Northside Park - Image 1
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Northside Park

4.8
·782 reviews·Wheaton, United States

Ocean City's expansive bayside park with a top-tier playground, sports fields, and a scenic lagoon, plus dazzling Winterfest lights.

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Winter Evenings (Nov-Dec)

Experience the magical Winterfest of Lights!

CrowdMedium
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Northside Park - Image 1

Northside Park

Best Time

Winter Evenings (Nov-Dec)

Experience the magical Winterfest of Lights!

CrowdMedium

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Ocean City's expansive bayside park with a top-tier playground, sports fields, and a scenic lagoon, plus dazzling Winterfest lights.

4.8
(782 reviews)

"This park is a hit with kids, offering a safe, fun playground and plenty of space to explore!"

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Winterfest Admission

Tickets are $6 for ages 12+, kids 11 and under are FREE. Purchase online or onsite.

🐶 Pet-Friendly Wednesdays

Bring your furry friends to Winterfest of Lights on Wednesdays!

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Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Winterfest of Lights

Winterfest of Lights

Northside Park

A sparkling wonderland of holiday lights and festive displays. A must-see during the holiday season!

ADA Accessible Playground

ADA Accessible Playground

Northside Park

Features artificial turf with a cushioned base for safe, mud-free play, including a zip line!

Lagoon and Walking Path

Lagoon and Walking Path

Northside Park

Enjoy a scenic stroll around the lagoon with exercise stations and beautiful views.

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Planning Your Visit

Winterfest of Lights Magic

Experience the dazzling Winterfest of Lights at Northside Park! This popular holiday event runs through December 31st and costs $6 for ages 12+, with kids 11 and under free. Wednesdays are pet-friendly! Instagram

Year-Round Recreation Hub

Northside Park is a 58-acre bayside gem offering sports fields, an exercise area, a playground, and a lagoon. It's perfect for family outings, dog walks, and enjoying the outdoors year-round. Instagram

Best Times

When
Winter Evenings (Nov-Dec)
Why
Experience the magical Winterfest of Lights!
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekday Mornings
Why
Enjoy the playground and paths with fewer crowds.
Crowd
Low
When
Wednesdays (Winter)
Why
Pet-friendly evenings at Winterfest!
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Don’t miss the Winterfest of Lights at Northside Park — a true holiday must in Ocean City, MD! 🎄✨ Wander through a sparkling wonderland now through Dec 31 for just $6 (kids 11 & under are FREE). Wednesdays are pet-friendly, so bring along your pup! Bunky and I soaked up the holiday magic — and you will too! 💫
karistory_swbcmortgage
9 likes • 266 views

🎯 Winterfest Admission

Tickets are $6 for ages 12+, kids 11 and under are FREE. Purchase online or onsite. Instagram

🐶 Pet-Friendly Wednesdays

Bring your furry friends to Winterfest of Lights on Wednesdays! Instagram

We are just over two weeks from the kickoff to the magical winter wonderland that is Winterfest! This year, Winterfest will feature some exciting updates. Expect everything you know and love about the event, plus new & reimagined aspects like: 🎄 New lights layouts 😋 Live Music on select nights 🚂 Train Garden onsite at Northside Park 🐴 Enchanted Evenings with horse drawn carriage rides 🎅 & more! ...
oceancitymaryland
771 likes • 19K views
It’s time for This or That! We asked our staff to choose… now it’s YOUR turn: 🌳Northside Park or 🌅Bayside Park? ❄️Winter Programs or 🌞Summer Camps? Drop your choice in the comments! ⬇️ #discoveranoceanoffun
ocmd_recreationandparks
71 likes • 2.1K views

👟 Comfortable Shoes Recommended

You'll be doing a lot of walking to explore the park and lights. Instagram

🛷 Sledding Potential

One reviewer mentioned the possibility of sledding here, so check conditions! Reddit

🎄We’re back at Winterfest of Lights! 🎄 Setting up the Tea Cups and Fun Slide 🛝 at Northside Park! Ready for another year of holiday fun, rides, and beautiful lights! 🎡🎠🎈 #Trimperrides #OCMD #Winterfest #Christmas
trimperrides
21 likes • 572 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Winterfest Admission

