Will my stolen iPad connect to wifi without a wireless key

This discussion group is for the Apple Watch. You're more likely to get a rsponse that helps in the iPad group

If the wifi network requires a key, then the answer is "no"

If it's a wifi network that has no security, then yes

If the wifi network requires a web page login (like in a public htospot) then you can connect if you complete the login form

if it's set to auto join networks it will connect to any open unencrypted wifi network it comes within range of all wifi devices would

Are you trying to locate it? I may be wrong but I think the device does not have to join a wireless network. It'll be able to find its current position as long as wifi is switched on.