July 2019 - Globetrotting Mommy

Taking a trip to Wildwood, New Jersey is like going back to a care-free time way before frappuccinos and Splena were invented. I couldn’t get enough of the the old-school architecture and was thrilled to find an absence of chain stores and avocado toast at every turn. When I heard the Star Spangled Banner play on the boardwalk as it opened and noticed everyone standing at attention, I knew I wasn’t in NYC anymore. If you’re looking to escape from hectic city schedules and have a fun summer getaway, Wildwood is the perfect place to unplug.

Top 10 Cool Things to do in Wildwood, New Jersey

It turns out, the New Jersey shore is way more family friendly than I ever thought. My family and I spent Father’s Day weekend checking out the fun-filled Morey’s Piers and its neighboring beach town and today I’m sharing my picks for the Top 10 Cool Things to do in Wildwood, New Jersey!

Top 10 Cool Things to do in Wildwood, New Jersey

Miles of gorgeous beaches await travelers in Wildwood, New Jersey

1) ENJOY MILES OF FREE BEACHES

The Jersey Shore town of Wildwood features miles of wide sandy beaches that are perfect for kids of all ages. Just steps from the boardwalk, the beach is perfect for an afternoon break or an all day adventure. Families with a lot of stuff will love the beach taxis that will magically transport your items down to the beach (and back!).

The iconic Wildwood beach balls are a great photo op.

2) SNAP A PIC WITH THE WILDWOOD BEACH BALLS

I’d seen these pics in my Facebook feed for years but seeing these gigantic beach balls in person will really make you say “wow” out loud. If you’re looking for a colorful family photo or selfie, be sure to strike a pose. The best times are early in the morning or before sunset.

Be sure to enjoy boardwalk treats like Johnson’s caramel popcorn.

3) TASTE TONS OF BOARDWALK TREATS

Boardwalk food and summer time go hand in hand so don’t miss the many tasty treats available in Wildwood, New Jersey. From funnel cakes and ice cream to fried Oreos and potato spirals, there is something for everyone. Our favorites were frozen treats from Polish Water Ice and Kohr Bros, Curley’s lemonade and the most amazing caramel popcorn from Johnson’s Popcorn.

StarLux Mini Golf has three family-friendly courses.

4) ENJOY A GAME OF MINI GOLF WITH A VIEW

Mini-golf is a great summer activity the whole family can enjoy and the StarLux Mini Golf in Wildwood, New Jersey has three fun courses (beach, boardwalk and ocean) with cute decor, fun memorabilia, tricky water features, and awesome ocean views. If you’ve got a multi-generational family group, this is a fantastic activity.

Renting a surrey is a family friendly way to explore Wildwood, New Jersey

5) TAKE A MORNING RIDE ALONG THE BOARDWALK

The two-mile boardwalk is just perfect for a family bike (or scooter) ride so be sure to plan one early morning for a ride. Bikes are allowed on the boardwalk until opening time and there are tons of rental shops around town. We rented a surrey and had so much fun riding it from our hotel to the end of the pier and back. If you’ve got small kids, this is a great option.

The rides and attractions on Morey’s Piers will thrill everyone in the family

6) RIDES, RIDES AND MORE RIDES AT MOREY’S PIERS

With three huge piers filled with everything from tot rides to upside-down thrill rides, adventure junkies of all ages will want to spend some serious time here. If you like your adventures wet, be sure to pack a swimsuit for the two awesome water parks. More details coming in my next post…

The Pan American hotel has direct access to the beach as well as a gorgeous swimming pool.

7) KICK BACK IN VINTAGE 1950s – 1960s STYLED HOTELS

You’ll need a few days here so be sure to book a stay in one of Wildwood’s vintage (yet thoroughly modern – hello free wifi) hotels. We stayed at the Pan American Hotel which was one of the areas first hotels and I loved all the vintage photos, letters and architect drawings as well as the aircraft inspired decor and furnishings. Our room had a fully stocked kitchenette, dining area, living area with a pull-out-bed and balcony overlooking the pool so we had plenty of room to spread out. We loved the hotel’s hearty breakfast options and friendly waitstaff who remembered us each morning.

Strike a pose for an old school photo on the Wildwood Boardwalk

8) UNLEASH YOUR INNER GANGSTER OR FLAPPER GIRL

My daughter was obsessed with the Old Time Photo shop and as much as I tried to dissuade her with my concerns over lice and germs, she did not budge. My husband agreed to be in the photo with her and I was happy to oversee their costumes choices. There were hundreds of costumes and props to choose from but they finally went with gangster and flapper girl. If you’re into this kinda thing, this is definitely a good spot to do it.

