Outside of going to Disney World, the beach is probably the most popular place for families to go. There is typically enough to do at the pool or the beach to keep most kids entertained… unless the weather is bad.
While a beach vacation typically means lots of sun and outdoor time, sometimes the weather doesn’t cooperate. Here are 28 indoor activities if you are in Myrtle Beach, SC and the rain just won’t go away. For those of you who are travelling sans kids, there are plenty of things to do that are fun for both kids and adults!
Attractions
This 3,000 square foot museum features multiple exhibits focusing on creativity and STEM learning. General admission is $8, and children 2 and younger are free. Some exciting exhibits include and interactive space ship climbing structure, a flight simulator, a child size 60’s style house that features video of the moon landing, and an actual airplane engine. There are also designated areas for children under 3 years old
2. Wonderworks
Though they call it an amusement park, Wonderworks is more like an entertaining hands-on educational experience full of multiple exciting “exhibits.” Additionally, this location offers an indoor ropes course, Laser-Tag, and a 6D motion ride XD Theater.
3. Ripley’s Aquarium
Check out the sharks and stingrays or take a ride on a glass bottomed boat. Ripley’s Aquarium is full of marine life and fun exhibits to entertain even the youngest of travelers. Check out their schedule online before you go in case you want to see a daily shark or jellyfish feeding or watch a mermaid show. Tip: Coupons are always available and sometimes it saves money to bundle your tickets with other Ripley’s attractions.
4. Rockin Jump Indoor Trampoline Park
As the name describes, this is an indoor trampoline park with open jump areas, dodgeball and basketball areas, a ninja course, and a climbing rock wall.
Hang out with the stars! Or, the wax versions of them at least! Pretend your best friends with Clint Eastwood or Sandra Bullock! When you’re done, check out the other attractions such as Hanna’s Maze of Mirrors or OutBreak – Dread the Undead zombie escape room adventure.
6. 810 Bowling
This venue is not just your typical neighborhood bowling alley. With 4.5 stars on Trip Advisors, this place features a full-service restaurant and bar. Also, there are many games such as bocce, darts, table tennis, board games, billiards and corn hole.
7. Myrtle Beach Pinball Museum
This is a unique pinball museum that will take you back in time. Your family members can play all of the pinball machines for a flat fee of $12/hour- no coins or tokens needed!
8. Franklin G. Burroughs – Simeon B. Chapin Art Museum
A hidden gem, this quaint art museum is free and open to the public from 10am – 4pm Tuesday through Saturday and 1pm – 4 pm on Sundays (closed for major holidays). Feel free to leave a donation or stop in the gift shop to help support the museum and local artists, and check their calendar on the website for special events.
9. Wheels of Yesteryear
If you are into classic cars and muscle cars, then this is the museum for you! There are 50+ cars ranging from the 1940s -1970s, and they rotate their inventory seasonally so there’s always something new to see.
10.Molten Mountain Indoor Miniature Golf
During nicer weather, witness the eruption of their 50-foot active volcano and play a round of 18- or 36-hole miniature golf. For rainy days (or extremely hot days), they offer an air conditioned 18-hole indoor miniature golf course. Check out their website for a $1 off coupon!
11. Ripley’s 5D Moving Theatre
This theatre offers a choice between two films that you experience via a motion simulator ride with 3D visual effects. Make sure to check for coupons and Ripley’s bundle deals to get the best price.
12. Ripley’s Marvelous Mirror Maze
Another attraction part of the Ripley’s line, this is a mirror maze full of LED lights, mazes, and plenty of fun!
13. Backstage Mirror Maze
Located at Broadway at the Beach, this 2,000 square foot mirror maze features many challenging turns and dead ends. This location also offers a Laser Maze and the Backstage Escape Games. They can all be purchased together for a bundled price.
14. Fun Warehouse
The name says it all – this place has everything to keep a kid entertained! Activities include a 3,500 square foot multi-level laser tag arena, indoor and outdoor Go Kart tracks, multiple Inflatables, an 11,000 square foot roller skating rink, a large arcade with over 50 games and mini bowling. A full café is on site, and they even serve beer and wine! Their website sometimes offers combo passes, so be sure to check it out before you go!
