Last Updated on March 10, 2026 by Kimberly Stroh
There’s something special about North Myrtle Beach. Our family loves the wide sandy shoreline, the salty breeze rolling in from the Atlantic, and the slower, family-friendly pace. If you’re looking for the best things to do in North Myrtle Beach, you’ll quickly discover it offers much more than just beach days.
From mini golf and amusement rides to wildlife encounters, there’s no shortage of activities to keep kids entertained. Whether you’re planning a full family vacation or a long weekend getaway, these 7 kid-approved things to do in North Myrtle Beach will help you make the most of every sandy, sun-soaked moment.
1. Make It A Family Afternoon at Barefoot Landing
Barefoot Landing is one of the most family-friendly spots in North Myrtle Beach, offering a relaxed waterfront setting along the Intracoastal Waterway where kids can explore while parents unwind. Families love strolling the boardwalk, watching turtles in the lake, playing on the playground, and riding the classic carousel, all within easy walking distance of restaurants and sweet treat stops. Lulu’s, one by Lucy Buffet, is a popular family-friendly dining option with places for kids to play, cocktails for adults, and a large menu with seafood favorites.
Pro Mom Tip: At Barefoot Landing, I always hit the carousel first so the kids burn off energy before we explore shops and grab a snack.
2. Have a Wild Time at Alligator Adventure
Alligator Adventure in North Myrtle Beach is a must-visit wildlife attraction that brings kids face-to-face with some of nature’s most fascinating creatures. This 15-acre reptile park has been welcoming families for about 30 years, growing into one of the largest reptile facilities in the world with hundreds of alligators, crocodiles, and more than 230 other species including flamingos, lemurs, bobcats, tortoises, and exotic birds.
Kids love watching the live alligator feedings and animal shows held throughout the day, where trained staff share fun facts and let visitors get up close to the animals. There’s plenty to explore as you stroll winding boardwalks past marsh-like habitats, and the park’s location next to Barefoot Landing makes it easy to combine your wildlife adventure with other family-friendly entertainment and dining.
Pro Mom Tip: When we visit Alligator Adventure, I check the feeding and show schedule ahead of time so we don’t miss the most exciting moments.
3. Find Your Catch at Cherry Grove Pier
Cherry Grove Pier is a classic North Myrtle Beach landmark that stretches about 985 feet out into the Atlantic Ocean and has been drawing families since it was first built in the 1950s. The pier offers one of the best places along the Grand Strand for kids (and adults) to try their hand at fishing or crabbing right over the water without needing a salty boat ride, and you can rent rods and buy bait on site if you don’t have your own gear.
4. Tackle the Obstacles at Shark Wake Park
Shark Wake Park 843 is a high-energy stop that older kids especially love, offering a giant floating obstacle course and cable-powered wakeboarding on a freshwater lake. The inflatable Obstacle Island is packed with slides, climbing walls, balance beams, and splash zones where kids can race, tumble, and jump into the water for hours, while the cable park gives adventurous riders the chance to try wakeboarding or kneeboarding without needing a boat. It’s active, a little competitive, and perfect for burning off vacation energy. Plan ahead by reserving time slots, arriving early for waivers and check-in, and bringing towels, sunscreen, and plenty of water so everyone stays comfortable between sessions.
5. Be Competitive With North Myrtle Beach Mini Golf
Mini golf is practically a vacation tradition in North Myrtle Beach, and kids love it because it feels like stepping into a storybook adventure. Instead of a simple putting green, they get volcanoes that “erupt,” pirate ships to putt around, crashed airplanes, waterfalls, and winding caves that turn every hole into an experience.
Favorites in the area include Hawaiian Rumble Golf & Batting Cages with its tropical theme and towering volcano, Molten Mountain for lava-inspired fun, Mayday Golf with its dramatic plane crash setting, and Mutiny Bay Miniature Golf for full pirate adventure vibes. It is the kind of low-pressure family activity where even little kids can win a round, everyone laughs at the trick shots, and no one minds asking for a rematch.
6. Spend The Day at the Beach
Family beach days are the heart of any North Myrtle Beach trip, and the wide, soft shoreline makes it easy for kids to spread out with buckets, boogie boards, and sandy toes. Early mornings are especially great for shelling and shark tooth hunting, particularly after a storm or during low tide when treasures wash up along the waterline.
Cherry Grove is known for some of the best shell finds, and patient little hunters can often spot small black shark teeth mixed in with the shells if they look closely near the surf. Convenient public access points make it simple to set up for the day, with popular spots including Cherry Grove Beach, Ocean Drive Beach, and Windy Hill Beach, all offering easy access to the sand. Check the tide chart and plan for snack breaks under a beach umbrella so everyone stays happy from sunrise to sunset.
Pro Mom Tip: For beach days, I bring a small mesh bag and let the kids hunt for shells and shark teeth early in the morning when the tide has washed up the best finds.
7. Take a Sunset Horseback Ride on the Beach
Horseback riding in North Myrtle Beach offers families a unique way to explore the coast and enjoy a fun outdoor adventure together. At places like Inlet Point Plantation Stables, trained guides lead riders of all skill levels through scenic trails along the Intracoastal Waterway and onto quiet stretches of beach.
Kids and adults alike can experience the thrill of riding along the sand while taking in views of marshes, waterways, and the Atlantic surf. Younger children can try shorter pony rides or beginner tours, while older kids and adults may opt for longer beach excursions. It’s a memorable way to connect with nature, enjoy the ocean, and create lasting family memories.