Ocean City with Kids

Family guide & activities

★★★★★Family Rating

All ages, especially 4-12Best For

High in summerCrowds

Ocean City rates 5 of 5 for families in this guide. The kid-friendly attractions, beaches and activities on file are listed below.

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Things to Do with Kids in Ocean City

Beach Play

Building sandcastles, playing in the waves, and beach games

Ages All agesFree

Playland's Castaway Cove

Family amusement park with rides for all ages

Ages 3-12$20-40

Ocean City Boardwalk

Mini golf, arcades, and family-friendly fun

Ages All agesVaries

Lifeguarded beaches

Beaches listed with lifeguards in our Ocean City guide: Main Beach, North End Beach. Hours vary by beach.

Beach Safety for Kids

Swim in front of a lifeguard stand, and only while it is staffed.
Check the lifeguard flags before anyone goes in the water.

Family-Friendly Places to Stay

The Flanders Hotel

rooftop barhistoric landmarkboardwalk accesspool

Biscayne Suites

kitchenettes or full kitchenssuite layoutsseasonal rooftop poolone parking space per unit

The Scarborough Inn

homemade breakfastwraparound porchVictorian decornear boardwalk

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Ocean City Family Vacation FAQ

Is Ocean City good for families with kids?

Yes — families are Ocean City's core audience. Ocean City Boardwalk and Playland's Castaway Cove anchor the kid itinerary, and 2 of the town's beaches are flagged family-friendly in our guide.

What age kids is Ocean City best for?

All ages travel well here: Main Beach suits toddlers, while Ocean City Boardwalk keeps grade-schoolers and tweens busy. Teens have enough independence-friendly territory to explore on their own.

Are there lifeguards on Ocean City beaches?

Yes — Main Beach and North End Beach are staffed in season. Swim in front of a stand and follow the flags.

How much are beach badges in Ocean City for a family?

Badges run $10/day, $20/week, $35/season. Kids under 12 get on free, which changes the math for young families. Season $30 before June 1. Under 12 FREE. Military/Veterans FREE with ID.

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Other Family-Friendly Shore Towns

Wildwood with Kids Wildwood Crest with Kids Cape May with Kids Seaside Heights with Kids

Ocean City town guide