Typically hot in the summer (average high temperatures in the upper 80’s F) yet more temperate during the rest of the year, Myrtle Beach attractions make it South Carolina’s top four-season destination. The extended area is popularly known as the Grand Strand and stretches from Little River to Pawleys Island, comprising 12 distinct cities, several golf courses, 60 mini-golf courses and 60 miles of sandy beaches.
It’s affordable and accessible to all families. Plenty of kid-friendly attractions amuse beach-goers during their time off the sand as well as on rainy days. Visitors can learn more about Myrtle Beach hotel and resort options or explore other area attractions and new restaurants at Visit Myrtle Beach. Meanwhile, read on for our favorite activities and attractions with kids.
Great Fun For The Kids
(Toddler to Age 8)
EdVenture Myrtle Beach
4005 Howard Avenue
Myrtle Beach, SC 29577
843/839-0475
This interactive museum has expanded into a larger space on the historic former Air Force grounds of Myrtle Beach’s Market Common district. Exhibits focus on flight, astronomy, space and STEM concepts to engage young learners. Older kids will especially enjoy the three-screen flight simulator.
Family Kingdom Amusement Park
300 South Ocean Boulevard
Myrtle Beach, SC 29577
843/626-3447
Family Kingdom is an old-fashioned amusement park at the seashore. Enjoy 38 rides, including a wooden roller coaster, plenty of kiddie rides, the Twist ‘n Shout steel roller coaster, the interactive Jump Around Dune Buggies and Magic Bikes. It also features an oceanfront water park with big slides for teens and a splash pool and dedicated kiddie zone for little ones.
Marsh Walk
Murrell’s Inlet
For something more relaxing, check out Marsh Walk, a mile-long wooden boardwalk constructed along a saltwater estuary. It is a commercial development but admission is free, and it’s scenic: beautiful views, bird-watching, Southern marsh habitats. Take advantage of plenty of shops, outdoor cafes and restaurants with some of the finest Lowcountry cuisine.
Fun For Older Children
(Up to Age 18)
Broadway at the Beach
1325 Celebrity Circle
Myrtle Beach, SC 29577
843/444-3200
Broadway at the Beach is a 350-acre lifestyle mall around a lake with areas themed to New England, the Mediterranean and other waterfronts, plus accompanying attractions. There are shops, restaurants and several treats from the three sections of the vintage Pavilion Park amusement park. Spend the day to sample the jet boat tours, ropes course, a carousel, Ripley’s Aquarium, Hollywood Wax Museum and TOPGOLF among many other paid attractions. Restaurants include the Hard Rock Cafe, Joe’s Crab Shack and Paula Deen Family Kitchen. On rainy days, we like WonderWorks, an upside-down structure with 10 stories of mind-stimulating, interactive attractions. In late 2020, expect a second branch of The Hangout, a family entertainment center with a live cast who run dances and contests, manage a sand pile, fire pits, games and more inside a venue lined with artwork and big screen TVs.
Myrtle Beach Pelicans
The Myrtle Beach Pelicans, minor league baseball team of the Texas Rangers, play right across the street from the Broadway at the Beach complex. Reasonably priced tickets are available throughout baseball season.
Waccamaw River Tours
8496 Enterprise Road
Myrtle Beach, SC 29588
888/315-9439
Enjoy some of the area’s best scenery and wildlife during a sightseeing cruise on a pontoon boat. On this quiet, 90-minute adventure you’ll explore the cypress-lined Waccamaw River and Intracoastal Waterway looking for birdlife and wildlife within this National Wildlife Refuge. You may see large osprey nests, heron, egrets, cormorants and alligators or bison, zebra and emus while passing the back of the Waccatee Zoo.
Barefoot Landing Mall
4898 Highway 17 S
North Myrtle Beach, SC 29582
843/272-8349, 800/272-2320 ext.108
This lakeside shopping, dining and entertainment complex in North Myrtle Beach earns its place as one of the grand “theme malls” of the area. The shopping area contains over 100 specialty and retail shops, plus several outlets and restaurants. Take kids to the carousel and Alligator Adventure (home to Albino American Alligators, as well as hundreds of other alligators.) Lulu’s Beach Arcade & Ropes Course may be especially enticing entertainment options for older kids. Live entertainment includes street performers by day and nightly music at the House of Blues and the Alabama Theatre, founded by the country music group of the same name.
