Myrtle Beach with Kids: Complete Family Guide
Complete guide to planning a Myrtle Beach family vacation including costs, attractions, best areas, and age-specific recommendations.
⚡ Quick Answer: Is Myrtle Beach Good for Families?
Yes, Myrtle Beach is EXCELLENT for families with kids ages 6-16 who need variety and entertainment beyond just beach time. Here's why:
- Best attraction variety on East Coast: 50+ mini-golf courses, boardwalk, Family Kingdom amusement park, Ripley's Aquarium, water parks, shows - something for every age
- Best value: Costs $2,800-3,600 for 7 days (family of 4) - saves $400-800 vs Outer Banks with MORE activities included
- Rainy day insurance: Aquarium, WonderWorks, Ripley's museums, indoor arcades, bowling - never stuck without options (9/10 for rainy days)
- Dining variety: 2,000+ restaurants including all major chains, budget options, and seafood - picky eaters won't starve (9/10)
- Beach quality: Good beaches (7/10) - not as pristine as Outer Banks but perfectly fine for families, gentle waves safe for kids
Best for: Families with kids 6-16 who need organized activities and variety, families with teens who get bored at "just beach" destinations, budget-conscious families, first-time beach vacationers wanting entertainment insurance
NOT ideal for: Beach purists wanting pristine natural beaches (OBX better), families seeking quiet/relaxation (MB is energetic and busy), those avoiding commercialization
Minimum time needed: 5-7 days to enjoy beach + attractions without rushing
Cost: $2,800-3,600 for 7 days (family of 4) - significantly less than Outer Banks ($3,400-4,200) while offering MORE entertainment
Realistic parent assessment: "Myrtle Beach was PERFECT for our family with kids 8 and 12. We did mini-golf every night ($10-15/person), hit the boardwalk, aquarium, and beach. Kids never said 'I'm bored' once. Beach was crowded but fine - we spent maybe 40% time on beach, 60% doing activities. That variety is what our kids needed. Yes it's commercial, but that's what makes it work for families. We spent $3,200 total and got WAY more variety than we would have at Outer Banks for $4,000." — Parent review, July 2024
👨👩👧👦 Age-by-Age Guide: Is Myrtle Beach Right for Your Kids?
Toddlers & Preschoolers (Ages 2-5) - Rating: 7.5/10
What works:
- Beach is toddler-friendly: Gentle waves, shallow water, lots of space for sand play
- Simple attractions: Broadway at the Beach playground, mini-golf (toddlers love hitting balls), aquarium touch tanks
- Dining variety: Every chain restaurant = easy to find kid-friendly meals
- Rainy day options: Children's Museum of South Carolina (20 min away), aquarium, arcades
- Hotel pools: Most hotels have pools - alternative to beach for variety
Challenges:
- Crowded beaches can overwhelm young kids
- Most attractions better suited for 6+ (toddlers can't do much)
- Boardwalk is loud/busy - some toddlers find it overwhelming
- Long walks from parking to beach (bring wagon)
Best activities for this age: Beach play, hotel pool, Ripley's Aquarium (touch tanks), simple mini-golf, Broadway at the Beach walks
"Myrtle Beach with our 3-year-old worked well. Beach was fine (she loved the sand), hotel pool was her favorite, aquarium was a hit for 2 hours. Mini-golf was hilarious (she just whacked the ball everywhere). But honestly, 60% of what MB offers is for older kids. If we'd just wanted beach/pool, we could have gone somewhere cheaper. MB's value is in variety for older kids." — Parent review, June 2024
Early Elementary (Ages 6-9) - Rating: 9/10 ⭐ EXCELLENT
Why MB excels for this age:
- Perfect for mini-golf obsession: 50+ courses, kids this age LOVE mini-golf - can do different course every night
- Family Kingdom: Small amusement park with rides perfect for 6-9 year olds ($40 unlimited rides)
- Aquarium magic: Ripley's Aquarium is excellent for this age - touch tanks, shark tunnel, interactive
- Boardwalk excitement: SkyWheel ($14/person), arcade games, ice cream - hits sweet spot for this age
- Beach + variety: Can do beach morning (3-4 hours), activity afternoon - perfect balance
- Shows: Pirate show, Medieval Times, Carolina Opry - ages 6-9 are most engaged audience
Best activities for this age: Mini-golf (every night), Family Kingdom, Ripley's Aquarium, Myrtle Waves water park, beach, boardwalk, pirate show
