15 Fun Things to Do in Myrtle Beach with Kids

Searching for a family-friendly destination to have some fun in the sun with your kids? Look no further than Myrtle Beach in South Carolina. This vibrant beach getaway has it all: plenty of sandy Atlantic coastline with warm ocean waters, a vibrant boardwalk, epic attractions, and beautiful parks. 

Myrtle Beach sees millions of visitors a year, and for good reason. There’s so much to see, do, and experience in this South Carolina city, especially for families. You can set the tempo – a relaxing, luxurious pace or a fast-paced adventure. Adults and kids of all ages will have a blast, so read on to learn about 15 fun things to do in Myrtle Beach With Kids.

Set sail in a pirate ship. 

If your kids are interested in the world of pirates, they have a chance to be buccaneers on Blackbeard’s Pirate Cruise. Your family can set sail in a pirate ship along the Intercoastal Waterway, where sword fights ensue and water cannons fire.

Your kids can get temporary tattoos, sing fun sea shanties, and receive their very own buried treasure. The relaxing coastal scenery enhances this fun experience.

Wander a botanical garden. 

Myrtle Beach itself is a great spot for entertainment along the sand, but there are plenty of other beautiful parks and attractions nearby.

For one of the most beautifully curated landscapes in the area, visit Brookgreen Gardens, a lush, stunning wildlife preserve packed with captivating things to admire. 

A ticket gives you access to the expansive grounds, where you can admire ancient oaks and Spanish moss, colorful flowers, and American sculptures. There are also opportunities to learn more about Lowcountry ecology and spot creatures like alligators. 

Have a blast on Broadway at the Beach.

Perhaps the most popular attraction in Myrtle is Broadway at the Beach. This massive entertainment complex along the ocean has hundreds of restaurants, arcades, themed attractions, and performances to choose from. 

Your kids can find their way through a mirror maze, take a ride on a jet boat, or explore the otherworldly WonderWorks science museum.

There are also playgrounds and theaters to sit back and rest for a couple of hours. Because of this, it’s hands-down one of the best things to do in Myrtle Beach with kids.

Ride up into the sky.

There’s one unforgettable thing that dominates the Myrtle Beach skyline: the SkyWheel. This amazing ride will take you 200 feet in the air in a gondola, offering spectacular views of the city and ocean.

For an even more magical moment, ride the SkyWheel at night when the wheel is lit up with changing colors. Tickets to ride cost $14 for those 12 and older and $9 for those ages 9-11. 

Unwind in a scenic state park.

The amusement and bustling excitement of Myrtle Beach’s boardwalk is a great time, but it can also leave you feeling burnt out after a while. Is your family needing a rejuvenating day off from all the games to reconnect with nature? Visit nearby Huntington Beach State Park. 

There’s so much to do and explore here, from kayaking off its beachfront to spotting sea turtles and alligators in its wetlands. Go birdwatching on the Sandpiper Pond nature trail’s observation deck, or visit the mysterious Atalaya Castle. 

Win prizes at an arcade.

What is an epic boardwalk experience without hitting a few classic arcades? Luckily, Myrtle Beach is chock-full of them.

Play vintage games like Pac-Man in the open-air arcade at Fun Plaza, or try your hand at Skee Ball or Whack-a-Mole in the Boardwalk Arcade. See how many tickets you can collect to win some fun little prizes.

Make sand castles on the beach.

Spending some time on the beach itself is a necessity of a Myrtle Beach vacation. If the weather isn’t sweltering, you can lounge in the sand and read books or play a game of catch. And if your kids need to cool off, they can try boogie boarding or just dipping in South Carolina’s warm Atlantic waters. 

If you want to be within easy access of all the city’s main boardwalk attractions, there’s no better stretch of beach than Central Myrtle Beach. To escape a little bit of the crowds with proximity to a historic downtown, head for North Myrtle Beach for quieter sands. 

Enter the Fun Warehouse.

If you’re looking for a place jam-packed with games, fun rides, and unique virtual experiences, look no further than Fun Warehouse.

This amusement center has an arcade, laser tag, roller skating, go-karts, and even a virtual reality experience. The glowing lights, fun music, and yummy food make for an unforgettable day of fun.

See vintage pinball machines.

Do your kids geek out on arcade games and pinball machines (or maybe you do!)? If so, you’re going to want to visit the Myrtle Beach Pinball Museum.

In this epic museum, you’ll be able to admire 25 retro pinball machines, and you also get to play them! Entry to the museum is $12 and gives you access to games like Jurassic Park, Indiana Jones, and Star Wars.

Play a friendly game of mini golf. 

Myrtle Beach is the epicenter of miniature golfing. Kids and adults alike can enjoy a friendly game of mini golf at any kind of themed course your heart desires – there are over 50 of them!

Enjoy the silly octopus and dinosaurs at Adventure Falls Golf, or play a round beneath the shadow of a towering Mayan pyramid at Cancun Lagoon Miniature Golf. 

Have fun at an amusement park.

There’s nothing like a good old-fashioned summer vacation with a day spent at the amusement park! Your kids will have a blast at Family Kingdom. There are over 35 amusement rides to choose from, like thrilling roller coasters, a Ferris wheel, bumper cars, and more.

You can also enjoy carnival games, food, and face painting. Check to see what events and shows are taking place during your visit; the park hosts plenty of concerts, sing-alongs, and entertainers designed for kids.

See cool creatures at the aquarium.

Want to explore a magical underwater world? You’ll have the chance at Ripley’s Aquarium. Located at Broadway at the beach, visitors can view a wide range of marine life, like penguins, jellyfish, tropical fish, and sharks!

There are also educational exhibits and presentations where your kids can get up close to oceanic creatures and learn more about marine biology.

Shop and dine on the waterfront.

For a little break from the high-energy adventures of Myrtle, head for Barefoot Landing. This beautifully-curated entertainment village centered around a lake is a great place for shopping and eating lunch or dinner.

Grab a bite to eat at Landshark Grille, then hop over to the in-house movie theater for a new release. 

Have dinner with a live show.

Myrtle Beach is the place to be for a uniquely themed dinner with live entertainment. Two of the most popular in town are Pirates Voyage and Medieval Times.

You can dine on medieval-themed cuisine while watching a costumed jousting tournament or enjoy a four-course meal while watching an action-packed show of pirate battles. 

Cool off at the water park. 

Would your kids choose a fun-filled water park over a swim in the salty ocean? Take them to play at Myrtle Waves Water Park.

As the biggest waterpark in the state, this lively spot has over a dozen water slides, little kids play areas, tubing, and more. You can even just wade in the large, warm pools. 

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