If you have children and are at the beach, you need to be prepared for a possible rainy afternoon or the dreaded question, “what are we doing today?” This list is made just for you – to save your vacation and your sanity!
8. Enjoy Local Shopping on a Rainy Day!
You can shop for deals at the outlets in West OC or in Delaware or go to beach shops and specialty stores along Coastal Highway and the boardwalk where you can find unique beachware and gifts. Starting from the inlet and moving north, following are some favorites, each of which has its own unique vibe:
- MR Ducks on the boardwalk
- Quiet Storm on the boardwalk at North Division Street or 122nd Street
- Malibu’s Surf Shop on the boardwalk at 7th Street
- Ish Boutique on 34th Street
- K-Coast Surf Shop on 35th Street or 78th Street
- Endless Summer on 37th Street
- Chauncey’s Surf-O-Rama on 54th Street
- Ron Jon’s and Patty Jean’s at the 67th Street shopping center
- Sea Quest Fashions on 75th Street
- Sunshine House Surf Shop on 78th Street
- Fins & Company on 80th Street
- South Moon Under on 80th Street
- Layton Surf Company on 114th Street
7. Challenge Your Family at an Escape Room!
There are several locations in Ocean City including Captive Escape Rooms with two locations (101 South Baltimore Avenue or 5909 Coastal Highway) and EscapoMania with three locations (2nd Street, 5601 Coastal Highway, or 11805 Coastal Highway).
6. Bowling with Sharks and Delicious Food!
If your family enjoys bowling, Alley Oops is fun for the whole family with mini-bowling, arcade games with prizes, an aquarium with sharks, and food. There are two locations, 5509 Coastal Highway and 13101 Coastal Highway.
The top 5 activities are all on the end of the boardwalk near the inlet and can all be easily accessed by parking at the inlet parking lot (with hourly parking fee).
5. Arcades!
Although there are dozens of indoor arcades in Ocean City, the arcades that have been family favorites on the boardwalk for decades are Marty’s Playland and Sportland. In addition to new video and electronic games, you can find skee ball and pinball and win prizes with the tickets you win. You can park at the inlet and be just steps from either arcade.
4. Trimper’s Rides, a Family Favorite for over a Century!
Trimper’s Rides of Ocean City has been a family favorite since the 1890’s. Per their website, they are the “oldest continuously family-owned and operated amusement park in the world!” Although the roller coaster and larger rides are located outside, there is an indoor ride section for the younger riders that includes many vintage rides including the Carousel from 1912 and bumper cars that all members of the family will enjoy along with a Shooting Gallery that is a great throw-back to the Boardwalk’s past.
3. Souvenir Photos and Gifts!
Why not take the family to Flashback Old Time photos on First Street for a great way to commemorate your visit to Ocean City? The whole family can dress up in Wild West outfits or flapper and gangster garb. In addition to the family picture souvenir, you can also find some classic and inexpensive Ocean City souvenirs on the boardwalk, at the shops right beside the inlet parking lot. From coffee mugs, postcards, and picture frames to wind-chimes, seashells, and jewelry, the whole family will find something they love in the two stories packed full of beach-themed toys and gifts.
2. The Ocean City Life-Saving Museum!
The museum can be found at the very end of the boardwalk by the inlet overlook. Just outside of the museum there are several display cases with photos, memorabilia, and a shark replica showing some of the history of Ocean City that are like a sneak peek to the interesting history you’ll discover in the museum itself. Also outside the museum doors are a large anchor and ship’s cannon that are favorite family photo spots. The museum is a wonderful way to spend an afternoon learning about the history of Ocean City along with a small area of aquariums with local sea life. Children will enjoy completing a ‘scavenger hunt’ as you travel through the museum, winning a prize at the end. The minimal charge for the museum is well worth the experience!
1. Ripley’s Believe-It-Or-Not Museum and Mirror Maze!
If you’ve ever walked on the boardwalk near the inlet, and you’ve noticed the large shark that appears to be breaking through a building, then you’ve passed the Ripley’s Believe it or Not Museum. On the side of the museum is a large tire that is another family favorite photo spot and a few interesting statues by the front door are sure to provide for fun photos as well. The museum itself is a fun way to spend the afternoon with family exploring oddities from around the world. Just a few doors down right on the boardwalk near the entrance to the Jolly Roger amusement park on the pier is the Ripley’s Mirror Maze. Tickets can be purchased separately or together for the attractions and there are often coupons available in the free coupon booklets you find at hotels and restaurants around town.
If you try any of these suggestions or have a few of your own to share, please comment below! Have fun and enjoy your Ocean City, Maryland vacation – rain or shine!
If you have children and are at the beach, you need to be prepared for a possible rainy afternoon or the dreaded question, “what are we doing today?” This list is made just for you – to save your vacation and your sanity!
