Keeping teenagers entertained at the shore can be challenging—they are too old for kiddie rides but not quite adults. Fortunately, Ocean City NJ has plenty to offer the 13-19 crowd. From thrill rides to water sports to hangout spots, here is your guide to teen activities in OCNJ.
Thrill Rides at Playland’s Castaway Cove
Forget the kiddie stuff—Playland’s at 10th Street has real thrills for teens:
Gale Force
One of the fastest roller coasters on the East Coast. The launch coaster hits 64 mph and features multiple inversions. This is the ride teens will talk about.
Python
Classic looping coaster with multiple inversions. Less intense than Gale Force but still delivers thrills.
Wild Waves
Water coaster that combines roller coaster elements with water ride splashes. Perfect for hot days.
Other Thrills
- GaleForce spinning ride
- Free Fall drop tower
- Various spinning and swinging rides
Pro tip: Unlimited ride wristbands are worth it if spending several hours. Evening sessions (after 6pm) are cheaper and less crowded.
Water Sports
Teens old enough for adventure love these activities:
Jet Skiing
Operators on the bay rent jet skis to those 16+ (some require 18+). Fast, exciting, and very teen-friendly. Guided tours available for first-timers.
Parasailing
Float 500 feet above the ocean. Most operators accept teens with parental consent. The views are incredible and the experience is unforgettable.
Surfing
OCNJ has decent waves, especially late summer. Heritage Surf and Sport offers lessons and board rentals. Learning to surf is a genuine accomplishment.
Boogie Boarding
Easy to learn, endlessly fun. Buy a cheap board at any beach shop and spend hours riding waves.
Stand-Up Paddleboarding
Popular with teens who want a workout with their water time. Calm bay conditions make learning easy.
Arcades and Gaming
Jilly’s Arcade
The biggest arcade on the boardwalk with hundreds of games—classic arcade games, ticket redemption games, racing simulators, and VR experiences. Teens can spend hours here.
Playland’s Arcade
At Castaway Cove, another major arcade option with modern and retro games.
Mini Golf
Congo Falls and other courses offer challenging holes and good competition. Night golf with blacklights is popular with teens.
Skateboarding and Biking
Ocean City Skate Park
Located off the main boardwalk, the skate park offers ramps, rails, and bowls for skateboarders and BMX riders. Free to use, helmets recommended.
Boardwalk Biking
Rent bikes and cruise the 2.5-mile boardwalk (before noon in summer). Good exercise, cool views, and independence.
Beach Activities
Beyond just lounging:
- Beach volleyball: Nets at various locations, pickup games happen
- Frisbee and football: Bring your own gear
- Surfing and boogie boarding: Active time in the waves
- Beach running: Great workout on the sand
- Photography: Sunrise/sunset shots for Instagram
Evening Entertainment
Boardwalk Scene
The boardwalk comes alive at night with lights, crowds, and energy. Teens can:
- Play boardwalk games
- Ride illuminated rides
- People watch
- Get ice cream and pizza
- Win prizes at game stands
Movies
Frank Theatres at the Shore Mall shows first-run movies—good option for rainy evenings.
Escape Rooms
Team-based puzzle challenges are popular with teens. Several options in the OCNJ area.
Social Hangouts
Coffee Shops
Jon and Patty’s and other cafes provide WiFi, good drinks, and chill vibes for teen hangouts.
Boardwalk Benches
Prime people-watching and socializing spots. Grab food and claim a bench.
The Beach
Evening beach time (after lifeguards leave) is popular with older teens. Bonfires require permits but are allowed.
Day Trip Adventures
For teens wanting bigger thrills:
Atlantic City (20 minutes)
Steel Pier with more rides, the Outlets for shopping, and the AC boardwalk scene. Must be 21 for casinos, but plenty else to do.
Wildwood (15 minutes)
Morey’s Piers have bigger, crazier coasters than OCNJ. Full day trip potential.
Cape May (30 minutes)
Lighthouse climbing, kayaking, and the whale watching boats appeal to adventure-seeking teens.
Tech-Free Challenges
Encourage teens to put down phones with:
- Surfing lessons (hands busy)
- Ride wristband sessions (too fun to stop)
- Beach volleyball tournaments
- Fishing trips
- Sunrise or sunset photography projects
Teen Safety in OCNJ
Ocean City is safe for teens, but basics apply:
- Share locations with parents
- Establish check-in times
- Know the hotel/rental address
- Stay with friends, not alone
- Stay on the boardwalk area after dark
The dry town policy means no underage drinking temptations at restaurants or on the boardwalk.
Teen Independence
OCNJ is a good place for supervised teen independence:
- Let teens explore the boardwalk in groups
- Give them a budget for rides and games
- Establish meeting times and places
- Trust but verify (find my iPhone, etc.)
- Allow age-appropriate freedom
Making It Fun
The key to happy teens at the shore: options. Some days they want thrills, other days they want to chill. Provide variety, allow some independence, and do not overschedule.
Ocean City has enough going on to keep teens entertained without the seedier elements of some beach towns. That is actually a feature, not a bug. They can have fun without you worrying too much.
Let them ride Gale Force, learn to surf, and hang out on the boardwalk. They might even put down their phones occasionally.