12 Family-Friendly Myrtle Beach Activities for All Ages
As a longtime Myrtle Beach resident who's raised my three children here, I've discovered countless ways to enjoy our stunning coastline. Our family often opts for 'staycations,' exploring local gems like visitors do. With mild weather and abundant sunshine, our kids thrive on outdoor adventures—though we appreciate indoor options for cooling off. Here are 12 favorite family activities guaranteed to create lasting memories:
1. Explore State Parks
Myrtle Beach State Park and Huntington Beach State Park offer affordable daytime visits with hiking trails, nature centers, fishing piers, and a historic seaside castle. Both provide excellent camping too. Find more information for both parks here.
2. Catch a Myrtle Beach Pelicans Game
Even young kids love TicketReturn.com Field's playground, Fun Zone, fireworks, mascot visits, and post-game base running. Enjoy promos like Wednesday BOGO hot dogs or Friday Night Family Meal Deal ($25 for 4 hot dogs, drinks, and popcorn). View the schedule or buy tickets online.
3. Play Mini Golf
Myrtle Beach's themed mini golf courses—from dinosaurs to pirate ships—deliver fun for all ages. For older kids, try Topgolf for competitive swings and meals. It's perfect family entertainment!
4. Broadway Grand Prix
Near Broadway at the Beach, this spot features seven go-kart tracks (Family, Kids, Jr. Racer), rides like bumper boats and carousels, a 20,000 sq ft arcade, mini golf, and a rock wall. Excitement for everyone!
5. Brookgreen Gardens
This 10,000-acre Murrells Inlet gem boasts the world's largest outdoor collection of American figurative sculpture, a Lowcountry Zoo, trails, Butterfly House, and Children's Garden Room. Visit year-round; kids leave 'happy tired.' Check Brookgreen Gardens' website for details.
6. Indulge in Ice Cream
Pair beach vibes with treats at classics like Peaches Corner, Kirk's Ice Cream Parlor, or Original Painter's in North Myrtle Beach (Vanna White's favorite). Try Melt's unique flavors like Honey Lavender. Sweet family bonding!
7. Barefoot Landing
North Myrtle Beach's waterfront hub offers shopping, dining, free concerts, fireworks, and a Dockside Village playground. Nearby family favorites: Lucy Buffett's LuLu's and Crooked Hammock Brewery with kid play areas.
8. Dinner and a Show
Medieval Times and Dolly Parton's Pirates Voyage thrill with costumes, performances, and delicious meals served during the show. Our boys request birthdays here—perfect repeat fun!
9. Ride the Myrtle Beach SkyWheel
This 187-foot tower offers panoramic ocean and city views from air-conditioned gondolas (2-6 seats). Slow-moving and family-friendly, it's steps from the boardwalk.
10. Ripley's Aquarium
Ideal anytime, this multilevel attraction showcases thousands of marine species, Penguin Playhouse, dive shows, shark tunnels, and extras like stingray touches or mermaid photos. Buy tickets on their website.
11. Trampoline Parks
Rockin' Jump (near downtown) and Big Air offer jumping, ninja obstacles, and arcades—great for energy-burning indoor fun.
12. Hit the Beach
Free and timeless: sandcastles, shark tooth hunts, picnics. Mornings or afternoons create priceless family moments.
Discover family accommodations from beach houses to condos on our STAY page.
