America has been one of the most anticipated destinations for amusement parks. It has never been out of place to find fun and excitement. There are several Amusement Parks in America, but it’s difficult to find the most amazing ones! Okay, let me tell you, “There is a city of Golf Courses settled along the coast of a sea.” Yes, you guessed it right, it’s Myrtle Beach.
1. About Myrtle Beach
Myrtle Beach is one of the coveted destinations where people often choose to spend their vacation. Although it’s a place of which the golfers have been in awe, to the surprise of many people, this city is also popular for its Amusement Parks. To be specific about this place, Myrtle Beach is a vacation resort city located on the East Coast of South Carolina in America.
Myrtle Beach is located along the 60-mile stretch of a beach widely known as “The Grand Strand.” As said earlier, it is a major vacation spot for tourists all around the world, but what makes Myrtle Beach exceptional from other vacations is its variety of places to visit and have fun. No wonder people across America and all over the world are eager to visit Myrtle Beach.
2. Myrtle Beach Area and Amusement Parks
South Carolina’s Myrtle Beach area is considered to be the hub of tourism in America. You will be surprised to know that tourism is the State’s most significant industry, and its official tourism motto is “Made for Vacation.” Many people come to Myrtle Beach to spend a vacation and enjoy golf or wander in amusement parks. The best activities for which people come here are golf and amusement parks.
Do you remember Myrtle Beach Pavilion? Only those who would visit the Myrtle Beach area before 2006 can remember this Myrtle Beach landmark. I feel very sorry to inform you that this beloved place no longer exists, but it is a place today; there are many amusement and theme parks in Myrtle Beach. This makes the Myrtle Beach area so special for the ones traveling here with families or kids.
3. Does Myrtle Beach Have Six Flags?
Yes, the Myrtle Beach area does have Six Flags. Six Flags is Disney Studios Resort, a theme-based park in Myrtle Beach, SC. Established in the mid-1990s, it is one of the largest theme-based parks present today. This theme park is a joint venture of The Walt Disney Company and Six Flags Entertainment but is owned and operated under the banner of Six Flags-Disney Pvt Ltd.
4. Is Myrtle Beach Getting the Newest Amusement Park?
No, the latest news of any amusement or theme-based park opening in Myrtle Beach, SC, exists. The only amusement park that opened recently in 2021 is Funplex Myrtle Beach at North Boulevard between the 14th and 15th avenues, which is only one block away from the amazing beach area. It is a family-owned amusement park established 20 years back, and its headquarters are present in New Jersey.
5. Famous Amusement Parks of Myrtle Beach
5.1 Myrtle Waves Water Park
3000 Mr. Joe White Avenue Myrtle Beach, SC
Myrtle Waves Water Park is the 30-year-old largest amusement park in South Carolina, which is situated in the Myrtle Beach area. It has 23 slides with water above 1 million gallons, serving you and your family with all the fun. You are going to enjoy its raft rides and splash on its exciting slides. In the meantime, you can also relax by the wave pool or can even rent a private cabana. Tsunami and Rocking Ray are two recently added rides that provide extreme water attraction in Myrtle Waves.
5.1.1 Things to Know About
- Myrtle Waves Water Park is open from May to September every season.
- People of all ages are allowed to enjoy the water attractions present here.
- This Amusement Park takes care of your safety by having 100+ trained lifeguards.
- Food facilities are available inside the campus of this park. No food or beverages from outside are entertained.
5.1.2 Pricing and Other Amenities
Myrtle Waves Water Park is priced at $35-$40. Other Amenities here include locker rental facilities, free parking, complimentary life jackets, and changing facilities. For visiting days and hours, kindly check the Myrtle Waves website.
5.2 Pavilion Park
1171 Celebrity Cir, Myrtle Beach, SC
Pavilion Park is a nostalgic theme-based amusement park in Myrtle Beach, SC. This park is situated on Broadway at the Beach Complex in South Carolina. This park restored all the stuff that was popular among the crowd in the Pavilion. This includes a Pirate Ship and a century-old Herschell Spillman Carousel. This place is so amazing that kids can play arcade games for all their and will be awarded funnel cakes in return.
