“It’s a fun day, even the clouds are laughing it’s a fun day…” – this is the jingle that Retro Roadhusband has been singing around the Hacienda ever since he saw my photos of Trimper’s Rides & Amusements in Ocean City Maryland. And even though I didn’t go on any of the rides during my visit, it was a wicked fun day anyways!
Trimper’s has been located at the beginning of the Ocean City MD boardwalk for over 100 years and is still family owned and operated.
Their outdoor rides, open mid-June through Labor Day weekend include the popular Haunted House, built in 1964. Located directly on the boards it i one of the last remaining attractions built by “dark ride” designer Bill Tracy.
(I didn’t go in because I’m a big baby!)
While Trimper’s has many modern thrill rides for the bigger kids, I found their kiddie rides definitely more my speed, even if they were not my size! Located under the colorful canopy they are open daily during the season, and on most weekends during the off-season (call just to make sure).
Before we head into the building however I wanted to point out this great giant lemon, where you can buy lemondade. Note the Del’s frozen lemonade sign, something you don’t usually see outside of Rhode Island!
The carousel house/indoor area was made a historic landmark in 2007 and the centerpiece is the beautiful merry go round, installed in 1912 and delighting folks of all ages ever since.
Built by the Herschell-Spillman Company of North Tonawanda, NY it is one of the oldest continually operating carousels in the country. Not just populated with horses, this 45 animal “menagerie” includes a cat, dog, frog, rooster, deer, goat, lion, tiger, ostrich, pig, and dragon.
The full size carousel is a big hit with folks of all ages, but I was also charmed by this miniature carousel, which dates from the 1920s
And the “land boats” – a waterless boat ride that gives the feeling of riding on gentle ocean waves. Don’t want seasick little kiddles!
Also dating from the 1920s is this kiddie ferris wheel.
If you look closely you’ll see that it was made by the W.F. Mangels Company of Coney Island NY.
I love learning things when I’m writing for Retro Roadmap, and I’ll share what I just learned with you! William F Mangels who designed this ride, was also the inventor of one of my favorite rides – The Whip! Here’s the Trimper’s kiddie version:
I wish I had the Retro Roadkids with me during this visit, as I would’ve loaded them up with tickets and let them ride the rides to their hearts content. Many families were doing this as I walked around snapping photos and I’m hoping that some lasting memories were made while riding these great little rides.
This is just a handful of some of the rides that are at Trimper’s – I wouldn’t want to list’em all, now would I, and spoil the fun of discovering them for yourself! If you do want to see if they have a favorite old ride of yours there’s a complete list of their rides on their website.
As a quick PS, if you’re looking for vintage Skeeball while you’re in this neck of the boardwalk, there are some of the classic art deco looking skee ball games just inside Marty’s Playland, next to Trimper’s.
Trimper’s Rides & Amusements
S. First Street and The Boardwalk
Ocean City, Maryland 21842
(410) 289-2779 - call for off season hours!
The indoor rides of Trimper’s Amusement Park are open daily in season and holiday weekends throughout much of the winter with doors opening at 12 p.m. on weekends and weekdays.
Check out all the vintage, retro and cool old places we’ve been in Maryland
on theMD – Maryland Retro RoadMAP!
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What’s a Del’s doing in Maryland? Heresy!
I know, isn’t it odd? I was going to ask the gal trapped inside the giant lemon, but I don’t think she’d have known the answer!
Ah, the classic arcade. I was in OC, NJ this past weekend, Betty. Jilly’s Arcade had a bunch of pinball games that were a quarter a pop. And this place is open year round, not just seasonally like a lot of boardwalk arcades. Well, I know that Rehobeth Beach, DE has almost none of its establishments open in the Winter. Some on weekends come April and May. Yes, the arcade is largely gone due to gaming consoles and PC games. But, these places on boardwalks and small towns remain….and I am glad. Though I admit I do have a Playstation and I play flash games on FB, etc., but search out arcades whenever I travel.
Glad you had fun in OC NJ! Did you get some taffy or popcorn from one of the cool vintage retro places we love so much? http://198.1.119.1/~retroroa/2010/08/11/ocean-city-nj-boardwalk-vintage-seaside-treats-and-sweets/
I did stop to buy taffy, but it wasn’t at Shriver’s or Fralinger’s on the boardwalk. It was called Steel’s….that’s it. You’re right, nothing really stood out about its building architecturally.
But hey- you bought something from a business that has been around 4eva!
By far the best boardwalk I have been to in the entire country. I loved Thrashers Fries!!!! I hope to take my kids there some day.