Keeping kids entertained during summer vacation can be tricky, but not in the Sun Fun Capital of Myrtle Beach. Whether it’s enjoying the beach and water amenities at Compass Cove Oceanfront Resort or exploring all the attractions Myrtle Beach has to offer, there are plenty of entertainment options that appeal to the whole family.
Of course, not all children are into the same things. While tots and toddlers may be content splashing in the surf and playing in the Grand Strand’s 60-mile-wide sand box, teens and tweens require a little more excitement to keep them off their cell phones. Here’s a list of 10 hot spots that are sure to stimulate school-aged children:
Barefoot Landing: This North Myrtle Beach entertainment complex has lots of shops and restaurants for the older set, but youngsters love attractions like Alligator Adventure that allow them to get up close and personal with a wide range of gators, crocs, reptiles and other rare creatures. The Myrtle Beach Safari exhibit, boat rides and ghost tours are also popular picks, and there are free fireworks shows every Monday night.
Broadway at the Beach: Myrtle Beach’s most popular venue is also a hit with kids. Pavilion Nostalgia Park offers a wide variety of rides and amusements, and Ripley’s Aquarium provides an array of aquatic life that is both exciting and educational. For families with gamers, check out Dave & Busters or TopGolf for some fun competition. Broadway also hosts Great American Summer Nights with free entertainment nightly and fireworks on Tuesdays and Fridays all summer long.
Family Kingdom and Splashes Waterpark: This place is two fun venues in one. Family Kingdom is home to roller coasters and other amusements rides, including go-kart racing, while just across Ocean Boulevard is Splashes Waterpark, with fast and twisting water slides and flumes overlooking the beach. Save money by purchasing combo passes to both attractions.
Myrtle Beach Boardwalk: The heart of downtown Myrtle Beach offers family-friendly fun all summer long. Featuring live music and entertainment nightly at Plyler Park, including a free fireworks show every Thursday, the Hot Summer Nights festival is the place to be. The Boardwalk is also near other downtown attractions, like the Ripley’s Believe It Or Not Odditorium.
Myrtle Beach State Park: The whole family can escape to nature at this nearby state park. Located less than a mile south of Compass Cove Oceanfront Resort, Myrtle Beach State Park offers pier fishing, hiking and biking trails, picnic shelters and more. Daily educational programs feature guided tours by park rangers and hands-on experiences with native flora and fauna.
Myrtle Waves: South Carolina’s largest waterpark has it all – adrenaline-pumping speed flumes, mind-blowing water slides and even a surfing simulator for the thrill-seekers. Myrtle Waves also boasts a wave pool, lazy river and cabana rentals for those who prefer to chill out, and the kiddie pools and play stations are perfect for the little ones.
Pirates Voyage: Not all kids are fans of dinner theater, but this pirate-themed show is perfect for the whole family. Enjoy a full course feast while watching pirates battle it out on the water-filled stage. The show also features acrobatic diving, song and dance routines and animal tricks by a real sea lion.
Putt-Putt Golf: Myrtle Beach is more than a major golf capital; it’s also a miniature golf capital. More than 50 putt-putt courses are located throughout the Grand Strand, including several favorites close to Compass Cove – Cancun Lagoon, Shipwreck Island and Jurassic Golf.
Rockin’ Jump: Don’t let a hot or rainy day spoil the summer vacation fun. Rockin’ Jump Trampoline Park offers indoor and climate-controlled play stations where kids can burn off some energy in a clean, healthy environment. Gymnastics, basketball and dodgeball are among the many games under one roof.
Wild Water & Wheels: This South Strand location has something for everyone – water slides and speed flumes, go-kart racing and bumper boats, and even an arcade and putt-putt golf course.
If that’s not enough to entertain your school-aged crew, there are lots of other great places for kids to engage on the Grand Strand. Book your summer vacation at Compass Cove Oceanfront Resort and give the whole family a memorable experience in Myrtle Beach.
