12 Myrtle Beach Activities Grandkids Love
Myrtle Beach is a popular East Coast vacation spot on the Atlantic Ocean-facing coast of South Carolina. If you’ve ever visited Myrtle Beach, you already know that it’s chock-full of fun activities, beautiful sights, and unforgettable experiences. If you’ve never been on a family vacation to Myrtle Beach before, now is the time to experience it for yourself! Whether you’re a newcomer or a seasoned veteran of this sunny area, there are plenty of new things to explore.
For older family members hanging out on the beach with their grandkids, there is an almost endless supply of stuff to do. If you’re looking for some of the best places to visit and activities to join, look no further; here is a list of fun Myrtle Beach activities that your grandkids (and the whole family) are sure to enjoy!
Family-Friendly Myrtle Beach Water Activities
Some kids are just bursting with energy. They love seeking out fun and excitement –– the bigger the thrills, the better. If you know that your grandkids wouldn’t hesitate to get in their beach swimsuits and ride a rip-roaring rollercoaster or swim with dolphins in Murrells Inlet, then these adventurous Myrtle Beach activities for kids are sure to get their blood pumping. They’re also a great way to beat the heat on those sunny, dry days and offer plenty of fun things to do for kids of all ages.
Shark Wake Park
Shark Wake Park is a Myrtle BeachWater Park that offers several different and equally exciting attractions within the park itself. Located on North Myrtle Beach, Shark Wake Park is the ideal opportunity to experience sun and surf –– without needing a boat! This place features a giant obstacle course floating directly on the water called Obstacle Island.
Bouncy climbing walls, slides, and slippery surfaces are just some of the things you’ll encounter here. Cable Park lets you kneeboard, water ski, and more –– and it’s a great place for beginners. Just don’t forget the sunscreen and comfy board shorts; you’ll need them!
Bonus: All this activity is sure to work up an appetite. But don’t worry –– the park’s Shark Shack has got you covered with snacks, ice cream, coffee, and even alcoholic beverages.
Trailblaze Adventure
Do you have older kids who get a kick out of watersports and sightseeing? Don your best wrap front one-piece swimsuit and prepare to enjoy the breeze in your hair with Trailblaze Adventure. They offer several different tours on gondolas and paddleboards. You can also set out on your own with a rented kayak or paddleboard rental. If you would prefer to stay on land, try out one of their golf carts or electric bikes! There are plenty of opportunities to get around in a creative way.
Bonus: Had enough sightseeing and would rather unwind? Trailblaze Adventure also offers yoga classes –– on paddleboards! If you’re willing to test your balance, give this activity a try.
Myrtle Waves Water Park
There’s nothing like a huge waterpark to beat the heat and have a great time doing so. Swirling thrill rides and kiddie slides will fill an afternoon in no time at all. Kids can amuse themselves by swimming in the wave pool, boogie boarding, and sliding on tubes to their heart’s content. Little play areas complete with smaller slides, sprinklers, and shallow pools are also available so that the youngest children can have fun while staying safe.
Bonus: If you’re looking to join in on the fun while staying relaxed, you can throw on your palm leaf cover up and wander over to the lazy river. After a day of exhausting playing, your grandkids might just join you!
Blackbeard’s Pirates Voyage
If your grandkids love pirates, then Blackbeard’s Pirate Cruise should be the first go-to on your list. On this hour-long interactive adventure, you’ll get to sail down the Intracoastal Waterway on a pirate ship full of buccaneers, treasure, and fun. Be prepared to get wet as there will be water gun fights and water cannons to defend the ship from the evil Billy Bones. And no pirate cruise would be complete without a sword fight (using foam swords, of course).
Bonus: Be sure to show up early for this one! The kids will get outfitted in pirate gear and you’ll be able to snag a great family photo.
Indoor Games and Entertainment
These places are great to visit on any day for some rides and swimming in the Myrtle Beach area –– but when it’s too rainy out or just unbearably hot, there’s nothing like a bit of a break from the outdoors. There is no shortage of fun to be had at any of these locations –– from arcades to adventurous quests, Myrtle Beach has got you covered on indoor family activities.
Big Air Trampoline Park
The Big Air Trampoline Park is a great place to leap for joy for the entire family, but it offers more than just trampolines and inflatables. Zipline across ball pits, flex your climbing skills by the rock wall and ropes course, or clamber and slide your way through various obstacle courses. Want to ride a mechanical shark? You can do that, too! All these activities and much more are available to your little ones at this exciting attraction. For the smallest family members, the park also features toddler times on certain days.
Bonus: Friday and Saturday nights are cosmic nights –– the lights are turned down and the music and strobes are turned up for the ultimate family fun experience to save for a rainy day. Older kids and their friends are sure to have a blast.
The Hollywood Wax Museum Entertainment Center
The Hollywood Wax Museum Entertainment Center features three different, unique experiences. First off, the Hollywood Wax Museum presents you with the opportunity to meet lifelike wax figurine versions of your favorite stars.
