Myrtle Beach for Families

A local mom's guide to family fun in the Grand Strand

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2017 Free Summer Movies for Families in the Grand Strand [UPDATED]

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It’s great living in a tourist town because there’s SO much to do. But during the summer, when the beaches and attractions are filled with visitors, it’s also very expensive. That’s why it’s my pleasure to present the list of 2017 free summer movies for families in the Grand Strand!

It doesn’t matter if you’re a local or vacationer, these movies are a great way to spend a little time out of the sun for free! In all cases, concessions will be available for purchase. For the outdoor movies in both Valor Park (Market Common) and North Myrtle Beach, you can bring your own food and drinks. Just be sure to also bring a blanket, chair, and bug spray.

Enjoy! Happy Summer!

 

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Join me at the Women in Philanthropy and Leadership Conference, February 8th

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Ladies, mark your calendars for February 8, 2017. That’s when you can connect with motivated women from all over the country and hear speakers brought together for the sole purpose of inspiring, motivating, and telling you how find your spark and jump into action. It’s all happening at the Women in Philanthropy and Leadership Conference at the Myrtle Beach Sheraton Convention Center.

Women in Philanthropy and Leadership Conference, Women in Philanthropy and Leadership
Photo: Women in Philanthropy and Leadership at CCU on Facebook

The conference caught my attention last year when I saw my Facebook feed fill up with pictures of just about every amazing woman I know – both entrepreneurs and executives – gathered together for this event. When I asked what it was all about, I got responses with phrases like “women who are working on important things.” “women who are leaders in business and communities,” and “intelligent ladies ruling the world.” Who doesn’t want to be a part of that?

I feel like every time I get to attend a conference like this I leave behind the day-to-day things that take up every second of my time and enter this world were ideas start flowing and I fill up a legal pad with ideas. I form relationships with people who are interested in my success as I am in theirs. Long after the conference, we find ourselves chatting online, cheering each other on, celebrating our accomplishments, and collaborating on how to go even bigger. Conferences like the WIPL give me life.

This year’s conference is jam packed with a combination of national and local speakers. Just to name a few, you’ll hear from Samantha Ettus on work/life balance (Ha! Does that exist? We’ll see!) and Lynn Richmann, Vice President of Global Audit Services of Walmart about the power of affirmation. Throughout the day here are panel discussions and breakout sessions on a wide-array of topics so there’s something for everybody.

I talked to Tracy Brown, a local Myrtle Beach mom and successful entrepreneur, about the conference. “I went last year and it was great to be around like-minded, driven women.” This year Tracy is speaking about going beyond surviving cancer and thriving while undergoing treatment.

Women in Philanthropy and Leadership Conference
Photo: Tracy Brown, Be Awesome Today on Facebook

Another local friend doing a breakout session is Dorien Morin-Van Dam, owner of More In Media. She had this message about the Women in Philanthropy and Leadership Conference.

I’m looking forward to spending two days in a highly positive and productive environment where I can focus on what I can do to make this world a better place. We all have gifts, right? I get to share mine in places like this blog and my volunteer work at church. But what if a much bigger platform exists? I intend to talk to as many women as I can to explore that possibility, as well as help others find their big platforms. Want to join me? I’d love to connect with you there!

You can learn more about the conference events and prices for the conference here. Register TODAY! I can’t wait to see you!

 

This post is sponsored by the Woman in Philanthropy and Leadership Conference. In exchange for it I am receiving free registration, however, all opinions I’ve expressed are my own. I’m genuinely excited to attend and look forward to networking with women that will help take my professional and philanthropic efforts to the next level. Thank you for this wonderful opportunity, WIPL!

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10 spots for off-season fun in Myrtle Beach

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The temps have cooled down and parasailing may be out of the question, but that doesn’t mean that off-season fun in Myrtle Beach is hard to find! We’ve got a list of ten spots your family will love between October and May!

1. Brookgreen Gardens

Enjoy a day outdoors strolling through the amazing gardens filled with flowers and sculpture. And before you ask, YES, it’s a GREAT destination for families with kids. There’s also a lovely zoo and storybook playground!

While it’s beautiful in the summer, it’s downright delightful in the off-season. It entails a good deal of walking, which is enjoyable when the temps are mild. There’s also a tram that runs between the welcome center and zoo throughout the day.

