Looking for the best activities for teens in Ocean City? We’ve got you covered!
Ocean City, or ‘OC,’ is a picture-perfect beach town that’s sure to win over every member of the family—especially teens. Whether they’re craving thrill rides or just a laid-back day by the sea, OC has activities to match every mood and energy level. (And trust me, I’ve picked up a few key Gen Z vacation tips from our trips to OC over the years!)
Grab your teens and your crocs and head to Ocean City! Here’s our ultimate guide to the best things to do in Ocean City, MD with teens.
10 Best Things To Do In Ocean City, MD with Teens 🌊
1. Beach All Day
With 10 miles of powdery sand and ocean views, Ocean City, Maryland is the perfect East Coast beach destination for families. Spend your days at the beach, swimming, playing beach volleyball, or simply relaxing in the sun. And it’s free!
The beach is open to the public from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. However, lifeguards guards are only on duty from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. daily from the Saturday of Memorial Day Weekend until the third Sunday after Labor Day. Waves can get quite big and there are rip tides so swimming only during guarded hours is advised.
Speaking of waves, grab a boogie board at any of the 12 Ocean City Sunsation locations and hit the waves with your teen! Nothing beats spending a sunny day at the beach in Ocean City with family.
Pro tip: The beach becomes less crowded the farther North you go!
2. Venture Out On The Water
Get out on the water with your teens to experience all of Ocean City. With the Atlantic Ocean to the East and the bay to the West, there are both adventurous and more laid-back water activities to suit everyone’s style.
For adventures on the waves, head to the ocean. Drive a jet skiing, ride on a speed boat or go banana boating. Or do all three to surely make this vacation the talk of your teen’s summer!
For more laid-back activities, venture to the calmer waters of Assawoman Bay. Rent a kayak or paddleboard and explore the shoreline and salt marshes. Enjoy the scenery and maybe you will even spot a dolphin or bald eagle!
3. Explore All the Boardwalk has to Offer
Shop, eat, and play on the iconic Ocean City Boardwalk. Stretching three miles along the beach from South 2nd Street to 27th, the boardwalk is filled with shops, restaurants, and entertainment. There is something for teens and families to see, do, or eat at every turn.
Is your teen into shopping? Spend the evening browsing through the souvenir, beachwear, and specialty shops.
Is your teen always hungry? Grab some Piezano pizza and Thrasher fries. Thrasher’s is famous here! Be sure to cover the fries with vinegar and salt like a local. For a sweet treat, cool off with Kohr’s frozen custard.
Does your teen love to win prizes? Visit Marty’s Playland, one of the oldest arcades in Ocean City and one of the largest prize selections! Spend all your tokens playing the retro and modern arcade games.
Exploring the Boardwalk is a great way to spend an evening with your teens in Ocean City.
4. Experience Thrills and Chills at Trimper Rides
Scream from big drops and big jump scares at Trimper’s Rides. Trimper’s Rides, located at the far South end of the boardwalk, is a historic amusement park with classic and modern rides.
The classiest of classics is the haunted house built in 1964. Buckle in for a terrifying, pitch-black ride complete with live horror actors! For a modern thrill, ride the Tidal Wave, Ocean City’s best roller coaster, starting the fun with a backward drop of almost 120 feet.
With every type of ride imaginable, Trimper’s Rides will easily become one of your teen’s favorite things to do in Ocean City!
Pro tip: Get the nighttime wristband for unlimited rides after 5 p.m. Enjoy the cooler weather and bright lights!
5. Indulge your sweet tooth at Candy Kitchen
No family vacation and especially no visit to Ocean City is complete without a stop at a candy shop. In OC, the place to go is the local favorite, Candy Kitchen.
It is a family-owned and operated business with a wide selection of hand-dipped chocolate, creamy fudge, and saltwater taffy. Teens will love wandering the aisles packed with candy, picking out their favorite treat or a new delight.
Candy Kitchen is the sweetest stop during your Ocean City adventure.
Pro tip: Visit the flagship Candy Kitchen on 53rd Street, also home to their candy factory.
6. Get your adrenaline pumping at Jolly Roder Amusement Park
For a break from the beach, but not a break from the fun, head to Jolly Roger Amusement Park. Here teens can enjoy an action-packed day away from the surf.
Jolly Rodger Amusement Park offers endless fun, including exciting roller coasters, speedy go-karts, challenging mini-golf, and twisting water slides. Adventure abounds at Jolly Rodger’s.
7. Learn the history at the Ocean City Life-Saving Station Museum
If your teen is a history buff, dipping into the Ocean City Life-Saving Station Museum is a great educational break from the sun and surf. This intimate museum traces this now popular family-friendly tourist destination back to its days as a small fishing village.
Your teens will enjoy learning about the local history and marine life and also seeing recovered artifacts from old shipwrecks. Exploring the Life-Saving Station Museum is a wonderful way to slip some academic learning into your family vacation.