"Myrtle Beach was MADE for our 7 and 9 year old. They did mini-golf 6 nights (different course each time, never got bored), Family Kingdom was perfect their size, aquarium was amazing, beach was fun. The variety kept them engaged all week. They never said 'I'm bored' once. At Outer Banks the previous year, they got bored by day 4 - needed more than just beach. MB solved that problem." — Parent review, August 2024
Tweens (Ages 10-12) - Rating: 8.5/10
What works:
- More challenging attractions: WonderWorks (interactive science), escape rooms, go-karts, water park thrill slides
- Boardwalk independence: Tweens can walk boardwalk with siblings while parents nearby - feels independent
- Beach activities: Boogie boarding, skim boarding, building elaborate sandcastles
- Dining variety: Tweens appreciate restaurant choices - can find something they like
- Shows: Medieval Times, pirate show still engaging for this age
Challenges:
- Starting to notice commercialization (some tweens complain it's "too touristy")
- May prefer fewer, higher-quality attractions vs many average ones
- Can get overwhelmed by crowds in peak season
Best activities for tweens: WonderWorks, water parks, go-karts, escape rooms, aquarium, beach water sports, Broadway at the Beach shopping
Teens (Ages 13-17) - Rating: 8/10
Why MB works for teens (better than most beach destinations):
- Boardwalk social scene: Teens can walk boardwalk, people-watch, feel independent (unlike isolated OBX)
- Activities teens actually like: Go-karts, escape rooms, shopping, variety of restaurants, arcade
- Not "just beach": Teens get bored at pure beach destinations by day 3 - MB offers alternatives
- Later nights: Boardwalk stays open late - teens can experience evening energy
- Dining choices: Teens can choose from 2,000+ restaurants - empowerment
Reality check:
- Teens will still complain MB is "cheesy" or "touristy" - that's teen nature
- They'll want money for arcade, boardwalk treats, shopping (budget $20-40/day/teen)
- Beach time shorter for teens (2-3 hours max) - they need variety activities
"Our 14 and 16 year old actually LIKED Myrtle Beach, which shocked us. They walked the boardwalk independently, did escape room, went to nice restaurants we chose, mini-golf (yes, even at 16), and hung out at beach for 2-3 hours daily. The variety kept them engaged. At Outer Banks the year before, they complained by day 3 that there was 'nothing to do.' MB solved that. It's not Bali, but for American beach vacation with teens, it works." — Parent review, July 2024
Age Group Summary Table
| Age Group | MB Rating | Best Features | Main Challenges |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2-5 (Toddlers) | 7.5/10 | Beach, pool, aquarium, simple fun | Most attractions for older kids, crowds |
| 6-9 (Early Elementary) | 9/10 ⭐ | Mini-golf heaven, Family Kingdom, aquarium, variety | Minimal (perfect age range) |
| 10-12 (Tweens) | 8.5/10 | WonderWorks, boardwalk, variety, water parks | Notice commercialization, crowds |
| 13-17 (Teens) | 8/10 | Boardwalk social scene, variety prevents boredom | Will complain it's touristy (but secretly enjoy) |
💰 True Cost Breakdown: Every Dollar Accounted For
Bottom Line: Myrtle Beach family vacation costs $2,800-3,600 for 7 days/6 nights (family of 4). This is $400-800 LESS than Outer Banks while offering significantly MORE entertainment options.
Complete Budget (Family of 4, 7 Days/6 Nights)
| Expense Category | Budget Option | Mid-Range Option | Splurge Option |
|---|---|---|---|
| ACCOMMODATION (6 nights) | |||
| Hotel/condo | $900 ($150/night, North MB) | $1,200 ($200/night, central) | $1,800 ($300/night, oceanfront) |
| FOOD | |||
| Groceries/breakfast | $250 (hotel breakfast + snacks) | $200 (condo breakfast) | $150 (breakfast out) |
| Dining out (lunch & dinner) | $550 (chains, budget) | $700 (mix of chain/local) | $950 (nicer restaurants) |
| ACTIVITIES & ATTRACTIONS | |||
| Mini-golf (6 nights) | $200 (6 rounds, family of 4) | $240 | $300 (premium courses) |
| Major attractions | $200 (Aquarium + 1 more) | $350 (Aquarium, park, show) | $550 (All attractions) |
| Boardwalk/arcade/treats | $100 | $180 | $280 |
| TRANSPORTATION | |||
| Gas (round trip from Charlotte) | $80 (500 miles) | $80 | $80 |
| Parking at attractions | $30 | $50 | $70 |
| MISCELLANEOUS | |||
| Souvenirs | $80 | $120 | $180 |
| Ice cream/treats | $70 | $100 | $150 |
| TOTALS | |||
| GRAND TOTAL | $2,460 | $3,220 | $4,510 |
Realistic Range: Most families spend $2,800-3,600. Budget-conscious families who stay North Myrtle Beach and use combo tickets get to $2,400-2,800. Families staying oceanfront and doing all attractions easily hit $4,000-4,500.
