6 best crowd-free spots for kids in the Myrtle Beach area, according to our readers
As a family-friendly beach destination, Myrtle Beach has amusement parks, museums and other attractions that tend to get crowded, especially during peak season. That’s why we asked local Sun News readers where they like to take their kids to avoid the crowds.
There was an overwhelming consensus among those who responded: Ditch the crowds by taking your kids into nature.
Being out in nature has a lot of benefits for adults, but having fun out in nature can have a positive impact on children, too, according to Claire McCarthy, a senior faculty editor at Harvard Health Publishing. She writes in Harvard’s Health Blog that getting kids outside engages their imagination, which helps with executive functioning skills such as planning, prioritizing, troubleshooting and problem-solving. Studies have also shown that there is a positive connection between being out in nature and the mental health of children and teenagers.
Here’s the list of best crowd-free activities for kids, according to Sun News readers:
Brookgreen Gardens
Brookgreen Gardens has plenty of outdoor exhibits to explore, including lush gardens, stunning trees, a sculpture garden and animals at the garden’s Lowcountry Zoo and Native Animal Habitat. It’s a kid-friendly place that also has a Butterfly House for little ones to enjoy.
1931 Brookgreen Garden Drive, Murrells Inlet, SC 29576
Vereen Memorial Garden
This outdoor recreation area has 3 miles of trails and boardwalks that meander through salt marshes and small islands. Not only is it a great place for kids to stretch their legs, interact with nature and get some fresh air, the trails are dog-friendly, as well.
2250 SC-179, Little River, SC 29566
Ingram Dunes Nature Preserve
With placards indicating what plants and animals you’ll find along the trail, this 7-acre nature preserve is a great place to learn while hiking. Ingram Dunes Nature Preserve is an immersive experience for kids and adults and a great way to learn about the maritime forest habitats along the Grand Strand.
999-943 Hillside Drive, North Myrtle Beach, SC 29582
Myrtle Beach State Park
While many of the beaches along the Grand Strand are crowded with beachgoers, the sprawling coastline and maritime forest of Myrtle Beach State Park is a calm escape. Take your kids for a hike along a nature trail, or comb the beach for shells. The park is a great place to go shelling!
4401 S. Kings Hwy., Myrtle Beach, SC 29575
Southern Palmetto Farms
During the summer months when many people head to beaches and shore towns, locals often head inland to avoid the crowds. Southern Palmetto Farms is a popular spot to take kids — and it doesn’t get too crowded. Take a wagon ride out to the fields where you and your kids can pick fresh sunflowers, jump around on an inflatable jump pad, play in the playground and visit the animals at Farm Animal Alley.
2601 Garner Road, Aynor, SC 29511
Huntington Beach State Park
In addition to having about 2,500 acres of preserved nature to enjoy, Huntington Beach State Park is considered one of the best parks for bird watching. According to South Carolina State Parks, over 300 bird species have been observed here. Bring your children along for a day of bird watching, and see how many bird calls you can learn. And don’t forget to bring your binoculars!
16148 Ocean Hwy., Murrells Inlet, SC 29576
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