Local Parks Provide Family Fun Away from the Beach
A vacation to Ocean City is guaranteed to be packed with family fun. Whether you’re spending the day at the beach or just strolling along our famous boardwalk, there’s something for the whole family. But fun in the sun doesn’t have to stop at the beach. Ocean City is also home to several wonderful parks and playgrounds.
Downtown Recreation Complex
The Downtown Recreation Complex, on Third Street, has a way for everyone to get active. Make a reservation and utilize the lighted multipurpose ballfield and tennis courts. Challenge your family to a game of softball or show off your racquet skills on the tennis court. The complex’s Victorian-themed promenade area is an ideal spot for fishing and crabbing. Skateboarders and inline skaters will love the Ocean Bowl Skate Park. The 17,000-square-foot concrete-based park is a skater’s paradise, complete with a pool bowl, mini ramp and vert ramp.
Gorman Park
Tucked between a residential neighborhood off 136th Street, Gorman Park has something for everyone. For those looking to break a sweat, there is a tennis court, a three-wall racquetball court and a large field perfect for playing catch or kicking a soccer ball. Kids will love the playground with slides and swings. Those looking to just take in the scenery will enjoy the pavilion or a spot on the landscaped grass.
Inlet Park
A large Native American wood sculpture greets you at the entrance of Inlet Park, located at the southern-most end of Ocean City. Bring your own binoculars or pay a quarter to use the binocular stands and take in the spectacular views of the bay. With these views, Inlet Park has become a popular spot for taking photos, especially during sunset.
Little Salisbury Park
Art meets athletics at Little Salisbury Park on 94th Street. Play a match of tennis or a game of basketball on these public courts. Kids will love running up and down the children’s playground. The park is also home to the Ocean City Art League’s Center for the Arts. This newly-built non-profit facility has a two-story gallery, a pottery studio, art library, working art studios and events for kids throughout the year.
Northside Park
Northside Park is Ocean City’s largest and most popular park. The 58-acre property features three lighted softball/baseball fields, a lighted soccer field, a fishing lagoon, two playgrounds, walking/jogging paths, a footbridge, a 14,200-square-foot gymnasium and a 21,000-square-foot multi-sport sports arena. Northside Park also boasts not one, but two playgrounds and picturesque picnic areas. This multi-use park is the site of several free family-friendly events like movie nights and Fourth of July fireworks. Every Sunday from June to September, stop by for Sundaes in the Park. Enjoy a free concert while snacking on an ice cream sundae available for purchase. The evening ends with a firework display.
Ocean City Dog Playground
While dogs are not allowed on the beach and boardwalk from May 1 – September 30, there is a special playground for man’s best friend. Located in Little Salisbury at 94th Street, the OC Dog Playground is divided into two sections: dogs under 28 pounds and dogs over 28 pounds. Day passes can be purchased for $5 per dog.
Ocean City Tennis Center
Owned and operated by the Town of Ocean City, the Ocean City Tennis Center boasts six premier tennis courts, three fast-dry clay courts and four courts for players under 10-years-old. Forgot your equipment at home? The center also has a tennis shop to purchase everything you need for a great rally. Courts are available for reservation from mid-May through the end of September, and can be booked up to one week in advance.
Robin Park
Robin Park, off 28th Street and Robin Drive, is perfect for younger children. Kids will love the playground, complete with swings, slides and plenty of places to climb. While the kids play, pack a picnic and relax on the landscaped open space.
Sunset Park
Ocean City’s newest park, on S. Division Street, is a promenade offering panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean, Assateague Island, the Ocean City Commercial Harbor and the Sinepuxent Bay. Sunset Park also features an outdoor stage. Throughout the summer and early fall, catch concerts and performances while watching the sunset over the Isle of Wight Bay. The Sunset Park Party Nights are held once a week. While the concerts are free, beverages including beer are available for purchase. Free movie nights are also held at the park during the summer.
Perfect Picnic Parks
Treat yourself to a relaxing day outdoors. Enjoy a picnic with friends and family, or just sit back with a good book on one of these grassy refuges in Ocean City.
North Surf Park is a small neighborhood park with rolling turf, scattered trees and open vistas.
Ocean City’s newest promenade, Jamestown Park, is perfect for a quiet stroll and or a peaceful picnic.
As soon as you get off the Harry Kelley bridge, you’ll see a beautiful fountain. The Marlin Sculpture and fountain marks the entrance to Entry Park, a quaint park with bench seating.
Fiesta Park is a wooded park located on 141st Street and Bayside. This park has ample picnic seating. When you finish eating, take a walk through the park on one of the nature trails.
