Anytime we travel to a new place, we always do research on things that we can do as a family. We need plenty of options, and PLENTY to keep all age groups occupied properly. It’s almost impossible to do that with every single attraction, but here are 12 family attractions in Myrtle Beach. We visited all, and while there may have been an edge for one age group over another, everyone was able to enjoy time spent in each place. Keep in mind that we were in Myrtle Beach for a full week, so I would take this list and prioritize what you really want to do.
Eight Family Attractions in Myrtle Beach
Broadway on the Beach
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This is a one stop shop when it comes to touring Myrtle Beach. It’s located in Myrtle Beach proper, and right off of Highway 31. With several attractions and restaurants and shops, it’s a great place for the family. We did end up here three different times while vacationing, and visited Ripley’s Aquarium, Wonderworks Indoor Amusement Park, the Myrtle Beach Pelicans, and several restaurants and shops. Bring walking shoes, because you’ll need them! The restaurants are plentiful, and I’m pretty positive that you will find something to fit the palate of everyone in your group. There are even restaurants that are chain so that you can feel right at home if needed. Joe’s Crab Shack being one of those. Talk about FRESH seafood! Yum!
There are also several spots along the boardwalk that have fish feeding stations. The fish are HUGE and greedy!
Ripley’s Aquarium
We enjoyed time at Ripley’s Aquarium. While not as weird as the Ripley’s Museum, it was fascinating to see all of the slime producing fish right as we came in. There were also a TON of sharks, and swimming mermaids. Yes, you read that right. Mermaids. They will also be opening up a glass bottom boat exhibit later this summer, so make sure to check that out!
Wonderworks Indoor Amusement Park
Our next visit was to Wonderworks Indoor Amusement Park, and what a time we had. The smaller kids enjoyed this spot immensely, mostly because they could fit into all of the exhibits while Nate was a bit too large. He was okay with it though because there was Laser Tag. One of the bright spots was being able to “try on” an astronaut suit – alone. Bubble stations, a 6-D Extreme Motion Ride, and a bed of nails rounded out the several floor tour. It’s great because you can also take a lunch break and return within the same day, as long as you have the stamp applied to your forearm.
Myrtle Beach Pelicans Game
If you need to slow the pace a bit, you can always take in a Myrtle Beach Pelicans game. They are the affiliate team for the Chicago Cubs and the great thing about their schedule is they have NO morning or afternoon games. All games generally begin at 7:05 pm and that’s so beachgoers can have a fantastic time in the sun, and then head out to take in the game of the U.S of A. The night that we went, Nathaniel was honored for his birthday, we were able to sing Take Me Out to the Ballgame Harry Caray style at the seventh inning stretch. Food was available with a nod to Wrigley Field, and we then enjoyed a fireworks show afterwards. A great time all around!
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Myrtle Beach Boardwalk – Skywheel
The boardwalk is easily done in a morning or afternoon, since it’s only a short 1.2 miles in length. Make no mistakes, that 1.2 miles is STUFFED with places to eat, and things to do. Ripley’s also has spots on this stretch of land, but I’m going to talk about the Sky Wheel at the moment. It’s 187 feet of pure adrenaline, and I couldn’t handle the full ride. Judge if you must, but the rest of the Houseful enjoyed the ride after I removed myself from a gondola after one rotation. I’m extremely thankful for this addition. Just the push of a button had me out, and I still got to say that I rode it!
Tickets are $14 for riders 12 and up, and $9 for riders under the age of 12. You can do a VIP experience in a glass bottomed gondola which gives you a special swag bag, no wait in line, and double the rides!
Radical Ropes
Radical Ropes is an aerial adventure park located on the southern side of Myrtle Beach. It is a stop that anyone in your family 4 years of age and up can participate. The only requirements are that you weigh 250 pounds or less. That’s it. I’ve been ziplining before. I didn’t make it here, and not because they weren’t safe, but because I let my fear of heights take over again. I’m that weird person that doing something once makes me more afraid of things, and I think that I pushed my luck on the Skywheel earlier in the day. You live and learn. Nathaniel and I were supposed to do the zip course while Mr. Houseful took the younger three on their zip course. It ended up being Nathaniel making it through his zip course, and me watching everyone else from the wraparound porch. The kids had a BALL! I loved that they felt as big as their teenaged brother, and that he got some time to spend on his own.
Alligator Adventures
I’m not sure what I expected from this place, but it far exceeded whatever bar I set. It’s HUGE and worth the price of admission, which you can turn into a two day adventure (within seven days) so you can see everything. Don’t let the name fool you. It’s not just alligators you’ll see. Crocodiles, reptiles, birds, and large tortoises all call this place home. It’s wonderful to see the animals being fed, and to discuss the circle of life with the family. There were also great opportunities to discuss how humans impact the homes of these animals. We saw a couple of turtles who became caught in plastic rings and the effect that it had on their shells. Sobering to say the least. However, there are far more uplifting exhibits, and you can see your share of lemurs, kookaburras, owls and other animals.
North Myrtle Beach Park & Sports Complex
I like this space for several reasons. First, it’s a great place to go to blow off some steam for everyone. It also houses Go Ape, which is another ziplining and rope park. Nathaniel did this one alone, which is why it’s not listed in the family attractions list here – the small kids couldn’t participate. He sings its praises though, and recommends it to all teens and adults alike.
However, as a Veteran of the World’s Finest Navy, the Veteran’s Memorial area gave me pause. I enlisted in the Navy in 2002 after the death of my sister, who was supposed to ship off a couple of days before she passed away. In her honor, I enlisted, and served for six years. Whenever I see something honoring the men and women in uniform, I tend to stop and take it all in.
While this is just a snippet of the things that we did during our seven day stay, it doesn’t begin to encompass all that you can do in Myrtle Beach. There are a TON of miniature golf course, Medieval Times, Go Kart racing, the Hollywood Max Museum and so much more. Let’s not even mention the shopping.
Be sure to check out my next blog post about all of the great food that we took in while in Myrtle Beach. It’s going to be seafood heavy, so be ready!