Article

12 Myrtle Beach Activities the Whole Family will Enjoy

  By  Nora Battle
Vistors racing go-karts at the Broadway Grand Prix.
A note from Nora Battle

As a longtime Myrtle Beach local, I’ve enjoyed the perks of not just growing up along our coast, but raising my children here as well. We’re lucky that most summers entail a sort of ‘staycation’ for us and a chance to experience this beautiful destination as a visitor. And over the years I’ve had the chance to make note of the things every member of our family seems to enjoy.

Since the Myrtle Beach area is blessed with mostly mild weather and a lot of sunshine, our three children spend most of their free time outdoors and on-the-go, and a lot our favorite family activities are outside—though a few offer the chance to get indoors and cool down!

Keeping kids entertained on vacation isn’t always easy—but in Myrtle Beach, it kind of is. From outdoor adventures and high-energy attractions to live shows that turn a night out into an experience, there’s no shortage of ways to fill your days (and evenings) with memory-making moments.

Here’s where to start:

Outdoor & Open Air Adventures

Atalaya Castle Huntington Beach State Park
1. Explore Myrtle Beach State Park & Huntington Beach State Park

If you'd like a break from the crowds, these two coastal state parks deliver. Spend the day walking scenic trails, spotting wildlife, fishing off the pier, or relaxing along quieter stretches of beach. Huntington Beach State Park also features Atalaya Castle, adding a little history and exploration to your visit. Myrtle Beach State Park is a hidden oasis just south of the airport, right on the beach!

Brookgreen Gardens
2. Brookgreen Gardens

Part botanical garden, part outdoor museum, and part zoo, Brookgreen Gardens is one of the most unique experiences in the area. Wander through sculpture-filled gardens, visit the Lowcountry Zoo, and explore interactive spaces like the Children’s Garden. It’s the kind of place where everyone leaves happily worn out.

A child rides on the swing at Savannah's playground.
3. Savannah's Playground

This thoughtfully designed, inclusive playground in Market Common is a standout for families. With ADA-accessible features, sensory-friendly elements, and wide-open play areas, it’s built so every child can join in.

Classic Attractions Kids Love

Broadway Grand Prix
1. Broadway Grand Prix

If your crew loves a little competition, this is the place. With multiple go-kart tracks for different age levels, plus mini golf, arcade games, and rides, it’s easy to spend hours here.

SkyWheel Myrtle Beach
2. Myrtle Beach SkyWheel

A ride on this iconic 187-foot observation wheel is a must. Enclosed gondolas make it comfortable for all ages, and the views of the ocean and boardwalk are hard to beat—especially around sunset.

Barefoot Landing
3. Barefoot Landing

Part shopping district, part entertainment hub, Barefoot Landing is perfect for a laid-back afternoon or evening. Kids can enjoy the playground, families can catch seasonal events like live music or fireworks, and there are plenty of spots to grab dinner with a view.

Easy Wins for Family Fun

Myrtle Beach Pelicans
1. Catch a Myrtle Beach Pelicans Game

Even if baseball isn’t the main event, this is still a home run for families. Between the playground, mascot appearances, themed nights, and post-game fireworks, there’s constant entertainment from start to finish.

Jurassic Mini Golf
2. Play Mini Golf

Myrtle Beach is known as the mini golf capital of the world—and it shows. Expect over-the-top courses with pirates, dinosaurs, and plenty of photo ops. For something a little different, Topgolf offers a more high-tech (and air-conditioned) way to play.

Live Shows & Entertainment

Carolina Opry exterior in the evening light.
1. Catch a Live Performance

Myrtle Beach’s entertainment scene is one of the most unique in the country—and it goes far beyond the well-known dinner shows. From high-energy variety performances and live music to magic, comedy, and tribute acts, there’s a show for every kind of night out.

Catch a performance at fan-favorite venues like The Carolina Opry, Alabama Theatre, and Greg Rowles Legacy Theatre, or experience the spectacle of Pirates Voyage Dinner & Show and Medieval Times dinner shows. You’ll also find crowd-pleasing options like Legends in Concert, GTS Theatre, Broadway Theater, and the Charles Bach Wonders Magic Show, each offering something a little different—from tribute performances to intimate stage productions.

Whether you’re planning a full night out or just looking to mix things up after a beach day, live shows are an easy win for families—especially with older kids and multi-generational groups.

Indoor & Rainy Day Favorites

Ripley's Aquarium of Myrtle Beach
1. Ripley's Aquarium at Broadway at the Beach

Rain or shine, this spot is always a hit. Walk through the moving tunnel surrounded by sharks, catch live dive shows, and visit the ever-popular penguins. It’s interactive, engaging, and easy to spend a few hours exploring.

The Escape Game Myrtle Beach
2. The Escape Game Myrtle Beach

Put your problem-solving skills to the test with immersive escape rooms like Gold Rush or Prison Break. The challenges are designed to be fun and collaborative, making this a great pick for families with older kids and teens.

Sky Zone Myrtle Beach
3. Trampoline or Adventure Parks

When it’s time to burn off energy, indoor parks like Sky Zone or Big Air deliver. Expect wall-to-wall trampolines, obstacle courses, and plenty of space to jump, climb, and play.

Nora Battle

As a lifelong South Carolinian and nearly lifelong Grand Strand resident, Nora Battle knows there is lots to love about the Myrtle Beach area. She is a full-time stay-at-home mom to two boys, ages 3 and 6 months, and a part time travel contributor for Visit Myrtle Beach. She’s passionate about all things Myrtle Beach, and knowledgeable about what makes the destination such a smart choice for families. Nora especially enjoys dining out, bargain hunting, and spending time outdoors adventuring with her children, husband (also a Grand Strand native) and her two dogs.