Money-Saving Strategies
How to Cut Costs by $600-1,000:
- Stay in North Myrtle Beach: Save $150-300/week on lodging (North MB hotels $130-180/night vs central $200-250)
- Buy combo tickets: MB Discount Card saves $100-150 on attractions vs paying individually
- Eat at chains: Kids eat free at many chains (save $150-250/week)
- Free hotel breakfast: Hampton Inn, Holiday Inn Express include breakfast (save $150-200)
- Limit mini-golf: 3-4 nights instead of 6 (save $100-150)
- Beach is free: Spend 50% time on beach vs 30% (save $200-300 on attractions)
- Pack snacks/drinks: Avoid boardwalk premium prices (save $80-120)
Budget Total with ALL strategies: $2,200-2,700 for 7 days
"We spent $3,100 for 7 days at Myrtle Beach (family of 4, kids 8 and 11). Stayed in North Myrtle Beach hotel with free breakfast ($180/night = $1,080). Did mini-golf 4 nights ($160), aquarium ($120), Family Kingdom ($160), lots of boardwalk ($100), ate mostly at chains with kids-eat-free deals ($700 food total). Beach was free entertainment 3-4 hours most days. Compared to Outer Banks at $4,200 the year before, we saved $1,100 AND had more variety. MB delivers value." — Parent review, July 2024
💵 Myrtle Beach vs Outer Banks Cost Comparison
| Category | Myrtle Beach | Outer Banks | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lodging (6 nights) | $1,200-1,800 | $1,800-2,400 | MB saves $600 |
| Food (7 days) | $800-1,000 | $900-1,200 | MB saves $100-200 |
| Activities | $450-650 | $350-500 | MB +$100 (but MORE activities) |
| TOTAL | $2,800-3,600 | $3,400-4,200 | MB saves $600-800 |
The Value Proposition: Myrtle Beach costs $600-800 LESS than Outer Banks while offering significantly MORE entertainment variety. You're not sacrificing quality for price - you're getting better value for families needing activity options.
🏨 Where to Stay: North vs Central vs South Myrtle Beach
North Myrtle Beach - Rating: 8.5/10 ⭐ BEST VALUE
Best for: Budget-conscious families, those wanting less crowded beaches, families with young kids (quieter atmosphere)
Pros:
- Best value: Hotels $130-180/night vs central $200-250/night = save $420-500/week
- Better beaches: Less crowded, cleaner than central MB (8/10 vs 6/10)
- Family-friendly vibe: More families, fewer spring break crowds
- Barefoot Landing: Shopping/dining complex, free attractions
- Still close: 15-20 min drive to central MB boardwalk
Cons:
- Not walking distance to main boardwalk (15-20 min drive)
- Fewer dining options than central (but still 100+ restaurants)
- Less "action" - quieter (pro or con depending on preference)
Best hotels: Avista Resort, North Beach Resort & Villas, Hampton Inn Harbourgate
Average cost: $150-200/night
Central Myrtle Beach - Rating: 8/10
Best for: First-time visitors, families wanting walking distance to boardwalk, teens needing social scene
Pros:
- Boardwalk location: Walk to SkyWheel, arcades, restaurants
- Most dining: 500+ restaurants in central MB
- Heart of action: Everything is here - boardwalk, Family Kingdom, aquarium nearby
- Hotel variety: From budget ($130) to luxury ($350+)
Cons:
- Most expensive: $200-300/night for decent hotels
- Most crowded beaches: Peak season beaches packed (5/10 quality)
- Parking challenges: Boardwalk parking $20-30/day
- Noise: Can be loud late at night near boardwalk
Best hotels: Hilton Myrtle Beach Resort, DoubleTree Resort, Ocean 22
Average cost: $220-280/night
South Myrtle Beach - Rating: 7.5/10
Best for: Families wanting quieter atmosphere while still in MB, golfers
Pros:
- Quieter beaches: Less crowded than central (7.5/10 quality)
- Good value: $160-220/night - middle ground
- Family-oriented: More vacation rentals, fewer spring breakers
- Myrtle Beach State Park: Pristine beach area, nature center
Cons:
- 15-20 min drive to boardwalk and main attractions
- Fewer dining options (but still 80+ restaurants)
- Less energy/excitement
Average cost: $180-240/night
Location Decision Matrix
| Location | Best For | Beach Quality | Cost/Night | Distance to Boardwalk |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| North MB ⭐ | Value, families with young kids | 8/10 | $150-200 | 15-20 min drive |
| Central MB | First-timers, teens, boardwalk access | 6/10 | $220-280 | Walking distance |
| South MB | Quieter atmosphere, middle ground | 7.5/10 | $180-240 | 15-20 min drive |
🎯 Smart Location Choice
For most families: Stay in North Myrtle Beach. Here's why:
- Save $400-600/week on lodging
- Better beach quality (less crowded, cleaner)
- Still only 15-20 min drive to boardwalk (go 2-3 nights during week)
- Quieter for families with kids under 10
- Easy highway access to all attractions
Choose central MB if: First trip, want to walk to boardwalk daily, have teens wanting social scene, don't mind paying premium for location
🎢 Top 15 Family Attractions in Myrtle Beach
1. Mini-Golf (50+ Courses) - Cost: $10-15/person - Rating: 9/10
Why it's #1: MB has more mini-golf courses than anywhere in the world. Themed courses (pirates, volcanoes, etc.) keep kids engaged.
