Top 10 Best Things to Do in Myrtle Beach with Kids (Other Than the Beach!)

Last Updated on May 29, 2026 by Tori Pines

Okay so hear me out. Yes, Myrtle Beach is famous for its gorgeous stretch of coastline, and yes, the beach is absolutely incredible and you should one hundred percent spend time there. BUT. If you’ve ever visited with little ones, you already know that kids can only dig in the sand for so long before someone is bored, sunburned, or hangry. And honestly? Exploring the other things to do in Myrtle Beach with kids is when the real magic of this beach town kicks in.

Because here’s the thing that a lot of people don’t realize until they get there: Myrtle Beach is an absolutely PACKED destination for families, and there is so much to do beyond the shoreline. We’re talking dinner shows, aquariums, dolphin tours, minor league baseball, multi-level entertainment districts, and SO much more. Whether you’re trying to fill a rainy afternoon or just want to shake up your beach vacation routine, this list has you covered.

These are my personal picks for the best things to do in Myrtle Beach with kids, and I can promise you every single one of them is worth your time.

Why Trust Me?

Great question! I didn’t just visit Myrtle Beach once and call myself an expert. I actually grew up spending serious time there as a small child and then lived in Myrtle beach for many years as a teenager. My parents still live there, which means we visit regularly now with my own little kids, and I get to experience all of these attractions through fresh eyes every single time we go. I know which spots are actually worth the drive, which ones are worth the price tag, and which ones are totally overhyped. Everything on this list is something I have personally done and loved, and I’m giving you my honest, real-person take on all of it.

Looking into a travel credit card? I swear by the Southwest Credit Card for earning free flights around the US and the ability to earn the companion pass where you can take anyone on a flight with you for FREE!

10 Best Things to Do in Myrtle Beach with Kids (Beyond the Beach)

1. Pirates Voyage Dinner & Show

Okay, let me just start by saying that I went into Pirates Voyage with decent expectations and came out absolutely blown away. We took our kids and my parents and honestly, everyone, EVERY age, had an absolute blast. This is one of those rare experiences that truly works for the whole family and I cannot recommend it highly enough. That’s why it’s topping this list as the number one best thing to do in Myrtle Beach with kids!

Here’s the deal: you sit down to a four-course pirate feast while two rival pirate crews battle it out on full-sized ships in a 15-foot-deep indoor lagoon right in front of you. There are aerial acrobatics, mermaids, sea lions, tropical birds, sword fights, and so much audience participation. The food is genuinely delicious, which I was not expecting, and the show is so engaging and high-energy that even my 9-month-old was bouncing and clapping the entire time. I’m not exaggerating, she was riveted from start to finish.

Book your tickets in advance on the Pirates Voyage website, because this one fills up fast, especially in the summer. Doors open about an hour before showtime, and there’s a really fun pre-show in the Pirates Village and kids can dress up as pirates or mermaids. Don’t skip that part! The whole experience from arrival to end is right around two and a half hours.

2. The Myrtle Beach SkyWheel

If you’ve ever driven down the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk, you’ve definitely seen the SkyWheel. It is hard to miss, standing nearly 200 feet tall right on the oceanfront, and let me tell you, it is just as fun as it looks.

We rode it recently to celebrate the SkyWheel’s 15th anniversary and my toddler was IN HEAVEN. She had her little face pressed against the glass the entire ride and the moment we stepped off she immediately asked to go again. I knew it would be fun but I didn’t know if my two-year-old would be nervous as it started to go up. But that kid didn’t even look back, she had a blast and is still talking about it to this day which is why it’s so high on my list of the best things to do in Myrtle Beach with kids!

The gondolas are fully enclosed and climate controlled, which is so nice in the Myrtle Beach heat, and each one fits up to six people comfortably. The ride lasts about 10 to 12 minutes and gives you the most stunning panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean, the beach, and the whole boardwalk scene below. On a clear day you can see as far as the North Carolina coast.

My biggest tip: go at sunset or after dark if you can swing it. The views are absolutely beautiful and the boardwalk lights up in the best way. You can purchase tickets ahead of time online to skip the ticket booth line, which I always recommend doing on busy summer days.

3. See the Myrtle Beach Pelicans

This one is SO special to me and I get a little sentimental every time we go. I grew up going to Myrtle Beach Pelicans games as a kid and now I get to take my own children, and it is just the best feeling in the world. There is something genuinely magical about minor league baseball, and the Pelicans do it so well.

The Pelicans are the Low-A affiliate of the Chicago Cubs and they play at Pelicans Ballpark, which is a great little stadium with a really fun, relaxed atmosphere. Tickets are super affordable, starting at around $10, which makes it a really easy, low-stress outing for families. And it’s not just the game, there are special themed nights throughout the season, great promotions, a fantastic playground at the ballpark for little ones who need to burn some energy, and just the overall vibe of a summer evening at a baseball game is unbeatable.

