If you’re heading to Myrtle Beach, you’re most likely wondering about free things to do in Myrtle Beach with kids. Myrtle Beach, SC is one of the most popular beaches in the South. With crystal-clear waters and beautiful sand, it’s now a household name for those looking for a beautiful beach vacation. 

But if you’re planning a trip to Myrtle Beach, you will need to do more than just play in the sand. That’s why we’ve taken the headache out of planning your itinerary by putting together a list of the top 20 things to do in Myrtle Beach with kids! Our list includes all the great attractions and things for kids to do in Myrtle Beach to help ensure that no one in your family gets bored! Those looking for free Myrtle Beach family attractions need look no further than our list!

While lockdowns and restrictions are in place, please continue to social distancing and following CDC, WHO, and government official  guidelines.

Things to Know Before Going to Myrtle Beach

Before we get to these great family-friendly tourist destinations, there are a few things to know about Myrtle Beach to get you started on planning a great beach vacation.m

Where is Myrtle Beach?

Located in eastern South Carolina, Myrtle Beach is a regional hotspot for those looking for quality beach fun. As one of the top fun places in South Carolina, Myrtle Beach ranks among one of the region’s most popular tourist destinations—and for good reason: incredibly beautiful waters and family-friendly atmosphere! This makes it one of the best places to vacation in the South for the entire family!

Best Time to Visit Myrtle Beach, SC

When planning your trip, the most important consideration to make is the time of the year to visit. Going to the beach at the wrong time can be disastrous—not only may the beach be inaccessible, but many of the attractions tied to the beach might be missing as well. That’s why we recommend going to the beach from June to August. During this time, you can be sure that the water is warm and that the atmosphere is just right. Though it may be a bit crowded in the early summer months, you can get a bit of reprieve from people by going closer towards August. 

Weather in Myrtle Beach, SC

You do want to keep the weather in mind, however. During the summer months—particularly starting in July—Myrtle Beach sees an increase in rainfall due to hurricane season. This increase in rainfall typically lasts until November. Be sure to plan your trip accordingly and look into the weather before you go. If you can’t change the dates, it’s always a good idea to have some indoor backup plans so that you and your family can stay entertained no matter the weather. 

Top 20 Free or Nearly Free Things to do in Myrtle Beach with Kids

The good news is that no matter the type of family-friendly activity you’re looking for, we’ve got you covered. Here are Myrtle Beach events, as well as some of fun and best things to do in Myrtle Beach with kids of all ages! 

1. Barefoot Landing

Located in Northern Myrtle Beach, Barefoot Landing boasts some of the most popular attractions in the area. From high-class theaters to great window shopping opportunities, Barefoot Landing has enough fun to keep your whole family entertained. 

Some of its amazing attractions include Alligator Adventure and the Alabama Theater—both great options for the entire family. Walking around here is one of the free things to do in North Myrtle Beach with kids. 

2. Pavilion Nostalgia Park

Get a taste of Myrtle Beach history by vising Pavilion Nostalgia Park. Chock-full of kids’ activities, Pavilion Nostalgia Park also points to the city’s regal past. Built where the former downtown Pavilion was located, this park pays homage to some of the best-known history in the state. Designed as a small amusement park, it still features some of the same rides that it did a hundred years ago. Take, for instance, the Herschell Spillman Carousel that has entertained kids in Myrtle Beach for over a century. Other kids’ rides, attractions, and dining options are also available, making it one of the best family things to do in Myrtle Beach with kids. 

3. The Market Common

Want to take in the best dining that Myrtle Beach has to offer? If so, a trip to the Market Common is in order. With great restaurants like P.F. Chang’s and plenty of kid-friendly entertainment options available, visiting the Market Common is one of the most popular things to do with kids in all of Myrtle Beach and a great way to find the best places to eat in Myrtle Beach. 

And though many of its attractions do cost a little money, you can walk around its beautiful stores and shops without ever having to take out your wallet making it one of the free things to do in Myrtle Beach with kids. 

4. Vereen Memorial Historical Gardens

Just north of Myrtle Beach, this incredible garden stretches over 115 acres—making it one of the most beautiful wildlife refuges in the state. Here, you’ll be able to see the full force of South Carolina’s natural landscape in all of its jaw-dropping beauty. Take a trip out to its observation deck to watch some of the park’s incredible wildlife or pass by a local Civil War cemetery. Best of all, Vereen Memorial Historical Gardens is free for your whole family—now that’s a deal you can’t miss when you’re looking for fun things to do in Myrtle Beach. 

5. Horry County Museum

Want to do more than experience the vibrant present of Myrtle Beach, SC? Take a trip to its past with a visit to the Horry County Museum. Here, you’ll find a number of pictures and documents that show the birth and formation of one of the most important counties in South Carolina. See exhibits that showcase both the natural and the human history of the area for an enlightening educational experience that you won’t find anywhere else!