There is no doubt that kids will enjoy the wave rider, but as parents or guardians, you can also join to add to their fun. This makes Pavilion Park so special as it has no age restrictions on having fun. Pavilion Park has Dune Buggy, American Swing, Speed XXL, and Caterpillar rides to make your amusement park outing memorable.
But if this wasn’t enough for you, then Pavilion Amusement Park has Rio Grande Train, which gives them an Old West Style Adventure experience and a rocket ride that will surely fire you out of this world. So, if you crave some wholesome fun, pay a visit here.
5.2.1 Things to Know About
- Admissions or entry inside the park is free for all.
- There are 10 major rides available in the Pavilion Nostalgia Park, most for 10-year-old and older children.
- The prices of tickets may vary from time to time within a season. Only group tickets are available for online purchase.
5.2.2 Pricing and Other Amenities
Pavilion Nostalgia Park costs around $3-$5 for each ride. And while your kids enjoy their rides, you can have a seat around and enjoy your coffee. Other amenities include free parking, life jackets, and locker facilities.
5.3 Family Kingdom Amusement Park
300 South Ocean Boulevard, Myrtle Beach, SC
Family Kingdom Amusement is one of the best amusement parks near Myrtle Beach. If you and your family have a lot of excitement, which is difficult to limit, then this is the place you must visit. Family Kingdom has been an old-time favorite of the people visiting Myrtle Beach for vacations. This grand amusement park has 30+ rides to have fun all day. There is no shortage of thrill rides for the adventure-seeking souls in your family or friends’ group.
Family Kingdom Amusement Park has many family-friendly rides that have more twists and turns than a Crime-Suspense thriller. You will be surprised to know that it also has a classic, thrilling mini-race course with mini bumper cars. And if the thrill is not your type, then Family Kingdom amusement park has a lot of variety to amuse you, like family and kiddie rides.
Some of the classic and favorite attractions of Family Kingdom are a charming carousel, a Giant Ferris Wheel, and a swinging ship. Kids can also enjoy a classic ride in an antique car or splash on the log flume.
Family Kingdom Amusement Park has two go-kart tracks if you have a racing championship on your mind. So just get behind the wheel on the go-kart track and test your riding skills with fun. Family Kingdom Amusement Park is the only oceanfront water park near Myrtle Beach, and there are super speedy slides and a lazy river to beat the heat.
5.3.1 Things to Know About
- You do not have to pay for any ride if you are not riding any attractions.
- Food from outside the park is not allowed. Family Kingdom offers enough food concessions to enjoy.
- Children below the age of 16 need an adult with them all the time while at the park.
- Family Kingdom Amusement Park has two ways of purchasing their ride. They offer you a wristband that helps you get the all-day pass to all the rides or buy individual credits.
5.3.2 Pricing and Other Amenities
An All-Day Unlimited Ride Wristband for Adults and Children costs around $50, an All-Day Unlimited Ride Wristband for Groups costs around $45 and must be purchased online, and Individual Ride Credits cost around $1 each, which is 4-20 credits per ride. Other amenities include free parking, an automated teller machine, wheelchair rentals, etc.
5.4 Skywheel Myrtle Beach
1110 North Ocean Blvd, Myrtle Beach, SC
SkyWheel Myrtle Beach is the first unique observational wheel of Myrtle Beach. It is situated at the center of the 1.2-mile-long oceanfront boardwalk and is 200 feet above sea level. Established in the early 2000s, SkyWheel Myrtle Beach had its first flight on 20 May 2011, and since then, they haven’t looked about, but you will surely look down on the amazing Myrtle Beach and the Atlantic Ocean.
The crowd of Myrtle Beach often suggests that if you visit Myrtle Beach for vacations, then SkyWheel Myrtle Beach has to be on your list to visit. Once you visit this amusement park, you will start feeling the same about the place. And once you are here, you must take the flight from this amusement park, looking at the Atlantic Ocean beneath you and feeling the surrealism within you.
While taking the flight, you will also get to capture the amazing view of Myrtle Beach Boardwalk. After taking the flight, you can also visit other attractions, which also include the beautiful North Myrtle Beach.
There are 40+ climate-controlled and fully enclosed gondolas in which you will be taking the flight. Not only this, the SkyWheel Myrtle Beach is surrounded by some delicious restaurants, malls, and the sands of the Atlantic Ocean.
