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Are you planning to visit Myrtle Beach on a family vacation? Good Choice!
You’ll be happy to know that there are countless things to do in Myrtle Beach with kids that we adults will love too.
In this guide, we share our top tips for What to do in Myrtle Beach Including where to eat and drink, the most popular attractions, and where to stay!
We tend to stay away from things like miniature golf, public museums and children’s play centres, and prefer to delve deeper into an area to find out what makes it unique and special.
That’s what you’ll find below in our guide on what to do in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.
We only share what we have tested ourselves and can recommend.
Since we’ve been traveling for over 22 years, and 12 with our kids, we know what makes great travel experiences, so instead of just listing everything you can do in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, we’ll share what we personally think makes it special and will help you… Have a wonderful family vacation.
Let’s get started!
Is Myrtle Beach worth a visit?
Considered one of America’s best family vacation spots, Myrtle Beach is a coastal resort town absolutely worth a visit.
It’s quiet and peaceful and you still get the feeling that nature, not concrete, dominates the landscape.
In my opinion, October is a great month to visit Myrtle Beach South CarolinaBecause the summer sun still lingers but without the stifling humidity we are accustomed to at home Raleigh, North Carolina Which sends you running to get the air conditioning.
The resort’s swimming pool is not overrun by school children enjoying their holiday and the girls almost have the lazy river to themselves.
The ocean throws small waves onto the shore, and the rhythmic sounds relieve the stress I had here beside my bag.
That’s the beauty of a beach holiday any time of the year.
I think it’s as if your mind knows the power of the ocean to heal, so it increases your stress so that by the time you reach the healing ocean, the waves can strip you of it all at once.
We visited the destination on a campaign with the Visit Myrtle Beach tourism board.
Fun things to do in Myrtle Beach with kids
If you’re wondering what to do in Myrtle Beach, besides just the beach? Then below you will discover some of those areas and all the fun things to do in Myrtle Beach with kids.
1. Spend the day at the beach
You can’t visit Myrtle Beach and not experience its 60 miles of gorgeous coastline. It is one of the best beach holiday places in United State.
Known as the Grand Strand, it is home to 14 distinct communities that offer something special to the region.
From surf breaks at North Myrtle Beach to the pristine natural beauty of Huntington Beach, Myrtle Beach State Parks and family-friendly Cherry Grove Beach, you can find the perfect beach experience for you.
Some of the best beaches in the Myrtle Beach area also include:
- Surfside Beach
- Garden City Beach
- Morels entrance
- Litchfield Beach
When it comes to free things to do in Myrtle Beach with kids, you can’t beat playtime on the sand by the ocean!
2. Take a stroll on the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk and Boardwalk
Along the main shoreline is a 1.2-mile stretch of Myrtle Beach Boardwalk and Boardwalk.
There are two main sections: one a quieter, natural setting, and the other focused on fun with beachfront shops and restaurants and the famous 200-foot SkyWheel.
For a nostalgic treat, head to the Fun Plaza Arcade, or grab a hot dog and milkshake from Peaches Corner, a staple since the 1930s. There are plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Myrtle Beach at this boardwalk area.
3. Ride the SkyWheel for views of Myrtle Beach
The SkyWheel is a giant observation wheel that stands out in the cityscape.
There are 42 glass-enclosed gondolas that seat up to six people. If you are afraid of heights, you may find it an exciting trip. I found it completely quiet.
The ride takes about 10 minutes and you’ll get beautiful views of the Atlantic Ocean and up and down Myrtle Beach.
Get there early so you can almost have the entire wheel to yourself and enjoy a relaxing one Myrtle Beach attractions for families!
4. Watch a stunning sunrise at Myrtle Beach State Park
Miles of natural beachfront, fishing pier and glorious sunshine. What more do you need to start your day in the most joyful way?
Head to Myrtle Beach State Park to watch a spectacular Myrtle Beach sunrise.
You’ll appreciate this mile-long slice of preserved natural beauty nestled among soaring elevations. Enjoy a walk along the beach or the winding boardwalk to protect the dunes and nesting sea turtles.
You can also walk along the pier and enjoy seeing what the fishermen are hauling in.
5. Join the Ranger program at Myrtle Beach State Park
“I thought it was going to be very boring, but it was so much fun. I can’t believe we caught a jellyfish, caught 13 hermit crabs and two blue swimmers!”
Our kids were excited to share everything they learned from our morning with Ranger Ann on the fishing pier at Myrtle Beach State Park.
After learning about (and holding) blue swimmers, hermit crabs and jellyfish, we walked along the boardwalk to find monarch butterflies to tag, but windy conditions kept them away.
Ranger Ann was very passionate about the area and shared her passion for the local wildlife and animals with us.
