Myrtle Beach, located on the beautiful South Carolina coast, is a top destination for families seeking a blend of relaxation and adventure. With its pristine beaches, vibrant boardwalk, and countless attractions, Myrtle Beach offers something for everyone. Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or a longer vacation, this guide highlights the best family-friendly activities in Myrtle Beach to ensure your trip is filled with fun and unforgettable memories.
Enjoy the Beaches
No visit to Myrtle Beach is complete without spending time on its famous sandy shores. The beach stretches for 60 miles along the Atlantic Ocean, offering plenty of space for families to spread out and enjoy the sun, sand, and surf.
Beach Activities
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Swimming and Sunbathing The calm, warm waters of Myrtle Beach are perfect for swimming, while the expansive sandy beaches provide ample space for sunbathing.
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Building Sandcastles: Let your creativity shine by building sandcastles with your kids. Bring along some buckets and shovels for hours of fun.
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Beach Games: Enjoy a game of beach volleyball, frisbee, or paddleball. The beach is an ideal setting for active family fun.
Myrtle Beach State Park
For a more natural beach experience, visit Myrtle Beach State Park. This 312-acre park offers a quieter, less crowded beach, along with nature trails, picnic areas, and a fishing pier. It’s a great spot for families to explore the coastal environment and enjoy a peaceful day by the sea.
Explore the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk
The Myrtle Beach Boardwalk and Promenade is a bustling hub of activity, stretching 1.2 miles along the oceanfront. This lively area is packed with entertainment options, restaurants, and shops, making it a must-visit for families.
Family Kingdom Amusement Park
Located along the boardwalk, Family Kingdom Amusement Park is a classic seaside amusement park offering over 35 rides and attractions.
Ripley's Believe It or Not!
Ripley's Believe It or Not! Odditorium is a fascinating attraction filled with bizarre exhibits and interactive displays.
SkyWheel
For breathtaking views of the coastline, take a ride on the Myrtle Beach SkyWheel. This 187-foot-tall Ferris wheel features climate-controlled gondolas, ensuring a comfortable experience year-round. The SkyWheel is especially stunning at night when it’s illuminated with colorful LED lights.
Visit Family-Friendly Museums and Aquariums
Myrtle Beach boasts a variety of museums and aquariums that provide both educational and entertaining experiences for families.
Ripley's Aquarium
Located at Broadway at the Beach, Ripley's Aquarium is a top attraction featuring a wide range of marine life exhibits.
Children's Museum of South Carolina
The Children's Museum of South Carolina offers hands-on exhibits designed to spark curiosity and creativity in young minds. Kids can explore interactive displays on science, art, and history.
Hollywood Wax Museum
The Hollywood Wax Museum provides a fun and quirky experience for the whole family. Pose for photos with lifelike wax figures of your favorite celebrities, explore the zombie-themed Outbreak exhibit, and navigate your way through the Hannah's Maze of Mirrors.
Enjoy Outdoor Adventures
Myrtle Beach offers plenty of opportunities for families to enjoy the great outdoors. From thrilling water sports to serene nature trails, there’s something for every type of adventurer.
Myrtle Beach Safari
For an unforgettable wildlife experience, visit Myrtle Beach Safari. This wildlife preserve offers guided tours where you can interact with exotic animals, such as tigers, orangutans, and elephants. The preserve’s mission is to educate visitors about wildlife conservation while providing up-close encounters with these magnificent creatures.
Brookgreen Gardens
Brookgreen Gardens is a beautiful sculpture garden and wildlife preserve located just south of Myrtle Beach. Families can explore the expansive gardens, featuring stunning sculptures, native plants, and tranquil fountains. The Lowcountry Zoo within the gardens showcases native animals in naturalistic habitats, offering educational programs and animal encounters.
Watersports and Boat Tours
Take advantage of Myrtle Beach's coastal location by participating in various watersports and boat tours. Popular options include:
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Jet Skiing: Rent jet skis for an exhilarating ride on the open water.
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Parasailing: Experience the thrill of parasailing and enjoy stunning aerial views of the coastline.
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Dolphin Watching Tours: Join a guided boat tour to spot playful dolphins in their natural habitat.
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Kayaking and Paddleboarding: Explore the calm waters of local inlets and marshes by kayak or paddleboard.
Discover Entertainment and Live Shows
Myrtle Beach is known for its vibrant entertainment scene, offering a variety of live shows and performances that are perfect for family outings.
Pirates Voyage Dinner & Show
Pirates Voyage Dinner & Show is a spectacular pirate-themed dinner theater experience. The show features acrobats, live animals, and thrilling stunts, all set aboard full-sized pirate ships. Enjoy a delicious four-course meal while being entertained by the swashbuckling adventure.
Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament
Step back in time at Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament, where knights on horseback compete in jousting, sword fights, and other medieval games. The immersive experience includes a hearty medieval-style feast served in a grand castle setting.
The Carolina Opry
The Carolina Opry offers a family-friendly variety show featuring music, dance, comedy, and special effects. With performances ranging from country and pop to Broadway and gospel, there’s something to entertain every member of the family.
Explore Broadway at the Beach
Broadway at the Beach is a sprawling entertainment complex that offers shopping, dining, and attractions for all ages. Highlights include:
WonderWorks
WonderWorks is an interactive science museum housed in an upside-down building. The museum features over 100 hands-on exhibits that engage and entertain children and adults alike.
Pavilion Park
Pavilion Park offers a nostalgic amusement park experience with classic rides and attractions. The park is divided into three areas: East, Central, and West, each offering different types of rides and entertainment. Families can enjoy a ride on the antique carousel, Ferris wheel, and other traditional amusement park attractions.
Miniature Golf
Myrtle Beach is known as the “Miniature Golf Capital of the World,” boasting numerous themed mini-golf courses. Popular options include:
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Mount Atlanticus Miniature Golf: Play through an imaginative, multi-level course with challenging holes and beautiful views.
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Captain Hook’s Adventure Golf: Enjoy a Peter Pan-themed mini-golf adventure with pirate ships, waterfalls, and tropical landscapes.
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Dragon’s Lair Fantasy Golf: Embark on a medieval-themed mini-golf quest featuring castles, dragons, and knights.
Myrtle Beach offers an abundance of family-friendly activities that cater to all ages and interests. From its stunning beaches and lively boardwalk to its educational museums and thrilling outdoor adventures, there’s no shortage of fun and excitement. Whether you’re planning a short visit or an extended stay, this guide will help you make the most of your time in Myrtle Beach, ensuring a memorable and enjoyable experience for the whole family.
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