Check the schedule on the official Myrtle Beach Pelicans website before you go so you can plan around a theme night or giveaway game. Trust me, this one is a total gem and one my family always brings out-of-town visitors to.

4. Dolphin Watch Tour with Blue Wave Adventures (Murrells Inlet)

Do not, I repeat, DO NOT leave Myrtle Beach without doing a dolphin tour. This is one of my absolute favorite things to do and it is such a special experience for kids. Blue Wave Adventures out of Murrells Inlet is the one to book.

They are the original, most experienced dolphin watch tour on the South Carolina coast and they are Dolphin Smart certified, which means they operate responsibly and respectfully around the wildlife. The tour is 1.5 hours and takes you through the beautiful Murrells Inlet saltwater estuary and out into the Atlantic Ocean where you’ll search for dolphins, sea turtles, rays, and whatever else Mother Nature decides to show you that day. The custom-built boat has individual forward-facing seats with full 360-degree views so there truly isn’t a bad seat on the boat.

Book online in advance at bluewaveadventures.com because they cap groups at 40 passengers and they fill up quickly. Morning tours are generally recommended for the best sea conditions. Note that they advise no children under 3 for safety reasons. The departure point is Crazy Sister Marina, which is just a short drive south of Myrtle Beach and totally worth it. And be sure to explore Murrells Inlet while you’re there. We absolutely LOVE the Marsh Walk and I included it on my list of the best unique things to do in Myrtle Beach!

5. Broadway at the Beach

Okay, Broadway at the Beach could honestly have its own entire blog post about things to do in Myrtle Beach with kids and I still wouldn’t be able to cover everything there is to do here. This place is MASSIVE and there is genuinely something for every single kid, no matter their age or personality.

We’re talking Build-A-Bear, candy stores, a great playground, carnival-style rides, a pond full of fish you can feed, live music, fireworks twice a week, character meet and greets, and SO much more. And that’s just the free stuff! You’ve also got Ripley’s Aquarium right on the property (more on that below), along with tons of restaurants, shopping, and attractions that could easily fill multiple days.

We went recently with my baby and my three-year-old and had so much fun for an entire afternoon and still didn’t scratch the surface of everything there was to do. Honestly, plan to come back more than once because you will not get through it all in a single trip and that’s actually a great problem to have. There’s no admission fee to enter Broadway at the Beach itself, so you can make it as budget-friendly or as splurge-y as you want.

6. Ripley’s Aquarium of Myrtle Beach

Ripley’s Aquarium is one of those attractions that really does live up to the hype, and as someone who has been going since childhood, I can tell you it just keeps getting better. It is so well done and genuinely one of the best aquariums I’ve been to anywhere.

The highlight for most kids is absolutely the Shark Tunnel, which is a 330-foot moving path that glides you right underneath sharks, rays, and sea turtles as they swim all around you. It is so cool and kids absolutely lose their minds over it. Beyond the tunnel, there are interactive touch tanks, jellyfish exhibits, colorful tropical fish, and an indoor playscape on the upper level that kids can spend literally hours on. Budget about two to three hours for your visit, and buy your tickets online ahead of time to skip the line at the door.

The aquarium is located at Broadway at the Beach, so you can easily pair it with a full day at that complex. Free parking is available on site!

7. Barefoot Landing

Barefoot Landing is sort of like Broadway at the Beach’s more laid-back, less touristy cousin, and honestly? Sometimes that’s exactly what you need. It’s located in North Myrtle Beach along the Intracoastal Waterway and it has such a relaxed, pretty vibe that is really lovely for a slower-paced afternoon outing.

For kids specifically, the highlights are the ropes course, the playground tucked into the Dockside Village area, and the merry-go-round. There’s also live music on weekends and a great mix of casual restaurants where you can sit outside and enjoy the water views. And here’s my favorite pro tip: keep your eyes on the lake while you’re walking around because there are alligators swimming in there! My kids are absolutely fascinated by this every single time and it never gets old.

It’s a much smaller and quieter experience than Broadway at the Beach, and if you’re feeling a little theme-parked out, Barefoot Landing is a really great antidote. It’s free to walk around and explore, with costs only applying if you hop on a ride or eat at a restaurant.

8. The Market Common

The Market Common is a little different from the other spots on this list in that it’s more of a shopping and dining district than a traditional attraction, but I’m including it because there are actually two really great reasons to make the trip out here with kids, and both are completely worth it.

First, the playground. Savannah’s Playground at Grand Park is a multi-acre, fully accessible, all-inclusive playground designed for children of all abilities. It has sensory-friendly features, adaptive swings, a climbing wall, water features, and wide pathways that make it welcoming for every kid. My daughter had SO much fun here and it is just a really beautifully designed, well-maintained space.

