No matter how you try and stretch your dollar by scouring the internet for the best deals or by cutting corners, vacations and outings cost money. In Ocean City, we are fortunate enough to have FREE beaches (yes, there are actually beaches along the East Coast that charge you for access), which provides 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 2014 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, in front of The Carousel Hotel on 118th Street, and in front of The Princess Royale on 91st Street. Show times are as follows: every Monday and Friday at 8:30pm at 27th Street; every Wednesday at 8:30pm at 118th Street; every Thursday at 8:30pm at 91st Street. For more information on the summer movie schedule visit ocean-city.com.
Sunset Park Party Nights
Every Thursday from June 26 through August 28, head downtown to watch the sunset over the Isle of Wight Bay from Sunset Park, which is located along S. Division Street and the Bay. The fun starts at 7pm and lasts until 9pm and includes free live music along with beverages for purchase.
Sundaes in the Park
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. Sundaes in the Park starts July 13 and runs through August 24. Each concert series begins at 7pm and ends at 9pm.
OC Beach Lights
Watch the nighttime sky light up every Sunday from June 1 through August 31 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
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 24 to August 5 at 27th Street, Family Beach Olympics includes sand castle contests, tug-o-war, relay races and more. All activities are free and begin at 6:30 and 8:30pm.
Beach Fireworks
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
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.
Free Family Programs
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. For more information visit www.ocmuseum.com.
Live Ice Shows at The Carousel Hotel
When you’re really ready to cool off, dine rink-side at The Carousel Hotel and enjoy the free ice shows held everyday of the summer.
