Planning a beach vacation with little ones in tow? If your kids still believe in Santa — and outnumber the adults in your group — Ocean City might be the perfect destination. This family-friendly barrier island lives up to its longtime motto: “America’s Greatest Family Resort.”
Your watch won’t work here
If you must check emails, do it early. After that, time becomes elastic. You’ll linger in the breeze, delay dinner, and strike up conversations with strangers. This phenomenon, known as island time, intensifies as the week goes on. Ambition fades, attention drifts — that’s part of the magic.
Leave room for doing nothing. You’ll be surprised what your children come up with when left to their own imagination.
Take care of yourself
You can’t do it all, so don’t try. Rushing, lack of sleep and too much alcohol will sabotage your vacation. After a morning of wave jumping, your kids will take the best naps of their lives under a beach cabana — and so might you.
Avoid sunburn. Midday hours are best spent indoors. Visit the library, the historical museum, day camps, or simply rest. When you return to the beach, use sunscreen generously and don’t attempt to tan in a day. A shade cabana is a wise investment.
Crossing the street is the riskiest part of your trip, especially near the boardwalk between 12th and 23rd streets. Bicycles and runners can pose real dangers. And skip the electric bikes — just ask the local ER nurses. Beach cruisers are ideal, but always lock them up. Unfortunately, bike theft is a long-running tradition.
You don’t have to spend a fortune
Ocean City is great for families on a budget. Many of the best experiences are free or low-cost. Free concerts, including the Ocean City Pops, are held throughout the summer. On Tuesday afternoons, Asbury Avenue features live music, magic shows and costumed characters.
Consider a $15 seasonal visitor library card. It grants access to books, digital materials and free passes to local museums and activities. The city also offers a wide range of day camps that your children will love.
Dining out isn’t always the highlight for kids. They’re happy with pizza and ice cream. Shop offshore before arrival, and look for roadside stands with fresh produce. Also, keep an eye out for preseason deals on ride tickets and arcade cards.
Live the bay life
There’s a whole other side to Ocean City. Crabbing, fishing, kayaking, paddleboarding and boating are available, particularly between Second and Sixth streets on Bay Avenue. Other bay access points are scattered throughout the island.
Fishing can be hit or miss, but crabbing rarely disappoints. Two traps, some string and a bit of chicken or bunker bait is all you need.
Do the beach like a local
Learn the tides, breeze and waves. Afternoons are generally more pleasant than mornings. The breeze shifts from land to sea, making the water warmer and calmer. The sun becomes gentler, the crowds thin out, and beach tag checkers call it a day.
Low-tide pools become natural museums for young explorers. For accurate forecasts on tides, wind speed and water temperature, the free Surf Captain app is a great tool.
Experienced beachgoers know about the golden hour — roughly 5:30 to 8 p.m. — the best time for your child’s imagination and your peace of mind. You’ll be grateful you’re not waiting in line at a theme park.
Ask a local
Locals are often your best source of advice. Unlike many tourist towns, Ocean City locals genuinely welcome their summer guests. It’s easy to spot us by our salty hair and sun-faded shirts. We’ll gladly steer you in the right direction.
Don’t forget Sunday
By the end of the week, you may be pleasantly surprised by your children’s behavior — even in church.
Be a good renter
If your kids left the place a mess, own it. Clean up and be honest with the owner about any damage. You’ll want to be invited back next year.
Vincent Malfitano and his wife, Jennifer, are certified Ocean City beach bums. He is the author of several novels, including the shore noir “Ocean City NJ: America’s Greatest Family Resort.”