This makes a great fun thing to do in Myrtle Beach when it rains or in the winter time or just in colder months like October, November, December, January, February, and March. This is a unique thing to do in Myrtle Beach since most people that visit here spend time on the beach and boardwalk, you’ll be one of the few people coming here. 

6. Franklin G Burroughs – Simeon B Chapin Art Museum

This incredible art museum opened in 1997 and already features one of the best collections of art in the city! With a number of antique maps and other old works, this acclaimed art museum is sure to catch the attention of everyone in your family—including your kids. Excite their imaginations by exposing them to some of the greatest recent works of art along with ancient and antique guild pieces that you’ll just have to see to believe. Don’t want to pay the admission fee? You can get by with making a donation if you so choose! This is one of the best places to see in Myrtle Beach and a fun thing to do as well. 

7. Family Kingdom

Looking for a great, thrilling way to keep you and your kids entertained? Try a visit to one of the oldest amusement parks in the state of South Carolina! Family Kingdom has over thirty fun rides that you and your family can choose from—from large Ferris wheels to incredible water parks. Here, you’re sure to find enough fun for the whole family.

 This is a fun thing to do with toddlers in Myrtle Beach! But keep an eye on them so they don’t wander off in all that mesmerizing music and light action. Keep in mind that the amusement and water parks are not open all year. You can visit the amusement park from March to September—though the hours vary by day, so be sure to plan ahead. You can visit the water park from Memorial Day to Labor Day every day from 10 AM to 6 PM. This is certainly one of the cheap things to do in Myrtle Beach with kids. If you are looking for nighttime activity, we also think this is one of the best things to do at night in Myrtle Beach! 

8. South Carolina Hall of Fame

Want another way to educate your kids while keeping them entertained? Consider a trip to the South Carolina Hall of Fame. Here, you’ll find depictions of some of the most influential South Carolinians in US history—and be able to learn more about their important lives. This ranks high on our list of top best things to do in Myrtle Beach, SC. And since it is indoors, it’s a great Myrtle Beach activity for rainy days as well as cold winter months when you can’t really spend so much time on the beach. Located in the Myrtle Beach Convention Center, the Hall of Fame bears depictions of eight signers of the Declaration of Independence, as well as John C. Calhoun and Andrew Jackson! So, head out here if you are looking for what to do in Myrtle Beach in October, November, December, January, February and March. Of course, you can always visit here in the summer or any other time of the year they are open! 

9. Myrtle Beach Boardwalk & Promenade

A visit to the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk is in order for anyone looking for things to do with kids in Myrtle Beach. Full of exciting attractions, this downtown area is one of the busiest in all of Myrtle Beach. It is one of the best free things to do in Myrtle Beach with kids and a must-see attraction in Myrtle Beach. 

But that’s not always been the case. Closed in 2006, the area has seen an amazing revitalization that has made it become a hotspot four tourists over the past fourteen years! So, head out here and enjoy it all year round as we think it’s one of the best things to do in Myrtle Beach this weekend (or a future weekend when it’s safe to do so, keeping social distancing guidelines in mind). 

10. Broadway at the Beach

Go ahead and mark a day or two on your calendar to enjoy Broadway at the Beach.  This incredible complex is home to a number of attractions that you and your kids are sure to love. Here, you’ll find entertainment options—from Ripley’s Aquarium to other top attractions—as well as dining options that will leave your whole family satisfied. With plenty of shops and restaurants to keep you busy, Broadway at the Beach is one of the bustling tourist areas that you’re going to want to visit! Some activities here will be free or nearly free, and some might cost a bit, but you can have a lot of fun without breaking the bank. We think this is a must see place in Myrtle Beach as well as one of the best things to do in Myrtle Beach. 

11. Apache Pier

This beautiful pier overlooks some of the most incredible ocean-front property in South Carolina. At a nearly free cost of just $1 for adults (12 and under free), this family-friendly activity is also one that won’t hurt your wallet. 

On the right nights, you can also find free live entertainment here that will keep your family entertained. You’ll also be able to visit Apache Pier’s wonderful arcade and fishing spots, as well as take a trip to its acclaimed restaurant. Hanging out here at night is one of best romantic things to do in Myrtle Beach at night. 

12. Garden City Beach Pier

The Garden City Beach Pier offers family-friendly fun in Myrtle Beach. At night, you’ll be able to catch a variety of live music by the ocean, all while enjoying snacks and meals from the nearby pier café. This is a place you don’t want to miss with or without kids as it is one of the most popular place to see and things to do in Myrtle Beach. It’s also one of the most romantic things to do at Myrtle Beach at night!

13. Myrtle Beach State Park

Only $3 for children up to age 15, Myrtle Beach State Park proves both educational and fun. With plenty of seasonal activities and learning opportunities available, this state park is one that you’ll want to add to your itinerary. It is also a perfect tourist attraction in Myrtle Beach South Carolina since it’s not very crowded as people stick more to the beach and boardwalk making this place a great spot to visit with your family. 

