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NEW JERSEY: The shore at Wildwood takes you back to the '50s

BY ANDY LEVENBERG | Newsday Staff Writer

July 16, 2006

Arriving in Wildwood, N.J., about three hours from New York, is like traveling back in time, a time before the permeation of fast-food restaurants and chain hotels.

Most of the motels in the area were built in the 1950s and have hardly changed, down to the kitschy plastic palm trees that decorate many of the pools. It's a place where your room key is likely to be, well, a key, instead of an electronic key card like those you'll find elsewhere. It makes for an old-fashioned family vacation destination.

MOREY'S PIERS

For decades the rides and games at Wildwood's amusement piers boardwalk have been the town's main attraction. Teens, tweens and brave parents will thrill to several giant roller coasters, including the looping Sea Serpent, which goes upside down three times - and then does it again - backward. Younger kids are sure to enjoy the Balloon Race, Carousel and Tea Cups. On the beach adjacent to the boardwalk are the Raging Waters and more adult-oriented Ocean Oasis water parks. The latter offers private cabanas, pool tables and games like chess in addition to water rides.

Morey's Piers and Beachfront Waterparks, 25th Street and the Boardwalk, Schellenger Avenue and the Boardwalk, and Spencer Avenue and the Boardwalk, Wildwood; www.moreyspiers .com, 609-522-3900.

Amusement piers open to Oct. 8. July and August, weekends, noon-midnight; weekdays, 12:30 p.m.-midnight. Hours vary other months. Water parks open daily through Labor Day, hours vary.

Rates vary, based on height. Basic rates: rides-water park combo pass, $35-$47 a person; rides only, $29-$41; water parks only, $22-$28.50. Several less-expensive packages also available.

CAPE MAY WHALE WATCHER

A bit of a misnomer, as locals will tell you, because while dolphin sightings are quite common, it seems spotting a whale is a lot tougher. Still, the two- or three-hour boat tours can be a lot of fun for the kids who take in the sights and sounds of the Atlantic Ocean while a guide teaches them about marine life.

At Second Avenue and Wilson Drive, Schellenger's Landing, Cape May; www.capemay whalewatcher.com; 800-786- 5445. Trips daily, through December. Two-hour tour: ages 7-12, $15; adults, $25. Three-hour tour: ages 7-12, $20; adults $35. Kids 6 and younger are free with paid adult.

JURASSIC ADVENTURE GOLF

While there are dozens of miniature golf centers to choose from in the Wildwood-Cape May area, this dinosaur-themed course has the teeth to keep kids' interest. Life-size replicas of the prehistoric creatures abound, including a scary-looking T-rex that looks like he has an appetite for more than just golf balls.

At Fourth and New Jersey avenues, North Wildwood. Summer hours, 9 a.m.-11 p.m. daily; spring and fall hours vary. Kids younger than 10 $5, adults $6. Information: 609-729-5577.

CAPE MAY LIGHTHOUSE

Built in 1859, the tower and grounds are open to the public as a museum. Kids of all ages enjoy climbing the cast-iron spiral staircase to the top. On the way up, vintage photos tell the history of the lighthouse, and picturesque views of the ocean and bay await kids once they reach the summit. When they're ready to come down, ask your kids if they can count the total number of steps in the staircase. (Answer: 199)

Lighthouse Avenue, Cape May; www.capemaymac.org; 609-884-8656. Tower open daily through November, and weekends most of the rest of the year; hours vary. Admission, $1 for children, $5 for adults.