Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, is a beloved family vacation destination known for its beautiful beaches, exciting attractions, and endless entertainment options. With its perfect blend of natural beauty and artificial wonders, this coastal city offers something for everyone in the family.
Explore 22 family-friendly activities that will make your Myrtle Beach vacation unforgettable. The city’s 60-mile stretch of sandy beaches provides endless opportunities for relaxation and play.
Families can spend mornings building sandcastles, afternoons exploring attractions, and evenings strolling along the boardwalk or enjoying dinner shows. One of Myrtle Beach’s significant advantages is its variety of activities.
Whether your family enjoys outdoor adventures, educational experiences, or thrilling amusements, you’ll find plenty of options to entertain everyone. The city caters to families with children of all ages, from toddlers to teenagers.
Water activities are a significant draw in Myrtle Beach. Beyond the ocean itself, families can enjoy water parks, jet skiing, and boat tours. These activities provide fun and excitement and offer learning opportunities about marine life and coastal ecosystems.
Attractions like Brookgreen Gardens and Alligator Adventure offer unique experiences to families interested in nature and wildlife. These venues combine entertainment with education, engaging children to learn about different species and ecosystems.
Spend a Day at the Beach
The pristine beaches of Myrtle Beach are the star attraction. Families can build sandcastles, swim in the warm Atlantic waters, or relax under an umbrella. The soft sand and gentle waves create a perfect playground for children of all ages.
Stroll Along the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk
The 1.2-mile Myrtle Beach Boardwalk offers a quintessential beach town experience. Families can enjoy street performers, ice cream shops, and souvenir stores. The boardwalk also provides stunning ocean views and access to several attractions.
Ride the SkyWheel
Take a ride on the SkyWheel for a bird’s-eye view of Myrtle Beach. This 187-foot-tall Ferris wheel features climate-controlled gondolas, ensuring comfort for the whole family. The breathtaking views of the coastline and city skyline are unforgettable.
Explore Ripley’s Aquarium
Ripley’s Aquarium brings the wonders of the ocean to life. Kids can touch stingrays, watch mermaids swim, and walk through a tunnel surrounded by sharks. The Aquarium’s interactive exhibits make learning about marine life fun and engaging.
Visit Broadway at the Beach
This massive entertainment complex offers shopping, dining, and attractions all in one place. Families can enjoy attractions like WonderWorks, Ripley’s Believe It or Not!, and the Hollywood Wax Museum. The complex also features a large lake with paddleboat rentals.
Enjoy Mini-Golf
Myrtle Beach is known as the “Mini-Golf Capital of the World.” WFamilies can navigate pirate ships, jungles, and even volcanoes. With dozens of themed courses, it’s a fun way to spend an evening after a day at the beach.
Attend a Pirate’s Voyage Dinner Show
This swashbuckling dinner show combines acrobatics, animal tricks, and special effects with a hearty meal. Kids will be thrilled by the pirate-themed adventure, while adults can appreciate the impressive stunts and performances.
Explore Brookgreen Gardens
For a change of pace, visit Brookgreen Gardens. This beautiful sculpture garden and wildlife preserve offers a peaceful retreat from the bustle of the beach. Kids can enjoy the Lowcountry Zoo and the enchanting Children’s Garden.
Visit Family Kingdom Amusement Park
This oceanfront amusement park offers rides for all ages, from thrilling roller coasters to gentle carousels. The park provides beautiful views of the Atlantic, and the adjacent water park offers a refreshing way to cool off.
Go Jet Skiing
Jet skiing is an exciting way for families with older children to experience the ocean. Several companies offer jet ski rentals and guided tours along the coast. It’s a thrilling adventure that provides a unique perspective of Myrtle Beach.
Visit Alligator Adventure
Known as the “Reptile Capital of the World,” Alligator Adventure houses hundreds of alligators, crocodiles, and other reptiles. Live shows and feeding demonstrations provide educational entertainment for the whole family.
Take a Dolphin Watching Cruise
Embark on a dolphin-watching cruise to see these playful marine mammals in their natural habitat. Many tours also offer beautiful views of the coastline and educational information about local marine life.
Enjoy Water Parks
Myrtle Beach offers several water parks for families to beat the heat. Myrtle Waves Water Park and Wild Water & Wheels feature exciting water slides, lazy rivers, and splash areas for younger children.
Go Fishing
Fishing is popular in Myrtle Beach, whether from the pier, the beach, or on a chartered boat. Many piers offer rod rentals, making it easy for families to try their hand at catching local fish.
Visit the Children’s Museum of South Carolina
This interactive museum offers hands-on exhibits that make learning fun. Kids can explore science, art, and culture through play, fostering creativity and curiosity.
Enjoy Go-Kart Racing
For a dose of family-friendly competition, try go-kart racing. Several tracks in Myrtle Beach offer karts for different age groups, ensuring everyone can enjoy the fun.
Take a Banana Boat Ride
For a unique water experience, try a banana boat ride. These inflatable boats, towed behind a speedboat, offer a thrilling ride across the waves. It’s a fun activity that the whole family can enjoy together.
Visit the Myrtle Beach State Park
This beautiful state park offers a quieter beach experience, nature trails, and a fishing pier. Families can enjoy picnicking, hiking, and learning about local ecosystems at the park’s nature center.
Explore the Hollywood Wax Museum
At the Hollywood Wax Museum, you can meet lifelike wax figures of celebrities and historical figures. Taking unique family photos and learning fascinating facts about famous personalities is fun.
Enjoy a Sunset Cruise
End a perfect day with a relaxing sunset cruise. Many companies offer evening boat trips that provide stunning views of the sun setting over the ocean. It’s a peaceful way to wind down and enjoy family time.
Visit the Fun Plaza Arcade
Step back in time at this classic arcade on the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk. It offers fun for all ages with vintage and modern games. Try your hand at skeeball or compete in a friendly air hockey game.
Attend the Carolina Opry
For families who enjoy music and variety shows, the Carolina Opry offers a high-energy performance featuring music, comedy, and dance. It’s a dazzling show that appeals to all ages.
Conclusion
Rainy days are no problem in Myrtle Beach, with numerous indoor attractions available. From the Children’s Museum to Ripley’s Aquarium, there are plenty of ways to keep the family entertained regardless of the weather.
The city’s dining scene caters well to families, with many restaurants offering kid-friendly menus and casual atmospheres. From seafood shacks to themed restaurants, there’s something to satisfy every palate.
Evening entertainment options are plentiful in Myrtle Beach. Families can choose from mini-golf courses, arcade games, or live shows. The variety ensures that every night of your vacation can offer a different experience.
While Myrtle Beach is known for its tourist attractions, it provides opportunities for quieter, more natural experiences. The state park and nature preserves allow families to leave the bustling beach scene and enjoy South Carolina’s natural beauty.
Accommodation options in Myrtle Beach are diverse, ranging from large resorts with multiple pools and on-site entertainment to quieter condo rentals perfect for families seeking a more low-key experience.
Many accommodations are located right on the beach, providing easy access to the sand and surf. In conclusion, Myrtle Beach offers many family-friendly activities catering to various interests and age groups. The city provides the perfect backdrop for creating lasting family memories, from beautiful beaches to exciting attractions.