Casino resorts make great getaways during peak travel times, such as school breaks, as they’re often less crowded and more affordable since they’re not typically promoted as family vacation spots. Yet, they’re unexpectedly family-friendly, so you won’t be alone with kids there.

We just spent two days at the beautiful Ocean Casino Resort in Atlantic City. My oldest son was out of school for the mid-winter break so we decided to take a short, wallet-friendly trip. This is how we spent two days in Atlantic City.

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Staying at the Ocean Casino Resort in Atlantic City

We decided on the Ocean Casino Resort in Atlantic City because we had a free room. Yes, you heard me right. I said free. Well, almost free. During our last trip, after just one day of playing slots, the Ocean Casino Resort began to send me offers for two free nights a week.

With our two free nights, the only costs for this trip were a $50 per day refundable fee for incidentals, a $26 daily resort fee plus a small tourism fee. Our total cost at check-in was $162, $100 of which was refundable at check out. So that’s a total of $62 for two nights! 

You can read our review on the Ocean Casino Resort here.

Lunch at Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville- Atlantic City

The theming inside Margaritaville was awesome. There were so many different seating areas: from your typical tables and booths to a huge booth that could fit about 15 people, and a booth themed as a boat.

The food, including the kids’ meals, came in nice-size portions but the food itself was a bit disappointing. It wasn’t inedible but it wasn’t worth the price. I ordered fish and chips, and my husband ordered the nachos. His nachos were extremely dry with all the chips sticking together, and my fish easily separated from the soggy coating.

My recommendation: Take your money and eat elsewhere. You can check out some options HERE.

Swimming at the Ocean Casino Resort Eclipse Indoor/Outdoor Pool

After lunch, we took the scenic route back to the hotel via the beach. The kids collected seashells for a while and then it was back to the room to rest. When the kids got bored of watching us rest, it was off to the pool.

The Eclipse Indoor/Outdoor Pool at the Ocean Casino Resort was the highlight of our trip and where we spent a lot of our time. The pool was heated and the indoor section had a rainfall function. Although it was still cold outside, the outside pool was still open, as well as the small jacuzzi outside.

The Ocean Casino had a real resort feel to it with a bar and grill located in the pool area and a waitress walking around taking drink orders. In a corner by the pool area was a small lounge with a couple of pool tables.  

Dinner at the Ocean Casino Resort Food Court

For dinner, we went to the Ocean Casino Resort’s food court called The District. While you won’t find any chain restaurants in this food court, you’ll find a variety of food options including salads, deli sandwiches, Asian cuisine, and your typical American favorites. There’s even a taco food truck selling authentic Mexican food.

We decided on salads for the adults and pizza from Rocco’s Italian Kitchen & Market for the kids. While the prices were pretty high for quick casual eating, the portion sizes made up for it. The salad took up the entirety of the large plate and the pizza slices were literally larger than my son’s head. And they were as delicious as they were large. 

To end the night, the kids and I relaxed in the lobby while my husband hit the slots. After, we went upstairs to watch a movie and enjoy the view of the ocean at night before we fell into a much-needed sleep. 

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Breakfast at Ocean Casino Resort

We began our morning at Cafféccino, located in the lobby of the Ocean Casino Resort. There are several grab-and-go options, as well as breakfast sandwiches and bagels that can be made to your liking. They had pretty good coffee too.

If you’re a Starbucks lover, you can venture a little further from the guest rooms to The Grind, another café serving your favorite Starbucks beverages, as well as pastries and other grab-and-go options.  

Lucky Snake Arcade at the Showboat Casino and Resort

After breakfast, we headed back out to the Boardwalk. The unseasonably warm weather was gone. The air was now frigid and the winds high. Luckily, our next destination was the resort right next door so it was a short walk.

We entered Lucky Snake Arcade and Sports Bar inside the Showboat Casino and Resort. Lucky Snake advertises as the largest arcade in the East. We aren’t sure how they measured this but to us, it didn’t seem any larger or better than some of the other large chain arcades in the East like Dave & Buster’s, Round One, or Main Event. It was still a decent arcade with your typical arcade games and the kids had a blast.

After the arcade, we headed back to the Eclipse pool. Unfortunately, we never got a chance to try out the hot tub because, for the second night in a row, it was too crowded for us to comfortably fit. I recommend going in the morning if you want to enjoy the hot tub.  

Dinner and Evening Activities

After the pool, we went back to Rocco’s Italian Restaurant. We tried to order an entire oversized pie but unfortunately, they only sell 16″ pies. We settled for a couple of oversized slices, which we took back to our room. 

To end the night, we changed into our pajamas and headed down to relax in the lobby. I’ll admit that it felt a bit weird at this resort compared to some other hotels since most hotel guests were dressed up and off to enjoy the nightlife.

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If you have older kids who can stay in the room alone, the nightlife at the Ocean Casino Resort is amazing! There are so many options! You can see a show, sit at a restaurant or a bar and enjoy live music and dancing, you can have a romantic dinner or just go to the casino.

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My husband went to the lobby bar where we were pleasantly surprised to find Angry Orchard on tap. (My fellow cider drinkers will appreciate what a rare find that is.)

With drinks in hand, and juice and snacks for the kids, we relaxed in the Aquarium seating area. One thing we enjoyed about this resort was the many unique seating areas scattered throughout the enormous resort. After drinks and snacks, it was time for bed.  

Why Atlantic City is a Good Option for a Getaway with Kids

Our getaway to Atlantic City and the Ocean Casino Resort was the perfect destination for a quick 2-day getaway. There were enough activities for us to do with the kids, while still being relaxing and entertaining for me and my husband.

On a warmer day, your family can spend a day at the beach, and walk down and explore the long boardwalk. There are other hotel resorts you can visit, plenty of shopping and dining options, and also a small amusement park. The newest addition to the Atlantic City boardwalk attractions includes an indoor waterpark.

If you choose to venture off the boardwalk, there’s also a Tanger Outlets.

Atlantic City provides plenty of entertainment options for the family to enjoy together, and also for parents to enjoy at night while the kids sleep, if you have a babysitter or your kids are old enough to stay in the room alone. Or you can swap with your spouse and take turns watching the kids, like my husband and I have done plenty of times.

One of the best parts of staying at a Casino Resort is that there is plenty to do and eat without having to leave the hotel, which makes it a great option for winter getaways. During another trip to the Ocean Casino Resort, we booked a booth at Top Golf.

I highly recommend the Ocean Casino Resort at Atlantic City for a getaway with your kids.

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Have you ever been to Atlantic City or the Ocean Casino Resort with your kids? What did you think? How long did you stay and what activities did you do? Please leave a comment down below sharing your experiences or any questions you have. Your comments allow us to help other families.

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