Along the shores of the Atlantic Ocean sits the friendly town of Ocean City. Located northeastern Maryland, the town is a hot spot for visitors from Maryland, Delaware and Virginia. Ocean City vacation rentals line the beach and settle in neighborhoods a few blocks away, so you can find something to fit your budget. Your family can pass the days soaking up the sun, splashing in the surf and burying each other in the sand; however, there’s plenty to do in Ocean City that doesn’t involve getting sand in your shoes. Here’s a quick guide to the top 10 things to do in Ocean City with your kids.
1. Jolly Roger Amusement Park
With two locations in town, Jolly Roger Amusement Park is a popular place for families with kids. The park offers rides for the smaller children in your family along with thrilling rides and roller coasters for the tweens and teens who are too cool for the carousel. Grab a funnel cake or hot dog on a stick to enjoy as you walk around the park, or try your luck at one of the games of chance.
2. Splash Mountain Water Park
When you’re tired of the salt water and hot sand, take the kids to Splash Mountain Water Park for an afternoon of fun. While you enjoy floating around the lazy river, your kids can take a ride down one of the park’s exciting water slides. There’s a wave pool where you and your kids can splash around or take the younger kids to the dedicated children’s area for shallower water and fun activities designed just for them.
3. Trimper’s Rides
Find a whole new set of amusement park rides at the historic Trimper’s Rides that sits on the boardwalk. Spend the day on the beach, then ride the carousel or roller coaster before returning to your vacation rental. This amusement park dates back to the 1890s when it was part of one of the original resorts in the area. It’s a great place to grab an afternoon snack from a selection of carnival-type food.
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4. Ocean City Life-Saving Station
On a rainy afternoon, take the kids to the Ocean City Life-Saving Station to learn more about the history of the area and its role as a maritime community. Check out exhibits about the original lifesavers who went out on the sea when a boat was in trouble to aid survivors. This museum offers a dedicated space for the smaller members of your family, showcasing favorite characters such as Paddington Bear.
5. Ocean City Boardwalk
After a day of lazing on the beach, get up and stretch your legs with a walk along the boardwalk. You and the kids can duck in and out of the eclectic shops for souvenirs or a new set of plastic buckets to build the ultimate sand castle. Along the boardwalk, restaurants and fast-food spots offer convenient meals so you don’t always have to cook dinner at your vacation rental. You can even come in the morning, settle on a bench and watch the sun rise over the ocean.
6. Ripley’s Believe It or Not
Witness all sorts of oddities at the Ripley’s Believe It or Not museum. Your kids can check out amazing items such as shrunken heads and skeletons of unique animals in the museum’s 12 galleries, each with its own theme and more than 500 artifacts and exhibits on two floors. It’s sure to be an interesting day that leaves your kids with lots of questions and exciting stories about what they saw.
7. Fenwick Island Light
Hop in the car and enjoy the scenic drive along the coast while you make your way to the Fenwick Island Light. Climb to the top of this lighthouse that dates back to the 1850’s that remains unchanged in the more than a century since the lighthouse was originally built.
8. Assateague Island National Seashore
Located a mere 9 miles from Ocean City, Assateague Island National Seashore offers a day filled with peace and quiet as your family hikes through the area. Along the way, you might glimpse the famous Assateague wild ponies that live on the island. Keep a look out for other wildlife, including foxes and raccoons. Pack a picnic lunch and indulge in a family meal on the beach.
9. Sunday Funday in Northside Park
Each Sunday during the summer, Northside Park comes alive with activity. Enjoy a live music concert by various local acts with the kids while they eat a hot-fudge sundae. At the end of the evening the sky comes alive with fireworks. Don’t be surprised if your kids beg to come back the next Sunday.
10. Mini Golf
Is one of your kids looking forward to a future as a professional golfer? In Ocean City, you and your family can play mini golf at a different place almost every afternoon, including Old Pro Golf, Lost Treasure Golf, and Nick’s Mini Golf. Lost Treasure Golf is known for its detailed scenery and cool artwork. After a few games of mini golf grab some ice cream on the way back to your vacation rental.
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