Grand Strand’s Top Kid-Friendly Attractions in Myrtle Beach

Myrtle Beach is renowned among vacationers for its vast array of kid-friendly attractions. Although most hotels and resorts have their own children’s playgrounds, pools and lazy rivers, when families venture out into the region called the Grand Strand, they find a virtually limitless number of children’s entertainment options. Below are just a handful of the wonderful attractions and activities Myrtle Beach has to offer kids of all ages:

Broadway at the Beach

Broadway at the Beach is not only South Carolina’s top attraction, but one of the best places on the Grand Strand for those traveling with youngsters. With rides, attractions, restaurants, stores, entertainment and a wealth of kid-friendly activities, this is a can’t-miss destination for any child. Located just off Highway 17 Bypass in the heart of Myrtle Beach, this 350 acre complex also has regular fireworks displays during peak season and on holidays.

Vendors working from kiosks are found on the property as well. Many offer face painting, braiding and temporary tattoos, all of which are big hits with children of all ages. Well deserving of its reputation as the area’s number one attraction, youngsters can effortlessly create unforgettable memories at this unique establishment.

Broadway at the Beach offers something new every year.

WonderWorks

This is one of Myrtle Beach’s most interesting and unusual attractions. The WonderWorks educational entertainment center is an outstanding choice for all age groups, from toddlers to teens.

Located in a structure that creates the illusion of an upside down house, it has become a Grand Strand landmark. Inside, it offers visitors 50,000 square feet of exhibits and hands-on activities to challenge the minds and imaginations of all patrons.

Conveniently situated within the Broadway at the Beach complex, this spectacular establishment is one of the finest attractions Myrtle Beach has to offer children and their families. Learn more about WonderWorks here.

Myrtle Beach SkyWheel

Nestled in the heart of the Grand Strand near Myrtle Beach’s Boardwalk and Promenade, the SkyWheel is simply a must for anyone with children.

At 200 feet tall, it is one of only four Ferris wheels in the world that can boast this dizzying height.

A one-of-a-kind attraction in South Carolina, the SkyWheel features gondolas that are heated in winter and air-conditioned during summer. A ride on this giant wheel provides spectacular views of the resort skyline and the Atlantic Ocean.

From the moment it ascends, it offers an unforgettable experience for any child.

Ripley’s Aquarium

Always topping the list of child-friendly locations on the Grand Strand, Ripley’s Aquarium has been drawing visitors since 1997. It features a broad range of aquatic species that can be viewed in their natural habitats.

The Aquarium is a treasure trove of fun and excitement for children of all ages. Youngsters can pet stingrays, watch fascinating creatures such as seahorses and giant turtles. They can walk through the Aquarium’s infamous shark tunnel, where one feels as if they are being viewed by the sharks, rather than the other way around.

Plans are also on the books for a penguin sanctuary, which will be added to the facility sometime in 2019.

Located at Broadway at the Beach in the heart of the Grand Strand, the Aquarium is also home to ever-changing interactive displays and educational activities, films, and lectures. Regardless of the type of marine life in which a person is interested, it can be found at Ripley’s Aquarium.

Myrtle Beach Speedway

The Myrtle Beach Speedway is home to many different NASCAR racing events, as well as the exciting “Wheels of Destruction” show that remains ever popular with kids. The Speedway offers a one-of-a-kind experience for children of all ages, and is also a fun place for mom and dad. Featuring an amphitheater and several snack shops, the establishment is also a great place for enjoying a bite to eat or some great entertainment.

In addition, the Speedway is home to special events throughout the year, and therefore vacationers should check out this attraction’s calendar when spending time on the Grand Strand.

Ripley’s Believe It or Not!

The Ripley’s Believe It or Not! odditorium is home to a bizarre collection of sights that youngsters find ghoulishly delightful.  Robert Ripley spent his life traveling the world looking for items with which to create the strangest exhibits known to man, some of which eventually ended up in the Grand Strand’s own Ripley’s Believe It or Not!

The world’s tallest man, an authentic human shrunken head, and a pig with six legs are just a few of the strange and fascinating items on display at this establishment. Always a hit with children, vacationers should definitely make time for a visit to this Ocean Boulevard attraction.

