North Myrtle Beach is about as family-friendly as it gets on the Grand Strand—without the nonstop chaos of the main strip. You’ll find quieter beaches, easy parking, plenty of kid-focused activities, and restaurants that actually work for groups. It’s the kind of place where you can keep things simple, let kids roam a bit, and still have plenty to do when you want it.
Located just a short drive from Myrtle Beach, North Myrtle Beach has entertainment, shopping, attractions, dining, and of course, an expansive coastline, all fit for the whole family.
On top of that, North Myrtle Beach has beachfront resorts that stand above the rest thanks to the amenities that satisfy all ages, from the youngest to the oldest members of your group. Here’s what North Myrtle Beach is really like for families.
Top Family Friendly Resorts in North Myrtle Beach
No family vacation is complete without the right place to stay, and North Myrtle Beach has several beachfront resorts that truly go above and beyond. These properties combine instant beach access with pools, lazy rivers, and amenities designed to keep every member of the family happy from morning to night.
Beach Cove Resort
- 4800 South Ocean Boulevard, North Myrtle Beach
- vacationmyrtlebeach.com/resort/beach-cove-resort/
Just steps from the sand, Beach Cove Resort is a favorite among families. The tropical outdoor pool deck features three seasonally heated outdoor pools, a kiddie pool with a mushroom fountain, and a 350-foot lazy river that kids never seem to want to leave.
During cooler months, an indoor pool keeps the fun going year-round. All one, two, and three-bedroom condos offer oceanfront views, making every morning a reminder of just how good a family vacation can be. The Winner’s Circle Arcade adds one more reason for kids to love this place.
Ocean Creek Resort
- 10600 North Kings Highway, Myrtle Beach
- vacationmyrtlebeach.com/resort/ocean-creek-resort
Ocean Creek Resort, located just steps from North Myrtle Beach, gives families a choice between condo-style stays in the Ocean Creek Towers or a more relaxed, at-home feel in one of their garden homes.
The resort features a seasonal oceanfront pool, an indoor pool, and a secluded beachfront with an oceanfront playground that younger kids adore.
Its location just across the street from Barefoot Landing puts some of the best entertainment, shopping, and family friendly attractions in North Myrtle Beach right at your doorstep.
Sea Watch Resort
- 161 Seawatch Drive, Myrtle Beach
- vacationmyrtlebeach.com/resort/sea-watch-resort
Sea Watch Resort is a water lover’s paradise located on the northern end of Myrtle Beach. With 19 pool amenities spread across the property, including six oceanfront pools, two covered and heated seasonally, two 225-foot lazy rivers, and multiple hot tubs, families can spend entire days without ever leaving the resort.
The Loggerhead Beach playground, on-site game room, and Captain’s Nook ice cream and coffee shop add even more layers of fun. Its location near Restaurant Row also makes dining easy, with some of the best restaurants in the Myrtle Beach area just minutes away.
Family Friendly Things to Do in North Myrtle Beach
Alongside family friendly resorts right on the Atlantic Ocean, North Myrtle Beach also offers a wide variety of fun things to do with your kiddos. From wildlife parks and sandy beaches to arcade games and watersports, there’s no shortage of family friendly attractions to fill your days on the Grand Strand.
Alligator Adventure
You won’t find an animal park anywhere else quite like Alligator Adventure. The park is home to many species of reptiles, exotic birds, bobcats, hyenas, and more, and it offers live shows and lectures for anyone interested in learning more about the wildlife up close.
It’s a genuinely unique experience that kids of all ages tend to love. Alligator Adventure is located at Barefoot Landing, so it’s easy to combine this visit with a fresh seafood dinner or another activity nearby, making it a great anchor for a full family day out.
Mini Golf
Families will find some of the most creative miniature golf courses on the Grand Strand right here in North Myrtle Beach. No matter what your kids are into, there’s a course that will catch their eye.
From dinosaurs to jungle critters and erupting volcanoes, mini golf is one of those classic family vacation activities that never gets old. Check out our favorite miniature golf courses in North Myrtle Beach for ideas on where to tee up.
810 Billiards and Bowling
If your family is looking for a break from the sun, 810 Billiards and Bowling delivers a full afternoon or evening of fun under one roof.
