New outdoor recreation business to open next year
By Megan Antosy
Ocean City will be even more fun for kids and their families next summer.
The Yard, a new outdoor recreational center for kids, was approved by the Ocean City Planning Board on June 26. They are aiming to open next year.
“There’s nothing really like that in South Jersey,” said TJ Heist, owner of The Yard.
TJ Heist is no stranger to fun activities on the island. He also owns Totally Tubular Watersports, OCNJ Watersports, Beachy Tiki (tiki boat cruises), and Sharkbait (fishing charters).
“I have a handful of other activities but they gear toward older kids. This gears toward younger,” said Heist, a father of two young children.
The structure of The Yard will look like a ship, complete with a crow’s nest, a mast structure, soft slides and rope ladders. There will also be cornhole, ping pong tables, and picnic tables outside as well.
The interior of the building that’s already on site will be transformed into a spot for more family fun. It is currently being used as storage. There will be a golf simulator inside. The space will also be available to hold birthday parties as well as group activities and possibly field trips.
Construction is poised to begin this fall and continue through the winter.
Looking for other options for your kiddos?
Cheezy Taco Tuesdays at Peace of Wood
Visit Peace of Wood, 345 West Avenue, on Tuesdays throughout the summer for Cheezy Taco Tuesdays! Jam with Cheezy and the Crackers (try to say that out loud without at least cracking a smile), munch on some free tacos from Las Olas Taqueria, whack a bongo to the beat, snag a triple chocolate brownie Peace Pie from Marshall behind the counter, and let your creativity out during the all ages paint jam (but be sure to call ahead!). Cheezy Taco Tuesdays are held from 4-6 p.m.
Play in OCNJ!
Let your kids run around at the various playgrounds! In Ocean City, there are playgrounds at North Street and Haven Avenue, 15th and Bay Avenue, 8th and Haven Avenue, 29th and West Avenue, 34th and West Avenue, and 52nd and Haven Avenue. There are also fields for soccer, baseball, softball, and lacrosse around the island. Basketball courts can be found at North, 6th, 8th, 15th, 18th, 34th, and 52nd streets.
Tennis courts are at 6th Street, 18th Street, and 35th Street. These courts are a mix of grass and hard courts. Play beach volleyball at 5th and the beach, or learn shuffleboard at 6th and boardwalk. Test out your skills and balance at the Ocean City Skate Park, 550 Asbury Avenue. Weather a little iffy? Head to the pool at the Aquatic and Fitness Center, 1735 Simpson Avenue.
Read a book
Take your kids to the Ocean City Free Public Library to pick out some new books! Let them pick out a few for late night reading, bedtime or porch time before or after the beach. The Library has tons of classes and events each week, making it the perfect place to visit rain or shine. While you’re there, consider checking out the new murals at the Ocean City Historical Museum and learn more about past and present events in Ocean City history. Visit the Ocean City Arts Center to see what classes they have going on and browse current students’ work.
Megan Antosy is a 2018 graduate of Penn State Berks with a BA in Professional Writing, a BS in Business with a concentration in Public Relations and Marketing, and a minor in Women’s Studies. She is currently pursuing her master’s degree in Strategic Communications and Digital Strategy through the University of Oklahoma.
