With a 10 mile beach, a dazzling array of fun things to do, and restaurants galore, Ocean City MD is a trendy vacation destination. The resort town on the East coast attracts a mixed crowd of vacationers. From the regular party animals to wedding guests and families, there’s something for everyone in the city. As such, you’ll find hotels catering to everyone. Family hotels in Ocean City, MD, offer a wide range of amenities from kids’ zones to game rooms and swimming pools. Though the best family hotels in Ocean City, Maryland, do not have specific kids’ programs, there is enough at these hotels to keep the entire family happy.
The iconic Ocean City Boardwalk is touted as one of the best in the country, with plenty of attractions along its length. Tourists flock here in the summer, so you may want to consider a hotel a little away from the area if you’re not comfortable with the crowds. Many of the best family hotels in Ocean City, Maryland, are also among the best pet-friendly hotels in Ocean City. So if you’re looking to travel with your four-legged family member, you don’t have to worry. Those looking for more luxurious accommodation can check out the best luxury hotels in Ocean City. However, if you plan to explore the other neighboring towns to Ocean City, you may want to check out the best hotels in Berlin, MD, just seven miles from here.
Table of contents
- Dunes Manor Hotel & Dunes Suites
- Comfort Suites
- Clarion Resort Fontainebleau Hotel
- Castle In The Sand
- Carousel Oceanfront Hotel & Condos
- Cambria Hotel Ocean City Bayfront
- Commander Hotel & Suites
- Grand Hotel
- Francis Scott Key Family Resort
- Hilton Suites
- Princess Royal Oceanfront Resort
- Where to Stay in Ocean City
- Recommended Family Restaurants / Bars in Ocean City
- Recommended Family Activities in Ocean City
Dunes Manor Hotel & Dunes Suites
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This family-owned landmark hotel on Ocean City’s boardwalk opened in 1987, although The family bought dunes Court in the 1960s. The wide choice of accommodation is why Dunes Manor Hotel & Dunes Suites stands among the best family hotels in Ocean City, Maryland. You can either choose to stay in the grand main building that makes up the Dunes Hotel, take a step back in time at Dunes Court or choose a spacious suite in Dunes Suites.
Rooms come with oceanfront balconies and are designed to highlight the area’s natural beauty. There are plenty of modern amenities in the rooms to ensure your comfort. Families could opt for the larger Atlantic View rooms with a sleeper sofa and a kitchenette.
Apart from the accommodations on offer, this hotel is one of the best family hotels in Ocean City, MD, near the beach. All three accommodations offer easy access to the beach and other amenities. The hotel has an indoor heated pool and a seasonal outdoor pool. There’s also a large sundeck as well as five dining outlets to choose from.
Comfort Suites
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Comfort Suites is one of the few family hotels in Ocean City, MD, that offers a hot, complimentary breakfast. While the hotel may not be bang on the beach, it’s close enough when you crave the sun and sand. Families looking to put a little distance between themselves and the bustle of the Ocean City Boardwalk should consider this as an option. The hotel is in West Ocean City, close to the Ocean City Boardwalk and Beach but far enough for some respite.
The kid-friendly amenities at the property push it up in the listings of the best family hotels in Ocean City, Maryland. You’ll find a lovely outdoor pool with a waterslide, a picnic area, and an adjacent playground for kids. There’s also a game room with foosball and other indoor games inside the hotel.
When it comes to laying down your head, the spacious hotel suites offer excellent comfort. In-room wet bars, USB charging ports, coffee machines, refrigerators, and microwaves add to the comfort of staying here. Begin your morning with a complimentary breakfast before you head out to explore the surroundings. Even your four-legged family member is welcome here. The best part of staying here – you won’t burn a hole in your pocket. If you’re looking for affordable family hotels in Ocean City, Maryland, this is one of the best.
Clarion Resort Fontainebleau Hotel
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Another well-appointed, affordable family hotel in Ocean City is the Clarion Resort Fontainebleau Hotel. Sitting on the oceanfront, the hotel offers spacious accommodation and a host of family-friendly amenities. The hotel is also well-placed for families planning to enjoy the facilities of Northside Park.
Tastefully decorated guest rooms are pretty spacious with a good range of amenities. Many rooms look out onto the ocean from standing private balconies. A maximum of two pets is also allowed per room so that you can bring your furry friend along too. However, you will need to call and book in advance as there are a limited number of guest rooms for families traveling with pets.
While the hotel is just a few steps away from the beach, many families love the pool areas. There’s an indoor heated pool and a seasonal outdoor pool. You’ll also find a kids’ play area. Horizons, the hotel’s award-winning restaurant, is situated at the terrace level of the hotel. The restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Besides enjoying stunning views of the ocean, the food here is delicious. For a quick bite, you can head to Breakers Pub or have something at the coffee shop that opens early morning. There’s also the outdoor Lenny’s Bar & Grill if you want your dose of music. With so much on offer, there’s no doubt that the Clarion Resort is one of the best family hotels in Ocean City, Maryland.