Beyond bowling, you’ll find air hockey, table tennis, shuffleboard, arcade games, and food options that make it easy to settle in and stay a while. It’s one of the best options in the Myrtle Beach area and a go-to for families who want something a little different from the beach.
LuLu’s Beach Arcade
Head to Barefoot Landing and let the kids loose at LuLu’s Beach Arcade. State-of-the-art arcade gaming and the Mountain of Youth outdoor ropes course keep the whole family entertained, and the redemption center lets kids trade their tickets in for name-brand prizes after a little friendly competition.
It’s one of the most fun things to do in North Myrtle Beach and a spot that kids ask to come back to every visit.
Cherry Grove Pier
Cherry Grove Pier is one of the most iconic spots along the entire Grand Strand and well worth a visit during your stay. The on-site tackle shop offers rod rentals for pier fishing, making it a great outing even if you didn’t pack any gear.
The two-story observation deck provides stunning views of the Atlantic, and the laid-back pace of the pier makes for a perfect afternoon on the coast for the entire family.
Watersports
Sandwiched between the Atlantic Ocean and the Intracoastal Waterway, North Myrtle Beach is a natural playground for watersports. Whether your family is looking for something relaxed or something with a little more adrenaline, there are plenty of options to choose from.
A few of our favorite family friendly ideas include parasailing, jet skiing, kayaking, and banana boat rides.
Go Karting
For kids who love speed, K1 Speed is an indoor go kart track that delivers real excitement in a safe, controlled environment. It’s one of the more unique family friendly attractions in North Myrtle Beach and a great way to add a little friendly competition to your family vacation.
Whether your kids are seasoned racers or first-timers, it’s a fun outing that the whole family will enjoy.
Heritage Shores Nature Preserve
When the family needs a break from the sun and sand, Heritage Shores Nature Preserve is a wonderful change of pace. The elevated boardwalks wind through coastal marshes and give kids a unique, up-close look at the wildlife and ecosystems that make this stretch of the East Coast so special.
It’s a low-key way to burn off some energy and one of the more underrated things to do in North Myrtle Beach for families who love the outdoors.
Kid-Friendly Restaurants in North Myrtle Beach
Part of what makes North Myrtle Beach such a great family destination is the dining scene. Beyond the fresh seafood and casual beach eats, the area is home to several big, loud, and fun restaurants for the entire family.
Boardwalk Billy’s
Boardwalk Billy’s has a lively, open-air atmosphere that families love. The waterfront setting, casual vibe, live music, and seafood-forward menu make it a natural fit for a beach vacation dinner. It’s the kind of place where kids can be kids and parents can actually relax.
Local on the Water
Local on the Water is a waterfront restaurant that brings together great food, stunning views, and an atmosphere that the whole family can enjoy. Situated right on the Intracoastal Waterway in Barefoot Landing, the setting alone is worth the visit.
The menu leans into fresh seafood and locally inspired dishes, making it a great spot to experience the flavors of the Grand Strand in a fun, relaxed environment that never feels too precious for a table full of hungry kids.
Joe’s Bar and Grill
Joe’s Bar and Grill is a North Myrtle Beach institution. This seafood restaurant is casual, welcoming, and exactly the kind of place where families feel at home. The menu covers all the beach classics, and the laid-back vibe means nobody has to worry about noise levels or restless kids.
Ultimate California Pizza
Ultimate California Pizza is a go-to for families with picky eaters. The menu is wide, the portions are generous, and pizza has a way of making everyone happy. It’s a reliable, no-fuss dinner option that has been a favorite among North Myrtle Beach visitors for years.
Is North Myrtle Beach Your Next Family Destination?
If you want a beach trip that’s easy to manage, less crowded, and actually enjoyable with kids, North Myrtle Beach checks a lot of boxes. You’ve got wide, clean beaches, plenty of low-key activities, and just enough going on to keep everyone entertained without feeling overwhelmed.
Where you stay makes a big difference, and Vacation Myrtle Beach offers a range of family-friendly options—from oceanfront resorts with pools and lazy rivers to spacious condo-style setups that give you room to spread out. It’s the kind of setup that makes the whole trip go more smoothly, whether you’re traveling with toddlers, teens, or a full crew.
Book your stay with Vacation Myrtle Beach and start planning a trip that actually feels like a vacation.