Here, you and your family can learn about a number of sea animals and other wildlife in the area, as well as play the park’s acclaimed Park Jeopardy game. We think this nearly free activity in Myrtle Beach is a great family attraction and activity to help you bond with the family. It is also one of the top things to do in Myrtle Beach this weekend (or future weekend when you can safely move around keeping social distancing in mind). 

14. Fun Plaza Arcade

What kid doesn’t love a good arcade? We can’t think of one! Arcades are top on the list of kids’ activities. That’s why the Fun Plaza Arcade is one of the best things to do with kids in Myrtle Beach. With an incredible number of machines to choose from, this amazing arcade is sure to excite children of all ages. And who knows—it may even awaken the kid in you. This might cost you a little, but you can spend as much or as little money as you wish at the arcade. We think it’s one of the fun things to do in Myrtle Beach and certainly should be on your list of top things to do in Myrtle Beach with children. 

15. 810 Billiards & Bowling

Billiards and bowling are classic family games, and you’ll find no better venue to play them with your kids than 810 Billiards & Bowling in Myrtle Beach.

With a great family-friendly atmosphere, you can compete against your loved ones in games of classic, family-friendly entertainment! Like the arcade, you might need to spend a bit but you can bowl as much or as little as you want. Also look out for coupons and other savings to get you a few dollars off your admission prices. If you do make it here, you’ll see why it’s one of the most fun places and things to do in Myrtle Beach with kids. This is certainly one of our best Myrtle Beach indoor attractions. 

16. Art Museum of Myrtle Beach

Art Museum of Myrtle Beach offers more than just a venue to look at amazing artwork. Its Art Studio also allows parents and kids to participate in workshops and other fun events together—often for a relatively low cost! So for free or nearly free, your kids get to spend some creative times doing indoor activities. This is not only a rainy day activity in Myrtle Beach, but also a top family thing to do in Myrtle Beach. 

17. Myrtle Beach SkyWheel

Located at the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk, the SkyWheel is the area’s main attraction and you’ll easily find out why once you are in Myrtle Beach. 

Located next to the beach and many dining and entertainment options, the SkyWheel provides the perfect view across the Atlantic and around the Boardwalk area. With flashing lights and spinning wheels, the SkyWheel will catch your kids’ attention and you will most likely end up on it, so prepare in advance with a few extra dollars.Hopefully,y the money you’ve saved from the other free activities and nearly free activities can be spent here. But going on the SkyWheel is optional. You can simply marvel and admire it from the ground and discuss how it works with the kids – and that way you can save some money and make it free – but good luck with that! 

18. Beach Games

One of the best ways to spice up your beach vacation is to bring along some of your own beach games! From volleyball nets to ping pong tables, the games you play can be in your hands! And who knows—you might even be able to have family competitions against friends or other tourists surrounding you. This makes for a vacation that you’ll never forget! This is one of the best things to do at any beach really, and also a free thing to do in Myrtle Beach. 

19. Brookgreen Gardens

This affordable attraction is perfect for the whole family! Only $8 for kids up to age 12, Brookgreen Gardens offers jaw-dropping sites that you and your family are sure to love! Brookgreen Gardens is worth every penny and you’ll see once you begin to wander around the very well-kept gardens and learn about nature. 

Even better, here you can find exhibits specifically designed for kids—such as the Children’s Nature and Sensory Trail, something your kids would love to explore. Trust us, this will be one of their best things to do in Myrtle Beach and the memories of the park will last for sometime even after you’ve returned home. 

20. Miniature Golf

Did you know that Myrtle Beach is considered the mini golf capital of the world? Now you do! There is no way we would have a list of things to do in Myrtle Beach as well North Myrtle Beach without mentioning mini golfing as one of the best things to do in Myrtle Beach! With 35 different miniature golf courses throughout the city, there’s more than enough golfing fun for you and your family to enjoy! And because there are so many options, you can be sure to find one that matches your budget! 

Expert Tips

Search for Coupons in Advance – Looking to save money on your trip? Consider looking for online coupons in advance to help snag a few discounts! From shaving a few dollars off miniature golf to getting a discount on your meal, Myrtle Beach coupons can be a great way to make your trip even better and nearly free! 

Don’t Forget Sunscreen – Many activities in Myrtle Beach are outdoors, so you’ll want to make sure that you and your family have adequate protection—especially during the summer months. 

Plan to Visit Your Most Important Attractions First – There are over a hundred unique attractions in Myrtle Beach, so you shouldn’t try to get to them all. Take some time to find ones that you and your family will really enjoy and have a plan of which ones you’ll visit if you have extra time. There as so many things to do in Myrtle Beach, you just have to take them one at a time so you and the kids don’t get overwhelmed. 

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