Wildwood is slowly losing its retro-Americana charm, one condo and one boardwalk smoke shop at a time, but one man is still holding on tightly to what New Jersey’s boardwalks once held dearly, the family charm and nostalgia.
For generations, the Wildwood Boardwalk in New Jersey has been synonymous with summer fun. Its wide wooden planks, carnival rides, neon signs, and famous tram car have welcomed millions of holidaymakers looking for that perfect beachside escape.
But tucked among the saltwater taffy shops, hot dog stands, and kiddie rides sits a little-known treasure that has quietly endured for decades — Fascination, an arcade like no other, lovingly kept alive by its owner, Randy Senna.
For local and regional travelers, whether you’re coming from Philadelphia, North Jersey, New York, or even the Delaware Valley, Fascination offers something rare these days: a true blast from the past, still operating much as it did in its heyday.
What Exactly is Fascination?
If you haven’t heard of Fascination before, you’re not alone — but once you discover it, you may find yourself hooked.
Unlike traditional arcades filled with flashing claw and ticket spitting games, Fascination revolves around a unique game that dates back to the early 20th century.
Imagine a cross between bingo, skee-ball, and good old-fashioned luck. Players sit in a row of red cushioned chairs in front of glass-topped consoles. Each player rolls a small rubber ball, aiming for the ball to fall into one of the holes on the board in front of them. Every hole lights up a corresponding bulb, and the first person to complete five lights in a row wins.
It’s incredibly simple, yet surprisingly addictive. The tension builds as players compete side-by-side, watching one another’s boards, cheering and groaning with every ball drop. Unlike modern video games that isolate players behind screens, Fascination creates an atmosphere of shared excitement. Friends, families, and even complete strangers laugh and bond over each round.
The Man Behind the Magic: Randy Senna
At the heart of Fascination’s enduring charm is Randy Senna, who has dedicated much of his life to preserving this rare piece of boardwalk history. Senna, who grew up working on arcades along the Jersey Shore, took ownership of Fascination decades ago and has kept it alive through sheer passion and personal dedication.
Randy is not just an arcade operator — he’s a living encyclopedia of amusement history. His personal collection of vintage arcade machines is extraordinary, and many are lovingly displayed around Fascination’s premises. He’s saved machines from closing arcades all over the country, giving them a new life here in Wildwood.
Walk into Fascination, and you’re stepping into a time capsule: wood-panelled walls, vintage signage, mechanical scoreboards, and machines that have been in service since the 1940s and ‘50s. But more than the décor, it’s Senna’s devotion to the game — and the memories it creates — that makes this place so special.
Why Local and Regional Travelers Should Visit
For those of us lucky enough to live within driving distance, it’s easy to take Wildwood for granted. Many families have been visiting for generations, riding the tram cars, eating funnel cakes, and soaking in the sun on Wildwood’s famously wide beaches. But even for the seasoned Jersey Shore regular, Fascination offers something refreshingly different.
1. A Rare, Living Slice of History
Fascination arcades once dotted boardwalks from Coney Island to Atlantic City, but today, only a few remain operational anywhere in the world — and Wildwood’s Fascination is one of the best-preserved examples.
2. Family-Friendly Fun
Whether you’re bringing your kids, grandkids, or going with friends, Fascination appeals to all ages. The rules are simple, and the competition is friendly. You don’t need gaming skills or prior experience — just a few quarters, a little luck, and a willingness to have fun.
3. Nostalgia and Tradition
Many visitors remember playing Fascination as kids and are now introducing it to their own children and grandchildren. It’s one of the few places where multiple generations can sit side by side and share in the same experience, making new memories while reliving old ones.
4. Perfect for Rainy Days or Evening Entertainment
If the weather turns or you’re looking for a break from the sun, Fascination is the ideal spot to while away an hour or two. The cool, dimly lit arcade offers a welcome respite from the heat or occasional summer shower.
Beyond Fascination: Making a Day (or Weekend) of It
Of course, no trip to Wildwood is complete without soaking in all the other delights the Boardwalk has to offer. You can easily build a full day around your visit to Fascination:
- Morey’s Piers & Beachfront Water Parks — for thrilling rides and waterslides.
- The Boardwalk Tram Car — hop aboard for a scenic ride along the nearly 2-mile stretch of Boardwalk.
- Doo Wop Architecture Tour — explore the town’s famous mid-century motels and neon signs.
- Classic Boardwalk Eats — try Curley’s Fries, Kohr Bros frozen custard, and of course, some saltwater taffy.
