No matter how you try and stretch your dollar by cutting corners or scouring the internet for the best deals, vacations and outings cost money. In Ocean City, we are fortunate enough to have FREE beaches (yes, there are beaches along the East Coast that charge you for access) that provide for hours upon hours of free family fun. But when the sun starts to set or your skin starts to turn an unhealthy shade of pink, families look for affordable alternatives. At ShoreBread, we know that nothing is more affordable than free so we decided to round up a list of FREE family fun events and activities for summer 2015 in Ocean City. So take a look, take some notes, and start having fun…for free!
Movies on the Beach
Perhaps the only thing better than a movie night with the whole family is a movie night on the beach with the whole family. In Ocean City, there are plenty of opportunities to catch a movie on the beach, with weekly showings all summer long at the beaches at 27th Street (starting June 20) and in front of The Carousel Hotel on 118th Street (starting June 1). Show times are as follows: every Monday and Friday at 8:30pm at 27th Street; every Wednesday at 8:30pm at 118thStreet.
Sundaes in the Park – July 10 – September 4
Sunday afternoons in Ocean City are best spent uptown in Northside Park. The scenic uptown setting is the perfect spot for gathering with a picnic basket and beach chairs while enjoying ice cream sundaes and live music. Children’s entertainment is also presented each week. Each concert series begins at 7pm and ends at 9pm.
OC Beach Lights – May 28 – September 4
Watch the nighttime sky light up every Sunday during the OC Beach Lights series. The weekly event showcases a five-story tall inflatable sphere featuring visual lasers, lighting, special effects, video and audio production. Each show is approximately 8 minutes in length. New this year is the addition of fireworks to the show. Show times are 9:30, 10, and 10:30pm.
Family Beach Olympics – June 23-August 4
We’ve heard it said that the family that plays together stays together. Such is the case in Ocean City thanks to the weekly Family Beach Olympics. Held every Tuesday from June 23 to August 4 at 27th Street, Family Beach Olympics includes sand castle contest, tug-o-war, relay races and more. All activities are free and begin at 6:30 and 8:30pm.
Beach Fireworks – July 11 – September 3
Hit the beach and look to the sky every Monday and Tuesday evening at 10pm during July and August and take in the free fireworks display that is visible along the boardwalk. Each show is approximately 8 minutes.
July 4th Concert & Fireworks on the Beach and at Northside Park
It wouldn’t be 4th of July in Ocean City without an outstanding fireworks display. In Ocean City, there are two options for viewing the fireworks: downtown along the Boardwalk and uptown at Northside Park (125th Street). Downtown on the beach, enjoy a free concert at 8pm with fireworks at 9:30pm. Northside Park will also host a free concert at 8pm, with fireworks to follow at 9:30pm.
Concerts on the Beach – July 13 – August 31
Fourth of July isn’t the only chance you have for enjoying free concerts on the beach, tribute bands and local favorites perform every Wednesday at 8pm in July and August. All you need is a blanket or a chair and you’re set for an evening of live entertainment.
Sunset Park Party Nights – July 7 – August 25
Enjoy free concerts all summer-long at Sunset Park in Downtown Ocean City. Events begin at 7pm and last until 9pm. Admissionis free, attendees are recommended to bring their own seating. Beverages, including beer, will be available for purchase.
Free Family Programs – July 5 – August 27
Our friends at the Ocean-City Lifesaving Station Museum also offer free fun in the summertime with great free summer programs for the entire family. Subjects vary daily with topics including beach safety, aquarium feeding, knot tying, history and more. Programs begin at 10am and are approximately 30 minutes. For more information visit www.ocmuseum.org