5.4.1 Things to Know About
- SkyWheel Myrtle Beach is open for its customers all year long.
- The park is operational from morning 11 a.m. to 12 a.m.
- Only 6 people can fit into the gondola. Although 7 people can fit in, the 7th person has to be a child to fit a group in Gondola.
- You can buy tickets for flights both online and offline. But there will be no discount offered online.
5.4.2 Pricing and Other Amenities
SkyWheel Myrtle Beach costs around $19 (plus taxes) for adults, $15 (plus taxes) for children between 3 and 11 years old, and for children under 2 years, it’s free of cost. VIP experience for adults costs around $46 (plus taxes), and for children, it is $36. Annual Passes for adults cost around $50, and for children, it is $40. Other amenities include locker facilities, free parking, wheelchair rentals, etc.
5.5 The Funplex Myrtle Beach
1405 North Ocean Boulevard, Myrtle Beach, SC
The Funplex Myrtle Beach is the most recent amusement park in Myrtle Beach. Thrill-seeking enthusiasts are always attracted to this amusement park for its spirited and wholesome fun rides. This brand-new amusement park features seven exciting rides with a walk-up bar and restaurant.
Established in 2021, this amusement park has a rich and prestigious history. Since the late 1990s, The Funplex has been operative in New Jersey, delivering non-stop entertainment options starting from fun rides and slides to bowling and laser tag.
Whatever may be the weather conditions, this park is open for the whole year for family and friends traveling to Myrtle Beach for Vacations. It has also been the most desirable place among the kids to organize and celebrate their birthdays and have fun, apart from birthday parties.
The Funplex has also been famous for successfully conducting Corporate outings and other important events. Apart from classic rides and fun, this amusement park also features a walk-up bar and restaurant offering some amazing local beers, frozen drinks, and traditional snack options.
The Funplex features the “Fun in the Sun” roller coaster, which is probably the most popular among the crowd. It is a lengthy track that is in the shape of a circle equal to the perimeter of the park. This park near Myrtle Beach also features Sky Velocity, which makes you experience some sharp and quick turns down 65 feet, and this gives the best ocean and beachfront views with those 360-degree turns.
Mach Fun makes you cut through the high winds, making it unique in North America. Hook and Slice may fool you with its looks, but don’t you be, as it will make you whirl and catch the wind, which makes it damn thrilling.
And if you want to be the winner every time, then you have carnival games to play. Groups naturally love to visit here once during their vacation just to make it worth visiting Myrtle Beach.
5.5.1 Things to Know About
- Admission inside The Funplex Myrtle Beach is free of cost. But to participate in rides, you have to buy credits or wristbands.
- There are specific weight limits for different rides, such as for Happy Swing, it is Max 110 lbs; for Hang 10 Cups, it is Max 185 lbs; for Mach Fun and Fun in the Sun, it is Max 250 lbs.
- There is no particular dress code for admission to the park, but there are some restrictions on what you should wear. Your dress code should not display or convey any kind of inappropriate, offensive, or obscene material that harms the public and the crowd around you.
- No food, beverages, or weapons are allowed inside the park.
- The Park is open from 3.00 p.m. to 11.00 p.m.
5.5.2 Pricing and Other Amenities
The Funplex Myrtle Beach’s Unlimited Ride Band costs around $29 per person to have access to all the rides, but for a group of 15 or more, it will cost $25. The seasonal pass will cost you $90. Other Amenities include free parking, an automated teller machine, and locker facilities.
5.6 Free Fall Thrill Park
1201 North Ocean Blvd, Myrtle Beach, SC
The Free Fall Thrill Park is a mighty beachside amusement park in Myrtle Beach, SC. This amusement park truly stands by its name, featuring five gravity-defying, adrenaline-rush, and high-speed rides. The popular slingshot ride will blast you into space as you will be above 300 feet in the air.
The Shoot Star and the Sun Dance are among the other rides that will swing you around all the corners of the Park. This amusement park will make you scream at your loudest all day. Free Fall Thrill Park is truly a paradise for thrill seekers.
5.6.1 Things to Know About
- Admission into Free Fall Thrill Park is completely free of cost. But to enjoy a ride on various attractions, you have to pay for the ride tickets.
