Experience This: The Boardwalk Waterpark You Need to Visit
A SECRET WORTH SHARING: OC WATERPARK FILLED WITH FUN FOR ALL AGES, FROM SLIDES TO FOAM PARTIES, SCAVENGER HUNTS & MORE
THE BEST KEPT SECRET in Ocean City is hidden in plain sight right on the Boardwalk.
It’s not one of the delicious pizza places, one of the countless places to grab a sweet treat or one of the many T-shirt shops either. In fact, it’s a one-of-a-kind establishment. I’m talking about the OC Waterpark.
“It’s a unique park that doesn’t exist anymore,” General Manager Christine Palma said. “Not to mention it’s on the Boardwalk overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. You can’t beat that.”
What makes the OC Waterpark unique is that it is geared toward families. There are no height restrictions for its attractions so smaller kids are given the same experiences as the bigger kids.
“It’s not the biggest, it’s not the newest but it’s definitely the most fun and most unique,” Christine added.
But just because there aren’t any height restrictions doesn’t mean the waterpark is a free-for-all. There are highly trained lifeguards on duty which are audited both internally and through a national company to ensure they’re providing a safe environment for guests.
“Safety is our priority,” Christine said.
The park features two body slides. The Serpentine is a long slide that twists and turns (like a serpentine!) for more than 400 feet and Splashdown Falls is a short, steep slide that drops riders into 10-and-a-half feet of water. Skypond Journey is the tube slide that is available in both single and double and follows a similar track as the Serpentine.
For the youngsters there is Spray and Play which gives the kids an opportunity to, well, be kids. Don’t worry, parents, there is plenty of seating around that area. And don’t miss Lil Buc’s Bay, the water-based playground designed for guests under 54 inches tall, complete with a pirate ship and small slides.
Of course, you can’t forget about the lazy river which is as self-explanatory as it gets.
“Everyone loves the lazy river, especially with a Boardwalk view,” Christine said.
Day passes run $51 for the day if you’re over 48 inches tall and $46 if you’re under 48 inches, although you can save $3 per ticket if you buy ahead online. Don’t want a day pass? No problem. Three-hour increments are available for $39 and $34, with an opportunity to save $1 by ordering early online. Twilight tickets are available, too. For $25 you can use the park from 3pm to close. Toddlers are $25 for the day, spectators are $30 and if you just want to check out the mini golf course, that is $10. If you purchase a day pass you can come and go as you please throughout the day and still have access to the rock wall and a round of mini golf in-house.
“It’s a great value for the day,” Christine said.
The Waterpark offers season passes, too. For $199 you have access to the park every day and get two buddy passes.
Think all that fun might make you hungry? No worries. The OC Grill in the waterpark offers your typical fare – hot dogs, burgers, chicken fingers, wraps, etc. – or check out Bens Pretzels for snacks.
The OC Waterpark has a dozen cabanas which are available to rent for the day starting at $200, which includes personal service from the waterpark team, lounge chairs, upgraded furniture, privacy panels, water bottles on ice and a locker for personal items.
Every Friday is Foam Friday at the waterpark, meaning the last two hours of the day the park is flooded with foam.
“The kids love it,” Christine said with a smile.
There are events every weekend, too. This summer the park will be decked out with sharks for shark week, mermaids for mermaid weekend, Christmas in July, luau themes and pirate themes. There will be scavenger hunts, games, decorations, and food and drink specials (like the shark week ICEE).
“Were trying to provide more to do at the waterpark,” Christine explained. “Were trying to make it an even more fun and exciting environment.
“It allows the staff and guests to have fun and enjoy the waterpark.” As if they needed another reason.
The OC Waterpark is one of the true hidden gems on the island, despite being around for more than 30 years and located on the 700 block of the Boardwalk.
“It’s the best kept secret!” Christine said. “It’s old school, it’s fun. It’s a great park.”
Even though it is fun to be a best kept secret, Christine is looking to become more of a household name with residents and visitors alike. Between getting involved with the local organizations like sponsoring Little League teams, Christine is getting the waterpark’s name out there.
“Being a good citizen is one of my main goals,” she said. “We want to become a functioning part of Ocean City as a whole, not just something to do here. We’re not going anywhere. We need this waterpark.”
For more information visit their website ocwaterpark.com or OC Waterpark on social media.
By Anthony J Mazziotti