9 Top Things to Do in Myrtle Beach for Families

Planning a family vacation to Myrtle Beach? You’re in for a fun-filled getaway packed with adventure, sun, and unforgettable experiences. Whether your crew is curious or needs to burn some serious energy, there’s no shortage of family friendly activities up and down the Grand Strand.

Located in the heart of it all, hotel BLUE is the perfect beachfront resort to kick off your stay. With a seasonal swim-up bar for the parents, indoor and outdoor pools, and lazy rivers, we’ve got the whole family covered. After checking in, head out with your family to explore these top things to do in Myrtle Beach.

 

1. Cool Off at Myrtle Beach Water Parks

When the summer sun starts heating up, there’s no better way for families to stay cool than by making a splash at a Myrtle Beach water park. From twisting slides and lazy rivers to splash zones designed just for kids, water parks offer a full day of fun and excitement for all ages.

Myrtle Waves Water Park

As the largest water park in South Carolina, Myrtle Waves is a must-visit for water-loving families. With over 20 slides, rides, and pools, there's something here for everyone, from little swimmers to full-on thrill seekers.

There are plenty of shaded areas, snack shacks, and cabanas to make your day comfortable, relaxing, and full of family friendly entertainment.

Water Fun at hotel BLUE

You don’t have to leave the resort to enjoy epic water features. At hotel BLUE, we bring the water park vibe to you.

On-site amenities include:

• Seasonal outdoor pool and whirlpool


• An indoor lazy river perfect for floating and relaxing


• Indoor whirlpool


• Additional water features just one block south at Captain’s Quarters include the seasonal Shipwreck Lagoon Kids’ Waterpark, indoor pool, lazy river, hot tubs, seasonal outdoor pools, and more.

 

2. Feast and Cheer at a Family-Friendly Dinner Theater

Dinner and a show? Yes, please. Myrtle Beach is known for its themed dinner theaters that combine a full-course meal with immersive live entertainment, a winning combo for families.

Both theaters offer interactive elements, themed gift shops, and family photo ops. Make sure to plan ahead. Tickets sell out quickly, especially in summer.

Pirates Voyage Dinner & Show

A crowd favorite. Think epic sword fights, acrobatics, sea lions, and mermaids. All performed in a massive indoor lagoon. While kids cheer for the Crimson or Sapphire crew, parents can enjoy hearty Southern fare like fried chicken, mac and cheese, and apple pie.

Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament

Take your family back in time to a castle where knights joust, horses gallop, and falcons soar through the air. You'll feast with your hands (no utensils here!) while cheering for your team’s knight. It's pure fun, with just the right amount of drama and excitement to keep kids glued to the action.

 

3. Stroll Barefoot Landing for Dining, Shopping & Shows

Located in North Myrtle Beach, Barefoot Landing is a one-stop spot for shopping, dining, and all-ages entertainment. This boardwalk-style village along the waterway is packed with family friendly activities.

After a day of shopping, grab dinner at one of the waterfront restaurants and stick around for evening fireworks during the summer. Here are some can't-miss spots for families.

• Alligator Adventure – One of the largest reptile parks in the world. Get up close with gators, snakes, lemurs, and other animals. Don't miss the live feedings and educational shows.


• Lulu’s Beach Arcade & Ropes Course – Owned by Jimmy Buffett’s sister, Lulu’s has a waterfront restaurant and an arcade filled with interactive games. The ropes course is ideal for older kids wanting a physical challenge.


• Alabama Theatre – Evening shows feature live music, comedy, and dancing. It’s clean, high-quality entertainment that keeps families coming back year after year.

 

4. Enjoy a Classic Day at the Beach

The beach is the main event and for good reason. Wide stretches of golden sand, waves, and plenty of sunshine create the perfect playground for kids and parents alike.

Myrtle Beach State Park is a top pick, offering calmer crowds, picnic areas, nature trails, and a long fishing pier ideal for kids. Surfside Beach, known as “The Family Beach,” features clean sands, lifeguards in peak season, and a welcoming, laid-back atmosphere.

For families wanting easy access to amenities, restrooms, and nearby dining, North Myrtle Beach provides wide beaches and shallow waters that are great for younger swimmers.

