Jolly Roger Amusement Park | Ocean City

Jolly Roger Amusement Park is a prominent, family-owned amusement complex located in Ocean City, Maryland, that spans two main locations-the historic Jolly Roger at the Pier at the southern end of the Ocean City Boardwalk and the larger Jolly Roger at 30th Street on the bayside. Established in 1964, the park has grown into a versatile entertainment hub combining nostalgic charm, thrilling rides, waterpark excitement, and family-friendly attractions, serving millions of visitors each season.

History and Development

Jolly Roger Amusement Park was founded by Charles “Buddy” Jenkins alongside legendary golfer Arnold Palmer, originally opening as the Arnold Palmer Putting Course & Driving Range in 1964. Over the following decades, the park expanded its ride offerings, adding roller coasters, family rides, mini golf, and water attractions. In 1974, the company acquired the iconic Jolly Roger Pier at the southern tip of the Ocean City Boardwalk, further solidifying its place as a landmark entertainment destination.

The park remains family-run, now overseen by the Jenkins family’s next generations, preserving a tradition of high-quality fun with a community-oriented spirit. Through ongoing investments, Jolly Roger has modernized while retaining classic charm, balancing thrill rides with gentle amusements.

Locations and Layout

Jolly Roger at the Pier

Location: Southern end of Ocean City Boardwalk, overlooking the Atlantic Ocean and Inlet.

Size: Compact but action-packed space hugging the waterfront.

Signature Attractions:

Looping Star Roller Coaster: The pier’s flagship thrill ride with vertical loops and high-speed twists.

Giant Wheel (Ferris Wheel): Offers breathtaking panoramic views of the ocean, inlet, and Ocean City skyline. It is an iconic visual on the boardwalk horizon.

Slingshot & Kraken: High-intensity rides that catapult riders skyward or spin wildly.

Classic Family Rides: Includes Carousel, Pirate Ship, Tilt-a-Whirl, Tea Cups, Drop & Twist, and Freestyle 360.

Operation: Seasonal, typically open April through October, with rides ticketed individually or through wristbands.

Atmosphere: Combines seaside amusement nostalgia with high-energy excitement, all framed by stunning ocean vistas and boardwalk ambiance.

Jolly Roger at 30th Street

Location: Bayside, near the Inlet Marina and residential neighborhoods.

Size: Much larger than the pier location, sprawling over multiple acres with expansive ride areas, miniature golf, and additional amenities.

Major Attractions:

Roller Coasters:

Wild Cat: A classic Anton Schwarzkopf coaster known for smooth, fast drops and tight turns.

Barracuda Flitzer: A family-friendly coaster with moderate thrills.

Wacky Worm: A smaller coaster for young children.

Family and Kiddie Rides: Bumper Cars, Carousel, Flying Dutchman, Heart Flip, Tea Cups.

Miniature Golf: Two 18-hole themed courses-Treasure Golf and Jungle Golf-offering engaging, scenic putting experiences for all ages.

Live Entertainment: Regular shows including circus acts, pirate performances, and interactive family events held throughout the season.

Additional Features: Extensive midway games, food stands, picnic areas, and gift shops.

Operation: Seasonal, mirroring the pier’s schedule, with pay-as-you-go tickets or wristband options.

Splash Mountain Waterpark

Location: Adjacent to the 30th Street park.

Size: Approximately 10 acres dedicated to water-based fun.

Key Attractions:

Aqualoop: The East Coast’s only full 360-degree looping waterslide, thrilling riders with a rapid, dizzying drop.

Stealth: A steep half-pipe slide featuring a dramatic 45-foot vertical ramp and splashdown.

Wave Pool: Large, gentle waves simulate ocean conditions, ideal for swimmers of all ages.

Lazy River: Slow-moving current allowing visitors to float peacefully on inner tubes.

Kid’s Rainforest Area: Shallow pools, tipping buckets, and gentle slides designed for younger children.

Black Hole Slide: Enclosed dark tunnel slide with twists and turns.

Season: Operates Memorial Day through Labor Day, with daily admission fees separate from amusement rides.

Atmosphere: Family-friendly, refreshing, and thrilling, providing a water escape from the summer heat.

SpeedWorld Go-Karts & Xtreme Zipline

Location: Near 30th Street park, featuring the East Coast’s largest go-kart complex.

Attractions:

Multiple tracks including the Miami Drift, a challenging 640-foot circuit.

The Cyclone Kart Coaster, a unique roller coaster-style track combining high-speed racing with roller coaster thrills.

The Xtreme Zipline, flying high above the go-kart tracks for aerial adventure.

Appeal: Designed to attract thrill-seekers and families looking for fast-paced, competitive fun.

Visitor Experience

Ticketing: Visitors may choose between individual ride tickets, wristbands granting unlimited rides, or combination passes that include go-karts, waterpark, and mini golf. Wristbands typically range from $23 to $30, with discounts available for children and multi-day visitors.

Season & Hours: Open from early spring through late fall, with peak hours during summer. Specific hours vary by location and season, often opening mid-morning or noon and closing after dark.

Accessibility: Most rides and facilities provide accommodations for guests with disabilities. The park offers wheelchair rentals and accessible entrances where feasible.

Safety: The park maintains strict safety standards, with ride attendants, height restrictions, and clear signage ensuring secure enjoyment for all ages.

Cultural and Community Role

Jolly Roger Amusement Park is more than a collection of rides-it is an integral part of Ocean City’s summer culture and history. It hosts numerous special events such as:

Christmas in July: A mid-summer holiday celebration featuring decorations, specials, and family activities.

Summer concerts and shows: Local and touring performers entertain guests regularly.

Charity and community outreach: The park supports local causes and participates in Ocean City’s broader festival calendar.

Generations of families have created lifelong memories at Jolly Roger, making it a staple of vacation traditions in Maryland.

Overall Atmosphere and Appeal

Jolly Roger strikes a unique balance:

Nostalgia and tradition: Retaining classic rides like the Wild Cat coaster, the carousel, and vintage-style midways.

Modern thrills: Offering cutting-edge rides such as Kraken, Slingshot, and the Aqualoop waterslide.

Diverse entertainment: Combining high-energy roller coasters with kid-friendly rides, mini golf, live shows, and waterpark fun.

Scenic settings: The Pier location provides breathtaking ocean views, while the 30th Street park’s bayside setting offers a relaxed atmosphere.

This mix caters to a wide demographic-from families with young children to teenagers seeking adrenaline, to adults who enjoy a taste of classic boardwalk amusement.

Summary

Jolly Roger Amusement Park is a multifaceted entertainment destination that embodies the spirit of Ocean City. Its two locations and adjunct water and karting parks provide a comprehensive experience blending historic charm, modern thrills, family-friendly fun, and vibrant seaside ambiance. Visitors can expect a dynamic day of laughter, excitement, and nostalgia framed by the unique coastal beauty of Maryland’s most famous beach town.