Ocean City, MD for kids?

[The 4 "Quay"balleros]

My wife wants to do a beach vacation. We live at the Jersey shore so we want to go somewhere different. I've always wanted to goto OC, MD but for the adult amenities. Now that I have kids- DS(4.75) DS(2.5)- besides the beach, what is there for them? Any hotels/resorts geared for kids or is it mostly a party place?

Thanks
Bryan

 

[Christine]

I spent my entire childhood summering at OC, MD.

Your kids are pretty young so there's not much there that isn't at most beaches for them.

First, there is the beach.
Second, there is, IMO, one of the best boardwalks on the East Coast with a great children's section of carnival rides (Trimper Rides at the end of the boardwalk).

It's not at all like Myrtle Beach with all the lazy rivers and pools, but most regular hotels will have some sort of indoor pool. The high rise condos will too. The older places wont.

Lots of miniature golf there but it's debatable if want to do that with a 2 year old.

Other than that, I'm not sure what else you might be looking for.

 

[The 4 "Quay"balleros]

I spent my entire childhood summering at OC, MD.

Your kids are pretty young so there's not much there that isn't at most beaches for them.

First, there is the beach.
Second, there is, IMO, one of the best boardwalks on the East Coast with a great children's section of carnival rides (Trimper Rides at the end of the boardwalk).

It's not at all like Myrtle Beach with all the lazy rivers and pools, but most regular hotels will have some sort of indoor pool. The high rise condos will too. The older places wont.

Lots of miniature golf there but it's debatable if want to do that with a 2 year old.

Other than that, I'm not sure what else you might be looking for.

I guess I'm not sure what to do with the boys at a "beach" setting. At WDW we run all day and everyday and have a blast. At the beach, you play all day and go to the boardwalk at night.... Are there any hotels that you know of that have indoor water parks or something of that nature? Also, you talked about Myrtle Beach, how is it for families with young children?

Thank you for all the info!
Bryan

 

[marcyinPA]

We've been going to OC MD since my kids were toddlers. I see it as a place that has something for everyone. We've never been down there at a time where there is a lot of partying going on. It might have something to do with where we stay...The Flamingo Motel on 31st(32nd?)...just off the boardwalk. We've stayed there for YEARS...love it. No frills, but clean, and with an indoor and outdoor pool. Just across the street from Jolly Rogers, and just steps from the beach.

What made the vacation "do-able" for us with young kids was to only go for a few days. After a day or two on the beach, they got bored. We would spend a day or two on the beach, a few hours on the boardwalk, and call it a trip.

The boardwalk rides are good for little ones, as is Jolly Rogers. I don't know if there are any hotels that have waterparks inside them.

 

[Christine]

As far as I know, none of the hotels there have indoor waterparks. It's really just a true beach town. Probably better geared toward teens. I agree with the shorter vacation. Little kids can get bored after a few hours on the beach. Older kids will play out there all day. And you can't do the boardwalk every night.

You may do much better at Myrtle Beach. My kids preferred it when they were young. Lots of lazy river, indoor pools and many of the big resorts there have daily activities for kids (mine did shell painting one year and loved it).

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

I guess I'm not sure what to do with the boys at a "beach" setting. At WDW we run all day and everyday and have a blast. At the beach, you play all day and go to the boardwalk at night.... Are there any hotels that you know of that have indoor water parks or something of that nature? Also, you talked about Myrtle Beach, how is it for families with young children?

Thank you for all the info!
Bryan

I live near the beach and boys love to go to our beach. I cannot comment on Ocean City, MD...

but just in general for the beach--if you have REALLY GOOD beach toys for digging and sandcastle building (or building forts)--a boy could last all day.

I just took my kids to the beach last week...we were there for 3 hours and my son, age 3--who has no interest in swimming in that big "pool"--played happily with his sand toys.

But I'm talking really good shovels and stuff--not the 5.99 beach pail with skinny shovel stuff.

My kids are entertained for HOURS in the sand and water!

I also make sure that I have shade--so we have our own beach umbrella. Part of what got to me as a kid when I did beaches way back in the stoneage was that there was no place to retreat from the sun. Even today--it is mostly for me, but my kids have a place to rest if they need it.

 

[kristilew]

Myrtle Beach also has a great aquarium, an alligator adventure place (perfect for boys) a small zoo that has lots of petting opportunities, a MagicQuest, an Imax, mini golf, water parks, carnival type rides, shows, oh, and great beaches with lots of shark teeth. Fabulous outlet shopping for mom, too.

Many of the resort hotels have mini water parks that the kids love, along with the activities or kids clubs mentioned by pp. Be sure to look into North Myrtle Beach as well. There are some great, less expensive but more up to date resort options there, and it's really all the same city.