Get Answers from the OC Insiders

AnnMarie,

Yes, OC offers a bus that is $2 to ride all day.  Just keep your receipt and you can hop on and off the bus whenever and wherever you like for that entire day. 

There are bus stops throughout OC.  Some offer benches or covered seating.

Park your car, sit back, ride the bus, and enjoy your vacation!
Anna G.

The beginning of the boardwalk consist of the rides at Trimpers and Jolly Rodgers on the pier. Many spots for eats, shops, arcades and so forth.  There is pier parking and street parking and this is a heavily populated area during the evening hours in season.

Hi John,
There is plenty to keep your toddler amused in OC.  Of course the world famous boardwalk, but did you know that Trimper's indoor rides on the boardwalk is geared just for small children like yours? How about buying some sand toys and building an awesome sand castle with your little one.  Fly a kite. The water parks will be open as well.  Play mini golf together!  Take a ride to Salisbury and visit the zoo........it's free!
There is a spring Arts and Crafts show at the Convention Center on 40th St. Saturday and Sunday beginning at 10 a.m. Of course little ones are always happy just to walk on the beach and find seashells, so be sure to bring a little bucket along with you.
You could try crabbing or going for a boat ride with your child. Drive to Assateague to see the wild ponies. Ice skating at the Carousel Hotel.  They have skates for all ages from the tiniest to the biggest. Have lunch at BJ's on the Water at 75th St. They feed the ducks and geese daily at 1 p.m.  Take a walk around Northside Park and out the pier.

I've walked to De Lazy Lizard from the boardwalk many times. I believe it's a matter of personal preference on the distance you want to walk. I don't think it's too long of a walk, but if you have any special considerations; always think about that.

As for Fishtales; I have never walked there, but once again, I don't mind longer walks so I would say it shouldn't be a problem.

Chris,

Here's the information directly from the Town of Ocean City website:

BOARDWALK BENCH DEDICATION

Remembering those you love…

The Public Works Maintenance Division is offering individuals the opportunity to purchase a bench and plaque in honor of or in memory of a loved one or friend. The benches are located on the boardwalk from the Inlet to 27th Street. The cost for the bench and plaque is $1,400. Please contact the Public Works Maintenance Division at (410) 524-0391 to obtain the bench dedication form that will need to be completed.

Thank you,
Anna G.

Lucille,

A few great resources:
   - http://ococean.com/explore-oc/oc-history
   - OC Life Saving Museum located at the inlet.
   - OC Library has several great books available.
   - OC Chamber of Commerce (http://www.oceancity.org/history)
   - Convention Center - Visitor's Center
               (http://www.ocean-city.com/convention/about/history.html)

Hope this helps,
Anna G.

Lynn,

Tons of stuff,

Mini Golf, if weather does not cooperate Old Pro Golf has two great indoor courses.
Ice Skating, definitely lots of fun for the entire family.  Carousel Hotel & Conference Center offers ice skating year round.
Arcade, there are several great arcades in OC.  Try them all as they each have different games (popular ones they each have, but there are always 2-3 that are unique to the arcade).
Bike Ride, enjoy the boardwalk and get great exercise as well.
Kites, fly a kite on the beach!
Seashells, my children love looking for unique or special seashells that we take home to make crafts that remind of us our OC vacation whenever we look at them.
Swimming, grab a hotel or condo that offers an indoor pool.

Hope this gives you a start.....
Anna G.

Caroline,

Here's a great site for parking information:
http://ococean.com/travel-tools/parking-information

As well, depending upon where you are staying, you may be able to park on the side street.  Any street about 30th will have side street parking which is free to park. 

Have a great time!
Anna G.

Kelly,

Normally around Memorial Day is the official opening.  We have been in OC about a week before Memorial Day and they were open, but it all depends on the weather and when they are able to get everything up and running.

Best bet is to plan for Memorial Day weekend or later for the outdoor rides.  However, there are a few indoor rides for 5 year olds at Trimpers on the Boards.  They are open year round (some dates are limited operating hours).  The bumper cars and boats are fun, as is the merry go round.  There are also some great games of chance for the kids.

Have a great time and I hope he decides to join you.  Kids LOVE Ocean City because it has so much to offer.  My children have been going since they were just infants and now at 8 and 10 know the area sometimes better than we do.

Thank you,
Anna G.

Grace,

OC is becoming more and more a year-round resort and the boardwalk never sleeps.  Many of the shops will operate on reduced schedules during the winter months, but stay open all year (weather permitting).

As for the rides, the outdoor rides at Jolly Rogers and the Inlet will open a little before Memorial Day.  However, Memorial Day is normally the start of their busy season and everything will be operational at that time.

Thank you,
Anna G.