8. Relax at Northside Park
Pick up some sandwiches and head to Northside Park for a picnic and more. Northside Park, located on the bayside, is huge with 58 acres of green space to ecplore ane enjoy.
Stroll along the 1-mile of scenic walking trails, play soccer or baseball on the lighted fields, or head out on the fishing pier to catch some local fish. For younger siblings, there is also a large playground for running, swinging, and sliding.
Whether your family is looking to stay active or unwind or a little bit of both, Northside Park offers a perfect blend of excitement and relaxation for teens in Ocean City.
Pro Tip: Check out the special events at Northside Park for locals and visitors. Take in the concerts and fireworks in the summer months and the amazing Christmas light display in winter.
9. Dance the Night Away at H2O…if you are between 15 and 20!
Time for some time away from each other? Then, drop your teen off at H20, Ocean City’s only Teen nightclub. And had off for a romantic dinner with your partner or a solo date night.
Your teenagers will relish the freedom of having a night out alone. They just might meet other vacationing teens and have new friends to hang out with on the dance floor and off!
If you are unsure about letting your teen dance the night away, you can always request a tour to calm your nerves.
10. Soak in all of the beauty of the Sunrise and Sunset
Start your day early and head to the beach to watch the sunrise over the Atlantic Ocean or end the the day with a sunset over the bay. Either way take a minute to sit back, relax and appreciate the beauty unfolding around you.
For amazing sunset views, head to Ropewalk and enjoy a late family dinner. Listening to the live music, watching the sunset and eating good food is always an evening well spent for the entire family, teens and all!
Whether your family watches one or all of the sunrises and sunsets on your vacation in Ocean City, the most important thing is to slow down and enjoy all the moments of beauty in your life.
Visiting Ocean City with Teenagers
Ocean City, Maryland really is the perfect summer vacation town for families with teens. As you can see, there are plenty of fun things to do in OC for teenagers and families of all kinds.
From sun up to sun down, there is always something to do in Ocean City!
Best Hotels in Ocean City, Maryland To Stay with Teens
📍 Ashore Beach Club & Resort
Google Maps | Website
This beachfront resort is located in the quieter section of Ocean City and is the only hotel with complimentary beach loungers and umbrellas and beach service! Listen to live music, soak in the hot tub, and take out a bike for a spin around North Ocean City.
📍 Aloft Ocean City
Google Maps | Website
The Aloft is located in Midtown on the bayside of Ocean City. It features an indoor and outdoor pool, a sand beach on the bay, free pet stays, and a year-round game room. Grab a drink from the pool bar and enjoy the evening sunset over the bay.
📍Holiday Inn Ocean City
Google Maps | Website
This all-suite, beachfront hotel is located right on the boardwalk—perfect for families with teenagers who want the independence to explore the boardwalk on their own. It’s also ideal for families who enjoy more space, as each room has a kitchen! The pool area is fun, with a small waterslide perfect for younger siblings.
Best Things to Do With Teens in Ocean City, MD FAQ
Does Ocean City have nightlife?
Yes! OC does not go to sleep with the sunsets. Nightlife abounds. The boardwalk comes alive at night with street performers, arcades, rides, shopping, eating and more! H20 offers a nightlife scene for those ages 15 to 20. While other bars and nightclubs are plentiful for the over 21 crowd. Day and night there is always something to do in Ocean City.
What is the least crowded part of Ocean City?
The further north you go the quieter and less crowded Ocean City becomes. North Ocean City, from 91st street to the Delaware border at 146th Street, is the least crowded part of OC.
What part of Ocean City, Maryland is best for families?
The boardwalk in Ocean City has a lot of fun activities for families. At the southern end of the boardwalk, there are many family-friendly activities such as Jolly Rodgers at the Pier, Trimper Rides, and Marty’s Playland. However, if your family prefers a quieter place to stay and a less crowded beach, book a hotel in Midtown or North Ocean City.
What is the curfew for minors in Ocean City, Maryland?
There is not a curfew for minors in Ocean City, Maryland. However, the beach is closed to the public at midnight and there is a noise regulation from midnight to 7 a.m.
How old do you have to be to go to H2O Club in Ocean City?
Teenagers must be at least 15 to go to the H20 Club in Ocean City. People over the age of 20 are not allowed inside. For teens over 18, some form of ID is required. For those aged 15 to 17, it is best to bring a state-issued or school ID. If not, a parent can verify your age to enter.
The Wrap-Up: The Top 10 Best Things to Do in Ocean City, MD with Teens
Ocean City, Maryland is a fantastic East Coast beach destination for families with teenagers. Everything from the lively atmosphere of the boardwalk to the relaxing beach vibes makes Ocean City the perfect family summer escape.
Knowing all of the best things to do in Ocean City with teens – is the first step in creating a summer vacation your teen will remember year after year!
