15 Things To Do with Kids in Ocean City, MD

Planning your family vacation and want to make sure there’s fun for the whole family – especially your kids? Look no further than Ocean City! Our beach town was named one of the top 10 best beaches in the US, and a huge reason is how family-friendly the town is! Join us as we take a look at all the things your kids can get up to while staying in OCMD.

1. Ripley’s Believe It or Not Museum

Enjoy rare and unusual artifacts and oddities like shrunken heads, car part sculptures and more, and also interact with fun exhibits like the Vortex Tunnel.

2. Boardwalk Arcades

Step off the boardwalk and into a world of excitement at Ocean City’s boardwalk arcades, Sportland and Marty’s Playland. From classic games to modern thrills, your kids will love the endless fun and the chance to win awesome prizes.

3. The Kite Loft

Browse a variety of kites, toys, decor and more as well as enjoy events like a Giant Kite Show and lessons.

4. Flashback Old Time Photos

Go back in time with this fun photo opportunity. Dress up as cowboys, pirates, flappers, hillbillies and more – it’s a great keepsake to remember your vacation by. Check them out here!

5. Trimper Rides

Trimper Rides at the end of the boardwalk is a beacon of classic and nostalgic family fun. Little ones can enjoy gentle thrills like train rides, water boats, fire engines and of course, the historic carousel. Or if you and your kids are adrenaline lovers, you can check out their variety of rides and roller coasters. Trimper is a must visit when on the boardwalk in OC.

6. Fishing Charters

Enjoy the fishing experience of a lifetime. Ocean City Fishing Center has a variety of boats that’ll fit whatever your needs are, and all you have to bring is the food and drinks – they’ve got everything else.

7. Jet Skis

Experience the thrill of jet skiing with your kids! Rent a jet ski for a day of excitement and unforgettable memories. We recommend Oceanside Watersports at the Oceanic Fishing Pier.  

8. Sea Rocket Adventures

Make all kinds of memories on the water. From parasailing to dolphin and sunset cruises, there’s fun for everyone when you book with Sea Rocket Adventures

9. Go-Karts

Rev up the excitement with thrilling go-kart races. Perfect for families seeking a little adrenaline on vacation. We recommend Jolly Roger’s Speedworld

10. Mini Golf

Tee up some family fun with mini-golf. There are countless mini-golf courses all over Ocean City. Whether you want to tee up with dinosaurs, vikings or pirates, or if you need an indoor course, there’s something for everyone – just pick a theme and there’s probably a course in OC to fit.

11. Bowling

Bowl a strike and make lasting memories at Ocean Lanes on 72nd Street. It’s the perfect activity for a rainy day! 

12. Jolly Roger Amusements

Enjoy a day of fun like no other. Jolly Roger has everything you can imagine from one of the best water parks in the country, to one of the largest go-kart facility on the East Coast, and even mini golf, roller coasters, rides and two ferris wheels across their two locations – one on 30th Street and the other at the Ocean City Pier.

13. Frontier Town Adventure Park

Located just outside of Ocean City, splash and slide at Frontier Town‘s water park or giddy on up to their Western Experience and enjoy a show of trick riders, gunfights, and more. It’s a one of a kind experience you don’t want to miss.

14. Our Hotels: Hilton and Holiday Inn & Suites

Unwind at our family-friendly oceanfront hotels where your kids can splash in the Kids Activity Pool featuring waterslides and more. Our hotels also feature kids activities during the summer like story time and swimming with mermaids, juggling shows and lessons by Cascading Carlos, and more. And of course, your family can always hang out on the beach playing in the sand and the surf, all without leaving the hotel.

15. Summer Events

Experience the magic of Ocean City’s free summer events! Enjoy Sundaes in the Park at Northside Park on Sundays at 7pm from June 9th to September 2nd with ice cream, kids’ activities, live music (link to live music lineup), and fireworks. 

Dance the night away at the OC Beach Dance Party with local DJs playing your favorite jams at the Caroline Street Stage on Mondays in July and August at 7:30pm. 

Or grab a blanket and chairs and kick back for movie nights on the beach on 117th Street every Wednesday at 8:30pm from June 5th to August 14th. The movie schedule will be posted here.

Enjoy free concerts featuring local bands at Sunset Park on Thursdays at 7pm between July 11th and August 29th – you can check out the line up here

Ocean City isn’t just a resort destination – it’s a paradise for families. From thrilling adventures to nostalgic experiences, there’s something for kids of all ages to enjoy. Whether you’re exploring Ripley’s oddities or racing go-karts at Jolly Roger, watching gunslingers at Frontier Town, a great vacation full of fun and smiles is guaranteed. And, when it’s time to unwind and relax, our hotels, Hilton and Holiday Inn & Suites offer endless fun for your kids and relaxation for you without leaving the hotel.


