Myrtle Beach is an easygoing Grand Strand road-trip destination where a single vacation can include beach days, aquarium adventures, amusement-park rides, gardens, go-karts, and free family entertainment. This age-by-age guide will help you choose the best attractions, plan a realistic itinerary, and keep your 2026 trip affordable.
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Why Myrtle Beach Works for Families
The Grand Strand stretches for about 60 miles, so there is plenty of room to build a trip around your children’s ages and energy levels. A car is essential for getting around, especially if you plan to visit Murrells Inlet, Huntington Beach State Park, Brookgreen Gardens, or North Myrtle Beach.
The best shoulder-season windows are late April through May and September through mid-October. September is especially appealing because ocean water is typically at its warmest, while crowds and lodging prices may be lower than in midsummer.
For a wider road-trip search, check Explore North America. If you are flying part of the way, Discover the best flight deals can help compare options. Once you arrive, Car Rental Discounts can be useful because the Grand Strand is spread out.
Best Myrtle Beach Attractions by Age
Beach, Boardwalk, and Free Family Fun
The beach is Myrtle Beach’s biggest attraction, and it costs nothing to enjoy the public shoreline. Toddlers can splash at the edge of the water, preschoolers can hunt for shells, and older children can try boogie boarding or a surf lesson.
The 1.2-mile Boardwalk and Promenade is easy to pair with the SkyWheel, souvenir shops, and casual restaurants. Broadway at the Beach, The Market Common, Murrells Inlet MarshWalk, and Savannah’s Playground are also free to explore. Savannah’s Playground is fully accessible and a strong choice for children who need an inclusive play space.
In summer, Plyler Park offers free evening concerts through the “Hot Summer Nights” series. Broadway at the Beach has fireworks Tuesdays at 10 p.m. from June 9 through September 1, plus September 6, 2026. Second Avenue Pier hosts Wednesday fireworks at 9 p.m. during the summer schedule. Check the Broadway at the Beach event calendar before planning a late night.
SkyWheel Myrtle Beach
The 200-foot SkyWheel is a good first attraction because the enclosed gondolas offer ocean and boardwalk views without requiring much walking. Tickets are $19.99 per adult before 5 p.m. and $20.99 after 5 p.m. Children ages 3–11 are $15.99 before 5 p.m. and $16.99 after 5 p.m. Pricing is listed by SkyWheel Myrtle Beach.
Toddlers may enjoy the view, but children who dislike heights may prefer to watch from below. Sunset rides are popular, so consider buying tickets earlier in the day.
Family Kingdom Amusement Park
Family Kingdom offers free general admission, so families only pay for rides. An all-day unlimited ride wristband is approximately $44.95–$47.95 online or at the gate, depending on the current offer. A 2026 coupon offers $5 off an all-day wristband for up to six people; see the Family Kingdom coupon details.
This is best for children ages 5–10 who want classic rides and for families with mixed ages. Check height requirements before promising specific rides. Younger children may enjoy the gentler rides, while older kids can look for bigger thrills.
Ripley’s Aquarium of Myrtle Beach
Ripley’s Aquarium is a reliable rainy-day choice and works particularly well for ages 3–12. The exhibits provide close-up views of sharks, rays, penguins, and other aquatic life without requiring a full day of walking outdoors.
Combo tickets start from $56.99 per adult, while 2026 annual memberships are listed at $99.99 for adults, $69.99 for children ages 6–11, and $35.99 for children ages 2–5. Check current options through Ripley’s Aquarium tickets and memberships. The five-attraction combo is worth comparing if your family also wants Ripley’s Believe It or Not!, the 5D Moving Theater, or other Ripley’s attractions.
Brookgreen Gardens
Brookgreen Gardens in nearby Murrells Inlet combines sculpture, gardens, wildlife areas, and walking trails. It is especially enjoyable for toddlers, grandparents, and families who need a slower day between high-energy attractions.
Admission is $25 for adults ages 13–64, $23 for seniors 65+, and $14 for children ages 4–12. Children under 3 are free, and admission is valid for seven consecutive days. Confirm details at Brookgreen Gardens.
WonderWorks and Indoor Attractions
WonderWorks at Broadway at the Beach is geared toward curious school-age children and tweens. Ticket prices vary by promotion, and discounts of roughly 20–30% may be available through current promotions or third-party offers. Check the WonderWorks Myrtle Beach discounts page before purchasing.
Tweens and teens may also enjoy Broadway Grand Prix go-karts, Ultra Zone laser tag, 810 Billiards & Bowling, and surf lessons with Kokopelli Surf Camp. Nightmare Haunted House is not a good choice for younger or easily frightened children.
