Top Things to Do with Kids in Myrtle Beach (Beyond The Beach)

Across from Broadway at the Beach, Myrtle Beach

Every time we pass Broadway Grand Prix, my boys' eyes light up. With seven go-kart tracks, bumper cars, mini golf, and an arcade, it's an adrenaline rush wrapped in family fun. The younger kids have their own kiddie rides and the big kids (ahem, grown-ups too) get their speed fix on the big tracks. We usually save this one for a special treat—it’s like a mini amusement park that everyone can enjoy.

Murrells Inlet

If I’m being honest, I’m the one who really loves visiting Brookgreen Gardens. My husband proposed there, it’s full of fantastic American figurative sculpture and holds a lot of great memories for me as a child. But my kids also love it! Especially the Lowcountry Zoo section of the gardens. Beyond seeing some fun animals native to our area, across from the zoo is a section for special kid-driven events. We’ve seen a dinosaur exhibit and Dr. Seuss’s books brought to life all while visiting here. The butterfly pavilion is also a draw to many.

The Market Common

This children’s museum is full of engaging, hands-on exhibits, programs, and events. A wonderful spot for a day of educational fun for everyone in the family - or while mom does some shopping in The Market Common. One of my favorite things about EdVenture Myrtle Beach is its location. The convenient Market Common location is close to Savannah’s Playground, a free enabling playground that is next on our list of favorite spots for fun family things to do in Myrtle Beach.

Broadway at The Beach

The Escape Game offers themed-games that are perfect for the whole family with a variety of difficulties and unlimited hints. Challenge the littles to figure out the clues to unlock the game! This is a great option to keep the kids thinking critically even while they are playing. It's even fun for parents to help the kiddos unlock the clues together or for groups of adults on a night out!

300 S.Ocean Boulevard, Myrtle Beach

Talk about classic Myrtle Beach. Family Kingdom feels like a throwback in the best way. From the clack-clack of the Swamp Fox wooden roller coaster to the views from the giant Ferris wheel, it brings back all kinds of memories for me. Now, watching my own kids take their first ride on the carousel or giggle through the bumper boats—it’s just the best. It’s right by the ocean, too, which adds an extra layer of magic at sunset.

21st Avenue North, Myrtle Beach

I'll admit it—I wasn't sure how this one would go over with my kids. But they loved it. There’s something about walking past lifelike versions of superheroes and pop stars that gets little imaginations firing. My oldest was convinced he was taller than The Rock, and I didn’t argue. It’s fun, a little kitschy in the best way, and surprisingly kid-friendly. Bonus: It's indoors and air-conditioned, which is a big win on those hot summer afternoons.

South Kings Highway, Myrtle Beach

Dinosaurs and mini golf? Yes, please. This place was a no-brainer for my dinosaur-obsessed crew. They were roaring like raptors before we even got out of the car. The two 18-hole courses wind through lush jungle settings, past volcanoes, waterfalls, and towering dinos. It’s also pretty manageable even with toddlers in tow—plus, it’s not far from the beach if you want to squeeze in one more activity before dinner.

3000 Mr. Joe White Ave, Myrtle Beach

You can't go wrong with Myrtle Waves. Obviously, it’s an attraction we enjoy most when the weather is warm and we can be in the water! Whenever we’ve gone in the past we’ve tried to make it a big family day with aunts and uncles and grandparents, and if you’re going to go that route, renting a private cabana for the day is so worth it! With tons of different slides and areas for kids of all ages, the whole family can enjoy the day. 

Broadway at The Beach

The Pavilion Park boasts roller coaster rides and thrill rides in addition to the family entertainment rides and nostalgia rides that have been part of the well-known Pavilion amusement park for years. Located at popular Broadway at the Beach, there are three areas of attractions to enjoy: Pavilion Park East, West, and Central. With a one- and four-year-old, we spend most of our time in Pavilion Park West, where you’ll find the best kiddie rides and attractions in town. My sons love the train and the Myrtle Turtle coaster. It’s a bonus to have fantastic restaurants nearby as well! 

