Things To Do In Myrtle Beach With Kids: Expert-Backed Guide To Oceanfront Fun

Planning a beach vacation with kids can be a wild card. You want something fun enough to keep them entertained—but also meaningful, memorable, and maybe even a little educational. Enter Myrtle Beach: recently crowned the #1 U.S. beach destination for summer travel in Tripadvisor's 2025 Summer Travel Index and consistently ranked as one of the top family-friendly getaways in America.

But this guide isn't just another list of attractions—we've curated it using expert sources, official visitor guides, and traveler feedback. So if you're wondering what to do in Myrtle Beach with kids that's actually worth it, start here!

1. The Beach, Reinvented

Of course, you'll want to hit the sand. But Myrtle Beach's shoreline offers more than just sunbathing.

• Lifeguard-monitored zones and calm surf make the area safe for younger swimmers.
• Try banana boat rides, dolphin tours, or kayaking—all of which are recommended by the official Myrtle Beach tourism board as must-do family adventures.
• Want something quieter? Local rental experts often suggest staying slightly north of the tourist-heavy boardwalk for easier beach access and calmer mornings.

2. Indoor Explorations for Curious Kids

• Ripley's Aquarium: Touch tanks, underwater tunnels, and live mermaid meet-and-greets make this an interactive hit. Educational programs run year-round.
• WonderWorks Myrtle Beach: Part science museum, part amusement park. This upside-down building houses 100+ STEM-focused exhibits that turn learning into play.
• Blackbeard's Pirate Cruise: A themed boat ride where kids join a costumed crew, hunt treasure, and fire water cannons. Frequently named a top children's experience by parenting blogs and regional media.

3. Low-Stress Thrills (No Lines, No Tears)

• Mini Golf: There are over 50 themed courses. Try Captain Hook's Adventure Golf for a Neverland-style setup.
• SkyWheel: This enclosed gondola ride offers sweeping ocean views from 187 feet up. Climate-controlled and stroller-friendly.

4. Where Dining Doubles as Entertainment

• Dinoland Cafe: An immersive restaurant with animatronic dinosaurs, a lava mountain centerpiece, and menu items like "Flaming Burgers" and "Lava Ribs." Travelers frequently mention it in reviews as a standout dining experience for families.
• Hollywood Wax Museum Entertainment Center: Snap photos with wax figures of celebrities, then tackle bonus attractions like the Maze of Mirrors or Outbreak: Dread the Undead (a spooky walkthrough that's family-friendly in the daytime). Located at Broadway at the Beach, this is a top pick for older kids and tweens.

P.S.: You're not imagining it—kids are more likely to eat when dinosaurs or superheroes are involved.

5. Play-Based Learning & Outdoor Discovery

• Children's Museum at The Market Common: A local favorite offering hands-on art, science, and cultural exhibits. Great for rainy days or winding down.
• Myrtle Beach State Park: Offers wildlife trails and ranger-led programs. One of six Grand Strand locations named in USA TODAY's 2025 list of best beaches in South Carolina.

Research from the U.S. Travel Association shows that experiential travel promotes critical thinking, curiosity, and adaptive skills in children. That means aquariums, museums, and state parks aren't just "extras"—they're legit developmental wins.

Bonus Tip: Where You Stay Shapes the Experience

Between naps, snacks, and quiet time, the right home base can make or break your trip.

Vacation rental professionals like Casago Myrtle Beach suggest choosing multi-bedroom properties with full kitchens and private balconies, especially when traveling with young kids or grandparents. A recent renovation at their Ocean Dunes 4155 penthouse, for instance, added kid-friendly amenities (outdoor pool, anyone?) while still offering grown-up luxuries like oceanfront views and an updated open-concept kitchen.

Properties just off 75th Avenue offer easy beach access and are still within driving distance of attractions like Alligator Adventure, Barefoot Landing, and Tanger Outlets—without the chaos of the main boardwalk strip.

Final Thought

Myrtle Beach makes it easy to mix fun with enrichment—no compromise necessary. With research-backed attractions, beachside adventures, and local dining spots that double as memory makers, it's not just another vacation—it's family bonding, leveled up.

Want help finding a kid-friendly rental with room to breathe (and maybe a balcony for grown-up coffee time)? Local rental companies can help you find the perfect fit—no stress, just sandy toes.