Best Things to Do in Myrtle Beach with Kids (A Local Parent’s Guide)

If you search “things to do in Myrtle Beach with kids,” you’ll get a lot of the same generic lists—mini golf, boardwalk, beach… repeat.

But here’s the thing:
I’ve been coming to Myrtle Beach since I was a kid growing up in Northeast Ohio, taking the same family vacation here every single year. Now I’ve lived here since 2012 and I’m raising my own kids here.

And I can tell you this:

Most travel guides completely miss what actually makes Myrtle Beach special for families.

Yes, the beach is amazing (we’ll get to that). But the real magic—especially for kids—is what happens on the water and just outside the typical tourist bubble.

Let me show you how to do Myrtle Beach right.

First—Is Myrtle Beach Safe for Families?

Let’s address this upfront, because it comes up a lot online.

You may have seen posts or videos making Myrtle Beach seem unsafe. As a local parent, I can tell you that’s overblown.

Like any destination, there are areas you should avoid—but overall, Myrtle Beach is built for families. It’s a tourist town designed around family vacations.

We regularly let our kids play on the beach (within reason), explore, and enjoy themselves—and that’s the experience most families have here.

Don’t let fear-based content stop you from coming.

The #1 Thing Most Families Get Wrong

Most visitors come here and do this:

• Go to the beach
• Eat out
• Maybe hit mini golf
• Call it a day

And while that’s fine… you’re missing the best part of Myrtle Beach.

 The water experiences here are next-level—and most people don’t even know they exist.

The Best Things to Do in Myrtle Beach with Kids

1. Get Out on the Water (This Is a MUST)

If you only take one piece of advice from this post, let it be this:

Do at least one water activity.

When I was a kid, my favorite memories weren’t just the beach—they were:

• Dolphin cruises
• Jet ski rentals (once I was old enough, I couldn’t get enough)
• Being out on the ocean

Now, my own kids love the exact same things.

Our #1 Recommendation (Local Favorite)

If you want a standout experience, book a trip with Southern Shores Cruises.

What makes them different:

• Catamaran dolphin cruises (smoother ride = better for kids)
• They stop at barrier islands so your kids can get off and explore
• Options for all ages—from relaxing to adrenaline-packed

For older kids, their jet boat ride is a blast—think speed, spins, splashes, and lots of laughs.

Other great water options:

• Jet ski rentals & dolphin tours
• Parasailing
• Banana boat rides
• Fishing charters (inshore or deep sea)
• Pirate boat adventures (great for younger kids)

 Pro tip: The Intracoastal Waterway is what makes Myrtle Beach unique—don’t miss it.

2. Stay (or Spend Time) in North Myrtle Beach

If you’re deciding where to stay, here’s my strong opinion:

👉 North Myrtle Beach is the best area for families.

Why I always recommend it:

• Less crowded beaches
• More beach houses, fewer high-rise hotels
• Quieter, more relaxed vibe
• Still tons to do

It’s also the best spot for water activities because you’re:

• Close to the Intracoastal Waterway
• Only about 9 miles from the ocean inlet

That means:
✔️ Less travel time on the boat
✔️ More time actually enjoying the experience

Even if you’re staying elsewhere, it’s 100% worth driving up here for a day or two.

3. Don’t Skip the Simple Beach Days

Even with all the activities, don’t overcomplicate it.

Some of my best memories as a kid—and now with my own kids—are just:

• Playing in the waves
• Running along the shoreline
• Spending hours in the sand

One of my favorite spots:
📍 Cherry Grove Point (North Myrtle Beach)

• Beautiful views
• Inlet + ocean combo
• Great for exploring with kids

4. Try a Sandcastle Building Lesson (Hidden Gem)

This is something most blogs never mention—but kids LOVE it.

In North Myrtle Beach, you can take sandcastle building lessons where professionals teach you how to build incredible structures fast.

It turns a normal beach day into:

• A hands-on activity
• A creative challenge
• A memory your kids won’t forget

5. Visit Broadway at the Beach (Still Worth It)

This is one of those classic spots that is touristy—but still worth doing.

As a kid:

• My siblings and I loved the rides and games
• My mom loved the shopping

And that hasn’t changed.

It’s a great evening activity when you want a break from the sun.

6. Eat Like You’re on Vacation

Food is part of the experience here.

As a kid, I loved:

• All-you-can-eat seafood buffets
• Trying foods we didn’t have back home

Now, I lean more toward local spots in North Myrtle Beach like:

• Barefoot Landing (great for families + variety)
• Waterfront restaurants along the Intracoastal

It’s not just about eating—it’s about the atmosphere.

A Simple 3-Day Family Game Plan

If you want a quick structure:

Day 1:

• Beach day
• Dinner + evening at Broadway at the Beach

Day 2:

• Dolphin cruise or jet ski adventure
• Relax + explore North Myrtle

Day 3:

• Sandcastle lesson
• Chill beach time
• Waterfront dinner

Final Thoughts: How to Do Myrtle Beach Right with Kids

If you remember anything from this guide, let it be this:

1. Myrtle Beach is more than just the beach
2. The best experiences happen on the water
3. North Myrtle Beach is your best home base

I’ve experienced this place as:

• A kid on vacation
• A teenager chasing jet ski rides
• A local parent raising my own kids here

And the truth is… the best parts haven’t changed.

Sun, water, and time together—that’s what your kids will remember.

If you’re planning to rent a jet ski on vacation, especially in Myrtle Beach, you might assume all rental companies are basically the same. You find one online, pick a time, show up, and go ride. But before booking jet ski rentals in Myrtle Beach, it’s worth knowing that not all rental companies provide the same level of safety, transparency, or overall experience.

After 15 years working in the jet ski rental industry in Myrtle Beach, I can tell you that’s definitely not the case.