Take pictures with wax celebs, props, and settings for lasting memories. Next up, there’s the fantastical Hannah’s Maze of Mirrors. Find your way through a labyrinth of mysteries as you embark on a magical quest to save a princess. Finally, fans of horror and sci-fi can visit Outbreak: Dread the Undead and prevent a zombie apocalypse. There’s something here for everyone!
Alabama Theatre
If you’re already planning on going to the Grand Strand, why not stop by the famous Alabama Theatre? This theater offers a popular attraction in the form of a musical variety and comedy show — and even Broadway at the beach. Spend an evening hearing your favorite numbers for multiple different musical genres, laughing out loud, and watching special guests perform onstage. This place is especially popular amongst lovers of Southern music and comedy.
Broadway Grand Prix Family Race Park
If you’re looking for a little bit of everything, stop by the Broadway Grand Prix Family Race Park for just that. Enjoy a game of miniature golf at the 18-hole mini golf course, or rally around a host of arcade games inside. The space also offers on-sitelaser tag and a wide array of other fun activities to enjoy.
The highlight of the Grand Prix, of course, is the race track. This several thousand square-foot place features seven different go-kart tracks, offering unique experiences for all ages and levels. Finally, after all the fun, you can sit back and have some refreshments at the snack bar.
Fantastic Sights To See and Explore
For the curious and inquisitive child, there’s a lot more to do than just any old museum. Myrtle Beach offers some amazing things that are sure to leave your kids' and grandkids’ eyes shining in awe. Not only are these a couple of great opportunities to learn something new and pique any child’s interest, but they also offer stunning views.
Ripley’s Believe It or Not Aquarium
Ripley’s Aquarium is a great place to get an up-close view of beautiful marine creatures and fascinating wildlife. Since the 90s, this aquarium has been providing locals and tourists with wonderful displays, interactive experiences, and hourly dive shows. Thousands of species of fish, as well as stingrays, sharks, crabs, sea turtles, penguins, and much more marine life are at home in these impressive oceanfront exhibits.
A 330-foot glide path through a tunnel takes you through some species that you will never get to see otherwise. Different exhibits recreate the environments of the Amazon rainforest, the Arctic, and coral reefs. This place will surely provide an ocean of unforgettable moments!
Bonus: If you’re willing to spend some extra money, the museum offers plenty of special experiences. Have close-up encounters with penguins, dive with sharks, pet stingrays, get behind-the-scenes tours, and more.
Selfie WRLD
Let’s face it –– teens love to take pictures! If you have an older grandchild who seems to love flashing photos in unexpected places, they are going to love Selfie WRLD. Full of colorful sets and interesting backdrops, this place is no ordinary photo studio.
Even younger kids who don’t have phones will be entertained by some of these funny picture opportunities. And there’s plenty here for grandparents as well –– after all, what better place to get pictures of your grandkids to hang on the fridge?
Barefoot Landing
Barefoot Landing isn’t just one event –– it’s several! This Myrtle Beach boardwalk is the place to find delicious restaurants, live music, and more. Older kids might be interested in all the boutiques and gift shops this place has to offer, while younger ones will want to flock to the Barnum and Bailey Carousel. If you’re trying to wind down from a long day of activities, this is also a good place to meander along and enjoy the atmosphere. Make sure to grab a meal as you gaze at the sun setting over the water.
Bonus: If you’re planning your trip, make sure to check out the Barefoot Landing calendar. They have special events year-round –– such as food tastings, fireworks, and holiday-themed festivals –– and you won’t want to miss them.
Myrtle BeachPavilion Park
Who can resist a good old-fashioned fair? Whether you’re looking for a big slide, a giant swing carousel, or a musical buggy ride, Pavilion Park will get you all the fun you expect out of a classic amusement park.
For more daring kids, the large Ferris wheel offers a wonderful view of the park and beyond, especially when the lights come on at night. While the Myrtle Beach SkyWheel is also a famous Myrtle BeachFerris wheel, this location is a good compromise if you’re with kids who don’t like heights.
Closing Thoughts
There are tons more fabulous things to do on a vacation in Myrtle Beach –– these options are just the beginning. Feel free to browse around and see what pricks your fancy. Try talking to your family beforehand and seeing what people are interested in; a good rule of thumb for a successful trip is to make sure that everybody has at least one activity they are looking forward to.
While planning ahead can save you a lot of stress in the long run, there’s nothing wrong with taking a spontaneous approach. After all, Myrtle Beach is so full of action, you’re sure to find something to do around every corner. Just don’t forget your swimsuit!
Sources:
Ripley's Aquarium of Myrtle Beach | Ripley Aquarium
Alabama Theatre | Alabama Theatre
Barefoot Landing | Barefoot Landing
Big Air Trampoline Park | Big Air USA
Shark Park 843 | Myrtle Beach, SC | Cable Park & Obstacle Island
Scary Myrtle Beach Activities | Outbreak – Dread the Undead
Blackbeard's Pirate Cruise | Myrtle Beach Pirate Cruise