Ocean City, Maryland is made for kids. Our beaches and Boardwalk are a natural attraction for children of all ages. Ocean City is also home to a number of beautiful parks and recreational facilities.

Playgrounds can be found at the 3rd St. Park, Robin Park, Little Salisbury Park, Gorman Park, North Surf Park and Northside Park. Northside Park, located on 125th St. and the bay, is Ocean City’s largest and most popular park facility. The 58-acre complex boasts three lighted softball/baseball fields, a lighted soccer field, multipurpose field, fishing lagoon, concession stands, two tot lots, picnic area, two piers, a gazebo, walking/jogging paths, a 14,200 square foot gymnasium and a sports center annex with a 21,000 square foot multi-sport gym arena among other features.

The Ocean Bowl Skate Park at 3rd St., is another popular attraction for kids. It’s the place to be for skateboarders and inline skaters. Ocean Bowl Skate Park contains a pool bowl, vert ramp, mini ramp and concrete street area. Plans are underway to double the size of the park and renovate the existing bowl. Work is expected to be completed by the summer of 2008.

Kids can raise a racquet at the Ocean City Tennis Center, 61st St. and bayside. Ocean City’s finest tennis facility serves up six new Premier courts and three Lee Fast Dry Clay courts. In addition, there are two pee wee courts specifically designed for kids age 8 and under. Junior camps are offered during the summer season.

Beach volleyball always makes for an enjoyable outing. The Dorchester Beach Volleyball Park located between Dorchester and Talbot Streets off the Boardwalk has 10 public courts available for pick-up play through September. Other public nets can be found scattered up and down the beach.

Summer camps abound

A number of youth sports and recreational camps are offered during the summer. Here’s a line-up of planned activities for this year. 2008 Day Camps

Events Appealing to Our Younger Visitors!

Special Attractions

Ocean City Life-Saving Station Museum
South end of Boardwalk at Inlet
Historic museum offers a glimpse into Ocean City’s past with exhibits of shipwrecks & beachwear. Also mermaid displays, sands from around the world, aquarium room & Davy Jones’ locker. Unique gift shop with interesting selection of nautical gifts & books. Small admission fee. June - September, daily, 10 a.m.- 10 p.m.; May & October, daily, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.; November & December, weekends, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. During winter months please call for hours. 410-289-4991. www.ocmuseum.org.

Free Summer Programs
Life-Saving Station Museum
South end of Boardwalk
Gather outside the museum for fun facts & topics. A different subject each day. Monday-Saturday, 10:30 am. Topics include beach safety, aquarium feeding, knot tying, & all about sharks. 410-289-4991. Sandy@ocmuseum.org. www.ocmuseum.org.

Late June –Late August
Ice Skating Shows
Carousel Resort Hotel, 118th St.
Exciting professional ice skating shows nightly, open to the public. 6:30 p.m. 800-641-0011. www.carouselhotel.com.

April 25-27
MD International Kite Exposition
On the Beach, 1st St.- 6th St.
Come enjoy one of the largest kite festivals in the USA. Multi-level precision flying events using dual & quad line kites. Internationally known kite flyers show unique displays. Fri.-Sun., 9 a.m.- 9 p.m. Jay Knerr, 410-289-7855. www.kiteloft.com.

April 25-27
Ward World Championship Wildfowl Carving Competition & Art Festival
Convention Center, 40th St. & Bay
Carvers & visitors from across the world convene for the most prestigious competition of wildfowl art, which includes benefit auction, classes, seminars & demonstrations, & children’s activities. Over 100 exhibitors of art & supplies, folk art, ceramics, jewelry & home decorating items. Admission. Fri., 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sat., 9 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sun., 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Helen Ragan, Ward Museum of Wildfowl Art, 410-742-4988, ext. 106. www.wardmuseum.org.

June 14
OceanCity.com Sandcastle Contest
Carousel Resort Hotel & Condominiums, 118th St.
Events include a professional showcase & clinic at 9:30 a.m., with contest construction 10 a.m.- 2:30 p.m. Award ceremony at 3 p.m. “Medieval Times” will appear with “knights” in a choreographed combat exhibition. Judging by local celebrities. Proceeds benefit “Play It Safe” program. Saturday. Registration fees may apply. Spectators free. Ann McGinnis Hillyer, 410-703-1970. www.oceancity.com.

June 21-22
Art’s Alive
Northside Park, 127th St.
Fine art at the beach as over 100 artists display & sell their treasures. Enjoy relaxing music as you lunch at the “Artists’ Café,” around the picturesque lagoon. Sat., 9 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sun., 9 a.m.-5 p.m. 800-OC-OCEAN (800-626-2326).

July 4
Jamboree in the Park
Northside Park, 127th St & the Bay
Bring the entire family for an old-fashioned Fourth with arts & crafts, delicious food, exciting live entertainment, games & children’s activities. Friday. Family fun begins at 5 p.m. Fireworks display at 9:30 p.m. 800-OC-OCEAN (800-626-2326).

