Family Friendly Guide to Myrtle Beach Mini Golf Attractions and More

Myrtle Beach consistently ranks as a top family travel destination, thanks to its mix of beach time, entertainment, and kid‑approved attractions. It offers a balance of affordable activities, walkable areas, and plenty of options for rainy days or days when you need a break from the sun.

A few fast facts for context: the Grand Strand (the Myrtle Beach area) draws more than 18 million visitors each year, with billions in visitor spending—a sign that families keep coming back for more. Google Flights even ranked Myrtle Beach as the No. 2 most‑searched family travel destination in the world for summer 2024, and the only U.S. city on that list. 

 

Planning Your Family Trip

A little planning goes a long way toward a smooth Myrtle Beach vacation with kids. 

• Decide whether you want to stay oceanfront for easy beach access or closer to entertainment hubs like Broadway at the Beach or Barefoot Landing. 
• Map out one "big" attraction per day (like a mini golf outing or amusement park) and leave space for downtime at the pool or beach.
• Consider traveling in shoulder seasons (late spring or early fall) for warm weather, fewer crowds, and often better rates.  

During peak periods like spring break, local hotel occupancy has reached 80–90% on some days, so booking early is smart.

 

Mini Golf Capital: Best Family Courses

Myrtle Beach is often called the "mini golf capital of the world," and it lives up to the hype with dozens of themed courses that kids adore. Many are located along Kings Highway and within a short drive of major resorts, so it's easy to fit putt‑putt into any day.

Mt. Atlanticus Minotaur Golf

Mt. Atlanticus is one of the most recognizable mini golf complexes in Myrtle Beach, with towering structures and whimsical Atlantis theming. It offers 36 imaginative holes with waterfalls, elevated platforms, and ocean views just a couple of blocks away.

• Best for: School‑age kids and teens who can handle some stairs and love a bit of challenge  
• Highlights: Multi‑level layout, ocean glimpses, fun mix of easy and "are‑you‑kidding‑me?" holes that keep competitive families entertained.

For more course details, you can check the official Mt. Atlanticus page (use a no‑follow tag when linking in your blog editor).​

 

Captain Hook's Adventure Golf

Captain Hook's Adventure Golf brings Neverland to life with pirate ships, caves, and scenes inspired by Peter Pan. The theming is especially engaging for younger kids who love storytelling and imaginative play between shots.​​

• Best for: Younger families and early elementary age kids 
• Highlights: Story‑driven course design, playful music and sound effects, lots of fun photo ops.​​ 

Jungle‑ and Dino‑Themed Courses

If your kids are obsessed with animals or dinosaurs, Myrtle Beach has you covered.

• Jungle Safari Golf offers a wild, tropical setting with animal statues and lush landscaping that make the course feel like an adventure.​  
• Jurassic‑style courses (like Jurassic Golf, highlighted by family reviewers) combine prehistoric theming with approachable layouts for mixed‑age groups.​​ 

These courses are great first‑night or low‑pressure activities after a long travel day because they're easy to jump into and don't require reservations.

 

Tips for Mini Golf With Kids

To keep mini golf fun instead of frustrating:

• Go earlier in the evening or in the late afternoon to beat the biggest crowds.​  
• Let younger kids "cheat" a little—moving balls away from obstacles or limiting strokes—so the pace stays upbeat.​​
• Turn it into a family tradition by trying a new course each visit and ranking your favorites.​​  

Classic Myrtle Beach Family Attractions

Beyond mini golf, Myrtle Beach is packed with family attractions that work for a variety of ages and attention spans.

Broadway at the Beach

Broadway at the Beach is a huge entertainment district with shops, restaurants, and activities clustered around a lake. It's a one‑stop destination where you can easily spend the better part of a day or evening without moving your car.

Within Broadway at the Beach, families love: 

• Ripley's Aquarium: An indoor aquarium with an underwater tunnel, touch exhibits, penguin habitats, and live dive shows, great for toddlers through teens. 
• WonderWorks: The upside‑down building filled with interactive science exhibits, a ropes course, and hands‑on STEM activities.​
• Themed restaurants and snack spots for easy kid‑friendly meals between attractions.  

Because so much of Broadway at the Beach is walkable and stroller‑friendly, it's a convenient option for multi‑generational groups.

 

Family Kingdom Amusement Park

Family Kingdom is a seaside amusement park offering classic rides like roller coasters, a Ferris wheel, bumper cars, and a generous mix of kiddie rides. It's a great way to give kids the carnival experience without committing to a full‑scale theme park trip.​

• Best for: Families who want rides and games near the oceanfront  
• Good to know: You can plan a split day—beach in the morning, naps or pool in the afternoon, Family Kingdom rides after sunset.​ 

Myrtle Beach SkyWheel

The SkyWheel is a 200‑foot‑tall observation wheel with enclosed, climate‑controlled gondolas overlooking the ocean and Boardwalk. Kids enjoy the "wow" factor of rising high above the beach, while parents appreciate the photo opportunities.

• Best for: All ages, including grandparents who prefer seated attractions 
• Tip: Time your ride for golden hour or just after dark for the best lighting and city views.​ 

Outdoor Adventures Beyond the Beach

The beach is the main attraction, but families can also explore marshes, gardens, and wildlife for a change of pace.

