What To Do in Myrtle Beach

4 deals on Myrtle Beach family fun spots!

Want to enjoy the outdoors while swinging through the trees? We’ve got an exclusive discount for the Go Ape Treetop Adventure in North Myrtle Beach! It’ll challenge you with ropes, nets, swings, and zip lines!

Brookgreen Gardens is absolutely gorgeous this time of year! Go spend a day off the sand and among flowers, beautiful sculptures, and animals. You can get a discount if you purchase your passes through Groupon! We’ve got more info here.

The Myrtle Beach Castle of Medieval Times is offering a few spring specials. Cheer on your favorite knight without spending the king’s fortune to see the show!

Want to spend the day watching fish without a snorkel mask? You can see sharks, stingrays, an octopus, and so much more at Ripley’s Aquarium at Broadway at the Beach. Buy online or purchase tickets for more than one of their attractions and save!

Want to read more? Check out the latest on the Myrtle Beach for Families blog.

Attraction Review: Medieval Times Myrtle Beach Castle was fantastic!

By Melissa Byers 1 Comment

Medieval Times in Myrtle Beach has been on my to-do list for years. How could I resist horses and knights? What always stopped me, however, was the price. Even when there were locals’ discounts, it felt steep. So imagine my delight when I won tickets.

For quite some time, I’ve liked them on Facebook. You can, too, here. One morning last month they ran a contest where if you interacted with their page, you were entered for two free tickets. Winners would be announced at 2 pm. While I had forgotten about it, I logged back into Facebook at 4:30 and the post announcing the winners was at the top of my feed. I clicked and boom! I won, along with several others. The catch? The tickets were for that night’s show at 6 pm. Man, did I ever feel lucky to be a local. My husband and one daughter had plans, so my younger daughter (age 10) and I headed off to the castle, not quite sure what to expect.

When we arrived, we immediately greeted. The theme of the castle is fun and complete! The employees, from the woman at the ticket book through to our waiter, never broke character.

When we got our free tickets, there was no issue. While waiting for the arena to open before the show, we wandered the gathering hall, looking at items for purchase, and fun things like a throne.

Before entering, guests can enjoy a full bar, for either non- or alcoholic drinks. Upon entering, you’re guided where to sit.

Your ticket includes a full meal, which you are required to eat with your hands! There were no utensil back in the time of yore. The first course was a tomato broth based soup, that you drink from a metal bowl. It was accompanied by garlic toast. The main meal was a large, roasted half-chicken, a roasted potato, and corn on the cob. While the food wasn’t the highlight of the evening, it was certainly filling and tasty. The flaky dough pastry with apple filling for dessert was the best and we really enjoyed it. If we were to go again, I think I’d bring a plastic fork and knife.

Now let’s talk about the entertainment. First, if you’ve got horse or hay allergies, you may want to sit this one out. Otherwise – wow!

MTwelcome

During the first half of the show, we meet the characters and the knights play games. In one they attempt to lance a ring while riding at full speed. I wondered if it was all planned, the but looks on their faces told me 1) they were sincerely trying and 2) truly unhappy when they didn’t succeed. The winner of each game was given a rose to throw into the crowd. There was also a very cool bird demonstration.

During the second half, there were jousting duels. To be honest, I was nervous. I love horses. I don’t enjoy watching people get hurt. I saw Full Metal Jousting and I didn’t like it just because of the violence and injury.

As the jousting began, a safety net lowered to protect the guests. I got anxious. The good news is that what ensued was quite theatrical. There were splintered and broken lances. Knights “fell” from horses. Battles fought on horses were taken to the ground. Sparks flew as swords collided. Truly it was fun to watch once I realized no one was getting hurt. To younger views, the choreography wasn’t obvious. It was all very exciting!

MTknights

All I kept thinking throughout the entire show as how there is something for everyone. I saw dads and kids all around me cheering on their knight and really getting into the action. I saw moms, aunts, grandmas and every other female eyeing up the hunky men on horses. The green and red/yellow knights with their long, flowing hair were hard to ignore. Sorry guys, it’s true.

