Myrtle Beach Things to Do With Kids: 18 Awesome Stops That Beat Boredom

This 60-mile stretch of sandy coastline isn’t just for lounging—it’s the ultimate playground for beach-loving families. A.k.a.: one of the best Myrtle Beach attractions for families! Set up camp near 2nd Avenue Pier for access to restrooms, shaded pavilions, and snack shacks.

Build sandcastles, hunt for coquina shells, or let the kids boogie board in the mellow surf. Come early in the morning for dolphin sightings near the shore or stay past sunset for flashlight crab hunting. Lifeguards are usually posted during peak hours, and beach wheelchairs are available by request.

The boardwalk runs 1.2 miles along the ocean and is packed with old-school charm and new-school thrills. Kids can grab an ice cream cone from Mad Myrtle’s, get their face painted, or win big at Fun Plaza’s vintage arcade games.

It’s home to summer festivals, outdoor concerts, and fireworks every Tuesday night in peak season. Keep an eye out for street magicians and balloon artists who roam the strip. Best time to go? Late afternoon into golden hour for cooler weather and epic views.

You can’t miss it—literally. This towering 187-foot observation wheel gives unbeatable 360° views of the beach in Myrtle Beach and the boardwalk. The gondolas are fully enclosed and air-conditioned, so it’s comfortable even on sticky summer days.

Kids love spotting mini golf courses, cruise boats, and even the rides at Family Kingdom from above. The light show at night turns the whole thing into a glowing spectacle—great for winding down the day with a wow moment.

This open-air seaside park has 30+ rides for all thrill levels, from spinning teacups and bumper boats to the Swamp Fox, one of the few remaining wooden roller coasters in the country. The Ferris wheel gives a classic beachside view, while the kiddie section has gentle rides like frog hoppers and mini trains.

You can also hit up the adjacent Splashes Water Park for a quick cool-down—combo tickets are available. Bonus: no entrance fee, so adults can chill while the kids go wild.

Think massive splash playground with over 20 water attractions. For little ones, there’s Bubble Bay and Saturation Station—tot-sized slides, water curtains, and spraying mushrooms. Bigger kids can zoom down the Riptide Rockets or brave the Turbo Twisters (they’re seriously fast).

The lazy river offers a break for parents, and shaded cabanas can be rented for the whole crew. Lifeguards are everywhere, and outside food isn’t allowed—but concessions sell everything from pizza to snow cones.

It’s not just shopping—this 350-acre complex is a full-blown entertainment zone. Watch live fire shows, feed the carp in the lake (bring quarters!), explore a ropes course, and catch a magic show. Kids can build a stuffed animal, paint their own pottery, or zoom around in bumper boats.

Restaurants like Johnny Rockets and Paula Deen’s are built to accommodate families, and themed attractions like WonderWorks and Ripley’s Aquarium are just steps away. Come at night for live music and dancing water fountains.

Located right at Broadway at the Beach, this aquarium has more than fish tanks—it has an underwater tunnel with sharks gliding right over your head, a jellyfish glow room, and penguins that paint with their feet (seriously).

There’s a hands-on touch tank with rays and horseshoe crabs, plus seasonal animal encounters like sloths or turtles. Don’t skip the “Ripley s Aquarium Glass Bottom Boat” ride through Shark Lagoon—it’s like snorkeling without getting wet.

This indoor “edu-tainment” center looks like it crash-landed upside down. Inside are over 100 exhibits, but these aren’t your typical museum displays. You’ll find a hurricane wind tunnel, a bubble lab where kids can stand inside a bubble, and space simulators.

Older kids can scale the indoor ropes course suspended above your head or play laser tag in a glow-in-the-dark maze. Ideal for rainy days or getting a little learning in without the eye rolls.

Right beside Barefoot Landing, this outdoor animal park features everything from 15-foot crocodiles and albino gators to tropical birds, snakes, and lemurs. The real stars are the live gator feeding shows—kids will be both wide-eyed and slightly terrified (in a good way).

There are paths shaded by Spanish moss, and staff offer mini animal talks throughout the day. It’s stroller-friendly, and there are plenty of benches if your little explorer gets tuckered out.

Don’t let “gardens” fool you—it’s more than flowers. This national historic landmark combines a botanical garden, sculpture park, and mini zoo. The Lowcountry Zoo features native species like foxes, owls, and river otters.

Walk the butterfly garden, ride the pontoon boat for a narrated wildlife tour, or take a storybook-themed scavenger hunt. Perfect for kids who enjoy animals, art, or just running around in wide open, beautiful spaces.

Mini golf meets prehistoric jungle at Jurassic Golf, where kids can putt their way through lush greenery, foggy caves, and life-sized animatronic dinosaurs that growl, move, and surprise you around every corner.

With two distinct courses—one themed after an active volcano and another through a ruined research facility—it’s part thrill, part chill, and all-around dino-mite. Perfect for dino-obsessed kids and parents who want a quirky, outdoor break from the beach.

It’s a walk through pop culture with a selfie stick. Kids can pose with wax versions of superheroes, musicians, and movie villains. There’s also an escape room-style haunted house (Scream Museum) and a mirror maze that turns into a giggle-fest trying to find your way out. A great indoor break from the heat or rain, especially for older kids and tweens.

Located within Broadway at the Beach, this mini amusement park is split into three zones: East for classic rides like the carousel, West for high-thrill stuff like speed slides, and Central for family rides like the giant slide and spinning teacups. You can buy points instead of passes, so it’s easy to budget. It’s compact but packed with just enough rides to satisfy without wearing the kids out.

This indoor jump zone has wall-to-wall trampolines, foam pits, slam dunk hoops, and an obstacle course. Bigger kids can try the ninja challenge while little ones bounce safely in a junior zone. The staff hosts dodgeball tournaments and glow jump nights with music and lights. It’s clean, safe, and very burn-off-energy approved. Bonus: there’s a parent lounge if you want to chill while they bounce.

An all-in-one indoor arena with roller skating, laser tag, an arcade, inflatables, and a VR zone. Teens can tackle laser tag missions while younger kids explore the soft play area. Their indoor go-karts are a standout—they’re electric and smooth. Great for birthday groups or families needing multi-age entertainment under one roof. Clean bathrooms, a snack bar, and seating for parents included.

Inside Barefoot Landing, this wildlife encounter spot lets kids see big cats like tigers and ligers up close—sometimes even cubs! Trained staff talk about conservation while guiding you through up-close viewing. You might also spot monkeys and exotic birds. Note: this isn’t a zoo—it’s part of a larger wildlife facility and only open during certain hours, so check the schedule.

Each hole in this Peter Pan-themed mini golf course is part of a story. Kids love crawling through Skull Rock, avoiding Tick-Tock the Croc, and putting through pirate ships. The course winds through shaded areas and water features, so it stays cool even during peak heat. Bonus: glowing lanterns make night play extra magical.

This ropes and zipline course is best for older kids and teens who want a real challenge. Navigate rope bridges, Tarzan swings, and high-speed zip lines through forest canopies. Safety gear and training are included. For kids not quite ready for the big course, there’s a junior version with lower platforms and easier climbs.