Tickets are $6 for ages 12+, kids 11 and under are FREE. Purchase online or onsite. Instagram

🐶 Pet-Friendly Wednesdays

Bring your furry friends to Winterfest of Lights on Wednesdays! Instagram

👟 Comfortable Shoes Recommended

You'll be doing a lot of walking to explore the park and lights. Instagram

🛷 Sledding Potential

One reviewer mentioned the possibility of sledding here, so check conditions! Reddit

🎶 Live Music & Train Garden

Winterfest often features live music and a train garden for added fun. Instagram

What Travellers Say

4.8
(782 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise Northside Park for its excellent, safe playground with artificial turf and a fun zip line, making it a hit with children. The park's spaciousness, lagoon, and walking paths are also frequently highlighted as enjoyable features. Some reviewers noted concerns about mask-wearing and social distancing during peak times.

"Beautiful park. The rock climbing wall seems ok for any age. Nice pond. Will be back here soon for sledding"

Lukas Cichon

"I LOVE this park… or I should say my granddaughter Loves this park!! It has a nice large play area with lots of slides, swings, towers to climb, a pretty large zip-line, with lots of area to run around. There is also a picnic area, and a short walk to the pond!
The BEST part about the playground area is it has artificial grass with a cushioned base. It’s safe and NO MUD !!"

Janet Arend

"My son brought his family into town so we could meet his new daughter, my 3nd granddaughter. We hoped for a pleasant day so we could go to Northside Park and have a family outing. There were clouds, but they just made a more shady day. We found tables close together that fit our needs. Had a great meal then the kids went off to the playground. It was a great day. The park is close to my daughter's house and she loves to bring her daughter's here."

Douglas Wiegmann

What People Like

Fantastic playground
Safe, cushioned turf
Scenic lagoon path

What People Dislike

Mask/distancing concerns

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Northside Park is located bayside on 127th Street in Ocean City, Maryland. It's a large, easily accessible park. Instagram

Yes, ample parking is available at Northside Park, especially during non-event times. During Winterfest, parking is usually managed as part of the event. Instagram

Ocean City has a public bus system that may have routes servicing the 125th Street area, which is near Northside Park. Check the local transit schedule for details. Instagram

The park features an ADA playground with a cushioned base and accessible pathways, making it a good option for visitors with mobility needs. Instagram

Outside of special events like Winterfest, Northside Park is generally open from dawn to dusk for public use of its facilities. Winterfest hours are typically 5:30 PM to 9:30 PM. Instagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

General admission to Northside Park is free. However, special events like the Winterfest of Lights have an admission fee. Instagram

Admission for Winterfest of Lights is $6 for individuals aged 12 and older. Children 11 and under are admitted for free. Instagram

Yes, you can purchase tickets for Winterfest of Lights online in advance or at the entrance on the day of your visit. Instagram

Children 11 and under receive free admission to Winterfest of Lights. There are no other widely advertised general discounts. Instagram

Winterfest of Lights is typically open Wednesday through Sunday. It opens daily from December 23rd to December 31st. Instagram

🎫 ✨ Onsite Experience

Northside Park offers a large playground with a zip line, sports fields (baseball), an exercise area, a picnic area, and a lagoon with a walking path. During winter, it hosts the popular Winterfest of Lights. Instagram+1

Yes, the playground is highly praised for its artificial turf and cushioned base, making it safe and clean for kids of all ages. It features slides, towers, and a zip line. Reddit

Winterfest of Lights transforms Northside Park into a holiday wonderland with new light displays, live music on select nights, and a train garden. Instagram+1

Restroom facilities are available at Northside Park, which is convenient for families and visitors spending extended time there. Instagram

Yes, Northside Park is a great place for walking your dog, especially outside of the Winterfest event hours. Wednesdays during Winterfest are pet-friendly. Instagram+1

📸 📸 Photography

The lagoon area offers scenic views, especially during sunset. The Winterfest of Lights provides a magical backdrop with its numerous illuminated displays. Instagram+1

