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Myrtle Beach is one of the best southern east coast beaches for families because numerous exciting attractions saturate the city. You don’t have to spend the entire day in the water or on the sand, because museums, parks, fun rides and other adventures await. Expect to have more to do than could ever be accomplished in a one week vacation, and no longer fear those rainy days. In Myrtle Beach, there is plenty to do with kids!
Broadway at the Beach
No, this isn’t just a theater where big productions are on display, although you will find live entertainment here. Broadway at the Beach is a little village of shops and restaurants, including a central lake where everyone can feed fish. Grab a burger at the Hard Rock Cafe, zip line across the water, enjoy a mesmerizing live show—this is way more than a specialty shopping area. Shops go beyond the typical tourist stops with jerky, magic and candy stores, in addition to a winery, and the hilarious novelty Stupid Store. Events take place all year long, like extensive trick or treat festivities, so it’s a pretty great venue.
Hollywood Wax Museum
A golden Oscar and King Kong climbing a giant tower greets guests from the exterior, and when you enter the wax museum, you’ll be overwhelmed by a list of celebrities relevant to all ages. Justin Bieber, The Rock, Elvis and Lucille Ball all appear shockingly lifelike in their wax form. The best part, the family gets to dress up in costumes and pose with the figures in fun scenes! It may be quirky but it sure is fun.
Myrtle Beach Pinball Museum
How fun would it be to introduce the kiddos to games from back in the day? Pinball was an essential part of childhood from the 70s and well beyond. For just $12, not only can your kids see some awesome retro machines, but they can play unlimited games—no quarters needed. It’s one of the more affordable attractions and certainly an awesome way to recover from a ferocious sunburn.
Myrtle Beach State Park
If you’re looking for a way to simply enjoy the outdoor pleasures of Myrtle Beach, the state park is it. Stroll out onto the lengthy fishing pier to reel in a few, or to just take in the panoramic views of the Atlantic. Bring a sack lunch to later snack on at the picnic tables, or just stretch out on the pristine beaches.
Myrtle Beach Skywheel
Much like the one in Atlanta, the Myrtle Beach Skywheel towers over the sand and water, for some pretty incredible views. Kids won’t be too scared on this polished version of the open Ferris wheels we are more familiar with because the gondolas are completely enclosed and even climate controlled.
Ripley’s Haunted Adventure
While there’s a regular Ripley’s museum in Myrtle Beach too, the haunted adventure ranks higher. Basically, you’ll weave your way through a maze-like course and zap not-too-intimidating zombies with your laser blaster. So it’s like laser tag meets a Halloween attraction, which is pretty cool.
Ripley’s Aquarium
That brings us to our next list item, which can be bundled with the above for a discounted price. Ripley’s Aquarium isn’t just any ordinary aquarium, it focuses on poisonous predators via recreated mock habitats. But there are plenty of real sea creatures to marvel at as well, such as countless colorful tropical fish, and massive sharks that swim over a tunnel that visitors traverse through.
I Love Sugar
As far as kids go, you can’t go wrong with a giant candy store loaded with huge lollipops, walls of jelly beans, monstrous gummy bears and a sweet selection that will overwhelm the taste buds. Just think about the aftermath first, then decide if you want to go for it. I Love Sugar would bring tears of joy to Willy Wonka’s eyes, as there’s almost every candy imaginable lining the shelves.
Savannah’s Playground
Here’s a freebie for a break on the wallet—Savannah Playground is an expansive structure that suites special needs, in addition to having the classic features kids love. Slides, a musical instrument area, mini zip lines and tons of things to climb on are situated under several shaded canopies. Overall, the play space is highly interactive, and the wheelchair accessible fun makes it that much more awesome.
Stay at a Waterpark Hotel
Myrtle Beach actually has a list of hotels with mini water parks! Stay at the Crown Reef Beach Resort and Water Park for an indoor pool space that pairs well with its outdoor water slides and a lazy river right on the beach! Dunes Village Resort has a completely indoor waterpark with slides and splash pools, so you can retreat from the sun for bit. As if kids didn’t get excited enough about a basic pool, they’ll totally flip out when they see a waterpark at their hotel.