A side-note is that there are opportunities to buy things everywhere and at all times. If you want to go all out, bring your wallet and go for it! If you’re going in trying to keep it to a minimum, you may want to bring your own lighted toy and princess wear. Otherwise, they have loads of cute options for purchase.

Since seeing the show I keep getting asked one question. “Was it worth the price of admission?” The answer is, without question, yes! Though, if you’re budget conscious, like me, stay tuned to their Special Offers page. There are often discounts available and I’m all about maximizing entertainment dollars.

We had a wonderful time and I can’t wait to take the rest of the family. I went in without zero expectations and left completely impressed!

Have you been to see the Medieval Times Tournament at the Myrtle Beach castle? Share your experience with us!

Want to read more? Check out the latest on the Myrtle Beach for Families blog.

Go Ape North Myrtle Beach has you zipping and climbing in the tree tops!

By Melissa Byers

The reviews are in and they’re awesome! Here are just a few words the four of us are using to describe our experience at Go Ape North Myrtle Beach.

Naturey (she’s known to make up words), adventurous, exhilarating, and a rush!

This past weekend my two daughters, husband, and I had the opportunity to experience the Go Ape Zip Line & Treetop Adventure and wow! Located in the North Myrtle Beach Parks & Sports Complex off Robert Edge Parkway, Go Ape North Myrtle Beach is one of the area’s newest attractions and it’s exciting!

You may be familiar with ropes courses. It’s where you strap into a safety harness and traverse obstacles off the ground. I’ve done several and I thought was prepared for Go Ape. “Thought” is the key word. This is a ropes course and so much more, including zip lines and Tarzan swings.

Safety first at Go Ape North Myrtle Beach

When we arrived, we were given a thorough lesson is safety and procedures. Participants wear a harness that’s connected with some heavy-duty carabiners. I won’t try to describe their system because it’s best you hear it directly from the professionals during your training, but their motto is, “Always stay attached.” That means that you’re never free-standing, even if you’re 12 inches off the ground.

Once you’ve been cleared through the training, which includes a low ropes crossing and small zip line, you proceed to the first of three centers, each containing several crossings and a zip line. Your first steps are up a rope ladder, which is its own test of endurance! Then up next is the first of two Tarzan swings. I’ll fully admit to having some trouble with this one because it’s an immediate gut check. Let me share two things about that particular obstacle. 1. It’s over in a literal two seconds before you’re in the cargo net and climbing safety to the platform. 2. The safety personnel are very kind and encouraging when you have a small issue with it. (Thanks, everyone! My level would embarrassment would have been much higher if not for you and your patience.)

This brings me to my next point. Throughout the course are “lifeguards” for lack of a better term. They have walkie-talkies. They’ll answer your questions. They’re looking out for your safety. If you have any issue, they’re there to help.

The course

Through the next centers you’ll be challenged with obstacles of varying levels of difficulty. The good news is that you’ve tested out the fact that your harsh will securely hold you during the training mission, so the fear of falling doesn’t exist. It’s not possible. Now it’s time to take a deep breath, press the pause button, and enjoy the view. There are lovely pines in every direction and a beautiful lake. The property is gorgeous and your vantage point while up on the course is amazing!

The course takes 2-3 hours. We were there for almost three, so if you’re going with kids, it might take a bit longer. Speaking of kids, there are some limitations at the North Myrtle Beach course. The minimum age is 10 and the child must be 4 feet 7 inches. or taller. My younger daughter is 10 years-old, 4 feet 10 inches, and she did well. For the grown-ups, the maximum weight is 285 lbs, depending on the fit of the harness. You learn more about this and so much more in the Go Ape FAQs.

When we finished, I felt so many things. First, what a great time! Second, while doing this course, you’re so focused on balance, strength, and courage that there’s no way you can be preoccupied with work, school, or anything else that’s stressing you. Third, you’ll leave both exhausted and but almost on a runner’s high!

