23+ Best things to do in Ocean City Maryland with Kids (2023)
Looking for fun things to do in Ocean city Maryland with your kids? You’ve come to the right place! Ocean City is a famous East Coast coastal town located on Fenwick Island. It is one of the most popular vacation spots in Maryland and boasts several attractions, including restaurants, gift shops, and more, as well as a gorgeous beach to spend the warmer days.
Spend a day at one of the popular tourist attractions below, or plan a week to soak in all Ocean City has to offer. Regardless, you will enjoy all the great things offered in this beautiful town.
Best Things to do in Ocean City, Maryland with kids
From fishing and swimming to shopping and dining, there is something for everyone in Ocean City.
This blog post will explore some of the best places to go in Ocean City, MD. So put on sunscreen and get ready for some fun in the sun and summer months!
1. Ocean City’s Boardwalk
The first stop on our list is the Ocean City Boardwalk. This historic boardwalk is one of the main Ocean city MD attractions and is, therefore, a must-see for any visitor to the town.
The boardwalk is about 2.45miles and is lined with shops, restaurants, and other attractions for almost three miles. You are sure to eat till you drop at the boardwalk, with shops selling boardwalk fries, ice cream, burgers, and more. Visitors can also enjoy the ocean and beach views from the boardwalk.
The perfect place to stretch your legs and get some steps in. Stop along the way to shop, view the sites, and then grab a bite to eat. You can ride the boardwalk tram, which takes you through the entire boardwalk.
The boardwalk is definitely one of the best things to do in ocean city MD. It is also home to a lot of great places to stay while in OceanCity, MD.
2. Ice Skating
One super fun thing to do in Ocean City during the winter is ice skating! The Carousel Oceanfront Hotel has an indoor ice skating rink that is fun! You don’t have to be staying at the hotel to get into the rink; everyone is welcome.
3. Candy Kitchen
Your kids are sure to love you if you make a stop at Candy Kitchen. They have one of the most unique selections of candies around. The sugar rush is high from sweets, chocolates, gummies, truffles, pretzels, and fudges.
4. Paradise Watersport
While at Ocean city, do not miss out on an opportunity to jet ski or parasail, especially if you or your kids are looking for that adrenaline rush. Ocean City offers some fantastic breathtaking views of Maryland from Delaware to Virginia over the ocean, and you can see all these while parasailing. Check out Paradise watersport.
5. Jolly Roger Amusement Park
For those looking for some thrills, the Ocean City Boardwalk is the perfect place to go. With over 30 rides, roller coasters, and attractions, there is something for everyone at this park.
Big and little kids can enjoy a day at Jolly Rogers Amusement Park. Some of the most popular rides at the park include the giant wheel, Hurricane, Slingshot, and Pirate Ship.
My husband and I are huge thrill lovers, so this park is excellent, although I must confess that in recent years, we have not gotten that much thrill from it anymore.
This is another one of my favorite things to do in OCMD.
6. Ocean City Beach
A day at the beautiful beach is always perfect, especially for a summer vacation, And what better place to spend a day at the beach than in Ocean City. With over ten miles of beaches, there is plenty of room for everyone to enjoy a day in the sun.
Ocean City Beach is the perfect place to be, whether you are looking to build sandcastles, relax in a beach chair, or take a dip in the ocean. When my daughter was about three years old, and we went to this beach, she refused to let her feet touch the soft sand.
I guess it felt weird to her, so I had to carry her from the car to the beach towel we set up. Ocean City beach is one of the best things you can do outdoors with your kids.
7. Northside Park
Northside Park is known as one of the biggest parks in Ocean City. It has three lighted softball/baseball fields, a soccer field, concession stands, an accessible playground for your kids to burn some energy, picnic areas, and over 1 mile of walking/jogging paths where you can hike or enjoy bike rides.
This park also hosts many concerts, community events, and festivals. For example, the popular Winterfest of Lights show is held here during Christmas.
8. Baja Amusement
Baja Amusement is another excellent place to check out. Kids can enjoy the eight go-kart tracks, mini-golf, and two climbing walls. They also have double seat karts for families or if you want to ride with your kids. They also have some rides for the kids, such as the Wacky worm roller coaster, Froghopper, and a carousel.
9. Frontier Town
Sound like a city in the wild west, right? Frontier Town is an old-fashioned western-themed amusement park located just a few miles west of Ocean City.
The park has a western theme park, water park, miniature golf courses, and a high ropes adventure park. Besides that fun, there are plenty of places to grab food and drinks. And, be sure to check out the live music and shows.
As if that’s not enough, Frontier Town offers camping and a marina.
