Assateague Island, a stunning destination on the Maryland coast, boasts both a state park and the Assateague National Seashore, offering an array of activities for families. The park is home to an abundance of wildlife, including the famous wild ponies that roam free on the beaches and in the marshes. It’s a great place for families to spend quality time together and explore nature. Here are some suggestions for things to do on the island:
1.Look for the wild horses – You can find these beauties on the beach, in the marshes, or just walking up the road. We had the best luck driving around the island and spotting them as they were grazing or trotting about. Remember to keep at least 40ft (or one bus length) between you and the wildlife. The horses may look friendly, but they are not tame and can bite and kick if you get too close!
2. Take a ranger guided tour to learn about the wild horses and their behavior
3. Swim and play in the ocean– We found that the waves seemed a little rougher in this area compared to the beaches just up the coast in Ocean City, MD. We still enjoyed ourselves, but the kids preferred to play in the sand as opposed to the waves here.
4. Look for sea creatures– These are mole crabs and they are plentiful in this area! They are harmless and they do not bite, pinch, or scratch. I’m not sure if this is the norm for this area, but handfuls of these little creatures were dragged over our feet with every wave that crashed. Our children enjoyed catching them in their sifter and releasing them on the wet sand to watch them scoot and bury themselves.
5. Build sand castles on the beach– the beach is beautiful and clean. Just remember to fill in any holes that you make while playing!
6. Collect seashells along the shoreline
7. Fly Kites– We visited the beach on somewhat of a windy day and there were many visitors flying kites! Our children immediately took note and wanted to be sure to bring their kites for our next visit.
8. Go on a ranger-led clamming excursion– The ranger led excursions are the best! We had a great time learning about clams and how to find them. The rangers provided the proper tools for this activity, but I was able to just reach down in the mud with my bare hands and pull out clams.
9. Attend a ranger-led crabbing program – We really enjoy ranger programs and this program was no exception! The ranger provided so much information about crabs, how to type crabs, how to follow the state guidelines for catching crabs, and then provided us with the tools necessary to catch our own crabs right there on the dock!
10. Have a picnic– Just remember to follow all of the protocols for protecting your food since the wild horses may try to steal your lunch!
11. Take a nature walk to explore the island’s ecosystem
12. Go birdwatching and see how many species you can spot
13. Go fishing in the bay or surf fishing in the ocean
14. Kayaking and Canoeing: Families can rent kayaks or canoes to explore the island’s bays and channels. These peaceful waterways offer a chance to observe the island’s wildlife up close and enjoy the beauty of the island.
15. Camp at one of the designated sites on the Maryland side of Assateague Island. For current and updated information on camping at the National Seashore, be sure to check the National Parks website.
16. Go on a sunset or nighttime beach walk
17. Explore the island’s hiking trails
18. Rent a bicycle and ride along the island’s paved paths
19. Attend a stargazing program and learn about the night sky
20. Earn Junior Ranger Badges-The Junior Ranger program at Assateague is open to kids of all ages. Ask for an activity booklet at the Assateague Island visitor center or download the booklet from the website. Once completed, kids can return to the visitor center to receive their badge. The booklet contains lots of educational information and the badge is a great free souvenir.
21. Attend a ranger talk at the visitors center– The rangers here taught us about the wild horses, the island ecosystem, and how we could do our part to protect both.
22. Learn about the island’s history at the Assateague Island Visitors Center
The island offers a unique and unforgettable experience for families with children. Whether it’s watching the wild horses roam freely on the beach, kayaking through the island’s salt marshes, or attending ranger-led programs, there is no shortage of activities to enjoy. The island’s natural beauty and peaceful atmosphere provide the perfect setting for quality family time and outdoor adventures. So, pack your bags and head to Assateague Island for an unforgettable family vacation!
If you’re interested in other family friendly activities in the area, check out my blog post “Discover the Best Family Activities in Ocean City, MD” and don’t forget to bring your beach essentials!
Not into camping and need help finding a place to stay? Check out Trivago.com to help in your search of the perfect accommodations!