There’s often a Groupon discount offered for Brookgreen Gardens. Click here for more information!

off-season fun in Myrtle Beach, Brookgreen Gardens
Brookgreen Gardens

2. Ripley’s Aquarium of Myrtle Beach

Located at Broadway at the Beach, a destination on it’s own filled with shopping and restaurants, the Ripley’s Aquarium is home to a shark tunnel and mermaids! My family and I have visited the aquarium no less than 50 times and were annual passholders for many years. It just never gets old!

For the little ones, it’s a feast for the eyes and hands. There’s color and movement everywhere and so much of what’s before them can be experienced through touch, even if that simply means hands on the glass of an exhibit. Older kids will LOVE the dive and mermaid shows.

Adults, you’ll dig the whole thing! The music, the leaning opportunities, the themes throughout. This is one of the few attractions you should not miss on a trip to Myrtle Beach!

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3. Myrtle Beach State Park or Huntington Beach State Park

Take a hike, put your toes in the water, attend a science/environmental program, observe wildlife, or just breathe deeply and relax! Our local state parks offer something for absolutely everyone! When the weather’s nice, it’s never a bad day there! Bonus, if you’re an RV/tent/cabin camper, they’ve got you covered! Here’s a link to their reservation systems. We’ve RVed in both spots many times and love it. Honestly, if they’d let me move into the Myrtle Beach State Park, I’d do it in a heartbeat!

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Myrtle Beach State Park

4. 710 North Myrtle Beach

This place goes well beyond bowling, trust me! There is ping pong, corn hole, air hockey, and so much more! And please go there hungry. The food is like nothing you’d expect. Fresh, Gourmet. Amazing!

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710 North Myrtle Beach

5. Go Ape Treetop Adventure

If you’re feeling brave, this is for you! Okay, even if you’re not, you’ll still have a great time!

Go Ape North Myrtle Beach is a ropes and zip line course that has you 30 feet in the air, traversing obstacles and flying through the air. We did it with our family and it was beyond fun! They’re all about safety and offer a lower course for younger visitors. Just make sure to call or visit their website before you go to make reservations!

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Go Ape Treetop Adventure

6. WonderWorks

The Upside-Down Museum of Myrtle Beach is just as wacky on the inside as it is on the outside! There’s a Hurricane room, anti-gravity cycles, air hockey without a puck, roller coaster simulator, bubble lab and so much more! Best for guests ages six and up, this hands-on, interactive attraction is worth every penny! And while you’re there, head up to the top floor and strap on a harness for the ropes course! We all did it and lived to tell the story!

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Wonder Works

7. Take a spin on the Myrtle Beach SkyWheel

No matter how cool it is outside, the view is always beautiful from one of the glass gondolas on the Myrtle Beach SkyWheel! Located on the Boardwalk in Downtown Myrtle Beach, you can enjoy a climate-controlled ride on the east coast’s largest ferris wheel. Take in the scenery, looking far out into the Atlantic Ocean (on a clear day). Switch sides in your gondola and look out over the sites of Myrtle Beach.

Afraid of heights? No worries. The gondolas do not shake and move around. Plus, if you’re seriously freaking out, have a toddler who needs to go potty NOW, and otherwise need to get off the ride, there’s an intercom in your gondola that connects to an employee standing on the ground, ready to assist.

For a limited time, there’s a Groupon for the Myrtle Beach SkyWheel ready to save you some money. Here’s a link!

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Photo: Myrtle Beach for Families

 

8. The Original Benjamin’s Calabash Seafood

Did someone say crab legs? The Original Benjamin’s Calabash Seafood is well-known for their locally sourced food AND unlimited supply of crab legs! This buffet-style restaurant features fantastic food with something for everyone plus enough historical artifacts that it’s registered as a museum! While there, make sure to take some time to look at their model ships throughout the eatery. You can even see the shop where they’re built by a master model ship builder – yeah, that job really exists!

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The Original Bejamin’s Calabash Seafood

9. Children’s Museum of South Carolina

From toddler’s to elementary school aged children, everyone will have a blast at the Children’s Museum of South Carolina, located in the heart of Myrtle Beach, just off Highway 17 Business. It’s totally interactive, hands-on, and entertaining. I loooove a deal and here’s one for at least 40% off admission.

