Best Kid-Friendly Restaurants in Ocean City, MD with Play Areas and Waterfront Views
Planning a family vacation to Ocean City, Maryland and wondering where to eat with kids? From waterfront playgrounds to pirate ship sand pits, Ocean City is full of restaurants that make dining with children easy and fun. Here’s a roundup of some of the best kid-friendly restaurants in Ocean City, MD; each with play areas, games, or fun activities that keep kids entertained while parents relax.
Fish Tales
Whether your kids are young or old, Fish Tales has something for all ages. Aside from having a daily face painter, Fish Tales is home to Ocean City’s original and largest enclosed playground. Designed as a run-around pirate ship, the playground has seating for parents and an outdoor cartoon television. To top it all off, there is an air-conditioned arcade with token boardwalk games available for the older kids. Let your kids play while you sit outside on Bahia Marina, enjoying an Orange Crush or Bahia Blaster as the sun sets.
Dead Freddies
Dead Freddies in Ocean City, MD is the best of both worlds! At night, they offer live music and an outdoor bar that creates an inviting nightlife scene, while during the day, they have a unique family-style restaurant. With two playgrounds right on the water, one featuring a pirate ship, parents can sit back and enjoy the view while keeping an eye on their kids. There are also aqua bikes, paddleboards, pedal boats, and kayaks for families to enjoy either before or after eating.
De Lazy Lizard
Referred to as the “Little Lizard’s Playground,” De Lazy Lizard’s play area is surrounded by a decorative safety fence and can be seen from the adirondack chairs in the sand!
Alley Oops
With two convenient locations in Ocean City, MD—55th Street and 131st Street—Alley Oops is a standout choice for families. This lively restaurant combines great food with fun, offering a unique experience that goes beyond dining. Kids (and adults) will love the mini bowling lanes, arcade games, and even a live shark tank! The menu caters to all ages, with everything from fresh seafood and burgers, to kid-friendly favorites. It is the perfect spot to unwind and keep the whole family entertained!
Ropewalk
A prime location in town with delicious food and a gorgeous view, Ropewalk draws in large crowds during the season… and for a good reason! While you’re waiting for a table, the littles can enjoy a huge play area in the sand while parents play cornhole or enjoy the outside bar. Bonus: Kids meals are served on frisbees that they can take home with them!
Macky’s
Famous for their nightlife and drink specials, Macky’s Bayside Bar & Grill is also a perfect destination for your family dinner. While the adults enjoy dinner and drinks on the bay, the kids can play in the sand and water, all while staying in mom and dad’s sight!
Tailchasers
This waterfront restaurant offers a laid-back, family-friendly atmosphere with rustic charm. Kids will love the on-site playground, while parents can enjoy fresh seafood and creative pub fare. Tailchasers is the perfect spot for a relaxed meal with something for everyone.
Higgins Crab House
Located on 128th Street in Ocean City, MD, Higgins Crab House is a great family-friendly spot, featuring a kids’ menu and an on-site playground to keep little ones entertained. While the kids play, adults can enjoy a relaxed meal with classic Eastern Shore seafood favorites. It’s the perfect place for a casual, kid-approved dining experience.
Frequently Asked Questions About Kid-Friendly Dining in Ocean City, MD
What are the best family restaurants in Ocean City, Maryland?
Popular family favorites include Fish Tales, Dead Freddies, Ropewalk, and Alley Oops. All offer fun play areas, kids’ menus, and laid-back coastal vibes.
Are there restaurants in Ocean City with playgrounds?
Yes! Many Ocean City restaurants have outdoor playgrounds or sand play areas. Fish Tales, Dead Freddies, Ropewalk, Macky’s, and Tailchasers are great choices if you want to dine while kids play safely nearby.
Can kids play on the beach while parents eat in Ocean City?
At waterfront spots like Macky’s and Fish Tales, kids can play in the sand or shallow bay water under supervision, giving parents a chance to unwind with a view.
From sandy play areas to pirate ships and duck-pin bowling, Ocean City’s restaurants make dining with kids easy and fun. Try one (or a few!) on your next visit and enjoy a delicious, stress-free meal the whole family will remember. For more local dining guides, visit Explore OC.
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