But honestly, the hidden gem of the Market Common for families is EdVenture Children’s Museum, located right at 4005 Howard Avenue in the heart of the district. It is perfect for children under 10 and is SO well done. The exhibits are hands-on and focus on STEM education, with highlights like a World of Work section, a Maker Space, and a Flight exhibit. Kids can step into the role of a dentist or patient, cook up pretend food at the Coastal Cafe diner, and explore all kinds of imaginative, interactive experiences. There’s also a dedicated toddler area on the second floor for children three and under, which is so thoughtful. It’s one of those places where the kids are learning without even realizing it, which is honestly the best kind of attraction.

After EdVenture and the playground, the Market Common itself is really lovely for a stroll, a meal, or some shopping. They also do Movies Under the Stars on Wednesday evenings in the summer, which is such a fun, free outing to tack onto the end of your day.

9. Water Sports: Parasailing or Banana Boat Rides

If your kids are a little older and ready for some real adventure, you absolutely have to do some water sports while you’re in Myrtle Beach. Parasailing and banana boat rides are both classics and both are SO much fun with kids.

Parasailing is one of those bucket list experiences that sounds scarier than it actually is, and the views from up there are absolutely spectacular. Banana boat rides are a little more accessible for younger kids and are basically a guaranteed good time since someone always ends up in the water. Both can be booked right off the beach in Myrtle Beach or down in Murrells Inlet, and there are multiple operators to choose from. My sister and I did both as kids and have the best memories! I can’t wait to take my kiddos once they’re old enough!

Prices generally run around $30–$60 per person depending on the activity and operator, and most require kids to be a certain age or height, so check ahead of time when you book. It’s a Myrtle Beach rite of passage honestly, and one of those memories your kids will talk about for years.

10. Mini Golf

And last but absolutely not least: mini golf. You guys, Myrtle Beach is officially known as the Mini Golf Capital of the World, and the moment you arrive you will completely understand why. There are over 30 courses spread throughout the Grand Strand and you will literally see them on practically every corner. It is honestly a little overwhelming in the best way.

Every single course has its own wild, elaborate theme. We’re talking fire-breathing volcanoes, pirate ships, prehistoric dinosaurs, Asian-inspired caverns, and so much more. Some favorites include Mt. Atlanticus Minotaur Golf (five stories tall with ocean views!), Hawaiian Rumble (famous for its 40-foot volcano that erupts fire every 20 minutes!), and Ripley’s Crazy Golf which is an indoor glow-in-the-dark course that spans three stories. There is absolutely no shortage of options and honestly the hardest part is just picking one.

Oh and if you have older kids who might enjoy a more realistic golf experience, be sure to visit Tiger Wood’s course, Popstroke. The greens are much more accurate to an actual golf course including sand traps too! While still a pretty new brand, they have grown quickly with locations all over the country including Nashville, Orlando, Tampa, Las Vegas, San Antonio and more!

Mini golf is one of those things that works for every age, every skill level, and every mood. And the courses here are so over the top and fun that even the most mini-golf-skeptical adult will have a great time. Tickets generally run around $10–$15 per person and most courses offer discounts for young children.

Bonus: Myrtle Waves Water Park

Okay I couldn’t leave this one off the list of best things to do in Myrtle Beach with kids so here’s a bonus! Myrtle Waves is South Carolina’s largest water park and it is such a staple of the Myrtle Beach experience. I grew up going every single summer as a kid! With over 30 slides and attractions and 1.2 million gallons of water, there is truly no shortage of ways to have an absolutely epic day here.

The lineup is SO good. Highlights include the Ocean in Motion Wave Pool, the Lazy River, Riptide Rockets, Turbo Twisters, Thunderbolt Speed Slides, and Tsunami, which is the only FlowRider surf machine in all of South Carolina. There’s also a fantastic splash area for little ones which is perfect if you’ve got a mix of ages in your group. Bigger kids can do the thrilling slides while the toddlers splash around safely, which is honestly the dream scenario for parents.

A few tips: buy your tickets online at myrtlewaves.com ahead of time to save a little money and skip the ticket line. The park is typically open from mid-May through mid-September, so it’s the perfect summer vacation activity. And go on a weekday if you can because the lines are SO much shorter and you’ll be able to do way more in a day. Also worth noting that children ages 2 and under get in completely free, which is always a win for families with babies.

There you have it, ten incredible things to do in Myrtle Beach with kids that have absolutely nothing to do with the beach. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a Grand Strand regular like me, I hope this list helps you make the absolute most of your trip. Myrtle Beach is such a special place and it truly has something for everyone. Now go have the best time!