Myrtle Beach Children's Museum, off-season fun in Myrtle Beach
Photo: CMSC on Facebook

10. Riddles Escape Room

I am going to totally admit we haven’t tried Riddles Escape Room yet but I’m dying too! It’s one of those experiences where you and your group have to solve a series of riddles or clues to work your way out of a situation. They’re not haunted or scary, just mysterious, so it’s suitable for families of all ages, as long as everyone brings their thinking caps along!

Groupon is offering a reduced admission for several of the Riddle’s Escape Room experiences here, and there’s another for a virtual experience here. I’m making my purchase right now!

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Photo: Riddles Escape Room on Facebook

Whether you enjoy the indoors or the outdoors, Myrtle Beach has fun opportunities for families all year long! Book your stay for the off-season and enjoy fewer people and lower hotel/house rates!

 

*This post contains affiliate links from which we earn a small commission. Thank you for your support!*

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Animal Swoon – An “adults only” Valentine’s Day event at the Myrtle Beach State Park

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Admit it. Every time there’s some National Geographic show on and animals are mating, it catches your eye, right? We’re all human and most of us are adults here. That’s why the Animal Swoon program at the Myrtle Beach State Park might be a fun Valentine’s Day option for you and your sweetie. This one has an age restriction of 18+, so no little ones allowed!

Myrtle Beach State Park summer programs

Tell me what’s not romantic about hanging out at the beach and talking to an interpretative ranger about how local wildlife gets their groove on – sometimes in public! *gasp* I almost had to clutch my pearls there for a second, but I think I’ve recovered.

Don’t forget to register by Friday, February 10, 2017! And make sure you’re dressed appropriate. You may need to leave the sequined dress and stilettos at home and opt for a winter jacket and comfy shoes…which is one of the main reasons I’m interested. LOL Nothing says “I love you” quite like hiking boots and mittens!

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5 reasons to start 2017 off right with a First Day Hike at Myrtle Beach or Huntington Beach State Parks

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The First Day Hike is a tradition in our family. It’s a great way to put down the devices, lace up the sneakers, and spend some time breathing in the woods or on the beach. This activity encompasses everything I resolve to do almost every new year.

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Photo: South Carolina State Parks on Facebook

Why we love the First Day Hike

  1. We are are active. Who doesn’t need a little more fitness in their life? This girl and her family sure do.
  2. We are tech-free. We, along with almost everyone else I’ve met in the last ten years, are addicted to our phones, tablets, laptops, and TVs. It feels good to leave it all behind in the car and de-screen for a bit.
  3. We are together. As our kids get a little older, they have their own agendas. This First Day Hike has us talking, laughing, doing something together that doesn’t involve scheduling or carpools.
  4. We aren’t spending a ton of money. The First Day Hike is free with entrance into the park. If you have a Passport Pass (75 of the best dollars I spend every year) it’s free. If we were to spend two hours at a movie, that would equal well over $50 when you add the popcorn and candy.
  5. We are outdoors. We spend more time than I want to admit in front of computers or on the couch. And every single time we do something outdoors we collectively agree, “This is so great! We need to do this more.” Then life takes over and old habits return.

So what do you say? Want to start 2017 being active, engaged, with your loved ones, outdoors, and without breaking the budget that’s likely already crying? Me too!

There are two First Day Hikes at Myrtle Beach State Park

Trail: Woods and Beach Time: 1:30pm-3pm Meeting location: Nature Center Degree of difficulty: easy Minimum age: 5 and up, hike designed for families Length of trail: 0.5 miles Things to bring: Water bottle and comfortable walking shoes. Contact information: 843-238-0874

Trail: Sculptured Oak Nature Trail and beach Time: 10am-12pm Meeting location: Nature Center Degree of difficulty: easy Minimum age: designed for adults Length of trail: 1.5 miles Things to bring: Water bottle and comfortable walking shoes. Contact information: 843-238-0874 Additional information: no cell phones or pets

There is one First Day Hike at Huntington Beach State Park

Trail: Sandpiper Pond Nature Trail and Beach Walk Time: 2pm-4pm Meeting location: North Beach Parking Lot Degree of difficulty: easy Minimum age: n/a Length of trail: 2.5 mile Things to bring: Water bottle and comfortable walking shoes that can get wet. Contact information: 843-235-8755 Additional information: bring a small bag for shells if you want.

You can download a full list of First Day Hike locations and times in South Carolina here. They’re across the entire state, so don’t worry if you’re not local!

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