WILDWOOD, N.J.

A seaside wonderland for families with young kids, tweens and teens, Wildwood is a three-hour drive south of New York City. Located in Cape May County on the southeastern tip of New Jersey, the beach isn’t the only draw here. The boardwalk bustles with roller coasters, thrill and kiddie rides, and food stands selling everything from funnel cakes to Cuban spice-topped fries.

What’s new:

Kong, a gorilla-themed ride, opened at Morey’s Piers (moreyspiers.com) this summer. Just look for a giant ape — sporting an “I love Wildwood” T-shirt and holding a mock version of the boardwalk’s famous tram car — hanging onto a 60-foot lighthouse. Below, riders board “flying” shark-themed vehicles that circle Kong. Below the ride, you’ll find Kong & Co., a new 3,000-square-foot retail space selling souvenirs and snacks like chocolate-covered frozen bananas. It’s just the latest attraction at Morey’s, which boasts three piers with rides and two water parks.

Don’t miss:

If you have a dog, it’s worth visiting Morey’s Piers on Sept. 13, when Raging Waters Water Park turns into a pooch paradise, opening its doors to dogs from 5-7 p.m., with proceeds benefiting the New Jersey SPCA. Owners who want to take their pups to this “Gone to the Dogs” event must preregister their pooches and buy tickets at moreyspiers.com/gonetothedogs. Also available is “Breakfast in the Sky,” in which guests enjoy a meal aboard one of the largest Ferris wheels on the East Coast. The breakfast is available through Aug. 24 on Saturdays, Sundays and Mondays. The price is $85 per car with two people; $40 per additional person. You must book in advance by calling (609) 846-1624.

Stay:

Both the Pan American Hotel and the Port Royal Hotel (moreyspiers.com for both) are located on the beach and are five- to seven-minute drives from the ride piers. Pan American is home to a bistro, while Port Royal has a classic American restaurant. If you’re heading down for the “Gone to the Dogs” event, Blue Palms Resort is offering pet-friendly accommodations from Sept. 11 through 14. The “Wildwood Unleashed” package starts at $62 per night (Sunday & Monday), and includes a welcome “doggie bag.” Two-night minimum stay is required; call (609) 522-0606.