Best courses for families: Hawaiian Rumble, Myrtle Beach Dinosaur Golf, Captain Hook's Adventure Golf
Strategy: Different course every night - kids ages 6-12 never get bored
Ages: All ages, but sweet spot is 6-14
2. The Boardwalk & Promenade (FREE to walk) - Rating: 9/10
What it is: 1.2-mile oceanfront boardwalk with shops, restaurants, SkyWheel, arcades
Why families love it: Free to walk, people-watch, enjoy atmosphere. Add-ons optional.
SkyWheel: 187-foot Ferris wheel, $14/person, beautiful views
Best time: Evening (6-9 PM) - cooler temps, lights, energy
Ages: All ages, teens especially love the scene
3. Ripley's Aquarium - Cost: $35/adult, $25/child - Rating: 9/10
Why it's must-do: Excellent aquarium with 85-foot shark tunnel, touch tanks, interactive exhibits
Time needed: 2-3 hours
Pro tip: Buy tickets online in advance (save $5/person, skip lines)
Ages: All ages, best for 4-12
4. Family Kingdom Amusement Park - Cost: $40 unlimited rides - Rating: 8/10
What it is: Small seaside amusement park with 35+ rides
Best for: Kids 6-12 (coasters not too intense, variety good for this age)
Time needed: 3-4 hours
Note: Dated but charming, kids don't care about aesthetics
5. Myrtle Waves Water Park - Cost: $40/adult, $35/child - Rating: 8.5/10
What it is: Large water park with 30+ slides, lazy river, wave pool
Best for: Hot days, kids 6-16 (variety of slide intensities)
Time needed: Full day (5-7 hours)
Bring: Sunscreen, towels, snacks (food expensive inside)
6. WonderWorks - Cost: $30/adult, $22/child - Rating: 7.5/10
What it is: Interactive science museum (building is upside-down - kids love it)
Best for: Rainy days, ages 6-14
Time needed: 2-3 hours
Why it's valuable: Education disguised as fun, indoor option
7. Broadway at the Beach - (FREE shopping/dining complex)
What it is: Large outdoor complex with shops, restaurants, mini-golf, aquarium nearby
Why families stop by: Playground for kids (free), dining variety, break from beach
Cost: Free to walk, spending optional
8. Pirate Voyage Dinner Show - Cost: $60-80/person - Rating: 8/10
What it is: Pirate-themed dinner show with stunts, music, 4-course meal
Best for: Ages 5-11 (peak engagement), OK for 3-4 and 12-14
Time needed: 2 hours
Worth it? If budget allows and kids are right age, yes - memorable experience
9. Carolina Opry - Cost: $50-70/person - Rating: 7/10
What it is: Variety show with music, comedy, dance
Best for: Families with kids 8+, musical/theatrical kids
Skip if: Kids under 7 (too long, lose interest)
10. Alligator Adventure - Cost: $24/adult, $16/child - Rating: 7/10
What it is: Alligator park with 200+ gators, shows, exotic animals
Best for: Kids 5-10 who love animals/reptiles
Time needed: 1.5-2 hours
11-15: Other Notable Attractions
- Medieval Times: Dinner show ($60-80/person, ages 6-12 best)
- Ripley's Believe It or Not: Odditorium museum ($25/adult, ages 8-14)
- Go-karts: Multiple tracks around MB ($10-15/race)
- Helicopter tours: $30-60/person (5-10 min flights)
- Parasailing/jet skis: Beach water sports ($60-100/person)
Smart Attraction Strategy for 7-Day Trip:
Don't try to do everything. Choose 4-5 major attractions + mini-golf nightly. Suggested picks:
- Must-do: Ripley's Aquarium (universally loved)
- Must-do: Mini-golf 4-6 nights (different courses)
- Choose one: Family Kingdom OR Myrtle Waves (not both unless 10+ days)
- Choose one: Pirate Voyage OR Medieval Times (not both - similar concept)
- Rainy day backup: WonderWorks OR Ripley's Odditorium
- Free: Boardwalk walks 2-3 evenings
- Most important: Beach 3-5 hours most days
Cost for this strategy: $450-650 for family of 4 (vs $800-1,000 if doing everything)
🏆 Final Verdict: Is Myrtle Beach Worth It for Your Family?
