One Of The World's Best Seaside Amusement Parks Is This Family-Friendly New Jersey Paradise

A trip to an amusement park is a quintessential summer activity. These sunny days are full of laughter and at the end of it, you get to leave with a heart full of memories. The more popular theme parks like Disney, Universal, and Six Flags can be pricey, and oftentimes require weeks of planning. But fortunately, there are plenty of local underrated and unique theme parks in the U.S. that offer the same fun for a fraction of the cost. If you find yourself on the Jersey Shore, you have to visit Morey's Piers. This charming boardwalk-style wonderland is one of the best American amusement parks the whole family will love.

Morey's Piers, located in Wildwood, NJ was voted one of the top three seaside amusement parks in the world by Amusement Today and consists of over 100 rides and attractions that span three oceanfront piers and two water parks. With 18 acres filled with fun activities, there is something to do for everyone, from world-class rollercoasters for extreme thrill seekers to kiddie rides for your little ones. 

Morey's is also one of the best budget-friendly theme parks in America for fabulously affordable adventures. Tickets start at about $30 for one water park or cost $115 if you want access to everything. The park also offers packages that start at $92 for 90 tickets as well as season passes ($280 for just the water parks and $450 for the water parks and pier attractions). A trip to Morey's will make for a summer day that you won't ever forget.

As stated earlier, the park consists of three piers geared toward guests of all ages — Mariner's Pier, Surfside Pier, and Adventure Pier. Each has its own unique theme featuring classic rides and attractions both kids and adults will enjoy. Mariner's Pier, at the heart of Morey's, combines nostalgic boardwalk vibes with modern thrills. This is where you will find The Great White, a classic wooden coaster that takes riders along the pier and over the beach at speeds up to 50 mph and features a 105-foot drop. And no great seaside amusement park is complete without a landmark Ferris wheel: The Giant Wheel located on Mariner's Pier will take you 156 feet high and offers a gorgeous view of the coastline. 

For more family-friendly rides, head over to Surfside Pier where you will find rides perfect for children. This is where you can go on a gentle, nautical-themed journey on the Sky Ships. This is also where you can take your littles on their first thrill ride on the family-friendly Runaway Tram coaster. But if you're an adrenaline junkie, Adventure Pier is where you need to be. You can start off a bit easy with The Great Nor'Easter, a suspended coaster with inversions, corkscrews and a 95-foot drop. When you're ready to take it up a notch, the SpringShot launches you and a ride buddy straight up into the sky at over 75 mph. 

Feeling overwhelmed by all the options? Morey's rides list can help you filter through all the attractions and help you decide which ones are the best for you and your party. You can even filter by number of tickets, rider height, location, and more so you don't have to waste your time wandering around wondering which attraction to hit up first.

Morey's two water parks — Ocean Oasis and Raging Waters — are the perfect places to cool off on a hot summer day in Wildwood. At both, you'll find breathtaking water slides, playgrounds, a lazy river, and tons of poolside activities. There's also a a swim-up bar at Ocean Oasis. If water and crowds aren't your jam, head to Starlux Mini Golf where you can explore one of three courses. Prices start at $12 for children and $16 for adults.

When you're ready for a meal, there are plenty of places to eat. Pig Dog Beach BBQ serves mouth watering American-style meals (think ribs, briskets, and burgers) and Founders Grub and Pub offers pizzas, sandwiches, and more. There are also plenty of great quick-service options around the park, such as Philly Ballpark Hot Dogs, Taco Joint, Jake's Steaks, and Joe's Fish Co. And, of course, no theme park day is complete without a sweet treat. For dessert, head to Liege Style Waffles, La Bakerie, Sugar Shack, or Serpent Sweets.

Outside of its attractions, Morey's Piers hosts plenty of fun events throughout the summer. There are sports — such as soccer, basketball, football, baseball, and wrestling — from late June to mid-September. Themes parties are always a hit, and special events like PuppaPlooza let visitors bring their dogs to the water parks. To turn this adventure into a multi-day trip, book a stay at one of Morey's four resorts. No matter which of these family-owned lodgings you choose — Blue Palms Motel, Starlux Boutique Hotel, Pan American Hotel, or Port Royal Hotel — you'll be within close proximity to the beach and the piers.