10. Trimper’s Rides and Amusement Park
For the person who loves amusement parks and rides, Trimper’s Rides and Amusement Park is another great tourist destination to add to the list of things to do in Ocean City.
This family-friendly amusement park has been a staple in Ocean City for over 100 years.
The park is best known for its carousel, built-in 1902. But, besides the carousel, there are plenty of other rides and games to keep you entertained. The carousel was gotten from Herschell Spillman, a famous company in New York for carousels.
It’s a giant Ferris wheel that keeps kids excited. Also notable here are the Tidal Wave coaster and the Bill Tracy Haunted House.
And, if you get hungry, there are plenty of places to grab a bite to eat while there.
11. Pirate Adventures of Ocean City
Aarrrggg… how about a little bit of pirate fun. Pirate Adventures of Ocean City is fun for the whole family. Reservations are required for this pirate voyage. And be at least 20 min early so everyone can get their face painted before setting sail. Fun, games, and treasures all make for a great family adventure.
12. Art League of Ocean City
Free and open daily to the public, the Art League of Ocean City features rotating exhibitions of local, national, and international artists. The Art League also offers classes and workshops for all ages.
Whether you’re an artist or enjoy viewing art, the Art League is a great place to spend an afternoon.
13. Oceanic Fishing Pier
The Oceanic Fishing Pier is a great place to relax and enjoy the ocean views. You can fish off the pier (no license required) or enjoy the view. The pier also has a restaurant, bar, and tackle shop.
Teaching the kids that they can provide food for themselves is a great life lesson. Take home your catch and enjoy cooking up something you caught—an excellent treat for the whole family. Plus, fishing is a lot of fun for everyone.
If fishing is your jam, then check out some more great places to go fishing in Maryland.
14. Parasailing Adventure in Ocean City
This is a must-do activity when visiting Ocean city! Soar above the ocean and get the most beautiful views from above. This tour lasts 75 minutes and is excellent for families; however, kids ages 5-17 need adults to sign their waivers.
The tour cost starts at $99. Check out their website for more information.
15. Sailing trip in Ocean city
Grab your family and hop aboard a catamaran to sail on the Atlantic Ocean while in Ocean City, Maryland. While on this tour, guests can spot some dolphin pods as they glide over the water.
The tour lasts about 2.5 hours and allows guests to get a unique ocean city experience while enjoying a relaxing, tranquil sail on the Atlantic ocean. Read more on their website.
16. Performing Arts Center
Want to see a live play? Head over to the Performing Arts Center! You can see plays, shows, and musical performances all year round. Be sure to look at their schedule in advance and grab your tickets as soon as possible.
17. Assateague Island National Seashore
For a more natural experience, head over to Assateague Island National Seashore. This 37-mile-long island is home to wild ponies, pristine beaches, and hiking trails. Walk the beach and enjoy the crashing waves and the sea air—a perfect place to enjoy a picnic or even a sunset.
The kids will love playing in the sand and getting the chance to see wild ponies.
In addition, you can see some stunning wild horses and natural beauty, unlike anything you’ve seen before. These wild horses are unique as they can also live through the scorching summers and cold winter months.
So while you cannot get close to them to preserve their life, you can enjoy their beauty.
Assateague Island has plenty of things to do and is open all year round making it one of the most unique things to see near ocean city MD. You can go hiking on the nature trails, fishing, boating, have a picnic, camp, and explore this beautiful island if the weather permits.
This is also a fantastic state park in Maryland to check out with your family.
18. Winterfest of Lights
This is probably the best thing to do during the winter in Ocean City. The Winterfest of Lights is an annual event held from mid-November until January 1st, located at Northside Park. You will find thousands of holiday lights and decorations that will take your breath away.
Santa Claus also makes his appearance here, so you can take your kids to see him and get a nice picture. Kids under 11 years old are free, and adults are $5. There is even a 50-foot Christmas tree filled with beautiful, colorful lights. You can also relax and sip hot chocolate in the heated Winterfest Village pavilion.
If your kids love Christmas lights, check out some of the best Christmas lights in Maryland.
19. Ayers Creek Adventures
This is Ocean City, Maryland’s premier paddlesport and eco-tour outfitter. They provide guided eco-tours, kayak instruction, group events, and more. With the Eco-Tours, visitors can explore the creek and get a unique opportunity and insight into the waterway and wildlife.
20. Fractured Prune
If you are a doughnut lover, you must trash your diet and head over to Fractured prune. It has been Ocean City’s most popular tourist destination, and guests can create their doughnuts from scratch. You can choose between various toppings, flavors, decorations, and more.
