Family-Friendly Adventures in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina!

North Myrtle Beach

Why Visit?

Welcome to North Myrtle Beach, a family-friendly paradise! Here"s a carefully crafted itinerary to ensure your family has a memorable visit.

Day 1: Beach Day & Barefoot Landing

- Morning to Afternoon:

Start your day soaking up the sun at the expansive North Myrtle Beach. Enjoy the gentle waves and soft sands. For lunch, pack a picnic or grab a bite at one of the beachfront cafes.

- Late Afternoon to Evening:

Head over to Barefoot Landing, just a 15-minute drive from the beach. This large shopping and entertainment complex sits along the Intracoastal Waterway. Explore unique shops and enjoy live shows or visit Alligator Adventure, one of the largest reptile parks in the world.

Day 2: Cherry Grove Pier & T.I.G.E.R.S. Preservation Station

- Morning:

Drive or take a local bus to Cherry Grove Pier, a North Myrtle Beach icon since the 1950s. Try your hand at fishing or enjoy stunning ocean views. The pier is also a perfect spot for family photos!

- Afternoon:

Visit T.I.G.E.R.S. Preservation Station at Barefoot Landing. Free to visit, you can see large cats and other wildlife up close. They offer photo opportunities with tiger cubs (for a fee), and proceeds support global conservation efforts.

Day 3: McLean Park & Mini Golf

- Morning:

Spend a relaxed morning at McLean Park, centrally located in North Myrtle Beach. It features a beautiful lake, playgrounds, and picnic areas.

- Afternoon:

Challenge your family to a round of mini-golf at one of many themed courses, like Professor Hacker’s Lost Treasure Golf, which offers a fun and engaging adventure with every hole.

Each activity offers its unique charm and excitement, making North Myrtle Beach a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure for families. Enjoy your trip!

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.

Ripley"s Marvelous Mirror Maze

Why Visit?

Welcome to Ripley"s Marvelous Mirror Maze, a captivating attraction designed for families seeking adventure and a touch of the unusual! Located in the heart of many popular tourist destinations, including Gatlinburg, TN, this maze is easily accessible and promises an enthralling experience for all ages.

Getting There

If you"re in Gatlinburg, Ripley"s Marvelous Mirror Maze is located on the Parkway, easily reachable by car or local trolley services. There"s ample parking nearby, including public parking lots that are just a short walk away.

Start Your Adventure

Begin your day at Ripley"s by stepping into the Marvelous Mirror Maze. Here’s a fun fact: The maze stretches over thousands of square feet with hundreds of mirrors, creating endless reflections that confuse and delight. The LED lights and dynamic sound effects add an extra layer of excitement, ensuring no two experiences are the same.

Navigating the Maze

As you twist and turn through the maze, keep an eye out for the unique patterns and reflections. It’s a perfect opportunity to teach kids about optics and how mirrors work. Challenge your family to find their way out, and maybe compete who can lead the way!

Take a Break

After escaping the maze, grab a snack at a nearby café. Enjoy some local treats as you discuss the funniest and most confusing moments in the maze.

Enjoy Nearby Attractions

Wrap up your day by visiting other Ripley’s attractions like the Aquarium or the Haunted Adventure, all within walking distance. Each offers its unique blend of educational and thrilling experiences that are perfect for families.

Remember

Before visiting, check online for combo tickets that include multiple attractions for a better deal. Also, the maze can be enjoyed multiple times in a day, as each walk-through can be a new experience!

Enjoy your whimsical and wonderful day at Ripley"s Marvelous Mirror Maze, where every reflection leads to a new discovery!

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.

Myrtle Beach SkyWheel

Why Visit?

Embark on an unforgettable family day at Myrtle Beach with a visit to the iconic Myrtle Beach SkyWheel. Located at 1110 North Ocean Boulevard, the SkyWheel is easily accessible by car, with ample parking available nearby, or you can use the local bus services that stop close to the boardwalk.

Morning - Start with the SkyWheel

Arrive early at the SkyWheel to beat the crowds. This 187-foot tall Ferris wheel offers climate-controlled gondolas, providing a comfortable and mesmerizing experience. Each ride lasts about 10 to 15 minutes, giving you ample time to soak in panoramic views of the ocean and the cityscape. Fun Fact: The SkyWheel is one of the tallest Ferris wheels in the United States and lights up beautifully at night with a million LED lights!

Lunch - Boardwalk Eateries

Post your SkyWheel adventure, head to the nearby boardwalk. It offers various family-friendly dining options where you can enjoy local seafood or classic American fare. I recommend trying the famous foot-long hot dogs at Peaches Corner, a Myrtle Beach staple since 1937.

