A new recreational facility aimed at children and families recently opened in Ocean City, offering a mix of outdoor and indoor activities designed to encourage active play.
The Yard, located at 741 West Ave., features a netted aerial playground as its main attraction. Children ages 3 and older can climb on the Sky Net, an elevated obstacle course that allows for free play and exploration in a contained environment. The structure is designed to promote movement and coordination while offering a different kind of experience from traditional playgrounds.
In addition to the Sky Net, the outdoor area includes a lawn space with yard games such as cornhole and oversized blocks. There are also interactive wall panels and play areas geared toward younger children, many of which focus on sensory engagement and imaginative play.
Inside, the facility houses a golf and sports simulator, offering virtual experiences such as golf, baseball and soccer. The simulator, produced by Full Swing, is the first of its kind to be installed in Ocean City, according to the operators.
The Yard provides an alternative to the beach and boardwalk for families seeking a different type of outing. While primarily geared toward children, the site offers features that may appeal to a wider age range, including shaded outdoor seating and climate-controlled indoor areas.
The facility opened in mid-June and is operating daily through the summer. Operators said the goal was to create a flexible environment where children could be physically active while families could also find space to relax or cool off.
Walk-ins are accepted, though reservations are recommended, especially on weekends and during peak hours. For more information, call 609-398-3345 or visit www.ocnjconcessions.com.
The Yard is a family-focused attraction in Ocean City, a community that promotes itself as a family resort destination. As summer progresses, the facility is expected to draw a mix of year-round residents and visitors looking for something new to experience off the beach.
Photos by Steffen Klenk