Doc Antle’s Myrtle Beach Safari
4898 South Highway 17
North Myrtle Beach, SC 29582
843/361-4552
Is there an animal lover in the family? Then they will love The Institute of Greatly Endangered and Rare Species (T.I.G.E.R.S. Preservation Station). The free-living tiger exhibit features many different species of the large cat. Not only will animal enthusiasts get to hold their choice of baby tigers or apes, but this is one of the only places in the world where they will be able to see a Liger. Other attractions include tours at one of the two locations, night safaris and watching flying trained falcon and tiger feedings. Most are designed for ages 6+. Some tours are capacity-controlled due to public health safety concerns. Closed mid-November to late February.
Fun For The Whole Family
Myrtle Beach State Park
4401 South Kings Hwy.
Myrtle Beach, SC 29575
843/238-5325
This is one of the area’s most popular beaches and also South Carolina’s first state park, established by the Civilian Conservation Corps in 1930. For families spending the night in an RV or tent, there are campsites with electricity, water, and hot showers and restrooms nearby.
Huntington Beach State Park
16148 Ocean Hwy
Murrells Inlet, SC 29576
843/237-4440
A little more off the beaten path, nearby 3-mile Huntington Beach remains the best-preserved beach on the Grand Strand. The surf at the beach is not too rough and it’s a good place to collect seashells — making it a fun beach for tiny travelers. The park also features its Coastal Exploration program, where from March to November, “field trips” allow visitors to join staff educators for alligator viewing, marsh and nature trail exploration and more. Another highlight of the park is the Atalaya Castle, a National Historic Landmark and former winter home of American sculptress Anna Hyatt Huntington andhusband Archer.
Brookgreen Gardens
1931 Brookgreen Drive
Murrells Inlet, SC 29576
843/235-6000
Located 20 minutes south of Myrtle Beach on Pawley’s Island, Brookgreen Gardens showcases beautiful plants and sculpture year-round. The Sculpture Garden is the largest outdoor display of American figurative sculpture in the world and features the work of over 250 artists. In the Garden Room for Children, kids play freely amongst childhood-related sculpture. Grandparents especially will appreciate that Brookgreen Gardens also operates an in-park shuttle, plus boating and walking trails through the historic grounds and past the homes of alligators, birds, foxes and otters. The Lowcountry Zoo is the place to watch playful otters and other rare animals in a natural environment.
Myrtle Beach Skywheel
1110 North Ocean Blvd
Myrtle Beach, SC 29577
843/829-9300
The Myrtle Beach SkyWheel towers 200 feet above the boardwalk. All ages and abilities will enjoy this modern, safe observation wheel. Buy tickets for day or night, rain or shine, and expect great views of the water, the crowds and local attractions. Enclosed gondolas also provide a welcome bit of A/C in the summer months.
Medieval Times Myrtle Beach Castle
2904 Fantasy Way
Myrtle Beach, SC 29579
888/935-6878
Medieval Times presents a two-hour live tournament with pageantry, adventure, chivalry and a four-course dinner. One thousand guests fit inside the stadium-style arena, which is divided into sections, each with its own knight and horse to cheer for. If you’ve neer been to one, it’s a fun night out.
Carolina Opry
8901 North Kings Highway
Myrtle Beach, SC 29572
843/913-4000
Another one of Myrtle Beach’s big budget performance productions, the Carolina Opry offers nightly shows. There’s even a Christmas Special from November on in its 2,200-seat theater. The celebration of live music and comedy covers the genres of rock, Broadway, gospel, the music of the 60s, 70s, and 80s and lots of country western stars.
Dear Reader: This page may contain affiliate links which may earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase. Our independent journalism is not influenced by any advertiser or commercial initiative unless it is clearly marked as sponsored content. As travel products change, please be sure to reconfirm all details and stay up to date with current events to ensure a safe and successful trip.
That was a nice write-up. The article was so informative thanks for sharing and keep posting. you can also check onTours and Travels – Coimbatore