Castle In The Sand
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If you’re looking for oceanfront family hotels in Ocean City, MD, Castle In The Sand is worth checking out. The hotel’s location puts you close to the action of Ocean City Boardwalk, amusement parks, and other attractions. However, it’s not just the location that makes the hotel one of the best family hotels in Ocean City, Maryland. The hotel offers a special children’s activity program to keep the little ones busy in summer.
The kids will have an unforgettable time from live performances, storytelling, Pirate Day, arts and crafts, and face painting. Tuesday nights at the Castle also feature Family Movie Night, projected onto Castle North. When you need a break from the activities, the beach is a hop away.
In addition to this, the other significant amenity that draws families and others here is the Olympic-sized swimming pool, complete with a diving board. Red Cross certified lifeguards on duty from 9 am to 9 pm ensure the safety of everyone in the pool. Dining at the hotel is an experience, too, with each dining venue serving a mix of traditional and Eastern Shore favorites. And when your little one starts bawling for ice cream, head over to the ice cream shop at the hotel.
Carousel Oceanfront Hotel & Condos
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Many of the best family hotels in Ocean City, Maryland, have a prime beachside location like the Carousel Oceanfront Hotel & Condos. What sets this hotel apart from the rest of the family hotels in Ocean City, MD, is the indoor ice rink. It’s the only one in Ocean City! Families can have a bit of fun together at the ice rink. However, if skating is not your cup of tea, there are plenty of other activities to keep you busy.
The hotel has an indoor and outdoor pool, a kiddie pool, and a hot tub. There’s also a game room with a pool table and arcade games. Outside you’ll also find the Pirate Ship, a jungle gym with a great view. Other amenities at the hotel include a fitness center and sauna, a restaurant and bistro, and a patio bar and lounge.
Recently renovated guest rooms showcase calming decor and big windows that allow plenty of natural light into the rooms. Most rooms come with a private balcony and are well stocked with comforts. Even the Standard rooms are pretty spacious, making the hotel an ideal choice for families.
Cambria Hotel Ocean City Bayfront
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Everything feels squeaky new at the Cambria Hotel Bayfront between the Boardwalk and Inlet. It’s a good option if you’re looking for family hotels in Ocean City, MD, as the hotel is near many attractions. You’ll find Jolly Roger, shopping and dining, and other attractions within walking distance.
A full-service restaurant, rooftop bar, and fitness center may interest the adults in the family, while the indoor heated pool and seasonal outdoor pool appeal to the kids. There’s also an outdoor patio with fire pits and a poolside tiki bar and cabanas.
Spacious guest rooms feature hardwood floors, premium bedding, and spa-inspired bathrooms with walk-in showers. Some rooms also include private balconies overlooking Wight Bay. Apart from the standard amenities, you’ll also find a microwave and refrigerator in the rooms.
Commander Hotel & Suites
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Just a few steps away from Ocean City’s top attractions, you’ll find Commander Hotel & Suites, the perfect choice for a beach holiday. Depending on your preferences, you can choose to stay at one of the three buildings that make up the hotel. Many families prefer the oceanfront building that provides direct access to the boardwalk. However, the recently renovated Beach House features apartment-style accommodations if you prefer more space. The Cabana building also offers spacious suites with full kitchens and a family dining space.
Like most family hotels in Ocean City, MD, the hotel offers a good range of amenities. Relax poolside at the indoor or zero-entry outdoor pool that features poolside cabanas. If you’d instead head out to the beach, you’ll find complimentary beach chairs and discounted beach umbrellas.
You can begin your day at the Fractured Prune, conveniently located on the boardwalk. Their made-to-order donuts are sure to be a big hit with the kids. Alternatively, the kids can indulge in different pizzas at Grotto Pizza or enjoy a sweet treat at Sweet Spot just outside the hotel.
Grand Hotel
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One of the best hotels in Ocean City, Maryland that offers an excellent range of amenities at an affordable rate is the Grand Hotel. This hotel on the oceanfront is a superb option for families over the top luxuries and steep prices. It puts you in the proximity of many attractions and is also close to the beach.
You can choose from several room types to suit your family’s needs. Rooms come with a kitchenette, microwave, mini-fridge, flat-screen TV, and a private balcony. Some rooms also have a jetted tub in the ensuite bathrooms.
The hotel features an indoor and outdoor pool that has year-round access. There’s also a pool bar and towel service. A small game room is another popular space with families. You won’t have to look too far to find a delicious meal with five onsite dining venues. For a quick bite, you can head to the coffee bar. And if you have time to work off those calories, the hotel has a small fitness center and sauna.
Francis Scott Key Family Resort
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A mile away from the beach and boardwalk, you’ll find another of the best family hotels in Ocean City, Maryland – The Francis Scott Key Family Resort. The hotel has an ideal location for families looking for a more peaceful holiday with many amenities thrown in.
Families won’t miss the beach too much with all the facilities available within the resort. The new outdoor pool Shipwreck Cove with its Caribbean-themed pool is a big hit with families, as is the poolside Rib and Chicken Shack. Indoors you’ll find the pirate-themed indoor Caribbean pool with a retractable roof, ideal for kids of all ages. But that’s not all there is to keep you busy. There’s also a designated kid zone, the Pirate Ship Sprayground, Peg Lug Putt-Putt, basketball, arcade games, and much more.
