Trimper Rides | Ocean City

Trimper Rides (officially Trimper Rides of Ocean City) is one of the oldest continually operating amusement parks in the United States, located at the southern end of the Ocean City Boardwalk in Maryland, near the Inlet. Founded in 1893, this family-run attraction has become a cherished institution, offering a unique blend of vintage charm and modern thrills that spans generations. With both indoor and outdoor rides, arcade games, and a colorful midway atmosphere, Trimper Rides captures the nostalgic spirit of a classic American seaside amusement park.

Historical Significance

Trimper Rides began as a small carousel operation and gradually expanded under the Trimper family's ownership. By the early 20th century, it had evolved into a full-fledged amusement park and helped turn Ocean City into a major East Coast vacation destination. Several of its attractions have been operating for over a century, and the park has been preserved through five generations of family ownership.

One of its most famous and historic attractions is the Herschell-Spillman carousel, which dates to 1902 and is housed in the indoor section of the park. This beautifully hand-carved ride features 45 animals and two chariots and is still operational today, making it one of the oldest working carousels in the U.S.

Layout and Sections

Trimper Rides occupies a prominent section of the Ocean City Inlet area and is divided into several areas:

1. Indoor Rides (Trimpers Arcade Building)

Perfect for rainy days and younger children.

Includes kiddie rides, small carousels, bumper cars, teacups, a haunted house, and classic arcade machines.

The indoor carousel is a centerpiece attraction, still functioning with its original mechanisms and hand-painted details.

Decorated with turn-of-the-century murals, mirrors, and vintage lighting, creating an old-world amusement atmosphere.

2. Outdoor Rides and Midway

Sprawls across the Inlet parking area during the summer season.

Includes thrill rides, family attractions, and classic carnival rides, such as:

The Zipper

The Himalaya

Tilt-a-Whirl

Flying Swings

Pirate Ship

Roller coasters (small-scale family coasters and new additions)

Also features carnival games, snack stands, and live entertainment areas.

3. Trimper’s Haunted House

One of Ocean City’s legendary attractions, originally designed by famed amusement architect Bill Tracy in the 1960s.

A two-story dark ride full of animatronic frights, creepy corridors, and old-school effects.

A beloved part of the park that offers a mix of humor and horror with a strong vintage aesthetic.

New Developments and Modern Attractions

In recent years, Trimper Rides has introduced several modern attractions to enhance the experience and appeal to new generations:

Trimper Raceway – a high-speed electric go-kart track.

Viking Adventure Mini Golf – thematically styled, family-friendly mini golf.

New thrill rides, such as high-flying swings and inverted coasters added to the outdoor area.

Seasonal pop-ups and special events like Halloween Fright Nights and summer concerts.

While expanding, Trimper has worked to preserve its historic elements, maintaining a careful balance between past and present.

Tickets and Access

The park offers pay-as-you-go ride tickets as well as unlimited ride wristbands (seasonal pricing varies).

Wristbands are usually valid for all-day access, with discounts for children.

Indoor attractions and arcades may operate year-round, while outdoor rides generally run from late spring through early fall.

Family Experience

Trimper Rides is exceptionally family-oriented, with dozens of rides suited for small children, as well as seating areas for parents and grandparents. It’s one of the few places where three generations can share the same carousel ride, play vintage games, and enjoy taffy or cotton candy from the same stand.

Classic boardwalk treats like soft serve ice cream, funnel cakes, and popcorn are available at nearby vendors, adding to the festive, multisensory environment.

Cultural Importance

Trimper Rides is deeply woven into Ocean City’s identity. It’s not just an amusement park-it’s a living piece of Maryland’s coastal heritage. Generations of families return to it year after year, and it serves as a backdrop for countless vacation memories, photos, and traditions.

Its longevity, original architecture, and dedication to preservation make it one of the last remaining vintage seaside amusement parks in the country that is still owned and operated by the founding family.

Conclusion

Trimper Rides is a timeless slice of Americana that blends nostalgic seaside fun with updated thrills. Whether you're spinning on a 120-year-old carousel, screaming on a summer thrill ride, wandering through a haunted house from the 1960s, or watching the Atlantic glow under neon lights at night, Trimper Rides offers a rich, multi-generational experience. It continues to stand as a vibrant tribute to the golden age of boardwalk amusement and a beloved cornerstone of Ocean City’s cultural landscape.