I loved how she skillfully wove together messages of environmental conservation and how small actions by individuals can bring about positive changes.
Myrtle Beach State Park is 312 acres on the south end of the city In a gorgeous oceanfront maritime forest that reminded me of the natural jungles you’ll find in many of our areas Beaches back home in Australia.
It receives an estimated one million visitors a year, and a few were present when we visited.
I’m so glad they thought to preserve this place in 1936 when it became the first state park in South Carolina.
Joining a ranger program is definitely one of the most educational and fun things you can do in Myrtle Beach with kids. Children of all ages will enjoy it.
There is a camp in State Park and other great programs Such as sunrise and sunset beach yoga.
This was my favorite area in the area and perfect for kids activities in Myrtle Beach. They will love it!
6. Go kayaking through the salt marsh in Huntington Beach State Park
This has to be one of the most fun things to do in South Carolina for those who love the outdoors!
We began our guided kayak tour through the salt marshes with our guide Paul who told us that Huntington Beach State Park has some of the best bird watching on the East Coast.
As Australians, we know what it’s like to be surrounded by an abundance of birds, each with their own personality and quirks.
The marshes were thriving with birds such as egrets, herons, cormorants, eagles, eagles and osprey.
We even saw a kingfisher perched on the edge of the grass. It looked very much like its relative, our own kookaburra. Unlike the kookaburra, this kingfisher is a fish-eating bird and does not have the kookaburra laugh, more like a sinister chatter.
We paddled for two hours in the warm sunshine through the marshes to learn more about the history of the area and the ecology of the marshes.
This was not a crocodile adventure for us, as they were starting to move to warmer waters.
During the warmer months, you have a good chance of seeing them in the marshes having lunch. Don’t worry, they’re not interested in you!
Put this on your f-listFamily Things to Do in Myrtle Beach, Off the Beach!
Related reading: Two great kayaking experiences in Myrtle Beach
7. See the live oaks at Brookgreen Gardens
If you are looking for pLaces to visit in Myrtle Beach that provide Your space and calm, then head on over Brookgreen Gardens.
This is a National Historic Landmark that hosts the largest collection of outdoor American sculpture in the world.
You might think that looking at this looks like a lot of art – it really does. The collection contains more than 2,000 works by 425 artists across 9,127 acres.
There’s also a mini zoo, an enchanted storybook forest, a butterfly house, and boat rides and excursions that take you deeper into the property.
Don’t miss Live Oak Allée, which consists of 250-year-old Live Oak trees with weeping Spanish moss that were planted in the early 18th century when Brookgreen Gardens were four thriving rice plantations.
There is a great activity booklet for kids to keep them engaged with the various scavenger hunt questions.
So, if you’re looking for more things to do near Myrtle Beach, consider this These beautiful gardens.
8. Explore Murrells Inlet
The small fishing village of Murrells Inlet was once the hideout of the notorious pirate Blackbeard.
It’s located right near Huntington Beach State Park and Brookgreen Gardens, so it’s full of natural beauty waiting for you to explore.
I loved the south coast atmosphere on the Intracoastal Waterway. I wish we had more time to explore it. It offers quieter family fun in Myrtle Beach than the boardwalk area which is our personal preference.
There are plenty of water sports you can do in the area including parasailing, water skiing and fishing trips.
I love the look of this Guided stand up paddle board trip About the beautiful waters of Murrells Inlet.
There is the half-mile-long Marsh Walk, which has great views of the marshes and arriving fishing boats with the day’s catch pulled from the surrounding waters and sent directly to the restaurants.
Along the promenade are a series of restaurants with outdoor seating, views and live music. (See where we ate below)
It’s the place to go after dark for seafood, drinks, and relaxed Southern fun.
Murrells Inlet reminded us of nearby Calabash (Brunswick Islands, North Carolina).
9. Shop, eat and play at Broadway at the Beach
Broadway at the Beach is home to Myrtle Beach’s top attractions and is a place for shopping, dining, nightlife and family entertainment, all bordering a 23-acre lake.
Here you will find a lot of tHinges kids can do in Myrtle Beach Ripley’s Aquarium, Wonder Works, Margaritaville, and Hard Rock Café.
Myrtle Beach kids attractions should be off the beach!
10. Unleash your inner scientist at WonderWorks
When I first saw the upside down building, I thought what kind of trash is this in Las Vegas? Who wants to delve into something so corny and hilarious?
Never let ignorance get in the way of a good experience.
I had no idea what this upside down building was – I thought it was just that, an upside down building that probably contained arcade games or something.
But unfortunately no, it has three levels of imagination, experiences and adventures.