 

Brookgreen Gardens

Brookgreen Gardens offers a blend of sculpture, botanical gardens, history, and a small zoo, making it a surprisingly kid‑friendly outing. Children can explore fairy‑tale houses in the Enchanted Storybook Forest and see native animals like otters and alligators at the Lowcountry Zoo.

It's an especially good choice for:

• Families who want a quieter, more educational day 
• Kids who enjoy nature trails, sculptures, and open spaces to explore 

Barefoot Landing and Alligator Adventure

Barefoot Landing in North Myrtle Beach is another waterfront complex with shops, restaurants, and built‑in kid appeal. One standout attraction is Alligator Adventure, a reptile park featuring thousands of alligators and crocodiles, along with turtles, birds, and live shows.​

You'll also find:

• Playgrounds and boardwalks where kids can burn off energy  
• Family‑friendly shops and snack spots for casual browsing and treats​ 

Water‑Based Fun

Families who love the water can mix in:

• Banana boat rides for a mild thrill that's still manageable for younger kids.​  
• Marsh kayaking for older kids who want to explore calmer backwaters and spot wildlife.​
• Jet skiing and other guided adventures for teens who crave adrenaline, with safety briefings built in.​  

These experiences are a great way to break up multiple days of sitting on the sand and give kids a fresh way to see the coastline.

Rainy‑Day and Heat‑Break Activities

Even in a sunny destination, you'll want backup plans for rainy days or extra‑hot afternoons.

• Ripley's Aquarium is the go‑to choice, thanks to its indoor exhibits and engaging shows that keep kids focused and happy. 
• WonderWorks offers hours of interactive, educational fun, from virtual reality to a bubble lab and ropes course.​
• Ripley's Believe It or Not! Odditorium adds a quirky, air‑conditioned museum option with unusual exhibits and interactive elements that appeal to curious kids.​ 

Indoor attractions make it easier to stay flexible: if a thunderstorm pops up, you can pivot without losing a full vacation day.

Beach Days With Kids

Of course, you'll spend plenty of time on the sand. Myrtle Beach's wide, gently sloping shoreline is one of the area's biggest family selling points.

To keep beach days enjoyable:

• Go early in the morning or later in the afternoon for cooler temperatures and calmer crowds.​ 
• Bring shade—an umbrella or pop‑up tent—plus sand toys, snacks, and lots of water.
• Set clear boundaries with younger kids about how far they can go into the surf and always keep an eye on conditions.  

Because many resorts sit directly on the beachfront, you can easily transition between the ocean and the pool, which is a major win with younger children who tire quickly.

 

Eating Out With Kids

Myrtle Beach is built for casual, family‑friendly dining. You'll find everything from seafood buffets to pizza, burger joints, and waterfront restaurants with outdoor seating.

When choosing restaurants: 

• Look for spots at Broadway at the Beach or Barefoot Landing for convenient pre‑ or post‑attraction meals.  
• Consider early dinners to avoid long waits during peak season, especially with kids under eight.
• Take advantage of locations with outdoor seating near playgrounds or open spaces so kids can move around while you wait.​

Many families like to plan one "special" dinner—perhaps overlooking the water or near the Boardwalk—and keep the rest of the meals simple.   

Practical Tips for a Smooth Trip

A few practical strategies can make your family's Myrtle Beach vacation feel more relaxed and less hectic.

• Transportation: If you're staying close to the Boardwalk or major entertainment hubs, walking can save you from parking hassles.  
• Timing: Weekdays often feel less crowded than weekends at popular mini golf courses and attractions.
• Budgeting: Mix free or low‑cost beach days with a handful of paid attractions, and look for combo tickets or online discounts where available.  

Given the area's strong visitor numbers and high hotel occupancy at peak times, it's smart to reserve your lodging and any must‑do experiences well in advance.

 

Sample One‑Day Family Itinerary

To see how everything fits together, here's a simple sample day you can adapt:

• Morning: Breakfast at your resort or condo, then hit the beach for swimming and sandcastle building.  
• Midday: Head back for lunch and a rest at the pool or your room during the hottest hours.
• Afternoon: Visit Broadway at the Beach for Ripley's Aquarium or WonderWorks and some light shopping.
• Evening: Enjoy an early dinner nearby, then cap the night with a round at Mt. Atlanticus or Captain Hook's Adventure Golf under the lights.  

This kind of flow keeps energy levels steadier and gives everyone something to look forward to throughout the day.​​

 

Final Thoughts on Family Fun in Myrtle Beach

The best Myrtle Beach family vacations strike a balance between simple joys and signature experiences. Spend unhurried mornings on the sand, let the kids pick a new mini golf course each trip, and anchor your week with one or two big attractions like the aquarium, SkyWheel, or a day at Broadway at the Beach. In the evenings, trade screens for strolls along the Boardwalk, ice cream in hand, and let your plans stay flexible enough to follow the weather and your kids' energy. If you build your itinerary around connection—laughing over missed putts, sharing a Ferris wheel gondola, hunting for shells at sunrise—you'll leave with more than photos; you'll leave with traditions your family will want to repeat year after year. Ready to start planning your own Myrtle Beach getaway? Visit Luxury Beach Rentals to find stays, sample itineraries, and insider tips tailored to your crew.