Traveling with kids? Here are the Myrtle Beach and Grand Strand attractions families love, from the aquarium and alligators to go-karts, mini golf and pirate shows. Every one is on our map, along with family-friendly restaurants nearby.
A 187-foot wheel on the Boardwalk with enclosed, climate-controlled gondolas. Pretty at night when it lights up. · Hours change by season · check website · 📞 843-839-9200
The 1930s Moorish-style winter home of Archer and Anna Hyatt Huntington, inside Huntington Beach State Park. $2 plus park admission. · 9 AM–4 PM (to 5 PM during daylight saving time)
Hundreds of American sculptures set in gardens under live oaks, plus a small native-animal zoo and creek boat tours. · Usually 9:30 AM–5 PM · check website
An oceanfront amusement park with the Swamp Fox wooden coaster and plenty of kiddie rides. Pay per ride or get a wristband. · Seasonal · check website for open dates
Pirate battles, acrobatics and a four-course meal around a full-size lagoon. A Christmas show runs Nov 4, 2026–Jan 2, 2027. · Show times vary · see schedule · 📞 843-497-9700
A free 1900–1955 working farm run by the Horry County Museum, with animals, a smokehouse and farm demonstrations. · Usually Tue–Sat 9 AM–4 PM · 📞 843-365-3596
Nights of a Thousand Candles at Brookgreen Gardens
Murrells Inlet · Holiday light display · $
More than 2,700 hand-lit candles and millions of lights across the gardens, with holiday music and a nightly tree lighting at 6 PM. Tickets $40 adults, $20 kids 4–12 ($35/$15 for members). · Select nights Nov 27, 2026–Jan 3, 2027 · 4–9 PM · tickets required
A drive-through light show at the North Myrtle Beach Park & Sports Complex. $25 per standard vehicle on Village Nights, $20 on select other nights through Dec 9. · Nov 23–Dec 30, 2026 · gates 5:30–9:30 PM · closed Nov 26 & Dec 25
Holiday lights along the Boardwalk in downtown Myrtle Beach, free to walk, with events at Burroughs & Chapin Pavilion Place. · Nov 25, 2026–Jan 2, 2027 · nightly 5–9 PM
Broadway at the Beach Tree Lighting & Christmas Parade
Myrtle Beach · Tree lighting & parade · Free
Tree lighting in The Hangout Courtyard with fireworks at 8 PM on Nov 14, then A Very Broadway Christmas Parade on Dec 5. · Tree lighting Sat Nov 14, 2026, 6–8 PM · parade Sat Dec 5, 11 AM
The annual tree lighting in front of the Grand 14 Cinema. On Dec 31, 2026, A Southern Times Square brings a midnight ball drop here too. · Sat Nov 21, 2026 · 6–8 PM · carriage rides 5:45–8:45 PM
A free town tree lighting, then a Christmas parade along Ocean Boulevard and Surfside Drive. · Tree lighting Thu Dec 3, 2026, 4–8 PM (lighting 6:30) · parade Sat Dec 12, 2 PM
A tree lighting at Morse Park Landing, then a parade along Business 17 to the landing the next day. · Tree lighting Sat Dec 5, 2026, 4–6 PM · parade Sun Dec 6, 3–6 PM
Kids love Ripley's Aquarium, WonderWorks, Alligator Adventure, mini golf, go-karts and the Pirates Voyage dinner show. Many of them are clustered around Broadway at the Beach and Barefoot Landing.
For outdoor time, the state parks have nature trails, marsh boardwalks and quieter beaches, and the piers are great for a first fishing trip.
What can kids do in Myrtle Beach on a rainy day?
Ripley's Aquarium, WonderWorks and the Hollywood Wax Museum are all indoors at Broadway at the Beach. The dinner shows are indoors too.
What is cheap to do with kids in Myrtle Beach?
The beach, the Boardwalk, the L.W. Paul Living History Farm and Grand Park cost nothing. A state park day costs a few dollars per person, and a Pelicans baseball game is one of the cheapest nights out in summer.
Local tips
Buy aquarium and show tickets online ahead of busy weeks.
Go to indoor attractions early on rainy days. Everyone else has the same idea by noon.
Watch for alligators (from a distance!) along the Huntington Beach State Park causeway.
Many go-kart and mini golf spots cut back hours in the off-season.
Common questions
What is good to do in Myrtle Beach with toddlers?
Ripley's Aquarium, the beach at Myrtle Beach State Park, and the farm animals at the free L.W. Paul Living History Farm are all good picks for little ones.
Is Myrtle Beach good for teenagers?
Yes. Teens tend to like WonderWorks, the go-kart tracks, the SkyWheel and the Boardwalk at night.
Hours, prices and vibes change, and some listings are still being checked. Call ahead or check the attraction's website before you go. Know a local spot we're missing? Tell us on our Facebook page.