997 US-17 BUS Suite B, Surfside Beach

This one was a surprise hit with my crew. Redline Simcade is a high-tech racing simulator spot that made my boys feel like they were in a real-life video game. The steering wheels, pedals, and racing seats are all pro-level, but everything is super family-friendly—even for younger racers. It’s a great way to burn some energy and get a little competitive (my husband may have taken it a bit too seriously). It’s tucked just south of Myrtle Beach in Surfside, making it a fun little detour when you’re exploring that part of town.

Broadway at The Beach

My oldest child is particularly enthralled with Ripley’s Aquarium. We usually spend a lot of time here in the cooler months, when summer crowds have slowed and we have more space to explore. The underwater tunnel allowing close up views of sharks (and all their teeth!) and dive shows at Rainbow Rock are both favorites of my two boys. They also have mermaid shows, glass bottom boat adventures, swimming with the rays and an upcoming exhibit featuring penguins, making it a great attraction for kids in Myrtle Beach.

915 N Ocean Blvd, Myrtle Beach

This isn't your average mini golf course. Ripley's Crazy Golf is an indoor, blacklight mini golf experience with colorful, quirky holes that had my kids "ooh-ing" and "aahi-ng" the whole way through. There are optical illusions, interactive elements, and some wild surprises. It’s a great escape from bad weather or summer heat, and it's right in the middle of the action on the boulevard.

Grand Park (The Market Common Area)

Also located at The Market Common, this $3 million, multi-acre park features all ADA-approved playground equipment designed so that children of all abilities have the opportunity to play and interact socially with one another. There is a music park, interactive playground, early childhood playground, school-age playground, picnic area, challenge ropes, ziplining and more, and all of it is free and open to the public. We visit here often throughout the year and always end up spending longer than we had planned. There is just so much to do! It’s a special place that fosters play and inclusion and we’re thrilled to have it so close.

150 Citizens Circle, Little River (North Myrtle Beach Sports & Rec Complex)
If your kids are a little older—or fearless—Shark Wake Park is an absolute blast. Between the floating inflatable obstacle course and the cable wakeboarding, it’s a great way to get out some energy while trying something new.  And don’t worry, there’s plenty of space to hang out and watch if you’re more of a sideline parent.

2200 N Oak St, Myrtle Beach

Any attraction that encourages play and exercise in children is one I can get behind. While morning jump times are reserved for smaller kiddos, afternoons and special jump nights are perfect for older ones. They have a sort of ‘ultimate ninja’ course, dodgeball areas, freestyle jump areas, a rock wall and so much more. The jump areas are safe, clean, contained and well thought out.  My kids left tired and took amazing naps, so we will be back soon! They also host special events and birthday parties throughout the year, making it a great place for Myrtle Beach family fun. 

Myrtle Beach & Murrells Inlet

I’ll start with one of my favorites (or two, rather). Huntington Beach State Park and Myrtle Beach State Park are run by the South Carolina Department of Tourism and Travel. Admission is affordable, programs are interesting and varied and the beaches are pristine. Both my boys enjoy visiting the pier at Myrtle Beach State Park. We often picnic at one of the many covered shelters and enjoy plenty of time on the playground. At Huntington Beach State Park, exploring Atalaya is a must. Both parks have ample restroom facilities and parking is easy — both pluses when out with small children.

Broadway at The Beach

My kids might still be a bit young to get the full WonderWorks effect, but it’s definitely one of my favorite attractions to visit as an adult! This ‘amusement park for the mind’ is home to over 100 exhibits that spark interest and imagination in all ages. I love the hurricane exhibit, where you can have the chance to experience 84 mph hurricane winds and the bubble area, where you can create giant bubbles with huge wands. I tried the roller coaster simulator for the first time recently and loved that, too! They also are home to an indoor ropes course, laser tag, arcade games and more.

Downtown Myrtle Beach

We’ve strolled this boardwalk more times than I can count, and it never gets old. Whether we’re grabbing ice cream, popping into Fun Plaza for some arcade games, or letting the kids chase seagulls by the SkyWheel, it’s just a great family vibe. There’s something nostalgic and simple about walking along the ocean with sticky fingers and sandy toes.