Wildwood, NJ · Every Summer
Wildwoods Baby Parade
Every summer, the Wildwoods Boardwalk turns into a runway for costumed babies, kids and floats at the Wildwoods Baby Parade, a tradition here since 1909. The 116th parade stepped off on Wednesday, July 29, 2026; the 2027 date has not been announced yet.
What Makes Baby Parade Special
- Babies, kids and families parade in costume along the Boardwalk, on foot or on small and large floats.
- Entry is free. In 2026 the categories included Cutest Baby Boy and Cutest Baby Girl (under 12 months), Individual Best Dressed, Best Themed Group, Small Float and Large Float, with trophies and cash prizes for the top three in each.
- Spectators line the boardwalk to watch the parade, which is a popular summer tradition in Wildwood.
What to Expect at Baby Parade
In 2026 the parade stepped off at 6 p.m. sharp from the Wildwoods Convention Center and went north 10 blocks along the Boardwalk to Cedar Avenue, where the winners were announced.
- Register online in advance or in person at the Convention Center on parade day (4:30 to 5:15 p.m. in 2026)
- Six award categories in 2026, from Cutest Baby to Large Float; 30 contestants took part
- A 10-block route north along the Boardwalk to Cedar Avenue
- The day before, the Baby Waddle and Baby Crawl contests for tots ages 0-2 drew a record 57 babies in 2026
- Free to enter
Bring sunscreen and your camera — the photo opportunities are endless. With a 6 p.m. step-off in 2026, there was time for the beach first and the Boardwalk rides after the parade. For the 2027 date, call 609-729-9000 or check WildwoodsNJ.com.
Where to Stay for Wildwoods Baby Parade
The five Coastal Collection hotels are family-owned, motel-style properties within a few blocks of the beach and the Boardwalk. See walk times from each hotel to the Boardwalk, or compare all five Wildwood hotels and book direct on each hotel’s page. Coastal Sands Inn stays open through the off-season; Beachside Resort, Sunrise Inn, Paradise Inn and Sunset Beach Hotel reopen in April, so check dates when you book.
The Coastal Collection
Where to stay in Wildwood
Staying over for Wildwoods Baby Parade? Coastal Collection runs five locally owned hotels a few blocks from the beach and the Boardwalk: Coastal Sands Inn, Beachside Resort, Sunset Beach Hotel, Sunrise Inn and Paradise Inn. Compare them on the hotels in Wildwood page and book directly with the hotel.
