Best Things to Do in Myrtle Beach, SC With Kids

An oceanfront classic amusement park anchored by the Swamp Fox, a genuine wooden roller coaster with real vintage character, alongside a full ride lineup for younger kids and a separate adjoining water park. The oceanfront setting means you can walk straight from the beach into the park, which cuts down on a full separate-day commitment.

Watch out: Pricing structures vary between pay-per-ride, wristbands, and combo water-park tickets — decide which fits your plans before buying at the gate. The Swamp Fox has a height minimum that locks out younger kids. Can get crowded on summer evenings when beach crowds funnel in.

A moving-walkway shark tunnel is the centerpiece, alongside ray touch pools, a jellyfish gallery, and rotating exhibits with a notable sea-turtle rescue and rehabilitation presence. Indoor and climate-controlled, making it a reliable rainy-day or hot-afternoon pick that works across a wide age range.

Watch out: Gets busy midday in peak season; go at opening or in the last two hours before close for shorter lines. Broadway at the Beach parking (where the aquarium sits) can be a longer walk than expected during festival weekends. Combo tickets with other Broadway at the Beach attractions are worth checking if you're spending the day there anyway.

A sprawling walkable entertainment complex combining multiple mini-golf courses, WonderWorks (an intentionally upside-down building with hands-on science and illusion exhibits), a Ripley's Believe It Or Not museum, dozens of restaurants, and a small lake with paddle boats. Works as a low-commitment evening or rainy-afternoon plan since you can pick and choose activities rather than buying one big ticket.

Watch out: Costs add up fast if you do several paid attractions in one visit — decide your priorities ahead rather than wandering in without a plan. Parking is free but the complex is large; wear comfortable shoes. Restaurant wait times spike around typical dinner hours in peak season.

The area's largest water park — a wave pool, a lazy river, and multiple slide towers across different intensity levels, from gentle family raft rides to steep speed slides for older kids and teens. Worth a full day in Myrtle Beach's hot, humid summer stretch, and a good break from the ocean beach if you want a pool-day alternative.

Watch out: Summer weekends draw big crowds — arrive at opening for the popular slides before lines build. Sunscreen reapplication matters more here than at the ocean since there's less natural shade in the wave pool area. Lockers are limited; bring a waterproof pouch for essentials if you can.

A 187-foot observation wheel on the boardwalk with climate-controlled gondolas, giving a sweeping ocean and coastline view — best timed for sunset. Short, low-commitment, and pairs well with a boardwalk dinner or ice cream stop as an evening activity that doesn't eat a full day.

Watch out: Sunset time slots are popular and can have a short wait; go a little before the exact sunset time to be in a gondola at the right moment. Not ideal for anyone with real height anxiety, though the enclosed gondola is gentler than an open Ferris wheel. Weather-dependent — high wind can pause operations.