Here are some family-friendly activities.

• Build elaborate sand castles with moats and towers


• Hunt for seashells


• Toss a frisbee or fly a kite


• Swim in the shallow surf


• Bring your own beach chairs and settle in for a relaxing day with a good book


• Enjoy a picnic lunch under a beach umbrella

 

5. Dine at These Family-Friendly Restaurants

Myrtle Beach is packed with restaurants that know how to keep kids happy and parents well-fed. Many of these spots are located near top attractions, making it easy to spend a full day exploring and eating.

• River City Cafe – Funky, casual, and famous for towering burgers and peanut-shell-covered floors.


• Johnny D’s Waffles & Bakery – The whole family will love the creative menu. Think red velvet waffles, omelets, and kid-sized pancakes.


• DinoLand Cafe – A prehistoric world where dinner comes with a side of dinosaurs. DinoLand Cafe is an immersive, themed restaurant complete with animatronic dinosaurs, a lava mountain, and jungle décor. There's even a T. rex-sized dessert selection that kids won’t forget.


• The Hangout – A family party with sand pits, foam parties, live DJ dance-offs, and table-side games, this spot keeps kids active. It's a must-do if you're looking for food with a side of fun.

 

6. Visit Broadway at the Beach for Nonstop Fun

Broadway at the Beach is a massive entertainment complex that belongs on every family’s Myrtle Beach itinerary. Centered around a lake, it’s home to rides, exhibits, shops, and live entertainment.

Broadway at the Beach also hosts events and music throughout the summer. Top family attractions here include:

• Ripley’s Aquarium – One of the most popular attractions in South Carolina, it features touch tanks, underwater tunnels, and numerous hands-on exhibits.


• WonderWorks – This upside-down building is filled with science experiments, laser tag, ropes courses, and interactive games.


• Pavilion Park – A classic amusement park with rides for all ages, from toddler-friendly trains to thrilling swing towers.


• Dino Park – A walk-through park filled with life-sized animatronic dinosaurs that roar, move, and teach.

 

7. Go Fishing (and More!) at These Family-Friendly Piers

Fishing is more than a hobby in Myrtle Beach; it’s a family bonding tradition. Most piers rent equipment and don’t require a license. Even if you’ve never fished before, it’s easy to try. Besides fishing, piers are perfect for people-watching, playing arcade games, or simply enjoying the ocean breeze.

Top piers for families:

• 2nd Avenue Pier – Located on the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk, this pier also features a rooftop restaurant with ocean views.


• Apache Pier – The longest wooden pier on the East Coast, offering live music, arcades, and dining options.


• Cherry Grove Pier – Up in North Myrtle Beach, this pier offers great fish and unbeatable sunrise photo ops.

 

8. Watch Fireworks and Dance to Live Music

When the sun goes down, the entertainment heats up. During peak summer nights, families can catch free fireworks shows at the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk at the 2nd Ave Pier and Barefoot Landing every Monday over the lake. These events often include live music and street performers.

Bring a blanket, some snacks, and settle in early for a front-row seat. It’s the perfect way to end a magical day together.

 

9. Play a Round at These Top Mini-Golf Courses

Myrtle Beach is known as the mini golf capital of the world, and you’ll find dozens of imaginative courses perfect for a family showdown. Each course offers a different theme, allowing you to try a new adventure every day of your vacation. Here are four of the best.

• Mount Atlanticus Minotaur Golf – A multi-level adventure with towering tiki statues and ocean views.


• Captain Hook’s Adventure Golf – This Neverland-themed course features pirate ships, crocodiles, and Peter Pan himself.


• Jurassic Golf – Dino lovers rejoice! This course has life-size dinosaurs and bubbling volcanoes.


• Treasure Island Golf – Classic pirate vibes and waterfalls make this one a family favorite.

 

Plan Your Family Getaway at hotel BLUE

From beachfront fun and dinner shows to mini-golf, rides, and fireworks, these are the top things to do in Myrtle Beach for families. And the best place to stay while doing it all? hotel BLUE.

With oceanfront pools, seasonal dining, and a central location that makes everything easy to access, we make family vacations feel like a breeze. Book your stay today—and start making memories.