Visiting my family in Myrtle Beach is one of the highlights of my year. There’s just something about this coastal town that blends sunshine, seaside charm, and non-stop entertainment so perfectly. Whether you’re here for the beach, the bargains, or the bucket-list adventures, Myrtle Beach never disappoints.
Here’s a look at some of our favorite things to do in and around Myrtle Beach – family tested and highly recommended!
Table of Contents: Myrtle Beach with Kids
Slides at Myrtle Waves
The first thing the girls are eager to do is visit Myrtle Waves Water Park, South Carolina’s largest water park. It has 22 slides and my favourite is the lazy river, but the girls love the toilet bowl and other thrilling slides. Groupon has an offer for US$25 for the day, and the park offers a Friday night special of three hours for usd 20
Alligator Adventure: Meet the Reptiles
A must-see for animal lovers is Alligator Adventure. You’ll find everything from alligators to turtles, birds, bob cats, iguanas, ostriches and massive snakes. The main attraction is the alligators of which they have many, from albino ones to Bob, the tailess alligator. The largest alligators are kept separate from the baby ones as alligators are carnivores. Yes alligators eat their young when hungry enough!
Very impressive is the huge green anaconda, since the green and black mambas had to be removed—the attendant there told me they are gone because the mambas refused to go in their boxes when it was time to clean their enclosure! We loved the snake enclosure even more this time because it was super hot outside, and the enclosure is air-conditioned.
Still, the experience is unforgettable and exciting for kids as they get to stroke a live baby alligator at one of the hourly shows. Watching attendants feed the big ancient predators as they jump out of the water for chunks of chicken is impressive for kids and adults alike.
Dolphin Cruises from Little River
One of the most exciting parts of our trip was heading out on a dolphin cruise from Little River. We went on the Sea Screamer, which offers thrilling boat rides with guaranteed dolphin sightings. If you don’t see any dolphins? They’ll take you out again for free! I would recommend doing this early on in your visit, just in case you need to go back out again.
Sea Screamer: Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday, Sunday | 10 AM – 1 PM
Sea Thunder: Typically departs at 4 PM (check ahead for exact times)
It’s a great mix of ocean adventure and wildlife spotting that the whole family can enjoy.
Shopping at Tanger Outlets
It wouldn’t be a proper holiday in the USA without a bit of retail therapy! We always make a stop at Tanger Outlets, which are packed with great deals. One of my go-to stores is Clarks, where I often find shoes at half the price I’d pay in London – and with a much bigger selection. Another favorite is Simply Southern, which offers cute, good-quality clothes at reasonable prices.
Of course, shopping with kids adds an extra twist – my daughter was trying on all my dresses at Simply Southern (many sizes too big!) until she discovered a fabulous toy shop right next door, Toysaurus. It was great until getting her to leave!
More Things to do in Myrtle Beach with Kids:
There’s always more to explore! Here are a few other highlights:
- Broadway at the Beach, a fun outdoor shopping mall with rides for kids, including a zip line and a place to feed fish.
- Gretel’s Candy House has so many fun candies and a Hansel and Gretel exterior, so what’s not to love?
- Pirates Voyage Dinner & Show – A swashbuckling dinner theatre experience with stunts, acrobatics, and pirate-themed fun. My daughter, my parents my niece, well absolutely everyone loved this show. The food is kind of average but it’s really worth it for the real live pirate antics.
- Hollywood Wax Museum – Get silly with life-sized celebrity figures—perfect for quirky photo ops.
- Sky Zone Trampoline Park – where the kids can do soft play all day for US$25.99. A good place to go on a rainy day.
- Spyglass mini golf was the best pirate-themed game we ever played. Kids love it and it teaches eye–hand coordination. In Myrtle Beach there are many to choose from, so it’s best to select a venue from the Myrtle Beach coupon book. The late afternoon and evening are the best times when the sun is setting.
Where we eat at Myrtle Beach with Kids
There’s so many nice places to eat out in Myrtle Beach it’s hard to pick just one place!
If you have younger kids with you, it’s a no-brainer: you must visit Dinoland Cafe. It is the best restaurant for keeping the kids in awe. “Real” dinosaurs walk around the restaurant every hour and lots of large automated ones move too. The whole theme is impressive.
The menu is expensive and food selection limited, but in reality, you are there for the dinosaur show and the kids’ entertainment. They currently have a promotion where, if you buy two adult meals, the kids get a dinosaur egg dessert for free.
For an older more sophisticated audience La Belle Amie Vineyard is a beautiful spot that hosts live music and wine tastings—and is a hot spot on summer evenings and the perfect way to unwind. It’s a great afternoon outing if you want a break from the beach and boardwalk crowds and it’s close to the centre of town.