Afternoon - Ripley"s Aquarium

Just a short drive from the boardwalk, visit Ripley"s Aquarium, located at Broadway at the Beach. This fascinating aquarium is home to thousands of sea creatures. The highlight for most families is the Dangerous Reef, a 340-foot long glidepath that tunnels through a shark-filled tank. It"s both thrilling and educational!

Evening - Dinner and Stroll

Conclude your day with dinner at one of the lakeside restaurants at Broadway at the Beach, and enjoy a casual walk around this vibrant shopping and entertainment complex. Don"t miss the magical fountain show, which lights up in sync with music playing in the background, a perfect ending to your Myrtle Beach adventure.

This itinerary ensures a balance of thrill, education, and relaxation, perfectly suited for a family seeking a memorable day out!

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.

Brookgreen Gardens

Why Visit?

Family-Friendly Itinerary for Brookgreen Gardens

Morning Arrival

Start your day early at Brookgreen Gardens, located in Murrells Inlet, South Carolina. Open from 9:30 AM, it"s best to arrive early to enjoy cooler temperatures and fewer crowds. After parking, head to the Welcome Center to pick up a map and check the day"s event schedule.

Sculpture Garden Exploration

First, explore the exquisite sculpture gardens. Brookgreen Gardens houses the largest collection of American figurative sculptures in the country, with over 2,000 works by 425 artists. Wander through the garden paths to discover beautiful bronze and marble sculptures. Kids will enjoy spotting animals and playful figures among the artworks.

Lowcountry Zoo Visit

Next, visit the Lowcountry Zoo around mid-morning. This accredited zoo is dedicated to native animals, including alligators, eagles, and foxes, providing an educational glimpse into local wildlife. The zoo also offers a rare chance to see animals such as the Red Foxes, native only to this region.

Lunch Break

Around noon, take a break and enjoy lunch at the Pavilion Restaurant within the gardens. Offering kid-friendly meals and beautiful views of the gardens, it’s a perfect spot to relax and refuel.

Butterfly House

After lunch, make sure to visit the Butterfly House (open seasonally from April to October), where you can walk among hundreds of native butterflies in a lush, enclosed garden setting. It"s a magical experience for kids and adults alike.

Creek Excursion

In the afternoon, take a relaxing boat ride along the historic rice fields. These guided tours provide insight into the area’s rich history and a chance to see wildlife in their natural habitat.

Evening Stroll and Departure

As the day winds down, take a final stroll through the gardens, perhaps visiting any exhibits you may have missed. Brookgreen Gardens closes at 5 PM, so plan your exit accordingly to ensure you see all your top picks.

Departure

End your visit by stopping at the gift shop for unique souvenidos, ensuring you take a piece of Brookgreen Gardens home with you.

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.

Hard Rock Cafe Myrtle Beach

Why Visit?

Start your family adventure at Hard Rock Cafe Myrtle Beach, located at 1318 Celebrity Circle right in the heart of Broadway at the Beach. This prime location makes it easy to combine a day of sightseeing and fun with a classic Hard Rock dining experience.

Morning: Explore Broadway at the Beach

Begin your day wandering through Broadway at the Beach, a vibrant entertainment complex. Enjoy various family attractions like Ripley"s Aquarium, just a 5-minute walk from Hard Rock Cafe. Here, your family can marvel at colorful aquatic life in expansive underwater tunnels.

Lunch: Hard Rock Cafe Myrtle Beach

Around noon, head to Hard Rock Cafe for a rock "n" roll dining experience. Indulge in American classics and check out the fascinating collection of music memorabilia. Kids will love the kid-friendly menu, and parents can appreciate the unique memorabilia, like outfits from famous musicians and pieces of rock history.

Afternoon: WonderWorks or Mini-Golf

Post lunch, take a short walk to WonderWorks, a quirky amusement park with an upside-down building illusion, perfect for curious minds. Alternatively, enjoy a family-friendly game of mini-golf at one of the several courses around Broadway at the Beach.

Evening: Dinner and Light Show

After a fun-filled day, grab a casual dinner at one of the lakeside restaurants around Broadway at the Beach. End your day with the magical light show over the lake, a perfect scene to relax and discuss the day"s adventures.

Tips

- Arrive early at Broadway at the Beach for easier parking and fewer crowds.

- Check the Hard Rock Cafe Myrtle Beach website for special family events or live music performances that might align with your visit.

This itinerary offers a blend of music, culture, and fun, ensuring a memorable day for the whole family at Myrtle Beach!

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.