So, join us and see what Ocean City has to offer!

Upcoming Events

Winterfest of Lights

Nov 21, 2024 - Dec 31, 2024

Everyone's favorite light show is back and better than ever!

Ocean City Comic Con

Dec 14, 2024 - Dec 15, 2024

A Charlie Brown Christmas Live on Stage

Dec 21, 2024

The national tour of A Charlie Brown Christmas Live On Stage is coming to Ocean City!

New Year’s Eve Fireworks

Dec 31, 2024

Enjoy a fireworks display to welcome the New Year!

Ocean City Film Festival

Mar 6, 2025 - Mar 9, 2025

Experience the Ocean City Film Festival, an annual celebration of independent cinema showcasing diverse films.

St. Patrick’s Day Parade

Mar 15, 2025

Join the fun at Ocean City's St. Patrick’s Day Parade, Maryland's largest celebration of Irish heritage! Enjoy festive floats, music, dancing, and community spirit along Coastal Highway March 15th, 2025.

Easter Egg Hunt at Northside Park

Apr 19, 2025

Enjoy a classic egg hunt with carnival style games and visits with the Easter Bunny.

Springfest 2025

Apr 24, 2025 - Apr 27, 2025

New Dates! Same Great Springfest!

Anime Ocean City

Apr 26, 2025

Celebrate Japanese pop culture at the Ocean City Anime Festival! Enjoy cosplay, anime screenings, guest panels, artist alley, and interactive activities in a fun seaside setting.

34th Annual Cruisin’ Ocean City

May 1, 2025 - May 4, 2025

A 20+ year car show that will feature over 3,000 Hot Rods, Customs, Classics, and Trucks participating in events at the OC Convention Center, Inlet Parking Lot, and various car shows throughout town.

Ocean City Jeep Week

May 8, 2025 - May 11, 2025

Gear up for Ocean City Jeep Week! Enjoy beach crawls, off-roading, Show & Shine contests, and a vibrant Jeep community. Don’t miss this ultimate Jeep lover’s event!

Experience the Ocean City Air Show, a thrilling display of aerial performances by top military teams and stunt pilots.

Ocean City Air Show

Jun 14, 2025 - Jun 15, 2025

Experience the Ocean City Air Show, a thrilling display of aerial performances by top military teams and stunt pilots!

Celebrate July 4th in Ocean City, MD, with stunning fireworks, live music, and family fun on the beach and boardwalk. A perfect patriotic getaway!

July 4th Celebration

Jul 4, 2025

Celebrate July 4th in Ocean City, MD, with stunning fireworks, live music, and family fun on the beach and boardwalk. A perfect patriotic getaway!

White Marlin Open

Aug 4, 2025 - Aug 8, 2025

Join the excitement of the White Marlin Open in Ocean City, MD, the world's largest billfishing tournament with thrilling weigh-ins and big prize money!

Oceans Calling

Sep 26, 2025 - Sep 28, 2025

Experience the Oceans Calling Festival in Ocean City, MD – a multi-day celebration of live music, local food, and coastal vibes on the iconic boardwalk!

Country Calling

Oct 3, 2025 - Oct 4, 2025

Sing along to top country artists at the Country Calling Festival in Ocean City, MD. Enjoy live music, local food, and a scenic beachside atmosphere!

Endless Summer Cruisin’

Oct 9, 2025 - Oct 12, 2025

Rev up your engines at Endless Summer Cruisin' in Ocean City, MD! Enjoy classic cars, hot rods, motorcycle shows, cruises, and more in a scenic beachside setting!

Sunfest

Oct 23, 2025 - Oct 26, 2025

Experience Sunfest in Ocean City, MD – a vibrant festival featuring live music, local arts, delicious food, and family-friendly fun along the beautiful waterfront!

Ocean City Running Festival

Oct 31, 2025 - Nov 1, 2025

Join the Ocean City Running Festival for a scenic race along the iconic boardwalk and beautiful coastal views. Choose from a marathon, half marathon, 5K, and more!

2025 Winterfest of Lights

Nov 20, 2025 - Dec 31, 2025

Experience the magic of the holidays at Winterfest of Lights in Ocean City, MD. Enjoy over a million twinkling lights, festive train rides, and seasonal fun for all ages!

Ocean City Christmas Parade

Dec 6, 2025

Celebrate the holiday season at the Ocean City Christmas Parade! Enjoy festive floats, marching bands, and a special appearance by Santa Claus along Coastal Highway.

New Year’s Eve Fireworks

Dec 31, 2025

Celebrate New Year’s Eve in Ocean City with a spectacular fireworks display by the sea! Ring in the new year with vibrant lights, music, and festive fun.

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