Absolutely! The spacious park, playground, and lagoon provide plenty of opportunities for daytime photos, especially with the well-maintained grounds. Instagram

Northside Park is ideal for family portraits, casual day shots, and especially festive holiday photography during Winterfest. Instagram

Yes, Winterfest of Lights is designed for photos with its elaborate light displays, themed areas, and festive atmosphere. Instagram

Drone usage is typically restricted in public parks to ensure safety and privacy. It's best to check local regulations or park rules before attempting to fly a drone. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Northside Park is a dream destination for families! The ADA accessible playground is a major draw, with its safe, cushioned turf and exciting features like a zip line that kids absolutely love. Reddit The ample space to run around and the nearby lagoon make it perfect for a full day of fun. Pack a picnic to enjoy at one of the many picnic tables. InstagramReddit

During the holiday season, the Winterfest of Lights is an unforgettable experience for children, transforming the park into a magical wonderland. Instagram+1 Remember that Wednesdays during Winterfest are pet-friendly, so your furry family members can join the fun too! Instagram

🚶‍♀️ Fitness Enthusiasts

For those looking to stay active, Northside Park offers excellent opportunities. The walking path around the lagoon is perfect for a scenic jog or a brisk walk, with exercise stations conveniently located along the route. InstagramReddit The park's spacious layout also makes it ideal for various outdoor fitness routines. While there isn't a basketball court, the presence of sports fields and open areas provides flexibility for different training preferences. Reddit

🐶 Dog Owners

Northside Park is a welcoming spot for dog owners. The open spaces and walking paths around the lagoon provide a great environment for your canine companions to stretch their legs. Instagram During the winter months, Wednesdays at the Winterfest of Lights are specifically designated as pet-friendly, allowing you to enjoy the holiday lights with your dog. Instagram Always ensure your dog is leashed and clean up after them to keep the park enjoyable for everyone.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Magic of Winterfest of Lights

Northside Park truly transforms into a winter wonderland during the annual Winterfest of Lights. This beloved Ocean City tradition draws crowds with its dazzling displays and festive atmosphere. Visitors can wander through a sparkling landscape featuring new and reimagined light layouts, creating a magical experience for all ages. Instagram The event typically runs from early November through December 31st, offering a perfect way to embrace the holiday spirit. Instagram+1

Beyond the visual spectacle, Winterfest often includes live music on select nights, adding an auditory dimension to the festivities. Instagram For younger visitors, a charming train garden provides extra entertainment. Instagram Wednesdays are a special treat as they are designated as pet-friendly nights, allowing you to share the holiday magic with your canine companions. Instagram Remember to check the specific operating hours and days, as they can vary, especially closer to the holidays. Instagram

A Year-Round Playground Paradise

When Winterfest isn't illuminating the park, Northside Park stands as a premier recreational destination for families and individuals alike. Its expansive 58 acres are packed with facilities designed for active enjoyment. The ADA accessible playground is a standout feature, boasting artificial turf with a cushioned base that ensures a safe and mud-free play experience. Reddit Kids rave about the zip line, along with numerous slides, towers, and ample space to run around. Reddit

The park also features well-maintained sports fields, including a baseball field, and an exercise area with equipment for a full workout. Instagram A picturesque lagoon is encircled by a pleasant walking path, perfect for a leisurely stroll, jogging, or pushing a stroller. InstagramReddit The presence of picnic areas makes it an ideal spot for a family outing or a casual lunch amidst nature. Reddit

Community and Recreation

Northside Park is more than just a collection of facilities; it's a hub for community activity and recreation in Ocean City. The park's design encourages engagement, whether through organized sports on its fields or casual enjoyment of its amenities. Instagram The inclusion of an exercise station along the walking path caters to fitness enthusiasts looking for an outdoor workout. InstagramReddit

Discussions among locals and visitors highlight the park's versatility. It's a place where families create lasting memories, individuals find space for exercise, and the community gathers for seasonal events. InstagramReddit While it lacks a basketball court, the variety of other offerings, from the playground to the walking paths, ensures there's something for everyone. Reddit

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