- No food or weapons from outside will be allowed inside the park.
- They strictly ban any dress code that carries any objectionable, offensive, or obscene material.
- Children under the age of 12 Years must be accompanied by their parents or any adult guardian.
5.6.2 Pricing and Other Amenities
The Free Fall Thrill Park costs around $3-6 for each ride. This park is open for 6 days, which excludes Tuesdays. Other amenities include wheelchair rentals, free parking, locker facilities, etc.
5.7 Broadway Grand Prix
1820 21st Avenue North Myrtle Beach, SC
Broadway Grand Prix is a paradise for go-karting lovers. A Myrtle Beach vacation is incomplete if your kids don’t pay a visit to this amazing place. This place has seven go-kart tracks to race on. These include the Speed Racer, Pro Track, Family Track, High Bank Oval, etc.
Kids will fall in awe with the 18-hole mini golf course specially designed for them. It has been popular among people for organizing birthday parties, corporate, and other important events. But the real deal in Broadway Grand Prix is its brand-new Max Flight Simulator, which gives the real-life experience of riding a rollercoaster with lots of twists and turns.
5.7.1 Things to Know About
- Admissions inside the Broadway Grand Prix are free. But for go-karting or any other rides, you have to pay for it either by buying credits or wristbands.
- Authorities of this place have all the rights reserved to check your personal belongings.
- This place has different working hours on various days, and it can change without any notice.
5.7.2 Pricing and Other Amenities
Broadway Grand Prix will cost you around $35-$50. This is based on wristbands, from Pro and Intermediate bands to Twilight Special. But if you don’t buy wristbands, you have to buy credits for different rides, costing you around $5-$200. Other Amenities include free parking, complimentary changing rooms, locker rentals, etc.
5.8 The Track- Myrtle Beach
9589 N Kings Hwy, Myrtle Beach, SC
The Track of Myrtle Beach is known for its go-karting high-speed tracks. Established in 2016, this fun park has two elevated go-kart race tracks. The Wild Woody and the Mighty Myrtle are the two multi-level go-kart tracks.
The Track has become too popular recently among the people coming to Myrtle Beach for vacations. In 2018, this fun park included Blaster Boats for spinning and splashing a great time. You will have a hell of a time at The Track.
5.8.1 Things to Know About
- Admission inside the fun park is free. You only need to pay for the rides.
- No Food or weapons from outside are allowed inside the park.
- It is open for the whole year except Christmas.
- A guardian always has to be by their child.
5.8.2 Pricing and Other Amenities
The Track will cost you around $12-$15 for each ride. You can only avail of discounts while buying your tickets offline. Other amenities include wheelchair rentals, free parking, etc.
5.9 WonderWorks Myrtle Beach
1313 Celebrity Cir Myrtle Beach, SC
WonderWorks Myrtle Beach is one of the best amusement parks in Myrtle Beach to visit. Your Myrtle Beach vacation is simply in vain if you are not paying a visit to this mind-blowing place. People visiting this amusement park often refer to it as “Edu-tainment,” where there is the existence of both education and entertainment.
There are 100+ hands in this amusement park, which will not only challenge your mind but will also enlighten your imagination. WonderWorks will have its ceiling under your feet and ground over your head, which will completely turn your world upside down.
5.9.1 Things to Know About
- Visit WonderWorks with at least 3-4 hours in your hands so that you can have total fun at this place.
- No Food and Beverages from outside the park are allowed inside.
- Appropriate Dressing and attire are a must for this place as it is a family-oriented place. Shirts and Bottoms are necessary, but no skirts or dresses are allowed on the ropes course.
5.9.2 Pricing and Other Amenities
The tickets at WonderWorks will cost you around $15-$55. This price range includes tickets of all varieties where you can avail of experiences of your choice. Other Amenities include free parking, food concessions, locker facilities, etc.
6. Conclusion
And here, this list comes to an end, covering all major spots of amusement or theme parks near Myrtle Beach to visit. Yes, it can be easily sensed that you are amazed by this side of Myrtle Beach, which features this cool and exciting stuff. So now you don’t have to search for reasons to visit Myrtle Beach for vacations. Just pack your bags and fly.
Last Updated on by Sathi Chakraborty, MSc Biology