Attractions
Museums, Amusement Parks, Mini-Golf and More
The hallmark of Ocean City attractions is family fun. Most of these activities are geared toward kids of all ages, from toddlers to teenagers but also the young at heart. Getting in touch with your youth is second nature in Ocean City, where carefree fun outweighs any responsibilities waiting at home.
There are loads of attractions all around Ocean City. The Boardwalk is home to many of the amusements and attractions, including Trimper’s Rides. Trimper’s has more than 100 rides, including a famous 1902 Herschel-Spellman antique carousel featuring hand-carved wooden animals. Established 1887, Trimper’s is a long-time Ocean City favorite and a tradition for many families who return year after year. With its old-fashioned feel, Trimper’s has all the classic amusement rides like bumper boats, a Ferris wheel, tea cups, roller coasters, a haunted house, a tilt-a-whirl and much more.
The pier at the Boardwalk is home to one part of Ocean City’s largest amusement park, Jolly Roger at the Pier. Get a bird’s eye view from the area’s tallest carousel, and try out some of Ocean City’s exciting amusement rides like the Slingshot, which shoots you into the air like a cannonball.
The original Jolly Roger at 30th Street offers even more rides as well as traditional midway games and an antique train circa 1952. Buy an armband, and enjoy unlimited rides at both parks for one low price.
From the hysterical to the historic, pay a visit to the Ocean City Life-Saving Station Museum near the inlet and learn about the times and tides of Ocean City. Exhibits detail the history of the life-saving service and the town of Ocean City itself with interesting artifacts and displays.
Another museum on the Boardwalk displays artifacts of a whole different nature. Ripley’s Believe it Or Not! Museum features more than 500 bizarre exhibits from around the world. Witness the unusual and the amazing, and rest assured you’ll have a conversation starter for the rest of your vacation.
Enjoy some laughs at Flashback Old Time Photos, which has three locations in Ocean City—two on the Boardwalk and one in the OC Square Shopping Center. Nothing can be as entertaining as watching your family members dress up as saloon girls, pirates, gangsters and cowboys and then having the photos to prove it. Plus, the antique-looking framed photo can serve as a great souvenir.
Go-karting is one activity that unites both kids and adults. Kids love getting behind the wheel of something motorized, and the challenge of a race is felt by young and old. Baja Amusements in West Ocean City has eight different go-kart tracks, ranging from a Rookie Track for ages 4 to 7, to the Road Racer Track, Ocean City’s fast half-mile track, featuring single- and twin-engine karts for maximum speed. Baja also features an 18-hole mini golf course, bumper boats, two climbing walls and kiddie rides the whole family can enjoy.
Grand Prix Amusements also boasts eight go-kart tracks, including the favorite Grand Prix Track, featuring half a mile of banked curves and racing action. Reach ultimate speeds on the new Bullit Racing Go-Karts. The seven acres of the amusement park are filled with loads of other attractions, including land and water rides, bumper boats, batting cages and more.
Want to explore Ocean City on two—or four—wheels? Stop by Bike World on Caroline Street where you can rent all types of bicycles, whether you’re looking for comfort or speed. Grab a friend and rent a tandem bicycle, or rent a surrey that will fit the whole family. And remember, fun cycles aren’t just for the kids!
If you’d rather cruise than peddle around town, Ocean City Scooter Rentals is the place for you. Visit one of the two locations on 22nd and 54th Streets, and zip around Ocean City on a scooter, which is available for hourly, half or full day rentals. Helmets are included with your rental, and smiles are a sure thing.
A taste of the Old West is never too far away in Ocean City due to the popular western theme park at Frontier Town. Explore the replica western town circa 1880, and meet some colorful characters like cowboys, Indians and can-can girls. Then head over to the adjacent water park to float along the Lazy River, slide down a variety of water slides or play 18 holes of mini-golf.
Calling budding artists of all ages, Jeffrey Auxer Designs offers lessons and classes to learn the basics of glassblowing. For a truly unique activity, visit the blown glass and fine art studio, located on Jefferson Street in Berlin. You can witness the beauty of blown glass, browse the gift shop or make your very own glass piece.
In search of live music and theater while on vacation? Be entertained at the OC Jamboree, an art music theater located in West Ocean City. Celebrating its 14th season this year, the OC Jamboree is home to fun and family-friendly shows.
Ocean City has many unique and challenging mini-golf courses, including Lost Treasure Golf, which promises a golf adventure to every visitor. Aim for a hole-in-one through caves, waterfalls and bridges. Old Pro Golf is one of Ocean City’s oldest mini-golf courses, in operation for more than 40 years. Today, Old Pro has seven courses across Ocean City, including two indoor courses. All of the courses have different and elaborate themes, including Renaissance Castle, Prehistoric Dinosaurs, Undersea Adventure, Temple of Dragons and more.
The Viking Golf Theme Park also offers an adventurous mini-golf experience but with a totally unique theme—mythological Scandinavia. As you golf, you can learn about Viking history, solve a riddle and imagine the Vikings’ battle with a two-headed dragon. Also onsite is the Thunder Lagoon Waterpark, which features 2,800-square feet of water fun for the whole family, including six water slides, three pools and interactive water props.
Casino Ocean Downs offers a premier entertainment facility in the heart of Maryland’s beach resort community with 750 slot machines, an incredible gaming area and live seasonal harness racing. 410-641-0600. www.oceandowns.com
For more intense fun, head to the recently renovated OC Paintball and Sports Center. Ages 10 and up are welcome to play day or night on 11 acres of lighted fields. The pro shop offers rentals, sales and a certified gun tech onsite at all times. Or pick up some speed aboard the OC Thriller, the newest and fastest speed boat in Ocean City. The hour-long narrated tour zips past the OC skyline at speeds of up to 50 miles per hour. For those who want a bird’s eye view, book a tour with Cloud Dancer, and climb aboard one of its red biplanes to experience breathtaking sights.
Beyond the Boardwalk and immediate Ocean City area, there are several attractions worth a short drive. If you make a trip to Salisbury, don’t miss the Ward Museum of Wildfowl Art, which features the most comprehensive collection of wildfowl carving in the world. Interpretive galleries explore the North American art form, from antique working decoys to internationally acclaimed sculptures and paintings. Or visit the Delmarva Discovery Center on the Pocomoke River, which offers visitors an educational and unique look at Delmarva and the Cypress Swamp.
Grab your good luck charm and head over to Harrington Raceway and Casino, less than one hour from Ocean City in Harrington, DE. In addition to the racetrack and over 2,100 slots, Harrington Raceway features sports betting on professional football games. Afterward, take your winnings to the buffet and enjoy all-you-can-eat!
While the quaint town of Berlin is worth a trip in itself, the town’s historic horse racing track makes the visit even more entertaining.
There are many other places to go and things to do in Ocean City, from the Boardwalk to the Bay and well beyond.