You can do it, even if…

I won’t lie. I’m not the most athletic gal at the beach. Far from it, actually. Regardless, I had this moment of soaring self-esteem at Go Ape. I looked around at the other participants and started to feel slow and self-conscious. That’s when I looked down and saw the other moms – on the ground, taking pictures. No disrespect to them, at all. But I was up there, doing this course, with my kids. It doesn’t matter how fast, or how gracefully. It was happening and we were all having a fantastic time. I’ll never forget that! I don’t think the kids will either.

I know you’ll love Go Ape North Myrtle Beach.

[Editor’s note: This post originally appeared with a giveaway that has expired, though we’re hopeful we can offer another soon!]

You can connect with Go Ape on their website, Facebook, and Twitter. You’ll also want to check out Go Ape North Myrtle Beach on Facebook and Twitter.

Want to read more? Check out the latest on the Myrtle Beach for Families blog.

The beauty of Brookgreen Gardens at a discount

By Melissa Byers 2 Comments

If you’ve never been to Brookgreen Gardens, find time in your schedule to go. It’s a lovely day outdoors, but off the beach.

In it, you’ll find a landscape to take your breath away, inspiring sculpture and fountains, a zoo, boat ride, and so much more. There are classes, events, and even a restaurant! If you’d prefer, there are picnic tables at which you can enjoy food you brought along for the day.

Located in Murrells Inlet, just across highway 17 from the Huntington State Park, it’s open year-round. Admission is $16 for ages 13-64, $14 for seniors 65 and old, $8 for children 4-12, and free for little ones three and under. Groupon has huge discounts, however. I just got one that was $35 for four admissions!

Our family has visited many times and I keep telling myself I want an annual membership. When I go, I get lost. Not literally like I can’t find my way. I mean I’m completely enveloped in my surroundings and I lose track of time. I dream of a day when I’ll drop the kids off at school and head south with only a notebook and pencil. I feel like I could plant myself on a bench and get some really good writing done.

My children love the zoo. While we hate playing favorites, the otters win every time. They’re animated and entertaining! I love the bald eagle. She’s beautiful.

You’ll leave there refreshed and both exhilarated and peaceful at the same time. We love Brookgreen Gardens and know you will too.

This post contains an affiliate link from which I earn a small commission, though all opinions are my own

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4 seasonal things to do this weekend plus Mockingjay and dinosaurs

By Melissa Byers Leave a Comment

Baby, it’s COLD outside! It’s not just us in Myrtle Beach – did you know all 50 states experienced 32 degrees or lower temps this week? It’s time to start celebrating Christmas this weekend with a few festive events around town:

1. Kick off the weekend at Barefoot Landing’s Annual Lighting of the Landing on Friday with fireworks at 7:00 pm followed by Santa’s arrival in front of Christmas Mouse.

2. May the odds be ever in your favor: Hunger Games – Mockingjay is out this weekend in theaters!

3. Do you have a dinosaur lover in your family? Check out the Discover the Dinosaurs interactive exhibit at the Myrtle Beach Convention Center on Saturday and Sunday.

4. Wear a holiday costume and head over to Broadway at the Beach to participate in the Jingle Bell Run & Walk 5k on Saturday afternoon.

5. The Palace Theater presents Broadway at the Beach’s 20th Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony, which features live performances beginning at 6:00 pm and a fireworks show at 8:00 pm on Saturday evening.

6. It’s not too late to get your tickets for Afternoon Tea with the Sugar Plum Fairy, put on by the Coastal Youth Ballet Theatre.

Hatton is a guest contributor, and writes over at Freshmom. Check out her gift guide for wine lovers if you need some early shopping ideas for hostess gifts or friends that made your nice list this year!

Want to read more? Check out the latest on the Myrtle Beach for Families blog.

What To Do in Myrtle Beach

Safety first at Go Ape North Myrtle Beach

The course

You can do it, even if…

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