Things to Do in Ocean City
Splashing into Kid-Friendly Fun in Ocean City, MD!
By AnneMay 19, 20234 min read
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Beach Day
Photo by Shannan Sortino
Of course, the beach, that's why we come to Ocean City, right? The beach is always the perfect destination for kids, and with 10 miles of sandy shoreline, there's plenty of space for kids to run around, build sandcastles, jump the waves, boogie board and search for seashells, and it doesn't have to coast a penny! Remember to bring sunscreen, towels, snacks and plenty of water!
Trimper Rides
Photo by Ashley Janser
Trimper Rides is an iconic amusement park in Ocean City that has been entertaining families since 1893. With classic rides like the Ferris wheel, carousel, and bumper cars, as well as newer attractions like Trimper's Big Wheel, there's something for every age group.
Jolly Roger Amusement Park
Photo by Tonya Farmer
Another great amusement park option in Ocean City is Jolly Roger Amusement Park. With a water park, mini-golf, go-karts, and thrilling rides, it's a one-stop-shop for all-day entertainment. There's rides on the Pier, or at 30th Street, next to Speedworld and Splash Mountain. For a thrilling experience, try the 50-foot-tall Giant Wheel on the Pier that gives riders an incredible view of the surrounding area.
Go-Karts
Photo by Kathie Baldwin
Kids and adults too will love racing go-karts while in Ocean City, and there's plenty to choose from. Try Jolly Roger's Speedworld on 30th Street, where you can ride the 5 story cart coaster - The Cyclone. Alternatively, on Rt 50 in West Ocean City, Baja Amusements offer 10 acres filled with 8 go-kart tracks, mini golf, bumper cars, kiddie rides and two climbing walls. Grand Prix Amusements, also on Rt 50 in West Ocean City has 7 go-kart tracks, batting cages, and bumper cars.
Ocean City Boardwalk
Photo by Clara Smith
No trip to Ocean City is complete without a stroll along the iconic 3 mile long Boardwalk. With its carnival-style atmosphere, it's a great place to people-watch, grab a bite to eat, and shop for souvenirs. Kids will love the candy shops, arcade games, and street performers. Start the day off with a bike ride along the Boardwalk in a surrey!
Assateague Island National Seashore
Just a few miles from Ocean City, take a day trip to Assateague Island National Seashore. This barrier island is home to a population of wild horses, which kids can see up close and personal, although make sure they don't try to touch them. The island also has beautiful beaches, hiking trails, kayaking opportunities and lots of other types of wildlife to observe.
Miniature Golf
Photo by Kim Dunn Holmes
Ocean City has plenty of mini-golf courses to choose from, each with their own theme and challenges. Kids will love the Jungle Golf course at Jolly Roger which takes you through a tropical rain forest, under waterfalls, around a lagoon, and over mountains or Ember's Island Golf on 24th Street where you can wander into an active volcano! It's a fun way to spend an afternoon with the family.
Pontoon Boat Ride
Photo by Gina Bena
If your kids are water-lovers, rent a pontoon boat and explore the beautiful waterways around Ocean City. Take a picnic and fish, crab, swim, or just relax. Bayside Boat Rentals offer pontoon boats with shade canopies and their pontoons can be docked at many of the local establishments along the bayside. Odyssea Watersports also have pontoon boats at their new location on 52nd Street Bayside. The kids will love it!
Ocean City Parks
Photo by Jennifer Streib McCurdy
There are plenty of parks in Ocean City, 17 to be exact, and they are all free! They range from the large Northside Park which has a playground, fishing pier, ponds and walking paths where kids can bring their bikes, scooters or roller skates. Smaller neighborhood parks like Little Salisbury Park on 94th Street has a great playground, and its next to the dog park. Gorman Park in North Ocean City on 136th Street has a great playground, lots of space to kick a ball around, and there's picnic tables. Then there's the playground which is on the beach, at North Division Street. It has three slides, monkey bars, and a small ice cream stand - perfect for kids when they’re done playing in the surf and sand.
All those FREE events
Photo by Shannon Nesslerodt Miller
There are plenty of free events all summer log that kids will love, so make sure you make the most of them. Don't miss out on Sundaes in the Park, each Sunday between June 11th and September 3rd where there is live music and various free kids activities and entertainment, along with fireworks at the end of the evening. The Ocean City Life Saving Station Museum offers free summer programs several days a week, all summer long, including Knot Tying and Aquarium Feeding. The Freeman Art Pavilion, just outside Ocean City on Rt 54 in West Fenwick, also have some free shows for kids, including The Magic School Bus on June 2nd.
There you have it – ten fun ideas for kids to do in Ocean City, Maryland. Whether you're looking for adventure, relaxation, or just a good old-fashioned beach day, Ocean City has something for everyone.
About Anne
Anne, a native of Edinburgh, Scotland, discovered Ocean City over three decades ago and was so captivated by its charm that she decided to make it her permanent home. Her love for travel remains strong, but Ocean City holds a special place in her heart.
Anne's deep connection to the town is evident in her role as a seasoned writer for OceanCity.com, a position she's held since September 2014. Her frequent visits to local events, businesses, restaurants, and hotels have given her an insider's perspective, making her an invaluable resource for newcomers seeking the best experiences Ocean City has to offer.
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