15. Fun Plaza
For over 80 years this large open-air arcade has beckoned tourists with sparkling video game lights and an ocean view. Make sure to bring some cash so you can convert your bills to coins. Play a round of skeeball, and try your hand at some games to see if you can score a prize. Or, just have fun making memories with your family!
16. Escape Rooms
There are multiple escape rooms throughout Myrtle Beach. Be sure to check their websites since some places have other attractions on site that you can purchase as part of a package. Some popular escape rooms are Escape Myrtle Beach, Breakout Myrtle Beach, and Backstage Escape Games.
17. Go to the movies
Though this was mentioned earlier, the Carolina Grand Mall is not the only movie theatre. No matter where you are staying you should be able to find a movie theatre pretty close by. There are AMC Classic Myrtle Beach 12 located near Barefood Landing, AMC Classic Broadway 16, Cinemark at Myrtle Beach
Shows
18. The Carolina Opry
If evening thunderstorms are putting a wrench in your afternoon plans, make sure you check out the Carolina Opry. They have a handful of shows to choose from. The main event is the Carolina Opry 2-hour award-winning show that includes music, comedy, dance, and over 35 performers.
If you are interested in more than one show, they do have specials on their website where you can add a 2nd show . Other shows include Pure Magic (magic & illusion show), Time Warp (Hits of the 60s, 70s, and 80s), Thunder & Light (a dance, laser, & and magic show), a laser light show called Light Laser Extravaganza, and a seasonal Christmas Special.
19. Alabama Theatre- One the Show
Produced by the owner of the Grand Ole Opry, ONE the Show combines multiple genres of music, family comedy, and dance numbers. If you are going during the winter, make sure you check out their show, The South’s Grandest Christmas Show.
20. Medieval Times
Medieval Times has been at Myrtle Beach for as long as I can remember. Its long history can attest to how much fun people have here. Kill two birds with one stone by eating dinner with your hands while being entertained by battling kingdoms. They offer multiple packages with varying levels of add-ons and military discounts.
21. Pirate’s Voyage
Replacing the long running Dixie Stampede, Pirates Voyage is another popular dinner show that will be sure to delight the whole family. Also based on the idea of dueling “sides,” this show features swashbuckling acrobats and mermaids.
22. Legends in Concert
As the name suggests, this concert hall features acts imitating the real “legends” of the past and present. Performances change depending on the date and can include acts such as Elvis, Michael Jackson, Lady Gaga, Whitney Houston, and Adele. Check the website to see what performers are scheduled during your trip.
Shopping
23. Gay Dolphin Gift Cove
Sometimes a sudden afternoon thunderstorm creates the perfect excuse for hitting up the quirky beach shops. If you’re in that mood, then the Gay Dolphin Gift Cove should be first on your list. Not many gift shops can boast 4.4 stars and over 1700 reviews on Google and it’s own Wikipedia page.
24. Hammock Shops Village
With 25 shops and restaurants there are plenty of covered locations to duck into for coverage. If the rain gets really bad you can take a break from the shopping and have breakfast, lunch, or dinner at Burgers Bottles Shakes. Or enjoy some southern comfort food and fresh local seafood at Southern Dining & Seafood Shack.
25. Ron John Surf Shop
This is another fun surf shop to hit up and waste some time in. There are now 2 locations (Barefoot Landing and Broadway at the Beach) to make it easy to visit no matter where you’re staying.
26. Coastal Grand Mall
The Coastal Grand Mall is the second largest mall in the state of South Carolina. Hit up the food court, window shop, and/or catch a movie at the Cinemark located inside of the mall.
27. Everything Under the Sun Flea Market
This large indoor flea market is open 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM Wednesday through Monday during the summer and Wednesday through Sunday during the offer season. They now have a second location so you do not have to drive too far in nasty weather. Check out their website for the address information.
28. Lazy Gator Gifts
Lazy Gator Gifts is located south of Myrtle Beach in Murrells Inlet, SC. The store has been open for over 10 years and now offers online shopping as well. The real fun is going in person and browsing all of the unique gifts. Sometimes their website features coupons, so don’t forget to look there before you go.
Conclusion
The south’s spontaneous thunderstorms can really dampen your plans (pun intended). If you are looking to stay dry and entertained, hopefully this list will be a good starting point. Let me know in the comments if you think anything’s missing from the list!