9 of the best family-friendly ways to explore Myrtle Beach

Along South Carolina’s Grand Strand, Myrtle Beach is the centerpiece of a 60-mile stretch of coastline that has become synonymous with summer—salt air, neon arcades, and the hum of roller coasters just beyond the dunes. But for families, these veritable coastal classics offer something more layered: a place where nature, nostalgia, and newer attractions collide. From quiet marshlands to high-energy boardwalks, Myrtle Beach rewards visitors with sun-soaked downtime and curated adventure.

Myrtle Beach isn’t just a place—it’s a tradition in motion. Parents return to the same boardwalk arcades they walked as kids, but now, they trail their own children past arcades and ice cream counters.

Here are nine fun ways families with children can explore Myrtle Beach.

1. Walk the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk & Promenade

Stretching for over a mile along the Atlantic, from the Second Avenue Pier to the 14th Avenue North, Myrtle Beach Boardwalk and Promenade is consistently ranked among the top in the U.S. The beachfront walkway boasts several attractions, restaurants, and shopping options. 

The Myrtle Beach SkyWheel—rising nearly 200 feet above the coastline—gives riders the true scale of the beach—miles of sand, rows of hotels, and the horizon always in sight. Enclosed gondolas make it accessible for younger kids, while sunrise or sunset rides turn the experience into something memorable.  

An adult ticket starts at $19.99, a kid’s ticket from three to 11 starts at $15.99, and children under three ride for free.

2. Spend a full day at Myrtle Waves Water Park

When the humidity peaks, locals know where to go. Myrtle Waves—South Carolina’s largest water park—packs in more than 30 rides, from high-speed slides to a sprawling wave pool and lazy river.

For families, it’s an easy win: younger kids stick to splash zones like Bubble Bay, while older ones chase adrenaline on steep drop slides, such as the Super Chute, a 20-foot tube with a four-foot vertical drop. The park opens around Memorial Day weekend and closes for the season in early September. 

General admission tickets start at $46.99 for patrons over 48 inches tall, $36.99 under 48 inches tall, and free for children under two.

3. Explore marine life at Ripley’s Aquarium of Myrtle Beach

Rainy day? Too much sun? This is your reset button. Ripley’s Aquarium brings the ocean indoors with immersive exhibits—watch sharks glide overhead in a glass tunnel, touch stingrays at Touch a Ray Bay, experience a close encounter with penguins at the Penguin Playhouse, and ride in a glass-bottom boat to view the marine life, including sea turtles, below. 

Younger kids can participate in the “Breakfast with a Mermaid” program, which offers a hot buffet breakfast, a meet-n-greet with a mermaid, a storytime/dance party, a souvenir photo, and a themed gift.  Older kids get a chance to see the region’s marine ecosystems up close. Admission and ticket prices vary depending on what activities you decide to choose.

4. Get nostalgic at Family Kingdom Amusement Park

There’s something timeless about Family Kingdom. Set just off the ocean, it feels like a throwback to classic American beach towns—wooden coasters, flashing lights, and the smell of fried dough in the air.

The park’s signature ride, the Swamp Fox, has been thrilling roller coaster fans since 1966, reaching speeds of about 50 miles per hour on its wooden track. Family Kingdom is not a big amusement park—only about 13 acres—but that’s part of its charm.

An all-day unlimited ride wristband for adults and children is $45, and $30 if families purchase wristbands at the park during the first hour of operation.  

5. Wander and play at Broadway at the Beach

If Myrtle Beach has a central hub, this is it. Built around a lake, Broadway at the Beach blends attractions, restaurants, and shops into a walkable playground for families.

Kids gravitate toward mini-golf, arcade spaces, and quirky attractions like the nearby Hollywood Wax Museum, known for its celebrity replicas and playful exhibits. For those looking for a few more thrills, the Beach Rider Jet Boat takes families on a five-minute, fast-paced ride, while the Broadway Grand Prix features seven go-kart tracks, six kids’ rides, and more.

With dozens of dining options, families can spend the day at Broadway at the Beach. The Hard Rock Café, Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville, The Hangout, and The Grumpy Monk (a local icon) are all places that families can refuel before their next adventure. Save room for dessert with a stop at The Fudgery and Insomnia Cookies.  

6. Catch a show at Pirates Voyage Dinner and Show

The Pirates Voyage Dinner and Show is where dinner and entertainment collide. Owned by Dolly Parton, this high-energy show combines acrobatics, storytelling, and a full pirate spectacle—complete with a massive indoor lagoon and aerial stunts. For families, it’s part theater, part theme park—and a welcome break from the sun. Visit the website for ticket info.

7. Go to the beach, but be strategic

It may sound obvious, but the beach itself is still Myrtle Beach’s greatest asset. The Grand Strand stretches more than 60 miles along South Carolina’s Atlantic Coast. Timing and location are important factors when planning family beach time. 

Early mornings and late afternoons offer cooler temperatures and fewer crowds. Head to nearby state parks, like Myrtle Beach State Park, to go camping; visit quieter stretches of sand, like Garden City Beach, for a more relaxed experience; or stay central if your crew thrives on activity—parasailing, banana boats, and sandcastle competitions included.

8. Experience classic fun in Myrtle Beach

Myrtle Beach leans into its identity as a family playground. That means mini golf courses at every turn, like Mt. Atlanticus Minotaur Golf with breathtaking views 75-feet high, old-school arcades, and unexpected finds—from glow-in-the-dark attractions to playgrounds tucked into neighborhoods. It’s great family fun for all ages.  

9. Step into nature at Brookgreen Gardens

Just south of Myrtle Beach, Brookgreen Gardens offers a quieter counterpoint to the Grand Strand. Founded in 1931 by Archer Milton Huntington and Anna Hyatt Huntington, Brookgreen Gardens transformed former rice plantations into a National Historic Landmark that features more than 2,000 sculptures, making it the largest collection of American figurative sculpture in the U.S. 

Spread across more than 9,100 acres, Brookgreen Gardens has botanical gardens, outdoor sculptures, a Butterfly House, an Enchanted Storybook Forest, a wildlife preserve, and a Lowcountry Zoo with playful river otters and endangered red wolves. 

While here, families can take a guided tour to explore its art, history, and nature, like the Brookgreen 101 electric vehicle tour, the Silent Cities Cemetery Tour, and the Creek Excursion boat ride, where visitors can see wild alligators, ospreys, and remnants of the 19th-century rice plantation. 

General admission tickets are $25 for adults, $23 for seniors, $14 for ages four to 12, and free for children under four.

Planning your family trip

Myrtle Beach works best when you balance its dual personality: high-energy entertainment and calm coastline. Plan a few anchor experiences—like the aquarium or a dinner show—but allow time to explore the beach town on your own.

The summer season ushers in a full lineup of events and activities, including Carolina Country Music Fest, Hot Summer Nights boardwalk concerts, and weekly fireworks. The spring and fall offer milder weather and fewer crowds. Either way, a little structure, a little spontaneity, and plenty of time by the water will help maximize your vacation time in Myrtle Beach.