The Best Low-Cost Family Activities near Ocean City, MD

There are tons of low-cost family activities near Ocean City, Maryland. We love Ocean City for its wide, beautiful beaches and soft white sand. Swimming and boogie boarding on the free public beaches is a blast. But we also like that Worcester (and neighboring Wicomico) County offers so much more. We especially love it when we’ve become lobsters in the sun and need some alternate activities for a few hours! Here are a few of our favorites.

Low-Cost Activity #1: Ride the Rides at the Top of the Ocean City Boardwalk

There is a ride for everyone at Ocean City. There are two areas – the Jolly Roger that is next to the fishing pier and Trimpers that is just across the boardwalk from the pier. They both have carousels and that is the extent that my stomach can handle so I will withhold comments about the remaining rides, except to say that my kids enjoy them!

Trimper Rides is said to be better for younger kids with the Jolly Rogers being more suited for adults. But, I know that the haunted house at Trimpers scared my kids a little too much when they were small! At either place, you can get unlimited rides starting at about $35, but you can also pay as you go if you just want to try a couple of rides.

Low-Cost Activity #2: Visit Inlet Park and the Ocean City Lifesaving Museum

Park for $3.50/hour at the Inland Parking Lot and look out onto the jetty, see some record-setting fish on the end of the boardwalk, take a photo with the giant anchor, or visit the Lifesaving Museum for just $6 per person.

It costs a dollar to go all the way out onto the fishing peer just past the museum, and there are always plenty of fishermen, if you like the camaraderie. There are also tons of locks on the railings, if you are the romantic type. You can buy an all-day fishing/crabbing pass. Or, just come for the view and to watch the seabirds and look for dolphins.

Low-Cost Activity #3: Rent a Bike and go for a morning ride

You can bike on the boardwalk from 2AM (but remember, it’s still illegal to drink and drive a bike) to noon. We rented a 4 peddler for $35 (though this was a few years ago) at Bike World for our family of 6 and had a great time. Regular adult bikes are around $10 per hour.

Activity #4: See the Horses at Assateague National Seashore

Although wildlife is unpredictable, the chances are pretty good that you will see some horses if you visit the national seashore. If you go to the beach there, you may even see them enter the water for a little cool-down. You’re likely to find them strolling along the side of the roadway into the park in little groups with their foals, or even chilling in the parking lot. Watch out for plops.

Some of the trails are short and pretty as well, and sometimes you can see the tiny deer that live in the park. You will certainly see plenty of birds. One of my favorite memories from the park is noticing a spattering of pinkish-white wild hibiscus, and looking up beyond it at a tree just covered with big brilliant white birds – I think they were egrets or herons.

Passes for Assateague National Seashore are $25 per vehicle, and last for 7 days. You can also walk in for $15 per person, up to $25 per family. Or, get an annual pass for $45.

Activity #5: Watch the Sunset over the Bay at Assateague State Park

We are not early risers, but lucky for us, we don’t have to go all the way to the west coast to see the sun setting over the water. The bay is just lovely. Assateague State Park costs $5 per per person (free for under ten years old), and $5 per vehicle after Labor Day. It is also a really fun place to camp, with campsites in the $30 to $40 range.

Activity #6: See a Show at Frontier Town

We’ve never stayed here, or visited the waterpark. BUT, there are free shows throughout the day, and they are really fun. You can watch authentic Native American dances in the “Indian Village” area and the Texas Trick Riders close out the day at 7PM. It’s also fun to wander around the “Old West” and maybe get an ice cream at the Saloon or visit the farm animals.

Activity #7: Visit the Salisbury Zoo

This is a cute little zoo with plenty of shade. It is not a huge zoo, but it has a super nice playground with a sandy toddler area. Admission and parking is free, though donations are appreciated.

Low-Cost Activity #8: See a Free Concert at Ocean City Northside Park

This free park on 127th street has playgrounds, walking paths, a fishing pier, pavilions, a free parking lot, and best of all, free concerts and fireworks shows on Sundays June through August. Cover and tribute bands play a mix of country, rock and roll, oldies, and more, from 7 to 9 in the evening. You can find the 2026 schedule here.

With all of these fun and low-cost family-friendly activities, Ocean City is a great destination for anyone looking for both a great beach experience and plenty of additional non-beach fun.

Visit this post for more family fun throughout Maryland.