If you’re concerned about the kind of accommodation on offer, you don’t have to break your head about that either. The hotel has basic rooms to cabins with full kitchens. All guest rooms come with a good range of mod-cons to ensure your comfort. Families can choose bigger rooms in any of the buildings named after states or rent a vacation home if you’re in town for a few extra days. While most rooms feature full kitchens, you can also grab something from the poolside bars.
Hilton Suites
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Families who’re looking for the best of both worlds – the sea and the amusement, would do well to book the oceanfront Hilton Suites. The hotel is less than a mile from the Jolly Roger Amusement Park, so if you are planning to visit the park, the hotel is a convenient option. Like most family hotels in Ocean City MD that enjoy a desirable location, it’s not only the location that makes them the best family hotels in Ocean City Maryland but the array of amenities.
At this Hilton property, there are two seasonal outdoor pools. There’s also a kids’ pool with waterslides and an indoor heated pool. The beach is a hop away, adding to the hotel’s appeal. To satiate those hunger pangs, you have several choices. 32 Palm is a fine dining restaurant, whereas Manana Mode poolside offers a more casual dining experience. For light bites, beers, wines, or a cocktail, Rumba is the place.
Families especially love this property for its spacious accommodations. Suites come with a fully equipped galley kitchen, an oversized bathroom, and a slew of amenities. Oceanfront rooms have a private balcony with a table and chairs. The Hilton Serenity Bed collection ensures you’ll have a comfortable sleep.
Princess Royal Oceanfront Resort
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Princess Royal Oceanfront Resort is a big hit with families looking for a quieter hotel option. The hotel is about 10 minutes from the boardwalk, which keeps you slightly away from the crowds and noise. You have direct access to the beach from the hotel, but there is not much to do around the hotel. A liquor store, Italian restaurant, and beach shop are just across the street from the hotel, but you’ll need a vehicle if you want to explore the area near the boardwalk.
This property is popular among the family hotels in Ocean City, MD, due to its quality features. For one, you have private access to the public beach. Secondly, you have access to an outdoor whirlpool, the trendy Olympic-sized indoor pool, and another whirlpool under a glass atrium. You’ll be a little disappointed if you were hoping for an outdoor pool, though. However, the game room makes up for this. Additionally, multiple onsite restaurants will cater to everyone’s tastes.
Depending on your needs, you can choose a privately owned two or three-bedroom condo or a suite. All accommodations include a fully equipped kitchen and balconies. Families on a budget should consider the Value Suite. These spacious 500 square foot suites have a private bedroom, living room, and queen size sleep sofa, as well as a fully equipped kitchenette. No matter what kind of accommodation you choose, one thing you can be sure of is the comfort of staying here.
Where to Stay in Ocean City
First-time visitors to Ocean City will want to be close to where all the action is, at the Ocean City Boardwalk. Stretching from South 2nd Street in South Ocean City up to 27th Street, it’s touted as one of the best boardwalks for food and family activities. Many of the best family hotels in Ocean City, MD, are in the area. You’ll also find the historic, Trimper’s Rides amusement park here.
The Midtown area is also another popular choice for families for dining and entertainment. The famous Jolly Rogers Amusement Park is in Midtown. On the other hand, North Ocean City feels more urban with its high-rise condominiums. The famous Northside Park is just a few steps away from the area’s residences. Given that Ocean City extends only a length of nine miles, it doesn’t matter where you stay.
Recommended Family Restaurants / Bars in Ocean City
- Fish Tales – Boasting of Ocean City’s original and largest enclosed playground with a pirate ship as the main attraction, this restaurant in Bahia Marina is one of the best places to take the entire family. It’s not just the younger kids that will have a good time here but older kids too. Besides delicious food and drinks, there’s also an air conditioned arcade with boardwalk games.
- Layton’s Family Restaurant – With a special kids’ section on its menu, this family owned restaurant is a good place to begin your day. It’s open for breakfast and lunch, serving up kiddie favorites like doughnuts, Belgian waffles and silver dollar pancakes among other treats.
- de Lazy Lizard – With a name like this, you know it’s not only going to be about food at this restaurant. This waterfront family restaurant has a large playground for kids, an open-air tiki bar for adults and a terrific bayside marina. The kids menu features hot dogs, nuggets, cheeseburgers and Kid’s Slushy.
Recommended Family Activities in Ocean City
- Jolly Roger Amusement Park – Opened in 1964 with just 10 rides, this amusement park now has over twenty rides in various locations around Ocean City. There is plenty here to keep the entire family engaged, including a water park.
- Frontier Town Western Theme Park – Travel back in time and explore the Wild West in this theme park. Your kids will have the time of their lives riding stagecoaches, train rides or even a pony.
- Ripley’s Ocean City – Discover some mind boggling sights with the kids at Ripley’s Believe It or Not! From posing with the world’s tallest man to amazing visual illusions, it promises to be a fun visit.
