The Yard Expands Family Attractions Ahead of First Full Summer Season in Ocean City

The Yard, a locally owned outdoor family destination in Ocean City, New Jersey, announced that it will operate for its first full summer season beginning in Summer 2026. The announcement follows the completion of construction in 2025 and a limited soft launch that began in late June of that year. The 2026 season will mark the first time the business is open for the entirety of the summer.

Built in 2025, The Yard was developed as a family-friendly gathering space centered around active and imaginative play. The main attraction is The SkyNet, a three-story elevated netted play system designed for children ages 3 through 10. The structure allows children to climb, explore, and move through multiple levels while remaining visible from below, supporting supervised play in an open-air environment.

In addition to The SkyNet, The Yard includes ground-level activities referred to as “under the net” experiences. These areas are designed for children ages 1 and older and provide age- appropriate sensory and exploratory play options. The layout allows families with children of different ages to share the space while engaging in activities suited to each age group.

During its initial soft launch in Summer 2025, The Yard welcomed families while evaluating operations, guest flow, and activity usage. Feedback from visitors, including publicly available online reviews, helped guide plans for future improvements and expansions. The first full season in 2026 will build on those observations with additional amenities and refined activity areas.

Planned upgrades for Summer 2026 include the addition of a full coffee and espresso bar, intended to support longer visits and provide refreshments for parents and caregivers. Additional sensory features are also planned for the ground level, including a light-up interactive wall and a custom 12-foot water table designed for hands-on play.

The Yard also features an indoor Full Swing golf and sports simulator. The simulator allows guests to practice golf or participate in a variety of simulated sports and interactive games. This indoor component adds a year-round and all-weather activity option within the overall space. “The first season helped us understand how families move through the space and how different age groups interact with the attractions,” said Thomas Heist, owner of The Yard. “The full 2026 season allows us to expand on what worked well and continue shaping the experience around families.”

The Yard is part of the OCNJ Watersports group, a locally operated collection of seasonal attractions and recreational businesses in Ocean City. The group also owns and operates the OCNJ Watersports Aqua Park, Beachy Tiki Tour Boat, and Shark Bait Fishing Charters.

Together, these businesses focus on providing a range of outdoor, family-oriented activities that serve both residents and visitors during the summer season.

Ocean City is a seasonal coastal community where summer represents the peak period for family travel and local activity. The Yard’s full-season opening in 2026 aligns with the city’s summer calendar and the demand for structured, family-oriented attractions.

Additional information about The Yard, its attractions, and planned updates is available on the business website at https://www.theyardocnj.com. Public visitor feedback can also be found through online review platforms, including Google.

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