Discover 21 family-friendly activities, venues, and restaurants in Ocean City.
The highest-rated places we recommend first — start here.
🌾 FarmThe Ocean City Farmers Market offers a delightful sensory experience for kids who can sample fresh local produce, watch craftspeople at work, and enjoy family-friendly activities in a relaxed outdoor setting. With its convenient summer schedule and high ratings from visiting families, it's a perfect morning outing that combines education about local agriculture with entertainment and the chance to pick up healthy snacks for beach days.
⭐ ActivityOcean City Beach offers 10 miles of pristine Atlantic coastline perfect for family beach days, complete with gentle waves ideal for young swimmers and lifeguards stationed throughout the summer season. The famous boardwalk runs alongside the beach, providing easy access to amusement rides, arcade games, and treats when kids need a break from the sand and surf.
🌿 NatureAssawoman Wildlife Area offers families a peaceful escape into nature just minutes from Ocean City's beaches. This scenic wildlife refuge features easy hiking trails perfect for little legs, excellent bird watching opportunities, and hands-on educational programs that teach kids about local ecosystems and wildlife in an engaging, interactive way.
🌳 ParkOcean City Recreation & Parks Center is a fantastic community hub offering something for every family member. With its combination of modern playgrounds, refreshing splash pad, wide-open spaces for running around, and multiple athletic fields, it's the perfect spot to let kids burn energy while parents relax in a safe, well-maintained environment. The impressive 4.7-star rating from over 160 families speaks to its consistent appeal as a go-to destination for both locals and vacationing families.
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🎮 EntertainmentOC Paintball and Sports Center offers an action-packed experience for families with older kids looking for adventure in Ocean City. This family-friendly facility features beginner-friendly paintball courses designed specifically for first-timers, complete with all necessary protective gear and safety equipment to ensure a fun, worry-free experience.
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🐠 AquariumThe National Aquarium in Baltimore's Inner Harbor is a world-class marine attraction featuring over 20,000 animals across multiple exhibits, including immersive rainforest and coral reef habitats. Kids can get hands-on at interactive touch pools, marvel at shark encounters, and watch captivating dolphin presentations that combine education with entertainment.
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⭐ ActivityParadise Watersports offers an exciting indoor playground featuring colorful inflatable bounce houses, towering slides, and challenging obstacle courses that let kids burn energy rain or shine. With an impressive 4.6-star rating from over 1,600 families, this Ocean City attraction provides a safe, climate-controlled environment where children can jump, climb, and play to their hearts' content while parents relax knowing everyone is having a blast.
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🌳 ParkStephen Decatur Park is a scenic waterfront gem offering families a peaceful escape with stunning views of Ocean City's inlet bridge. Kids can burn energy at the playground while parents relax at shaded picnic areas, making it an ideal spot to unwind between beach sessions or enjoy a sunset family outing.
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🎢 Amusement ParkTrimper Rides is a beloved Ocean City institution offering three generations of family fun since 1893. This historic boardwalk amusement park features over 100 rides ranging from gentle kiddie attractions to the thrilling 1902 wooden Haunted House coaster, plus classic arcade games and carnival attractions that create nostalgic memories for parents while delighting kids of all ages.
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🎮 EntertainmentBaja Amusements is Ocean City's ultimate action-packed entertainment complex where families can race go-karts, battle in laser tag arenas, splash around in bumper boats, and compete in hundreds of arcade games. With its impressive 4.4-star rating from nearly 2,000 reviews, this indoor-outdoor venue delivers non-stop fun for families seeking excitement beyond the beach.
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🕹️ ArcadeMarty's Playland is a beloved Ocean City boardwalk arcade that perfectly blends nostalgic charm with modern gaming fun. With both classic arcade games that parents remember from their own childhood and today's hottest video games, plus ticket redemption games and prizes, it's a multigenerational hit that keeps kids entertained rain or shine.
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🎳 BowlingAlleyOops Uptown is Ocean City's go-to family entertainment spot combining classic bowling with modern arcade fun. With bumpers available for young bowlers, a variety of arcade games, and a full menu to keep everyone fueled, this lively venue offers everything you need for a complete family night out under one roof.
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🍽️ RestaurantShotti's Point offers a relaxed waterfront dining experience where families can enjoy diverse menu options from pizza to tacos and fresh seafood while kids take in beautiful bay views. The outdoor patio provides a comfortable space where parents can unwind with a meal while children can move around a bit more freely than in a traditional indoor restaurant setting.
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🎮 EntertainmentLinks at Lighthouse Sound offers a delightful mini golf experience perfect for family bonding in Ocean City. This beautifully themed course features a charming lighthouse facade and creative obstacles that challenge all skill levels while keeping the atmosphere fun and lighthearted. With its impressive 4.4-star rating from over 400 reviews, families consistently praise the well-maintained greens and engaging course design.
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🍽️ RestaurantStep into a nostalgic wonderland at Dolle's Candyland, where old-fashioned saltwater taffy, hand-dipped ice cream, and vibrant candy displays create a magical experience for kids. The funhouse mirrors add an extra layer of giggles and entertainment while you browse the impressive selection of classic boardwalk treats that have been delighting Ocean City families for generations.
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