Itinerary
While I usually travel solo, my recent inter-generational trips to Wildwood have provided insights into planning a memorable family vacation here. Here are some top recommendations:
Must-Do Activities in Wildwood for Families
Beach Time: A Wildwood Family Vacation Essential
Having explored beaches globally, I can attest to the beauty and cleanliness of southern New Jersey beaches. Wildwood boasts five miles of expansive, white-sand beaches, and they are free for everyone. While popular, they never feel overwhelmingly crowded.
My family’s tradition is to arrive early to secure our spot. For families, a beach wagon with sturdy wheels is crucial for transporting gear. Pop-up canopies and tents are common, but umbrella rentals are available for $20 daily. A unique Jersey Shore tradition is the novelty flag, helping family and friends locate your spot (college and football team flags are popular).
If you’re staying close to the beach, returning to your accommodation for lunch offers a welcome sun break. Beach food stands are absent, so pack a cooler if you prefer not to leave for lunch. However, vendors do sell snacks and drinks, including ice cream, on the beach.
small boy with his back to the camera, standing on empty beach holding kite string
Young boy flying a kite on Wildwood’s wide beach, illustrating a fun and classic family vacation activity.
Kite Flying: A Breezy Family Activity
Wildwood’s wide, flat beaches are perfect for kite flying, enjoyable for all ages. Bringing your own kite is advisable as local stores can be pricey. We enjoy kite flying early mornings, after breakfast, before it gets too hot or crowded. It’s a great hour-long activity before heading to the beach.
kids playing on a bright blue splash pad at a playground with hotels in the background
Children playing at Sunrise Park splash pad in Wildwood, showcasing kid-friendly attractions for family vacation fun.
Playground Fun: Let the Kids Play
Kids wake up early, even on vacation! Playgrounds are our go-to morning activity. Sunrise Park at Rambler Road in Wildwood Crest is a favorite – spacious, clean, modern, and with ample seating (though lacking shade). It also features a large splash pad, a hit with my nephews, although it only operates from 10 a.m. Scoop Taylor Park playground is another great option, smaller but with a more complex jungle gym, a giant disk swing, and basketball courts, plus public restrooms.
archway that says Morey
Morey’s Piers archway on the Wildwood boardwalk, highlighting a popular family vacation entertainment destination.
Boardwalk Buzz: “Watch the Tramcar, Please!”
The Wildwood Boardwalk is a must-experience during your family vacation. Yes, it’s crowded, a bit pricey, and even tacky, but it’s uniquely Wildwood.
Entertaining visitors since the early 1900s, the 38-block boardwalk is packed with rides, waterparks, arcades, games, food stands, and souvenir shops. I recall finding the humor in t-shirts like “Drink Till He’s Cute” back in high school.
Morey’s Piers is a highlight for my nephews, offering numerous kid-friendly rides and games. My brother excels at winning stuffed animals, drawing crowds with his skill. For families with younger children, arriving before 4 or 5 p.m. is recommended to avoid crowds and shorter lines, allowing for an earlier evening.
Don’t miss a ride on the iconic yellow tram cars, warning “Watch the tramcar, please!” since 1949. A one-way, 30-minute ride costs $4.00 per person. Discount tickets are available at the Tram Office and boardwalk locations.
buckets of candy in a row, with salt water taffy on the bottom and signs that say the flavors tangerine, coconut and sour cherry
Colorful buckets of salt water taffy at a boardwalk candy store, representing the classic sweet treats of a family vacation.
Sweet Treats: Indulge Your Family’s Sweet Tooth
A Jersey Shore family vacation isn’t complete without salt water taffy, a boardwalk staple for over a century. Kids love the colors and flavors. Douglass Candies, since 1919, is a popular choice, but we recently opted for The Original Fudge Kitchen for souvenir sweets due to its boardwalk convenience. For ice cream, Duffer’s, an “old-fashioned ice cream parlor,” is our favorite among many options.
pink store that says fudge in large white letters above it with a man riding a bike past
The Original Fudge Kitchen store front on Wildwood boardwalk, enticing visitors with sweet fudge for family vacation treats.
Biking Around: Family Fun on Wheels
After indulging in sweets, biking offers a great way to get active. D R Bradley’s Bike Rentals, at the bike path’s southern end, has a wide selection, including kids’ bikes and helmets. We’ve twice rented a “surrey,” a pedal cart seating all seven of us (Elijah gets the front seat!). They are hard to steer and lead to some close calls on the busy path, but are always filled with laughter.