The Sightseer tram is a great way to travel the Wildwood Boardwalk.

9) REST YOUR FEET AND TRAVEL BY TRAM

Exploring the boardwalk and piers involves a lot of walking (as much as a day at Disney!) so definitely bring a stroller for small kids and jump on and off the tram to conserve energy. The iconic Sightseer tram car runs along the long Wildwood Boardwalk.

The many shops along the Wildwood Boardwalk have something for everyone

10) SHOP TILL YOU DROP

If you’re looking for a souvenir to bring home, there are dozens of shops selling clothing, mugs and magnets, sweets (chocolate covered everything and fudge galore), swimwear and more fidget spinners than I’ve ever seen in one spot!

Have you ever visited Wildwood, New Jersey? Tell me your favorite memory in the comments below.

Thank you to Morey’s Piers for providing our hotel accommodations and some meals and activities. As always, all opinions are my own. If you don’t want to miss a post, subscribe to Globetrotting Mommy for daily updates!

We love kicking off summer at Splish Splash water park, Long Island and this year’s trip was as memorable as always. Splish Splash is located on Long Island’s East End, about 90-minutes from Manhattan making it a great day trip to escape the city heat. Read on for the scoop before you plan your summer visit.

Summer fun at Splish Splash Water Park, Long Island (and coupon)

What’s New at Splish Splash, Long Island – Riptide Racer and Bombs Away

These two new slide rides start from the same tower with the Bombs Away entrance a flight up from Riptide Racer.

Riptide Racer was my daughter’s favorite ride this trip and since the lines were short, she got to ride it quite a few times. Up to four guests race down the colorful tubes and slides going head-first on cushy blue mats. Watching the racers splash to the end line side-by-side is so fun as you never know who will go fastest.

The colorful Riptide Racer, Splish Splash, Long Island, Water park

The colorful new Riptide Racer at Splish Splash was a big hit with my 8-year old.

Bombs Away is a bit more daring with two dueling 300-foot slides. Guests stand in the clear launch capsule, waiting for the floor to drop. When it does, riders rush through a tidal flow as they fall at 26 feet per second. If you’re looking for a high-thrill, adrenaline rush, this is the ride for you.

Family Fun for Everyone at Splish Splash, Water Park, Long Island

From babies to grandparents, everyone will find a favorite attraction at Splish Splash Waterpark making it a great option for a multi-generational visit. I love that most of the grounds are shaded and the attractions geared towards small children have plenty of seating.

Splish Splash Waterpark, Long Island, Lazy River, kids, coupon

The lazy river is a ride the whole family can enjoy. Watch out for the spraying waterfalls….

Splish Splash, Water Park, Long Island, Kids, Coupon

The areas for little kids feature cute submarines and pirate ships at Splish Splash Waterpark.

spilsh splash, water park, coupon, long island

The wave pool is fun for guests of all ages. This was the quiet before the storm…

Spish Splash can get very crowded on hot weekends so try to get there at opening or consider buying a H2GO Pass Ride to avoid long waits.

What to Bring to Splish Splash Water Park, Long Island

Even when you travel light you’ll still need those family friendly summer essentials including a comfortable bathing suit or rash guard and a light cover-up or sarong. Water shoes (preferably the stretchy tight types), goggles and sun hats are a must for little kids.

Be sure to stay hydrated at waterparks with Hydaway collapsable water bottles. Splish Splash, long island

Stay hydrated at waterparks with Hydaway collapsable water bottles and don’t forget a waterproof phone case.

You will want a waterproof case for your phone and a small portable safe to keep your car keys and credit cards safe. Last but not least, bring a colorful quick dry towel and water bottles for everyone in the family.

We test drove Hydaway Bottles on our visit and I loved how they easily clipped onto our bags when full and collapsed to a small disc when empty. Lockers are available and there are free cubbies where you can store your towels and shoes throughout the park.

Ready to visit? Check out my Top 10 Tips for Visiting Splish Splash and save up to $8 per ticket with this Splish Splash coupon code. If you can, make a weekend of it and check out all the family-friendly things to do on Long Island’s East End.

Have you visited Splish Splash Water Park? Tell me your favorite ride in the comments below.

Special thanks to Splish Splash for inviting us to visit. This post contains affiliate links. As always, all opinions are my own. If you don’t want to miss a post, subscribe to Globetrotting Mommy for daily updates!