Fun things to do with kids on the Ocean City Boardwalk
There are so many amazing things you can do with your kids on the Ocean City Boardwalk. The Boardwalk is one of the main attractions of Ocean City especially for kids. From activities, to food, to sightseeing, your kids are sure to have a blast. Here are some fun things to check out while here:
21. Ripley’s Believe it or Not!
Ripley’s is a world-famous museum that features the odd and the unusual. With over 500 exhibits, there’s something for everyone at Ripley’s. A visit here will have everyone talking about the odd and unique exhibits for days. To be honest, it was not my favorite thing personally due to the oddness of it, but its a favorite for many people.
Some highlights include a shrunken head, a real vampire killing kit, and a replica of Stonehenge made out of matchsticks. Ripley’s is fun for the whole family.
22. Dinosaur Bones Playground
An outing with the kids isn’t complete until you visit Dinosaur Bones Playground. This unique playground is designed to look like a real dinosaur bones excavation site.
Most kids are intrigued by dinosaurs, and this place offers a great place just to let the kids release energy. The best part is that it’s free to the public. So kids can have fun while also learning more about dinosaurs’ history and anatomy.
23. Old time photos
If you love to go back in time and recreate some amazing memories, you have to check out old time photos. It is such an amazing experience especially for kids, we got to play dress up and just enjoy the moment recreating a variety of scenes and movies from the past.
24. Get on some rides
Ocean city boardwalk has a variety of rides your kids can enjoy. You can check out Trimper’s Rides and Amusement Park which is a family-friendly amusement park that has been a staple in Ocean City for over 100 years. It has a famous carousel, a giant ferris wheel, Tidal wave coaster, Bill tracy haunted house and more.
Another amusement park to check out with your kids is the Jolly Rogers Amusement Park. Some of the most popular rides at the park include the giant wheel, Hurricane, Slingshot, and Pirate Ship.
25. Kite loft
If you love kites or have kids that love flying kites, then you must check out the Kite loft in Ocean city. They have all kinds of cool gadgets, tools, and toys for all things kite-related. So no matter your skill levels, you can find something here to enjoy flying kites outside.
26. Ocean city life saving museum
While on the boardwalk, be sure to stop at the ocean city life saving museum. They have a variety of artifacts and exhibits dedicated to preserving the history of storms, shipwrecks and saving lives at the sea.
27. Bike rides
Hit up a bike rental service to grab a bike with your kids. Dandy Don’s Bike Rentals is a great family owned place to rent bikes. They rent out various types like Beach Cruisers, Surreys, Banana Bikes, and Ocean City’s only “Boardwalk Cars”.
28. Food time
While at the Boardwalk you have to enjoy all the food. There is a wide variety to select from. One personal favorite is the Fractured Prune doughnut shop. Kids can choose from at least a dozen glazes and toppings and make their doughnut as unique as they are which is really amazing.
There are also some fantastic ice-cream shops we enjoyed like Dumsers dairyland, Kohn bros and Dodo edible cookie dough and icecream.
For boardwalk fries, check out Thrashers french fries, you won’t regret it!
29. Endless Activities in Ocean City, Maryland
Ocean City, Maryland, is the perfect place to come if you’re looking for endless things to do with the family. From spending a day at the beach and the boardwalk to exploring all of the unique museums and attractions, there’s something for everyone in Ocean City.
Where To Stay In Ocean City, Maryland
Being such a popular tourist destination, Ocean City has many wonderful places to stay for all budget levels.
Check out this post on the best places to stay in OceanCity Maryland.
If you want a hotel that is family friendly when traveling with kids, I recommend Princess Royale oceanfront Resort. This hotel is located right on the beach and was recently updated, to include a nice outside beach bar. You also get beautiful views of sunrise and sets from each side of the hotel building.
When is the best time to visit Ocean City, MD?
The popular times to visit OCMD are late May through September, which means they are also really crowded during those months. Hotel prices also double during these months, so you need to plan ahead to save costs and get the best deals.
Although Ocean city might seem like a summer-only place, there are some great places to check out in Ocean city during winter, so do not limit yourself to the popular tourist months.
What is Ocean City, Md most known for?
Ocean City is most known and famous for the bustling boardwalk that’s full of lots of entertainment and great food. You can check out some of the best seafood restaurants in Oceancity Maryland. It is also known as the White Marlin Capital of the World.
Final thoughts on things to do in Ocean city Maryland with kids
We’ve only covered a handful of the most popular ocean city maryland things to do but you have to make a stop and see for yourself!
So what are you waiting for? Start planning your trip today!