We’ve visited a few interactive science museums before, but WonderWorks has to be one of my favorites.
There’s nothing boring or banal here, and every stop and activity teaches you something interesting about life.
Not sure thWhat to do in Myrtle Beach in bad weather? It’s one of Myrtle Beach’s attractions, perfect for those rainy days that take you away from the waves of Myrtle!
We learned why the bed of nails we were lying on wasn’t piercing our skin, how far we could jump, how good we were at shooting a basketball, and who our famous lookalike was (Jane Fonda for me!).
We’ve felt what a hurricane could feel like, how cold the water was when the Titanic sank, and how to push the limits of electrical understanding.
Thank you, WonderWorks, for taking care of so much of my homeschool curriculum this month – I was so excited to see Kalyra perform so well in the weather and natural disaster tests!
Our two favorite activities were of course the high ropes course. I’m getting braver with every attempt we try, and the girls are practically running through them now without holding on to anything!
Then there was laser tag. It’s always a fun game to play as a family. I was amazed when I came out as the winner with a score three times higher than the others.
I think I liked the rapid fire function!!
WonderWorks is definitely one of the best things to do in Myrtle Beach with kids.
11. Find your treasure at the Pirate Cruise Dinner and Show
Calera and Savannah are deteriorating addicts. They take a rolling class when we’re in Raleigh and are forever doing backhand pushups and forward curls.
I’m forever trying to remember which is which!
Once the Pirates Voyage show started and the pirates in front of us started rolling, doing backflips, backflips, and more amazing acrobatic tricks, I knew we had come to the right show.
The girls were fascinated the whole time.
Savannah wouldn’t let me touch her head after the show, in case I erased her memory and interrupted her dream of life as a back-jumping pirate at a dinner show.
Needless to say, we loved the Pirates Voyage Show, which is one of the family activities in Myrtle Beach to wow the kids and offers a completely unique dining experience.
It’s 90 minutes of acrobatics, juggling, special effects, singing and brilliant lighting as they search for the lost treasure. All of this happens during a four-course meal.
Craig and I volunteered to participate in the water bucket relay race. Unfortunately, we didn’t win, but we enjoyed splashing more water on ourselves than in buckets.
It’s a pirate’s life for me!
Put this on your list as one of the fun things to do in Myrtle Beach at night.
12. Sing and dance at the Carolina Opry
If you love singing, dancing and comedy, consider spending a night at The Carolina Opry.
We love taking the girls to the theater and Opry in Nashville So we knew we were going to enjoy this evening. I love how the music spans multiple genres and genres such as soul, country, pop and rock.
My favorite is the Elvis and That’s Me section from The Greatest Showman! It was a great performance with all the actors involved singing and dancing.
Savannah was mesmerized by playing the guitar throughout the show. She now has her own guitar, so I loved how this show motivated her to keep practicing.
The Carolina Opry is a kid-friendly attraction in Myrtle Beach.
13. Splash at Myrtle Waves Water Park
Myrtle Waves Water Park in Myrtle Beach is the largest water park in South Carolina and an ideal destination for families looking to beat the heat and have a splash of fun.
With more than 30 water slides and attractions and 1.2 million gallons of water, it’s a must-see attraction for families and thrill-seekers alike.
The park has something for everyone, from the exciting Riptide Rockets and Thunderbolt Speed Slides to the more relaxing Lazy River and Ocean in Motion Wave Pool.
There are also food stalls and vendors throughout the park where visitors can grab a quick meal or a refreshing drink.
14. Ride the rollercoasters at Family Kingdom amusement park
Family Kingdom Entertainment Park It has more than 37 exciting rides and a wide range of attractions, from classics like bumper cars and the Ferris wheel to more exciting rides like rollercoasters.
There are also plenty of rides designed specifically for younger children, making it an ideal destination for families with children of all ages.
15. Sail on Blackbeard’s Pirate Cruise
For more unique things to do in Myrtle Beach with kids, consider riding it Blackbeard’s Pirate Voyage.
This exciting and interactive adventure gives the whole family the opportunity to travel back in time and experience the excitement of the high seas.
The cruise takes place on a replica pirate ship, with a crew of swashbuckling pirates and plenty of pirate-themed activities.
During the cruise, passengers can participate in a variety of games and activities, such as water gun fights and treasure hunts.
There are also pirate-themed shows and performances, complete with music, dancing and lots of laughter.
And if you want to continue the pirate theme, head to Captain Hook’s Adventure Golf afterward and visit the miniature golf course.
16. Enjoy a medieval dinner
If you need fun things to do in Myrtle Beach with kids at night, take them along to have fun Medieval dinner.
It is an immersive and unforgettable evening, where the whole family can witness the grandeur of a medieval banquet.
