How to Plan the Perfect Family Vacation in Myrtle Beach

Planning a family vacation is a bit like ordering one pizza that makes everyone happy. You need somewhere the kids will have plenty to do, the adults will actually enjoy, and nobody has to spend half the trip in the car going from one thing to the next.

That’s part of what makes Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, such an easy pick for families. You’ve got miles of beach, fun resorts with plenty to do right on the property, and frankly, a ridiculous number of ways to entertain kids once they’ve had enough sand for the day. Mini golf? Of course. Aquariums, amusement rides, watersports, and arcades? Yep. A quiet afternoon doing absolutely nothing but floating in the pool? Highly recommended.

Let's jump into strategizing the perfect coastal getaway with a foolproof list of things to do and even some backup plans for your family!

 

When Should You Take the Family to Visit Myrtle Beach?

There really isn’t one “best” time to bring the family to Myrtle Beach; every season has its reason! It depends on whether your crew is here for maximum beach time, outdoor adventures, a particular festival, or a little bit of everything.

• Summer is Myrtle Beach in full vacation mode. The ocean is warm, attractions are buzzing, and long days make it easy to squeeze in the beach, pool, and a round of mini golf before bedtime.


• Spring brings comfortable days weather-wise and is a great time to mix beach walks and pool time with Brookgreen Gardens, mini golf, shopping, and exploring more of the Grand Strand.


• Fall is a bit of a local favorite. The days can stay warm well into the season, and the calendar has plenty of festivals and events.


• Winter has its own appeal, especially around the holidays. You can trade an all-day beach schedule for shows, holiday lights, indoor attractions, and splashing in your resort's indoor heated pool.

 

Family Activities in Myrtle Beach

Myrtle Beach makes it pretty easy to fill a family itinerary, whether you’re traveling with little ones who still need a midday nap or older kids who need a bit more convincing that something is actually cool.

Things to Do for Young Kids

For younger kids, look for activities that are interactive, easy to navigate, and don’t require a full day. Here are a few solid options:

• Visit Ripley’s Aquarium: Walk through the shark tunnel, see sea turtles and rays, and check out the hands-on exhibits.


• Explore EdVenture Myrtle Beach: A good indoor option with hands-on exhibits and plenty of opportunities for kids to climb, build, and play.


• Meet the animals at Brookgreen Gardens: Visit the Lowcountry Zoo, then leave time to wander the gardens and trails.


• Get hands-on at WonderWorks: You can’t miss the upside-down building at Broadway at the Beach. Inside, you'll find interactive exhibits where kids can experiment with space, weather, light, and physics.


• Spend a morning on the beach: Pack a bucket and shovel, hunt for shells, and let the Atlantic provide the entertainment for a few hours.


• Have a resort pool day: Sometimes the activity kids talk about most afterward is the afternoon you didn't plan at all.

Things to Do for All Ages

Traveling with a mix of ages? These are the outings where younger kids, teenagers, parents, and grandparents even can all find something memorable:

• Explore Barefoot Landing: Browse the shops, grab something to eat, and wander along the boardwalks around the lake. It’s especially convenient when staying at Ocean Creek.


• Visit Alligator Adventure: See alligators, crocodiles, and other animals at this wildlife park next to Barefoot Landing.


• Head to the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk: Ride the SkyWheel, hit an arcade, grab an ice cream, and spend some time along the oceanfront.


• Take a dolphin cruise: Get out on the water and keep an eye out for dolphins along the Carolina coast.


• Play a round of mini golf: Pick your theme. Pirates, dinosaurs, shipwrecks, and volcanoes are all part of Myrtle Beach’s wonderfully over-the-top mini golf scene.


• Catch a live show: Myrtle Beach has family-friendly evening shows like the Carolina Opry or the acrobatics and comedy at Pirates Voyage Dinner & Show.


• Plan a beach day: No tickets, complicated logistics, or age requirements necessary. Bring the chairs, snacks, and sunscreen, and let everyone do their own version of absolutely nothing.


• Discover Myrtle Beach State Park: For a classic day by the coast, this is an ideal spot to explore the beach, walk the nature trails, fish from the pier, or join one of the park’s family-friendly nature programs.


• Spend a day at Family Kingdom Amusement Park: A classic oceanfront favorite that features everything from kiddie rides to bigger thrills. Break up the rides with a carnival game or two and grab a treat for a memorable day out.


• Go horseback riding: Saddle up for a guided trail ride through the scenic countryside around Myrtle Beach. It’s a fun change of pace for kids, teens, and adults alike.

 

Best Family Dining in Myrtle Beach

Eating out with kids in Myrtle Beach doesn’t have to mean negotiating over chicken tenders every night. Here's a list of spots to delight every appetite.

Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament

Dinner is part of the show at Medieval Times, where families eat while knights compete in jousting, sword fighting, and other arena events. The fixed meal keeps ordering simple, and eating with your hands is not only allowed, but it’s kind of the whole assignment.

Captain George’s Seafood Restaurant

The easy go to for all tastes: a buffet. But a Myrtle Beach buffet is something special! For a classic Myrtle Beach seafood buffet, Captain George’s gives everyone plenty of choices. The spread goes well beyond the standard buffet lineup, with crab legs, shrimp, fish, and other seafood alongside plenty of familiar sides, meats, and desserts.

River City Cafe

River City Cafe is wonderfully casual after a long day and built for families. Burgers are the main event, with plenty of straightforward choices for kids. You can find several locations around the Grand Strand!

LuLu’s North Myrtle Beach

Located at Barefoot Landing, LuLu’s is an especially convenient choice for families staying at Ocean Creek. The menu covers seafood, burgers, and kid-friendly basics, while the laid-back waterfront setting offers a lovely view and makes dinner feel like part of the vacation.

Johnny D’s Waffles and Benedicts

For breakfast, Johnny D’s has the important bases covered: waffles, pancakes, French toast, eggs, and plenty of choices for kids. Meanwhile, adults can venture into the restaurant’s lineup of eggs Benedict, omelets, and other breakfast favorites.

 

Where to Stay With Kids on Your Myrtle Beach Vacation

When you’re traveling with kids, the right accommodations are central to the plan. A good location, extra room to spread out, and a kitchen for easy breakfasts, snacks, and occasional meals can make the whole trip run a little smoother.

Ocean Creek Resort is a particularly family-friendly home base. The 57-acre resort sits across from Barefoot Landing and gives visitors plenty to do without having to pile everyone into the car. Kid-friendly amenities include indoor and outdoor pools, an oceanfront playground, tennis courts, putting greens, and, of course, easy beach access.

Book your stay today!