Get Answers from the OC Insiders

John,

Perhaps modify your schedule to reach the bridge a little later in the day, this will avoid the frustration of traffic and put you in the OC frame of mind.

Thank you,
Anna G.

I will have to be honest with you.  I have two kids and never heard about these ugly dolls.  I know you can find the other hot item in OC...Silly Bandz. 

I will keep my eye out for these dolls and report back if I see them.
https://uglysuperstore.com/display/4931/0/

Ben,

Here's the website we utilize (http://www.co-ops.nos.noaa.gov/tides08/).  However, it's not specific to Northside Park.

Another which may be useful (http://www.dnr.state.md.us/fisheries/tides/index.asp).

These are the only two that were for areas other than OC Fishing Pier.

Thank you,
Anna G.

Lou,

Should not experience a high volume of traffic as many vacationers will arrive on Saturday.

Thank you,
Anna G.

The only fireworks the town sponsors are for 4th of July.

However, Seacrets at 49th Street sometimes has fireworks. You can see them from anywhere along Coastal Highway on the bayside ion this area of town. You can see the schedule here http://seacrets.com/fireworks/

Hi Erin,
Happy birthday to your little guy!  This is a milestone for sure! 
How about a birthday party where he and his guests can all decorate their own cupcakes?  Smith Island Cake Company in the Ocean City Outlets has birthday party packages available that include your guests all getting to decorate 2 cupcakes each, your birthday boy can make a cake with the pastry chef, and they provide balloons and drinks and decorations, plus they have face painting available.
http://www.originalsmithislandcakeco.com/smith-island-cakes-birthday-parties

Or how about a boat ride on a pirate ship?  Head over to the Talbot Street Pier and ride on the Duckaneer.  It's a pirate ship that provides eye patches, face painting and even treasure!  Here's a coupon :   www.theduckaneer.com

Jolly Roger Amusements and water park............www.jollyrogerpark.com
Here's a bunch of coupons for there too........   http://www.jollyrogerpark.com/specials_coupons.php

Does he like ice skating? Take him to the Carousel hotel on 117th St.  Public skating and skates available to rent, plus they have aids to use for novice skaters.

Trimper's rides on the boardwalk is a great place to spend his birthday too. They have rides for all ages.
I hope he has a wonderful day .

Nick,

Anna is correct.... your kids must have a driver's license to ride them, and they must be driven in the bike/bus lane.

Josh,
We routinely leave Baltimore at 3 and 4 pm on a Friday and have basically the same traffic as leaving at 10 pm.  I think Saturday morning traffic is the worst as that is when most renters check in.  We use traffic.com for up to date traffic reports before we travel.  Try it before you leave.

It depends where you are as well.  We were on the beach yesterday when it was 98 degrees, we went back at night and my daughters were complaining that they were cold.  We usually take a hoodie with us to the Boardwalk as the winds can be cooling.  If you are near the Bay it will be cooler as well.  We do not have any long pants, just a long sleeve shirt or sweatshirt for our trips to the beach at night.

Cathy,
If you go to Sunsation I recommend the Copa 6.5 foot umbrella - it is $44.99.  It has actual metal ribs instead of the wire ribs.  It is smaller than other umbrellas but it is built to last.  Sunsations has five different models for sale from $20 to $45.  They also have coupons in the Sunny Day Guide available at most stores or on-line.