Dinner takes place in a castle-like setting and features a four-course meal served by costumed servers.
The highlight of the dinner is the tournament featuring knights in shining armor competing in jousting matches, sword fights and other medieval games of skill.
It is an exciting and entertaining spectacle that will keep visitors on the edge of their seats.
17. Hit the Go-Kart tracks at Broadway Grand Prix
Broadway Grand Prix It has some exciting go-kart tracks, mini golf courses, and arcade games, making it a place that the whole family can enjoy.
The highlight of the park are the seven kart tracks, featuring twists, turns and high-speed thrills that are sure to get your heart racing. Other attractions include an 18-hole mini golf course, bumper boats, a climbing wall, and an arcade featuring a variety of games.
Visiting the Broadway Grand Prix is an opportunity to let loose, have fun, and create unforgettable memories with your loved ones.
Places to eat in Myrtle Beach with kids
When traveling with kids, it can always be difficult to find places to eat! Here are some of the places we loved when we visited!
Indulge in local seafood at Wicked Tuna, Murrells Inlet
We had a delicious seafood dinner in a little luxury Evil tuna Which is on Marsh Walk.
Since Murrells Inlet is known as the seafood capital of South Carolina, it was the perfect choice for dinner.
The seafood at this restaurant is straight from the hook to the table. They have seven boats going out every day to bring back the best local catch.
Craig, Calera, and I couldn’t get enough of the mussels in a bacon tomato broth, and our grilled seafood platter was delicious, especially the tender sea scallops and sweet and flaky local triggerfish.
Eat award-winning red velvet waffles from Johnny D’s Waffles and Bakery
Are you ready for some of the best pies in America?
According to the Food Network, red velvet pancakes are in johnny d It is ranked among the best and ideal in the country for your family activities in Myrtle Beach.
Chef and owner Jamie Saunders creates innovative dishes like these and her signature bacon eggs.
She is also an active supporter of the Champion Autism Network and trains its staff to meet the needs of families for those with children on the autism spectrum.
Good news for gluten-free pancake lovers – if you’re looking for pLaces to go in Myrtle Beach There are gluten-free banana and strawberry hotcakes.
Get cheap and delicious burgers at River City Cafe
River City Cafe is a chain of cafes in Myrtle Beach, each one of which is a cozy place to grab a wide variety of burgers.
I like the colorful outdoor seating area at the location we visited on 21st Avenue North. There are a few of them around the Myrtle Beach area.
Eating here is quick, easy and affordable.
Croissant bakery and bistro
For a French-inspired breakfast, head to Croissant bakery and bistro.
Some of the signature breakfast menu items include pancakes, eggs Benedict, or banana French toast.
Chef and owner Heidi Vukov is committed to preparing and serving the freshest local vegetables, fruits, seafood and meats. We appreciate the friendly service here too.
Make sure to take some macarons home with you when you go. It’s really delicious!
Where to stay in Myrtle Beach
We loved ours Island Vista Resort Home in North Myrtle Beach for our three night stay.
It’s just a few miles north of Myrtle’s main beach, and it’s the only hotel about a mile in both directions that makes it feel like a secluded slice of paradise.
It is located on the beachfront and has an indoor and outdoor pool (heated in the cooler months) and spas, including a lazy river, waterfall and children’s splash area.
The sunrise view from our balcony was amazing!
We loved the apartment style suites. We had plenty of space and our own space.
There were two bedrooms, a living room, a large kitchen, and a balcony overlooking the ocean.
The Cypress Room has an affordable à la carte breakfast menu, happy hour drinks every afternoon from 4-6pm, and bar snacks (great wings!)
There is also a poolside bar for drinks and snacks.
There are plenty of things to do in the North Myrtle Beach area, including the Go Ape Zip Line and Adventure Trail, but we chose to relax at the resort and enjoy the beach.
Watch the Myrtle Beach video with kids
See the beauty of Myrtle Beach in our video. Subscribe to our YouTube channel for more family travel videos:
Final thoughts on things to do in Myrtle Beach with kids
It won’t take long to feel the stresses of everyday life leaving you when you visit Myrtle Beach.
All you’re left with is peace, easy breathing, and connection to nature and the present moment.
This deepens for the rest of our trip as we get back into nature, kayaking, walking and climbing trees.
While I could have stayed in that pool chair for our three days in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, I think you and I both know that this is a family vacation that might end up feeling monotonous and monotonous.
A beach vacation needs a healthy balance between relaxation and adventure to be truly unforgettable.
And that’s what Myrtle Beach gave us.
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Do you have any tips on the top things to do in Myrtle Beach SC? What do you think are some of the best attractions in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina? Please comment below