“Myrtle Beach days, we’ll have some fun in the waves…” This is a verse from the classic Fantastic Shakers song titled “Myrtle Beach Days.” Visitors flock year round to Myrtle Beach because this South Carolina beach mecca is known for the superb stretch of beaches, bustling atmosphere, and diverse activities with a capital “D.” Myrtle Beach for families can be one of your most memorable vacations. Here are some of the Myrtle Beach family fun offerings that kept our family “Mega Busy” at Myrtle Beach.
Myrtle Beach is one of the most diverse beach locales in the United States. Ranging from Cherry Grove Beach in the north all the way down to Litchfield Beach and Murrells Inlet to the south, it was dubbed “The Grand Strand” by a local reporter back in 1949. Kinda catchy, isn’t it?
Myrtle Beach literally has something for everyone. Its main draw is the sheer volume of entertainment options and activities. Get busy with these great family activities that are sure to have you busy as bees and beelining back to Myrtle Beach for years to come!
Some of these vendors offered our family a discounted or comped rate.
Myrtle Beach Family Fun Activities
1. WonderWorks
Located at Broadway at the Beach, a behemoth complex of shops, restaurants, and activities, WonderWorks will flip how you view science on its head…literally. The building appears to be upside down!
This 50,000 square feet indoor amusement park is a welcome respite from the heat and a fun way to test your sense of adventure. Mine was challenged as soon as we arrived with the Xtreme 360 bikes. As you pedal, you and your partner swing back and forth on your bike like a pendulum. If you generate enough power, you will do a 360 degree rotation. We did several revolutions, and I was squealing the whole time.
One of the main attractions is the bed of nails. Yes, really, an entire bed of sharp, prickly nails. It is a bit pokey but not near as painful as it looks! Definitely a photo worthy opportunity. They even encourage you to promote it on social media with the tags #nailedit and #bedofnails. I had to watch my family do it before me before I worked up the courage to try it! Here’s my teen braving it before I did…
My tween’s favorite activities were the Bubble Lab where he formed giant bubbles (including ones that enveloped me) and the Laser Tag.
2. Go Ape Treetop Adventures
This outdoor ropes course and zipline combo park offers a 3-4 hour adventure where you can channel your inner Tarzan and Jane up in the canopy of trees. At Go Ape, be prepared to work up a sweat and test your abilities as you climb, balance, and swing through the trees.
Go Ape is incredibly fun but also physical and mentally challenging. I was very impressed but the safety measures in place. You have to go through a 30 minute safety training, and 1 of the 2 carabiners always is connected to the safety line.
Despite the July heat, we were in the canopy of trees and it wasn’t bad. But it IS strenuous and you do need to be somewhat fit to complete all 5 of the courses available. There’s also a Treetop Junior at the Myrtle Beach location designed for kids (but fit for all ages) and has 20 obstacles and 2 zip lines for $ 28.
We all had an incredible sense of accomplishment when our feet touched the ground after we zipped across the lake. You end up at the finish line of all the courses and receive your certificate.
Restrictions for Treetop Adventures:
- Minimum Age: 10 years
- Minimum Height: 4 ft 7 in
- Maximum Weight: 285 lbs
- Wear closed toe, closed heel shoes.
3. Medieval Times
Get ready to be thoroughly entertained like royalty at Medieval Times Dinner and Tournament.
Lords and ladies are invited to take a step back in time. Here’s what the King has in store at Medieval Times:
- 2 hour medieval jousting tournament
- 6 competing knights
- Real weapons
- Beautiful horses
- Live flight of the royal falcon
- Utensil-free dinner
Noble guests, you will feast on garlic bread, tomato bisque soup, roasted chicken, sweet buttered corn, herb-basted potatoes, apple pastry, coffee and two rounds of select beverages. A full service bar is also available for more potent grog. My tween LOVED being able to eat all his food with his hands!
The horses are one of the most popular parts of the show, especially when the Andalusian does its jumps or “airs” and the horse’s entire body leaves the ground. This was my teen’s favorite part of the show-go figure, she loves horses and has ridden them since she was 2.
My son was bummed that our “Black and White” section of the Castle and our knight hardly won anything. After the show we met him, and he couldn’t have been nicer. Then we found out he was just back from having surgery several months ago from an injury he had at work. Ouch! Suddenly we had a new appreciation for the stunts they do.
From the knighting of several guests in the lobby to the banners and fanfare, it was a festive evening that gave us a chance to sit back, relax, and enjoy the revelry. I felt as if I had been transported back in time to an era of castles, jousting, and nobility.
4. Jet Skiing with Myrtle Beach Watersports
We were so excited about the Dolphin Watch jet ski tour that takes you down the Intercoastal Waterway and out to the ocean to see dolphins up close with Myrtle Beach Watersports.
I was super excited about riding a jet ski out to the ocean and doing a Dolphin Tour. But in a humbling turn of events, I couldn’t control my jet ski. (Whomp whomp) My problem was that I would overcorrect and go sideways. I was so bummed. I though we wouldn’t be able to go out on the jet skis because my husband wouldn’t have left me behind. Fortunately, my teenager took right to it and drove our jet ski. While I was extremely embarrassed at not being able to control the jet ski (despite having done it before), I was thankful we didn’t have to abandon the experience.
Added bonus: If no dolphin are sighted on the Jet Ski ride (or you can’t get out to the dolphins like me), you will receive a voucher to ride one of their dolphin cruise boats. Hey, in that way, you get the best of both worlds. We weren’t able to cash in on our dolphin cruise since we were leaving for home that day, but the plus side is that we can try it on our next visit.
My favorite moments: stopping on Bird Island for some beachcombing and swimming and watching my kids take to the jet skis.
Disclosure: Some of these vendors offered our family a discounted or comped rate. However, my opinions will always be truthful.