When it comes to food, Mama Jean’s Home Cooking is a must. The name says it all – homestyle Southern dishes made with love. Think fried chicken, mac and cheese, cornbread, and collard greens. It’s cosy, welcoming, and delicious. It’s close to Belle Amie vineyard, so why not get a glass of wine there before dinner?
We went to the riverside to Crab Catchers restaurant for an amazing crab dinner and cocktails. We got enough crab for three people for only US$45. The outside deck and bar are beautiful, overlooking the river. Next door is the casino, which is on a cruise boat, where you can gamble and take a river tour. Children aren’t allowed, however, so you would need a babysitter for that night!
Sea Captain’s House is a well-known seafood restaurant right on the beach with decades of history and incredible views. We always get the table outside so we can enjoy the evening sea breeze while the kids run around on the dunes. My favourite venue for location and atmosphere.
These places are just the tip of the iceberg for places to eat out but we enjoyed them.
Where We Stay: Surfside Beach & Breakers Hotel
This trip, we stayed at my parents’ house, but in the past, I have stayed at a lovely oceanfront hotel in Surfside Beach, a quieter area just south of Myrtle Beach proper. It’s perfect if you want a bit more peace and space while still being close to the action.
In the heart of Myrtle Beach, Breakers Hotel is another favorite. It’s right on the beach and within walking distance of many attractions, making it a super convenient base for families. While it’s a bit old decor wise it was a bit more affordable when I was last looking to stay in the main Myrtle beach area.
Final Thoughts
Myrtle Beach is truly a destination that offers something for everyone – from kids to grandparents. Whether you’re soaking up the sun, cruising with dolphins, sipping local wine, or scoring shopping deals, every day brings something new and memorable. Even after several trips, we still haven’t managed to do everything. Next year, maybe we will do the upside-down house.
It’s always hard to say goodbye, but that just means we’ll be planning our next visit soon.
FAQs About Visiting Myrtle Beach with Kids
How do I get to Myrtle Beach?
By Air: Myrtle Beach International Airport (MYR) is the closest airport, with direct flights from many major US cities.
By Car: Myrtle Beach is accessible via major highways like US-17 and US-501, making it a convenient road trip destination.
By Bus: Greyhound and other bus services offer routes to Myrtle Beach.
What are the best family-friendly beaches in Myrtle Beach?
Myrtle Beach State Park: Offers calm waters, picnic areas, and nature trails.
Surfside Beach: Known as the “Family Beach,” it’s quieter and less crowded.
Cherry Grove Beach: Great for shell collecting and fishing.
Are there free or budget-friendly activities for kids?
The Myrtle Beach Boardwalk: Enjoy free entertainment, ocean views, and street performers.
Huntington Beach State Park: Not quite free, but very affordable entry with access to nature trails and wildlife.
Summer Fireworks Shows: Many locations, like Broadway at the Beach, host free fireworks displays.
What’s the best time of year to visit Myrtle Beach with kids?
5. What’s the best time of year to visit Myrtle Beach with kids?
Spring (March-May): Mild weather, fewer crowds, and blooming flowers.
Summer (June-August): Peak season with warm weather and plenty of kid-friendly events.
Fall (September-November): Cooler temperatures and less crowded beaches.
What are some rainy-day activities for kids in Myrtle Beach?
EdVenture Myrtle Beach: A hands-on children’s museum with interactive exhibits.
Hollywood Wax Museum: Fun photo ops with wax figures of celebrities.
Indoor Mini-Golf: Many courses, like Cancun Lagoon, offer indoor options.
Movie Theaters: Catch a family-friendly film at one of the local cinemas.
What are the best places to stay with kids in Myrtle Beach?
Oceanfront Resorts: Many offer kid-friendly amenities like pools, lazy rivers, and kids’ clubs.
Vacation Rentals: Great for families needing extra space and a kitchen.
Campgrounds: Myrtle Beach State Park and other campgrounds offer family-friendly camping options.
What safety tips should I keep in mind when visiting Myrtle Beach with kids?
Always keep an eye on kids near the water and follow lifeguard instructions.
Use sunscreen and stay hydrated, especially during summer.
Teach kids to recognize landmarks in case they get separated.
Check out our blog post about family safety when travelling.
What is the cheapest month to visit Myrtle Beach?
The cheapest month to visit Myrtle Beach is typically January. During this time, you can find lower hotel rates and fewer crowds, making it an affordable and peaceful getaway. While the weather may be cooler, there are still plenty of family-friendly indoor activities and attractions to enjoy!
If you’re planning a US road trip it would be a relatively easy route to also take in Washington DC. To find the perfect caption for your next photo dump, check out our 150+ Instagram Captions.
