Spectator Sports

Horse Racing -- Four miles west of Ocean City, Ocean Downs, 10218 Racetrack Rd. (Rte. 589), just off Route 50, in Berlin (tel. 410/641-0600; www.oceandowns.com), features up to 10 harness races Wednesday through Sunday nights in July and August. Live racing runs from 7:25 to about 11pm. Simulcast TV racing from other tracks begins year-round daily around noon. Grandstand admission and parking are free. Clubhouse admission is extra; rates are subject to change. The racetrack is very kid-friendly: Winning trotters are led to the winner's circle, where children gather around and get a close look. A parade of horses starts each evening's races, with the lead horse getting close enough for the kids to pet. Many of the horses and their drivers are local, too. It's a cheap diversion from the bustle and expense of Ocean City (until you start betting).