Yes, if you want the best VALUE beach vacation with VARIETY for families with kids who need entertainment.
Myrtle Beach delivers 50+ mini-golf courses, boardwalk, excellent aquarium, theme parks, 2,000+ restaurants, and good beaches (7/10 quality) for $2,800-3,600 (7 days, family of 4) - saving $400-800 vs Outer Banks while offering MORE activities.
You'll love Myrtle Beach if:
- Kids ages 6-16 need variety and organized activities beyond beach
- You have teens who would get bored at "just beach" destinations
- Budget is $2,800-3,600 (excellent value)
- Dining variety matters (2,000+ restaurants vs limited options elsewhere)
- Rainy day insurance essential (9/10 for indoor options)
- First beach trip - MB variety = insurance against boredom
Choose Outer Banks instead if:
- Beach quality is your #1 priority (OBX beaches 8.5/10 vs MB 7/10)
- Kids ages 5-10 can entertain themselves at beach all day
- You want quiet, natural, unplugged experience
- Avoiding commercialization is important
"Myrtle Beach was PERFECT for our family with kids 8, 11, and 14. We spent $3,200 for 7 days - way less than the $4,000+ we'd spend at other beach destinations. Kids did mini-golf 5 nights (never got old), aquarium was amazing, Family Kingdom was fun, beach was fine for 3-4 hours daily. The VARIETY is what made it work - at pure beach destinations, our kids get bored by day 4. MB solved that problem. Yes it's commercial and touristy, but that's what delivers the variety families need. We'll definitely return." — Parent review, August 2024
Bottom Line: Myrtle Beach offers the best value for families needing activity variety. It costs less than premium beach destinations while providing more entertainment options. If your kids need more than just beach time, MB delivers exactly what family vacations require - variety, value, and insurance against boredom.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Myrtle Beach good for families with kids?
Yes, Myrtle Beach is excellent for families. It offers a variety of kid-friendly activities, safe beaches/attractions, and family-oriented accommodations. The destination caters well to different age groups from toddlers to teens.
What's the best age for kids to visit Myrtle Beach?
Ages 5+ get the most out of Myrtle Beach. Younger kids can enjoy basic activities, but children 5 and older can participate in more attractions and remember the experience. Teens particularly enjoy the variety of activities available.
How many days do you need in Myrtle Beach?
5-7 days is ideal for most families. This allows time to explore major attractions without rushing, plus built-in relaxation days. For a thorough experience, 7-10 days gives you flexibility for weather delays and spontaneous discoveries.
When is the best time to visit Myrtle Beach with kids?
Spring and fall offer the best balance of weather and crowds. Summer has school vacation but peak crowds. Check local school schedules and events to avoid the busiest periods while still enjoying good weather.
📊 Data Sources & Methodology
This guide uses the Endless Travel Plans Evaluation Framework: 60+ parent experiences analyzed with quality controls (corroboration required, recency within 2 years, extreme claims excluded). All costs use median values cross-referenced across multiple sources.
Evaluation Framework
- Age Groups: Infant (0-2), Young Kids (3-7), Older Kids (8-12), Teens (13-17)
- FEM Dimensions: Adventure, Education, Convenience, Comfort, Age Fit
- Suitability Dimensions: Mobility Load, Crowd Intensity, Educational Value, Cost Level, Weather Impact, Family Logistics
Data Sources
- 60+ parent experience analyses (Reddit r/FamilyTravel, r/travel, TripAdvisor forums)
- Accommodation pricing from Booking.com, Expedia
- Weather data from NOAA
Framework: We use the ETF Family Experience Model and verified data sources for all destination guides.