Family-Friendly Fitness Activities at Ocean City, MD

Ocean City, MD, is more than just a sun-soaked beach destination. This vibrant coastal town offers a bunch of family-friendly fitness activities that promote overall health and active fun for visitors of all ages.

From its expansive beaches to its bustling boardwalk, Ocean City provides the perfect backdrop for families looking to stay active while enjoying their vacation.

I decided to take a trip down to Ocean City, MD to check out everything it had to offer fitness enthusiasts so that I could provide you with all the details before you book your own trip there.

That being said, this isn’t going to be your typical “go to the gym” article. Are there gyms down in Ocean City, MD? Absolutely. Did I stop in them? As a gym nut, you bet I did. Some of the best gyms down there are:

  • OC Fit Gym
  • OC SUP & Fitness
  • Pure Family Fitness (various locations)
  • Planet Fitness (if you have a Black Card, you can go here for free)
family-friendly fitness activities - ocean city, MD

But let’s think outside of the box and discuss family-friendly fitness activities outside of the gym since kids don’t exactly want to go to the gym and work out.

Let’s dive deeper and explore some of the best family-friendly fitness activities in Ocean City, MD that can keep your family moving and healthy during your stay in this Mid-Atlantic gem.

This article goes into some of the fun things we were able to do as a family, as well as some options that we didn’t get to try on this trip. Check them out!

RELATED: Workouts at the Beach to Keep You Fit During Your Vacation

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not meant to treat or diagnose any condition. It is recommended that you speak with your doctor before starting any exercise program, changing your daily nutrition, or adding any supplements to your regimen.

family-friendly fitness activities - ocean city, MD

Ocean City Beach Family-Friendly Fitness Activities: Your Natural Fitness Playground

The most obvious and accessible fitness resource in Ocean City, MD is its 10 miles of beautiful sandy beaches. Here are some ways to turn the beach into your family’s fitness center:

  1. Beach Walks and Runs: Start your day with a family beach walk or jog. The sand provides natural resistance, giving your legs a better workout than a sidewalk.
  2. Swimming: Ocean swimming is an excellent full-body workout. Always swim near a lifeguard and teach kids about ocean safety.
  3. Beach Sports: Bring along a volleyball, frisbee, football, or soccer ball. The soft sand adds an extra challenge to these classic beach games.
  4. Sandcastle Building: While not intense exercise, building sandcastles engages core muscles and provides a fun, creative outlet for kids.
  5. Surfing and Boogie Boarding: Rent boards and catch some waves. It’s a fantastic way to improve balance and core strength.

Ocean City, MD Boardwalk Adventures: Fitness with a View

Ocean City’s famous boardwalk stretches for 3 miles, offering numerous family-friendly fitness activities:

  1. Biking: Rent bikes or bring your own for a family ride along the boardwalk. Early mornings are best to avoid crowds.
  2. Rollerblading or Skateboarding: The smooth boardwalk surface is perfect for wheeled activities. Don’t forget your safety gear!
  3. Morning Yoga: Some local instructors offer sunrise yoga classes on the beach near the boardwalk.
  4. Boardwalk Olympics: Create your own family Olympics with events like speed-walking, sprint races, or obstacle courses using boardwalk landmarks.

Water Sports: Ride the Ocean City, MD Waves to Fitness

family-friendly fitness activities - ocean city, MD

Ocean City’s location makes it ideal for water sports that double as great workouts and family-friendly fitness activities:

  1. Kayaking and Canoeing: Rent kayaks or canoes to explore the bay side of Ocean City, MD. It’s a great upper body workout and a chance to spot local wildlife.
  2. Stand-Up Paddleboarding (SUP): This popular activity improves balance and core strength while providing a unique perspective of the coastline.
  3. Jet Skiing: For older kids and adults, jet skiing can be an exhilarating way to engage core muscles and improve reflexes.
  4. Parasailing: While not intense exercise, parasailing can be a thrilling family adventure that gets everyone’s heart pumping.

Park and Playground Workouts

Ocean City, MD boasts several parks and playgrounds that offer family-friendly fitness activities:

  1. Northside Park: This 58-acre complex features walking trails, sports fields, and a playground. Organize a family game of basketball or tennis.
  2. Playground Fitness: Turn playground time into a workout by joining your kids. Monkey bars are great for upper body strength, and climbing structures engage the whole body.
  3. Nature Trails: Explore the walking trails at Assateague State Park, just a short drive from Ocean City, MD. Spot wild ponies while getting your steps in.

Indoor Family-Friendly Fitness Activities for Rainy Days

family-friendly fitness activities - ocean city, MD

Even if the weather doesn’t cooperate, Ocean City, MD offers indoor family-friendly fitness activities:

  1. Indoor Pools: Many hotels have indoor pools. Organize family swim races or play pool games.
  2. Bowling: Ocean Lanes Bowling Center provides a fun, air-conditioned environment for some friendly family competition.
  3. Ice Skating: In the cooler months, Carousel Hotel offers ice skating, a unique way to stay active at the beach.
  4. Arcade Games: While not intense exercise, active arcade games can get your family moving and laughing together.

Organized Family-Friendly Fitness Activities and Classes

Take advantage of organized, family-friendly fitness activities in Ocean City, MD:

  1. Beach Yoga: Several companies offer beach yoga classes suitable for all ages and skill levels.
  2. Surf Lessons: Learn to surf as a family. It’s a full-body workout that improves balance and coordination.
  3. Eco-Tours: Join a guided kayak tour of the bay, combining exercise with environmental education.
  4. Dance Classes: Some resorts offer family-friendly dance classes, a fun way to get moving together.

Healthy Eating in Ocean City, MD

family-friendly fitness activities - ocean city, MD

Complement your active days with nutritious food choices:

  1. Farmers Markets: Visit the Ocean City Farmers Market for fresh, local produce to fuel your activities.
  2. Healthy Restaurants: Look for eateries offering fresh seafood and vegetable-based dishes.
  3. Picnic Prep: Prepare healthy picnics for beach days, ensuring you have nutritious options on hand.

Creating a Family Fitness Plan

To make the most of Ocean City’s family-friendly fitness activities:

  1. Set Goals: Decide as a family what activities you want to try and set achievable fitness goals.
  2. Make a Schedule: Plan active time each day, balancing it with relaxation.
  3. Be Flexible: Don’t force activities if the family isn’t enjoying them. The goal is to associate fitness with fun.
  4. Stay Hydrated: Ocean City, MD can get hot, so always carry water, especially during physical activities.
  5. Sun Safety: Apply sunscreen regularly and wear hats to protect against the strong beach sun.

Ocean City, MD, offers a ton of family-friendly fitness activities everyone will enjoy. From beach activities and water sports to boardwalk adventures and organized classes, there’s something for every age and fitness level.

RELATED: Vacation Tips to Help You Stay Lean While Having Fun

By incorporating these activities into your vacation, you’re not just creating lasting memories — you’re also instilling healthy habits that can continue long after your tan fades.

Remember, the goal is to have fun while moving your bodies, so choose family-friendly fitness activities that your whole family enjoys. With its perfect blend of natural beauty and man-made attractions, Ocean City, MD provides the ideal setting for a family vacation that’s as healthy as it is fun.


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Matt Weik

Matt Weik, BS, CPT, CSCS, CSN, is the Owner and Head Keyboard Banger of Weik Fitness. He is a well-respected, prolific writer with a global following and a self-proclaimed fitness and supplement nerd. Matt’s content has been featured on thousands of websites, 100+ magazines, and he has authored over a dozen published books.