Myrtle Beach State Park
For a lower-cost beach and nature day, Myrtle Beach State Park charges $8 for adults, $4 for children ages 6–15, and nothing for children 5 and under. South Carolina seniors pay $5. The park includes nature trails, a fishing pier, beach access, and a quieter stretch of coastline. See current details at South Carolina State Parks.
Nearby Day Trips
- Murrells Inlet: Walk the MarshWalk, listen to live music, and choose a family-friendly restaurant. Creek Ratz has a kids menu and live music; Inlet Shipwreck Bar & Grill has a pirate-ship playground. Dead Dog Saloon, Drunken Jack’s, and Wicked Tuna are additional options.
- Huntington Beach State Park and Brookgreen Gardens: Pair wildlife viewing and beach time with gardens and sculpture.
- Pawleys Island: A quieter coastal stop with wide beaches and a relaxed small-town feel.
- Georgetown and the Hammock Coast: Good for waterfront strolling, historic scenery, and a less-busy day.
- Charleston: About two hours away, Charleston works best as a long day trip or an overnight extension.
Quick Age-by-Age Guide
- Toddlers: Public beach, Savannah’s Playground, Myrtle Beach State Park, Brookgreen Gardens, and gentle play areas at Myrtle Waves.
- Ages 5–8: Mini golf, Ripley’s Aquarium, Family Kingdom, Broadway at the Beach, and short beach mornings.
- Tweens 9–12: Broadway Grand Prix go-karts, Ripley’s five-attraction combo, WonderWorks, surf lessons, and the SkyWheel.
- Teens 13+: Go-karts, Ultra Zone laser tag, 810 Billiards & Bowling, surfing, shopping, and evening boardwalk activities.
A Simple Four-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive, settle in, and spend the afternoon at the beach. Walk the Boardwalk and ride the SkyWheel before dinner.
Day 2: Visit Ripley’s Aquarium in the morning. Spend the afternoon at Broadway at the Beach, adding WonderWorks or mini golf. If visiting during the summer schedule, stay for the fireworks.
Day 3: Drive south to Brookgreen Gardens and Huntington Beach State Park. Finish with dinner along the Murrells Inlet MarshWalk.
Day 4: Choose Family Kingdom for rides, Myrtle Beach State Park for a slower beach day, or Broadway Grand Prix and bowling for older children.
Budget Tips for 2026
- Choose a hotel with built-in entertainment. Sea Crest Resort and Coral Beach Resort offer water features, while Crown Reef has a year-round waterpark. Dunes Village also has an indoor waterpark. Beach Cove Resort is a North Myrtle Beach option, and Caribbean Resort & Villas is another family-friendly choice.
- Compare total lodging value, not just the nightly rate. A room with a kitchen or included waterpark may reduce restaurant and activity costs.
- Use free beaches, playgrounds, fireworks, the Boardwalk, and MarshWalk between ticketed attractions.
- Visit in September or during late spring for potentially better rates and fewer crowds.
- Look for attraction bundles before buying individual tickets. Undercover Tourist attraction and resort discounts and theme park ticket discounts may help if you add ticketed attractions elsewhere on your drive.
- For lodging and trip comparisons, try Save on travel with Trip.com. If Myrtle Beach becomes part of a larger vacation, Cruise Direct family cruises can help with future planning.
Packing Picks for a Grand Strand Road Trip
Keep the car organized with a Kids Travel Tray for Car, Travel Ease Junior Motion Sickness Kids Roll On, and Kids Neck Pillow with Sleep Eye Mask.
For younger children, consider the Jeep Altitude Compact Travel Stroller or gb Pockit+ All-Terrain Travel Stroller. For car-seat needs, options include the WAYB Pico Travel Car Seat, Graco SlimFit 3-in-1 Convertible Car Seat, and Mifold Comfort Grab-and-Go Booster.
Beach days and shared public spaces are easier with flushable travel wipes, hand sanitizer wipes, a mini first-aid kit, and a TSA-approved travel medicine kit.
For restaurant waits and long drives, pack Mini Magnet Tiles, LCD Doodle Tablets, a Melissa & Doug Seek & Find Sticker Pad, Crayola Color Wonder, an On the Plane Activity Book, and Hasbro Grab and Go Travel Board Games.
Myrtle Beach makes it easy to build the vacation your family actually needs: a few exciting attractions, plenty of free outdoor time, and enough flexibility for naps, weather changes, and different ages. For more family travel inspiration, visit Packed for Fun.