Beth Rubin photo

You’re never too young for OC

Time to dust off the boogie boards and resurrect the pails and shovels, boys and girls. Summer�s almost here! OC kids�whether residents or sometime visitors--will find loads of activities to forestall thumb-sucking and lamenting, �what are we gonna do?� Here are some suggestions for enjoying OC�s three B�s: beaches, boardwalks and beautiful parks.

Castles in the Sand
Building a sandcastle is a no-brainer. All you need is a short-handled scoop (better than conventional sand shovels whose thin handles can snap), sand (no shortage here!) and water (that would be the Atlantic; the only thing separating you from Portugal). Build near the water but not so close that every breaking wave destroys your creation. You�re out of school and no rules apply. So let your imagination run wild.

Mini-crabbing
What is it with kids and sand crabs? Fishing for them is easy and fun�no slimey bait, dangerous hooks or tangled line. Scoop up sand at the water�s edge, preferably using your own 2 hands. Let your fingers sift through for the critters, placing them in a pail. Watch them burrow. Repeat. Be sure to set them free when you�ve had enough. (Note: Do not put them down mom�s bathing suit top.)

Park it here
Northside, at 127th Street, is the big daddy of OC�s many parks. Here you find 3 lighted fields for baseball and softball, a lighted soccer field, lagoon for fishing, concession stands, tot playgrounds, picnic areas, paths for walking and jogging, and an indoor sports complex.

Day Campin�
Day camp programs, open to residents (property owners) and non-residents, offer a wide range of activities (sports, crafts, nature/outdoors, educational) and field trips for kids from 3 to 12. Scamper Camp, geared to preschoolers, begins week-long sessions June 19 and ends Aug. 4. The cost is $40 per week for residents, $55 for non-residents. Camp Horizon, catering to youngsters 5 to 12, starts June 19, ends Aug. 10. The cost is $110 per week for residents, $125 for non. Most sessions are held at Ocean City Elementary School in West OC. To register and for more info, call 410-250-0125 or visit www.ocsportscamps.com

Beth Rubin photo

Lovin’ a day on the beach

Camp Carousel is the Carousel hotel�s offering to parents who want to shop, get reacquainted, or enjoy cocktails and dinner a deux. Supervised activities (crafts and games) are open to kids from 4 to 12 years old between 5:30 and 8:30pm. The cost of $15 includes dinner. The Carousel does background checks on all its counselor applicants, so you can relax, go out and have a good time. Families flock to the kid-friendly Carousel for its large suites, kitchenettes, oceanfront terraces, indoor ice-skating rink, onsite restaurant and lobby carry-out and shops. Be sure to ask about specials and packages. Contact the Carousel, 118th Street on the ocean, at 800-641-0011 or visit www.carouselhotel.com.

Tennis for Tots
At the OC Tennis Center, 61st Street and bayside, 2 Pee-Wee Courts are available for kids 8 and under. Older children can play on the 6 Premier and 3 Lee Fast-Dry courts. The center offers lessons and runs tennis camps too. Call 410-524-8337 or visit: www.ocsportscamps.com.

Special Events
Sundaes in the Park take place every Sunday from July 9 through Aug. 27, from 6 to 8pm, at Northside Park, 127th Street. Listen to music, participate in free kids� activities and build your own sundae (nominal fee for ice cream fixings). Call 800-OC-OCEAN or visit: www.ococean.com.

July 4th Jamboree in the Park, a family-friendly celebrtion of our nation�s birthday, begins at 5pm at Northside Park, 127th Street. Enjoy games, entertainment and food, capped by a stunning fireworks display at 9pm. Call 00-OC-OCEAN or visit www.ococean.com

Kiddie Crab Round-Up introduces kids12 and under (with an adult) to the pleasures of crabbing on Saturday, Aug. 12 from 9am to noon at the lagoon dock, 125th Street and the Bay. For more info, contact the Ocean City Parrotheads at www.ocphc.com.

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