Myrtle Beach, South Carolina is all about fun in the sun. From the beach and boardwalk to the SkyWheel and mini-golf, family activities in Myrtle Beach can be found everywhere you look. There are waterparks, trampoline parks, live entertainment, state parks to explore, and more. Whether you spend a weekend or a week, you can pack your family vacation with as many activities as you want – just don’t forget to relax too!
I’ve rounded up the top things to do in Myrtle Beach for families, with activities appropriate for all ages. No matter the ages, from 2 to 22, and no matter how long you stay, Myrtle Beach with kids will create memories that last a lifetime.
Search for shark teeth at the beach
Visiting the beach is obviously a must when visiting Myrtle Beach with kids (or anyone!). Besides splashing in the waves and building sandcastles there’s one more thing you should try – searching for shark teeth! Look near the shell beds as the high tide comes in for the highest likelihood of finding them and keep an eye out for black and shiny. Since they are fossilized by the time they roll up on shore, they’ll be black instead of white as you may expect.
Explore the outdoors at Huntington Beach State Park
Whether you want to go swimming, fishing, boating, hiking, or bird-watching, Huntington Beach State Park is the perfect place to spend a morning or afternoon. There are hiking trails for all levels, ranging from the easy, 0.1 mile boardwalk over the saltwater marsh to the 2-mile Sandpiper Pond Nature Trail that takes you on a loop through the forest to one of the best-preserved beaches in the area. There is plenty of beach to enjoy as well, with lifeguards posted at certain spots.
Play a round or two (or three) of mini golf
Myrtle Beach has an abundance of mini golf courses, most located right on the Grand Strand. Many of them have themes to make golfing even more fun, from dinosaurs to Captain Hook, jungles to shipwrecks. You can even buy a family pass for entrance to four different courses – perfect if you’ll be spending a longer vacation at the beach.
Explore the Boardwalk and Promenade
After a day at the beach, stroll along the 1.2 mile boardwalk that runs from 14th Avenue to 2nd Avenue Piers. You’ll find the expected restaurants and shops but during the summer months, you’ll find nightly entertainment and activities as well. From Plyler Park to 8th Avenue North you’ll discover an almost carnival-like atmosphere, which is perfect for the kids.
Jump around at a trampoline park
If you happen across a rainy day on your trip – it happens! – there are still plenty of ways to have family fun in Myrtle Beach. One of the most fun may be heading to one of the indoor trampoline parks, which often have not only trampolines for jumping around but other attractions like climbing walls, aerial silks, foam pits, and more. The two biggest and most well-known trampoline parks in the area are Rockin’ Jump and Big Air.
Enjoy a meal fit for royalty at Medieval Times
Enter the castle of Her Majesty Doña Maria Isabella and watch as the knights battle for the title of Defender of the Throne, while enjoying a four-course feast. The show also includes a stunning performance by agile Andalusian horses and a falcon may even make an appearance. Be sure to buy tickets in advance and arrive early to explore the castle. The show is appropriate for all ages.
Get lost in the Maze of Mirrors
Another of the most popular indoor Myrtle Beach activities for kids is the Maze of Mirrors, located on the lower level of the Hollywood Wax Museum Entertainment Center. In this interactive exhibit with over 288 potential turns, visitors try to find The Chosen One – the one who can free Princess Hannah from the maze.
Travel under the sea at Ripley’s Aquarium
If you’re traveling with curious kids who want to know more about the ocean and the animals and fish that live there, head to Ripley’s Aquarium. The Dangerous Reef exhibit is filled with thousands of fish and also gives you the opportunity to get up close and personal with several types of sharks. You can also check out the Penguin Playhouse and get to know the colony as each penguin has a unique history and personality! There are also options to add-on other experiences, like swimming with the stingrays and personally meeting the penguins. You can even have a sleepover at the aquarium!
Enjoy a friendly family race at Broadway Grand Prix
If you’re feeling a little adventurous on your family vacation to Myrtle Beach then head over to Broadway Grand Prix. Race around any of their seven Go-Kart courses, each one of a varying level. Kids need to be just 40” tall to drive on the easiest course while they can enjoy the passenger seat on the bigger courses.
Take in the view from the SkyWheel
A Myrtle Beach icon, the SkyWheel features enclosed gondolas that allow you to see for miles when you reach the top. Try to time your visit with the sunset for the most incredible views or wake up early to catch their new Sunrise Experience. The gondolas are safe for all ages and fully accessible for wheelchairs and scooters, making this a great activity for the whole family.
Splash around at a water park
If you need a break from the beach but still want to play in the water, head to one of the many water parks like Myrtle Waves or Splashes Oceanfront Water Park. With slides for all comfort levels and designed kid areas, both parks are perfect for family fun in the sun.
Meet the native animals at the Brookgreen Gardens Zoo
While not as big as some of the other East Coast zoos, the Lowcountry Zoo at Brookgreen Gardens is still worth a visit. Their emphasis is on animals local to the area, including alligators, foxes, otters, owls, and hawks. Wild animals may also be found on the property so watch your step! When you’re done at the zoo, take a stroll through the gardens as well!
Enjoy the entertainment at Broadway on the Beach
Broadway on the Beach is one of the top attractions in Myrtle Beach, mostly because it’s comprised of many other attractions. Here you’ll find all the entertainment you can imagine, from Hard Rock Cafe to escape games to Broadway theater. There is always some sort of show or performance happening so if you’re not sure what to do one day, head to Broadway and you’re guaranteed to find something for the family.
Remember to relax and enjoy
As you plan your family vacation itinerary, don’t forget to add in some time to relax. As exciting and fun as all of the activities are, sometimes the best moments are unplanned. Leave some parts of your itinerary flexible and kick back and relax. Renting an umbrella and beach chair while the kids build a sandcastle may just be the best activity of your trip and the Huntington Beach State Park has plenty of places to relax too.