July 10
Bonfire Hour
N. Division St. Beach
Sit beside the bonfire & learn interesting facts, history & fun things to do in Ocean City. A different speaker each week. Thursdays at 9 p.m. 800-OC-OCEAN (800-626-2326).

July 13
Sundaes in the Park
Northside Park, 127th St. & Bay
Bring the family, a chair or blanket & enjoy free local & regional musical groups. Create your own ice cream sundae for a small fee. Free family concert series offered every Sunday evening in July & August from 6-8 p.m. 800-OC-OCEAN (800-626-2326).

July 17
Bonfire Hour
N. Division St. Beach
Sit beside the bonfire & learn interesting facts, history & fun things to do in Ocean City. A different speaker each week. Thursdays at 9 p.m. 800-OC-OCEAN (800-626-2326).

July 20
Sundaes in the Park
Northside Park, 127th St. & Bay
Bring the family, a chair or blanket & enjoy free local & regional musical groups. Create your own ice cream sundae for a small fee. Free family entertainment each Sunday in July & August , offered from 6-8 p.m. 800-OC-OCEAN (800-626-2326).

July 24
Bonfire Hour
N. Division St. Beach
Learn interesting facts about your favorite beach town while you enjoy the bonfire. A different speaker each week. Thursdays at 9 p.m. 800-OC-OCEAN (800-626-2326).

July 27
Sundaes in the Park
Northside Park, 127th St. & Bay
Bring the family, a chair or blanket & enjoy free local & regional musical groups. Create your own ice cream sundae for a small fee. A great family evening each Sunday, 6-8 p.m. 800-OC-OCEAN (800-626-2326).

July 31
Bonfire Hour
N. Division St. Beach
Relax on the beach beside the bonfire! Each week a different speaker tells interesting facts or behind-the-scenes stories about your favorite beach town. Thursdays at 9 p.m. 800-OC-OCEAN (800-626-2326).

August 3
Sundaes in the Park
Northside Park, 127th St. & Bay
Watch the sunset over beautiful Assawoman Bay as you enjoy free family entertainment each Sunday evening in August. Bring the family, a chair or blanket & enjoy local & regional musical groups. Create your own ice cream sundae for a small fee. A great family evening each Sunday, 6-8 p.m. 800-OC-OCEAN (800-626-2326).

August 7
Bonfire Hour
N. Division St. Beach
The cozy bonfire awaits as you learn interesting facts, history & fun things to do in Ocean City. A different speaker each week. Thursdays at 9 p.m. 800-OC-OCEAN (800-626-2326).

August 8-10
Ocean City Junior Open
OC Tennis Center, 61st St. & Bay
Junior players from throughout the Mid-Atlantic compete in one of the top events on the Eastern Shore. This event is open to boys & girls & is part of the MD Grand Prix. USTA- sanctioned tournament. Registration fee. Spectators free. Fri., 6-9 p.m.; Sat., 9 a.m.- 6 p.m.; Sun., 9 a.m.- 6 p.m. Rod Dulany, 410-524-8337;
410-250-0125. rdulany@ococean.com.

August 9
Kids Crab Round-up
Lagoon Dock, Northside Park, 125th St. & Bay
Morning of fun & learning about blue claw crabs & their environment. All necessary equipment is provided. A small prize for all children who participate. For children 12 years & under accompanied by an adult. Saturday, 9 a.m.-noon. Bob Gilmore, Ocean City Parrotheads, opbobgil@aol.com.

August 10
Sundaes in the Park
Northside Park, 127th St. & Bay
Bring the family, a chair or blanket & enjoy free local & regional musical groups. Create your own ice cream sundae for a small fee. A great family evening offered each Sunday, 6-8 p.m. 800-OC-OCEAN (800-626-2326).

August 14
Bonfire Hour
N. Division St. Beach
Every week a different speaker. Learn fun things about Ocean City, behind the scenes stories, some history & more. Sit back & enjoy the bonfire on the beach! Thursdays at 9 p.m. 800-OC-OCEAN (800-626-2326).

August 17
Sundaes in the Park
Northside Park, 127th St & Bay
Every Sunday evening in August bring the family, a chair or blanket & enjoy free local & regional musical groups. Create your own ice cream sundae for a small fee. Sunday, 6-8 p.m. 800-OC-OCEAN (800-626-2326).

August 21
Bonfire Hour
N. Division St. Beach
The cozy bonfire awaits as you learn interesting facts, history & fun things to do in Ocean City. A different speaker each week. Thursdays at 9 p.m. 800-OC-OCEAN (800-626-2326).

August 24
Sundaes in the Park
Northside Park, 127th St. & Bay
Bring the family, a chair or blanket & enjoy free local & regional musical groups. Create your own ice cream sundae for a small fee. A great family evening each Sunday, 6-8 p.m. 800-OC-OCEAN (800-626-2326).