Mini Golf: Family-Friendly Competition
Wildwood’s mini golf scene remains unchanged, evoking detailed memories from 30 years ago. Jurassic Adventure Golf in North Wildwood is a favorite, with a dinosaur theme loved by my nephews and courses suitable for all ages. Duffer’s also offers a family-favorite mini golf course alongside its restaurant, ice cream parlor, and arcade.
Miniature golf course in Wildwood with dinosaur figures, suggesting a fun family vacation activity for all ages.
Zoo Visit: A Break from the Beach
While cautious about recommending animal attractions, Cape May County Park & Zoo, about 20 minutes from Wildwood Crest, stands out for its ethical practices. Home to over 550 animals, many endangered, they are provided with spacious outdoor habitats instead of cages. It’s a great alternative to the beach or for cooler days. Enjoy a train ride or merry-go-round too. Entry is free, but donations are encouraged.
a large piece of eggplant parmesan with cheese and sauce on the top, sitting on spaghetti
Eggplant parmesan dish at Sapore Italiano restaurant, showcasing dining options for a family vacation in Cape May.
Cape May Exploration: A Day Trip
If you have extra time, historic Cape May, about 20 minutes south of Wildwood Crest, is worth visiting. Known as “America’s first seashore resort,” Cape May boasts preserved Victorian homes from the late 1800s and the Cape May Lighthouse (built in 1859). Explore shops and its impressive dining scene. We celebrated my dad’s 70th birthday at Sapore Italiano, which was excellent.
Victorian houses in Cape May, highlighting the historical charm and sightseeing opportunities near Wildwood for family vacation.
Wildwood Family Vacation: Accommodation Options
Wildwood’s charm includes the absence of high-rise buildings. Expect smaller apartment buildings, 1950s-era hotels/motels (mostly two or three stories), and B&Bs like Enchantras or Sea Gypsy. Summer deals are rare, with standard hotel rooms from $300-$500 nightly and weekly Airbnb rentals from $3000-$5000.
Port Royal and Armada By-the-Sea are upscale hotels in Wildwood Crest. We always stayed at The Jolly Roger motel growing up, which looks unchanged today. Regardless of accommodation type, book as early as possible – we book almost a year ahead.
4 1/2 pieces of avocado toast topped with sliced salmon, feta cheese, with a side of friend potatoes
Avocado toast breakfast at Royal Grille, suggesting family-friendly dining options for a vacation in Wildwood.
Wildwood Family Vacation: Dining Delights
Start your day at Britton’s bakery, a local favorite since 1965, using original recipes. Be there by 6 a.m. (line forms before 6:30 a.m. opening!) as they sell out quickly. Famous for apple fritters, they also offer doughnuts and pastries. Cash only.
Royal Grille, in the Port Royal Hotel, is our breakfast spot. It has a beach-view patio, friendly staff, and a diverse menu for everyone. Kids get special cups, crayons, and placemat activities.
Ravioli House, a Wildwood Crest institution since 1970, serves hearty Italian dishes. Boathouse Restaurant, on the intercoastal waterway with a scenic deck and casual outdoor bar, is great for special dinners.
Remember, Wildwood restaurants generally don’t take reservations. For dinner, arrive by 5 p.m. to avoid long waits. Bring snacks and entertainment for kids in case of a wait.
dusk over water with a dock to the left with a flag pole and a bird flying in the middle
Sunset over water view from Boathouse Restaurant, highlighting scenic dining experiences for family vacation.
Best Time for a Wildwood Family Vacation
Check the events calendar when planning your Wildwood family vacation. Wildwoods hosts over 160 annual events and festivals, mostly free. Popular ones include Italian and Irish festivals, classic car shows, the Kite Festival, and the Baby Parade. Popular festivals mean higher accommodation demand.
Getting to Wildwood for Your Family Vacation
By Car: Take exit 4A off NJ Turnpike to 47 South. Approximate drive times: 2.5-3 hours from NYC, 1.5 hours from Philadelphia, 2 hours from Wilmington, and 3 hours from Baltimore.
By Bus: Direct bus from Philadelphia (about 3 hours). From NYC, about 4 hours with a transfer in Atlantic City. Check the NJ Transit website for details.