I started in this business in 2012 as a dock hand, worked my way up to ranger (guide) on the water, handled reservations and customer service, managed companies with multiple locations and over 40 jet skis, and now I’ve owned my own jet ski rental company for the past three years. Over that time I’ve seen the industry from every angle — the good operators, the bad ones, and everything in between.

Most visitors only rent jet skis once every few years, so it’s hard to know what separates a great company from one that just wants to get you in and out as fast as possible.

Here are the most important things to look for when choosing a jet ski rental company, based on my experience running rentals on the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway and the Atlantic Ocean in Myrtle Beach.

Don’t Choose a Jet Ski Rental Company Based on Price Alone

One of the biggest mistakes customers make is choosing the cheapest option they find online.

I see this all the time.

In reality, most jet ski rental companies have very similar operating costs — fuel, insurance, maintenance, staff, and marina fees. Because of that, the real price difference between reputable companies is usually only about $5–$10.

So when you see one company advertising rates that are much cheaper than everyone else, there’s usually a catch.

Sometimes newer companies discount heavily to try to gain customers quickly. Other times, companies lower prices because they’re struggling to fill bookings. But the most common reason the price looks lower is because not everything is included in that advertised price.

Which leads to the next point.

Watch Out for Hidden Fees

One of the biggest frustrations customers tell me about is hidden fees.

A price might look great online, but when you actually book the rental or show up at the dock, you suddenly see extra charges like:

• Mandatory insurance fees
• Service or booking fees
• Fuel surcharges
• Taxes that weren’t included in the advertised price

I recently had customers who rented from another company on the beach in Myrtle Beach. They told me the online price looked about $30 cheaper than other places.

But once they paid the insurance and additional fees that weren’t shown upfront, they ended up paying more than they expected.

Transparent pricing is something every professional company should offer. When you’re comparing companies, make sure the price you see is close to the price you’ll actually pay.

Safety Should Always Be the Top Priority

A professional jet ski rental company will always prioritize safety over everything else, even when customers think it might take away from the fun.

The first and most important step is the safety briefing.

At my company, every customer receives:

• A written safety guide
• A video briefing sent before arrival
• A verbal walkthrough on the jet ski itself

This way everyone understands the controls, rules, and how to operate the ski safely before leaving the dock.

You’d be surprised how many companies rush through this step.

But the biggest safety factor is something many customers don’t think about.

There Should Always Be a Guide on the Water

In my opinion, any company that sends customers out alone without a ranger or guide is a major red flag.

When you’re riding jet skis there are a lot of variables:

• Boat traffic
• Tides and currents
• Weather changes
• Equipment issues
• Inexperienced riders

Having someone experienced on the water makes a huge difference.

At my company we maintain a ratio of one ranger for every four jet skis. This allows us to keep an eye on everyone, help new riders improve their skills, and step in quickly if something unexpected happens.

Without supervision, small issues can turn into dangerous situations very quickly.

Make Sure the Company Follows State Laws

Another thing many customers don’t realize is that jet ski operators must follow state boating laws.

In South Carolina, anyone born after July 1, 2007 must have a boater’s license to operate a jet ski.

Some companies cut corners and let parents decide if their child is ready to drive. I’ve seen this end badly many times during my career.

At my company we follow the law strictly. If someone needs a license, we offer a $10 temporary boater’s license course online that takes about 30 minutes to complete before the rental.

Insurance companies also typically require drivers to be 18 years old with a valid driver’s license.

If a company is willing to ignore these rules, that’s a sign they may also cut corners in other areas.

Great Companies Personalize the Experience

Another difference between average companies and great ones is how they treat customers.

Some places simply put you on a jet ski and say, “Have fun.”

But every rider is different.

Some people want to go fast and jump waves, while others want to take it slow, look for wildlife, and enjoy the scenery.

At my company we always take a few minutes to learn:

• Where customers are visiting from
• Their riding experience
• What they want to get out of the ride

Then we tailor the experience to match.

A Great Guide Can Turn a Rental Into an Adventure

Some of the best memories people take home from Myrtle Beach happen on the water.

I love showing customers hidden areas of the Intracoastal Waterway, spotting wildlife, and pointing out things most visitors would never find on their own.

Sometimes that means:

• Finding dolphins offshore
• Exploring marsh trails behind the islands
• Riding through quiet waterways most people never see

Other times it’s just taking photos for families so they can remember the trip.

Little things like that make a big difference.

A Real Example of Why the Right Company Matters

One experience that stands out happened with a group who rented from another company the day before they came to see me.

They told me they had a good time, but they wanted to try something different. Their original rental had them riding in a small area off the beach, mostly going in circles.

Since they had already ridden once, I suggested something different.

We started on the Intracoastal Waterway, rode out to the Atlantic Ocean to look for dolphins, then traveled up the coast toward North Carolina before coming back through another inlet.

By the time we returned, we had completed a 50-mile round trip ride.

Along the way they saw dolphins, explored areas most visitors never see, and even got a glimpse of a small coastal town in North Carolina.

They were blown away by how different the experience was.

Now they come back every year and bring new friends with them.

Final Thoughts

After 15 years working in the jet ski rental industry in Myrtle Beach, I’ve learned that the best rental companies all have a few things in common.

They focus on:

• Safety first
• Honest pricing
• Professional guides
• Following the law
• Creating unforgettable experiences

If you’re planning a trip and want a safe, guided ride on the water, check out our jet ski rentals in Myrtle Beach to see available times and what to expect.

Jet skiing should be one of the most exciting parts of your vacation, not something you regret booking.

If you take a little time to choose the right company, you’ll have a much better chance of leaving the water with the same thing I try to give every customer:

An experience you’ll talk about long after your trip to Myrtle Beach is over.