August 28
Bonfire Hour
N. Division St. Beach
Every week a different speaker tells fun facts, things to do or behind-the-scenes glimpses of your favorite summer place. Thursday, 9 p.m. 800-OC-OCEAN (800-626-2326).

September 18-21
Sunfest
Inlet Lot
Ocean City’s biggest & best festival. Fine art, distinctive crafts, performers on two stages & a variety of food vendors including gourmet delights & Eastern Shore specialties. Fall children’s activities include pumpkin decorating, hayrides & inflatables on the beach. Try your luck at the Adler’s Treasure Hunt. Free continuous entertainment with the exception of ticketed evening headline entertainers. Tickets available on Ticketmaster.com. 800-551-7328 or Convention Center Box Office Mon.-Fri., 9 a.m.-4 p.m.. Sunfest hours, Thurs.- Sat., 10 a.m.- 10 p.m.; Sun., 10 a.m.- 6 p.m. Accommodations & Information: 800-OC-OCEAN. (800-626-2326).

September 19-21
Sunfest Kite Festival
On the Beach, 1st St. – 6th St.
Bring the family & let your spirits soar! Enjoy three days filled with spectacular kite flying. Thousands of spectators travel to see master kite flyers from around the world showcase their aerial displays of art. Fri.-Sun., 9 a.m.-9 p.m. Jay Knerr, 410-289-7855. www.kiteloft.com.

October 3
Family Campfire on the Beach
130th St. on the Beach
Bring your family for a night of fun with a good old-fashioned campfire. Entertainment storytelling, music & refreshments. S’mores & hot chocolate offered. Bring your beach blankets, warm clothes & the whole family for a night out on the beach. Friday. Kim Kinsey,410-250-0125.

October 26
Halloween Spook-out Party
Northside Park Complex, 125th St. & Bay
Participants of all ages can have a howling good time with events that include carnival games, arts & crafts, hayrides, snacks & much more. Costume contests scheduled throughout the event. Sunday. Entrance fee is one single wrapped bag of candy per child. Kim Kinsey, 410-250-0125. www.ococean.com/seandfe.html.

November 20-January 1, 2009
Winterfest of Lights
Townwide, Inlet lot & Northside Park, 127th St.
Take a drive through the Tunnel of Lights at Ocean City’s Inlet to enjoy the nautical displays of holiday lights. Ocean City is your favorite holiday place for taking in all the sights. Dazzling lights on cold winter nights put everyone in a holiday mood. Ocean City’s award-winning light displays begin with the tunnel of lights at the Inlet where you find the beach filled with lights boasting a nautical theme. Travel the avenues of Ocean City to see the old-fashioned lighted wreaths, then it’s on to Northside Park to see hundreds of animated lighted displays. Relax in the heated tent to sip hot chocolate or browse Yukon Cornelius’ gift shop for a special gift & have a photo taken with Santa. Then board the Winterfest Express to tour the lights, including the themed exhibits of the Twelve Days of Christmas & your favorite fairy tales. Small fee to ride tram. Sun.-Thurs., 5:30-9:30 p.m.; Fri.-Sat., 5:30-10:30 p.m. 800-OC-OCEAN. (800-626-2326) 410-250-0125.

November 20-December 29
Carousel Winter Wonderland
Carousel Resort Hotel, 118th St.
Dazzling holiday decorations, indoor ice skating rink open to the public. Admission to the ice skating rink includes skates. Mon.- Fri., 4-9 p.m.; Sat. & Sun., 10 a.m.-10 p.m. 800-641-0011. www.carouselhotel.com.

November 28-30
Holiday Shopper’s Fair
Convention Center, 40th St. & Bay
Unique holiday shopping experience. Quality crafts, photography, florals, soaps, jewelry, Nascar items, toys & more. Children’s activities & a non-shoppers lounge. Admission. Fri. & Sat., 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sun., 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Janice Cropper, 410-723-8605. 800-OC-OCEAN. (800-626-2326).

December 6
Christmas Parade
Coastal Hwy., Ocean City
Floats, bands & marching units highlight this annual holiday tradition. Saturday, 11 a.m. Parade route to be announced. Presented by the Gold Coast Mall Merchants Association, 410-524-9000. Honijarvis@cs.com.

January 1
Winterfest of Lights
Inlet, Northside Park, 127th St., Townwide
Enjoy the last night of dazzling Winterfest as you start the New Year off right. Tour the Tunnel of Lights at the Inlet, Make your way through the avenue of lights & then to Northside Park. Enjoy the decorated, heated tent as you board the Winterfest Express to experience themed, lighted displays. Small fee to ride tram. Thursday, 5:30-9:30 p.m. 800-OC-OCEAN. 800-626-2326. 410-250-0125.