Mini-Golf for Kids of All Ages

Myrtle Beach is regarded as the golf mecca of the East Coast, but the Grand Strand does not leave younger golf enthusiasts behind. Boasting more than 50 miniature golf courses, families have their choice of a virtually limitless number of themes when planning a putt-putt excursion. Offering everything from volcanoes and dinosaurs to deserted islands, waterfalls and pirate ships, the only problem families will have is trying to decide which course to visit first. Here are a few of our favorites.

The Pirate’s Voyage Dinner Show

This fast-paced dinner show has everything from aerialists and acrobats to singers and divers, and even trained animals, such as Salty the Sea Lion. Children are always mesmerized with this exciting show involving dueling pirates, mermaids, performing parrots, competing canines, authentic sword battles, and even a spooky appearance by a maritime ghost. The absolute perfect show for kids, no youngster will ever forget the incomparable Pirates Voyage.

The Grand Strand’s Beautiful Beaches

Arguably the loveliest beaches on the East Coast, the 60 miles of coastline found in the Myrtle Beach area ensures that anyone can find the perfect family beach. Here, children can have the vacation experience of a lifetime as they play in the spectacular Atlantic Ocean, collect sharks teeth and shells, participate in games, build sand castles, and enjoy the area’s outstanding boardwalk and entertainment district.

Additionally, parents can schedule parasailing excursions, enroll their teenagers in scuba diving classes, teach their youngsters to surf, or help them enjoy other fun and interesting water activities. Stores, restaurants and additional attractions are located adjacent to the beach, making it the perfect spot for an entire day of sun and fun. Here are some facts you may not know about the area (or maybe you do).

The Hollywood Wax Museum

Boasting an enormous King Kong hanging from the outside of the structure, the Hollywood Wax Museum is the country’s only wax museum dedicated entirely to celebrities. Teenagers find this attraction particularly enjoyable and might even wonder if these wax figures may suddenly spring to life. Also a fun place for parents, the Hollywood Wax Museum is a great choice for Grand Strand vacationers in search of something unusual.

Children’s Museum of South Carolina

For a youngster’s outing that is exciting yet educational, mom and dad should consider a trip to the Children’s Museum of South Carolina. At this interesting establishment, youngsters can enjoy creative reading and writing, puppet shows and art galleries, or play roles as pirates or other fictitious characters during interactive exercises. Displays and programs change on a regular basis, making this a great children’s attraction year after year.

Myrtle Beach’s incomparable amusement parks keep visitors coming back year after year.

 Water and Amusement Parks

Myrtle Beach has no lack of amusement and water parks. Whether visitors are searching for thrilling rides such as roller coasters and speed slides or traditional favorites such as a merry-go-round or Ferris wheel, the parks on the Grand Strand have it all.

The Family Kingdom Amusement Park is located in Myrtle Beach near the ocean, while Wild Water and Wheels is found a bit further south in Surfside Beach.  Myrtle Waves is conveniently situated on Highway 501 in the heart of the Grand Strand, and all three parks offer terrific rides, water slides, pools, and food and beverage stands.

Often referred to as the Grand Strand’s ultimate family attraction, the Broadway Grand Prix Family Race Park is another amusement park that is perfect for an entire day of excitement. Located on 21st Avenue North and Highway 17 Bypass, the Park is guaranteed to wear youngsters out by evening. The establishment features seven go-kart tracks, an arcade, rock climbing wall, and several snack and gift shops. Regardless of which park a family chooses, an unforgettable day of fun is virtually guaranteed.

Barefoot Landing

 Another impressive entertainment and shopping complex is lovely Barefoot Landing. Located on the intercoastal waterway in North Myrtle Beach, this artistically landscaped mecca of shops, stores and attractions appeals to children everywhere. Surrounding a 27 acre lake, the establishments that make up this complex include child friendly attractions such as the Tigers Preservation Station, where children can have an up close and personal encounter with a baby tiger and even pose for a picture with their new furry friend.

Located nearby is the Alligator Adventure, which is a wildlife park found adjacent to Barefoot Landing. Children are thrilled with the many reptile and mammal species found in the park, and may get a glimpse of the famous albino alligator, the latter of which is an iconic member of the Park. Hyenas, flamingos, marmosets, lemurs and monkeys are just a few of the other animals children can view when visiting the popular Alligator Adventure.