Boardwalk & Promenade Fun
Take a stroll along the iconic Myrtle Beach Boardwalk & Promenade, a mile-long stretch perfect for family outings. This vibrant pathway, extending from
Second Avenue Pier to 14th Avenue North, is a hub for entertainment, offering a variety of shops and eateries. A key highlight is the SkyWheel, a nearly 200-foot-tall Ferris wheel that provides breathtaking panoramic views of the coastline. Its enclosed gondolas ensure comfort and safety for all ages, making it an ideal spot for capturing memorable sunrise or sunset moments. Ticket prices are structured for families, with adult tickets starting at $19.99, children aged three to 11 at $15.99, and very young children under three enjoying a complimentary ride. Nearby, Pavilion Nostalgia Park offers a touch of old-fashioned charm with its classic wooden carousel, a delightful experience for both parents and children.
Splashy Fun at Myrtle Waves
When the South Carolina heat becomes intense, Myrtle Waves Water Park is the ultimate family refuge. As the state's largest water park, it boasts over 30 thrilling rides and attractions designed to entertain everyone. Younger children can delight in the safe and engaging Bubble Bay play area, while older kids and adventurous teens can seek thrills on exhilarating slides like the Super Chute, a steep 20-foot drop. The park typically opens for the season around Memorial Day weekend and operates through early September, offering a full day of aquatic adventure. Admission is tiered, with general admission tickets priced at $46.99 for individuals over 48 inches tall and $36.99 for those under 48 inches, while toddlers under two years old gain free entry.
Ocean Wonders at Ripley's
Ripley's Aquarium of Myrtle Beach serves as a perfect escape for any weather, offering an immersive journey into the underwater world. Visitors can witness the awe-inspiring sight of sharks swimming overhead in a mesmerizing glass tunnel, interact with gentle stingrays in the Touch a Ray Bay, and observe playful penguins at the Penguin Playhouse. A unique glass-bottom boat ride allows for an up-close view of diverse marine life, including majestic sea turtles. For younger guests, the 'Breakfast with a Mermaid' program provides a magical experience with a buffet, a meet-and-greet, story time, and themed keepsakes. Older children can gain a deeper understanding of local marine ecosystems. The cost of admission can vary based on the chosen activities and packages.
Retro Thrills at Family Kingdom
Family Kingdom Amusement Park offers a charmingly nostalgic experience, reminiscent of classic American beach town amusement parks. Situated conveniently near the ocean, it captivates visitors with its traditional wooden roller coasters, vibrant flashing lights, and the delightful aroma of classic fairground treats. The park's signature attraction, the Swamp Fox roller coaster, has been a beloved fixture since 1966, providing thrilling rides at speeds of approximately 50 miles per hour along its wooden track. Spanning about 13 acres, Family Kingdom's intimate size contributes to its unique, approachable atmosphere. Unlimited all-day ride wristbands are available for $45 for both adults and children, with a special early-bird price of $30 for those who purchase within the first hour of the park's opening.
Broadway at the Beach Hub
Broadway at the Beach is a dynamic entertainment complex that has become a central gathering point in Myrtle Beach. This expansive area, built around a picturesque lake, artfully combines a wide array of attractions, diverse dining options, and numerous shops, creating a pedestrian-friendly destination for families. Children are typically drawn to the interactive mini-golf courses, bustling arcades, and quirky attractions such as the Hollywood Wax Museum, which features lifelike celebrity replicas. For those seeking more excitement, the SpeedZone offers a thrilling five-minute ride, while the Broadway Grand Prix provides an extensive entertainment zone with seven go-kart tracks and six dedicated children's rides. The complex boasts a vast selection of restaurants, including popular family-friendly establishments like Hard Rock Café, Jimmy Buffett's Margaritaville, and The Hangout, ensuring plenty of choices for refueling between activities. Sweet treats can be found at popular spots like Kilwins and Insomnia Cookies.
Pirate Voyage Spectacle
For an evening of dinner and captivating entertainment, the Pirates Voyage Dinner and Show, a venue owned by Dolly Parton, presents an immersive pirate-themed experience. This high-energy production features impressive acrobatics, engaging storytelling, and a spectacular pirate show set against a massive indoor lagoon, complete with daring aerial stunts. It offers a unique blend of theatrical performance and theme park excitement, providing a memorable diversion for families. Detailed information regarding showtimes and ticket purchases can be found on their official website.
Strategic Beach Enjoyment
While it may seem obvious, the beach itself remains Myrtle Beach's most valuable asset, offering an extensive 60-mile stretch along South Carolina's Atlantic coast. To maximize the family beach experience, strategic planning regarding timing and location is key. Opting for early mornings or late afternoons provides cooler temperatures and a less crowded atmosphere, enhancing relaxation. For a more tranquil setting, consider venturing to less populated areas like Garden City Beach or exploring the natural beauty of nearby state parks such as Myrtle Beach State Park, which also offers camping opportunities. Conversely, if your family thrives on activity, staying in the central areas allows easy access to popular beach activities like parasailing, banana boat rides, and sandcastle competitions.
Classic Seaside Entertainment
Myrtle Beach wholeheartedly embraces its reputation as a premier family playground, evident in its abundance of classic entertainment options. Mini-golf courses are ubiquitous, with unique challenges like Captain Hook's Adventure Golf offering creative themes and elevated perspectives. Old-school arcades beckon with their nostalgic charm and array of games. Beyond the expected, visitors can discover unexpected delights such as glow-in-the-dark attractions and charmingly tucked-away neighborhood playgrounds, ensuring that fun and entertainment are readily accessible for all ages and preferences throughout the destination.
Nature's Calm at Brookgreen
Located just south of Myrtle Beach, Brookgreen Gardens provides a serene and enriching contrast to the bustling Grand Strand. Established in 1931 by Archer Milton Huntington and Anna Hyatt Huntington, this National Historic Landmark was developed from former rice plantations and now houses the largest collection of American figurative sculpture in the United States, featuring over 2,000 sculptures. Across its expansive 9,100 acres, Brookgreen Gardens boasts beautifully curated botanical gardens, impressive outdoor sculptures, an enchanting Butterfly House, an Enchanted Storybook Forest, and a dedicated wildlife preserve. The Lowcountry Zoo within the gardens is home to captivating animals like playful river otters and endangered red wolves. Families can enhance their visit with guided tours, including the Brookgreen 101 electric vehicle tour, the Silent Cities Cemetery Tour, or a Creek Excursion boat ride to observe local wildlife such as alligators and ospreys, as well as historical remnants of 19th-century rice plantations. General admission is $25 for adults, $23 for seniors, $14 for children aged four to 12, and free for children under four.
