Want to take a much-needed family beach vacation, but hoping to keep it budget-friendly? In North Myrtle Beach, you’ll find plenty of free things to do that will keep your family entertained and help keep your vacation on budget.
Our community has taken lots of steps to help keep you safe. The Greater Grand Strand Promise is a pledge, taken by businesses, locals, and visitors, to uphold certain guidelines and commitments that promote health and wellness. This promise, which we encourage you to take before you visit, combined with the use of secure face coverings across the City of North Myrtle Beach, makes our community the welcoming and safe place your family expects!
Check out this list of affordable fun and skim our Healthy Traveling page to plan your trip today!
EXPLORE THE OUTDOORS IN STUNNING PARKS AND GARDENS
Located in the Cherry Grove neighborhood and along one of our beautiful waterways, visit Heritage Shores Nature Preserve, where your family can learn about the area’s natural wildlife. Seven acres of elevated boardwalks and observation decks are lined with helpful signage that describes the plants, animals, fishes, and birds that can be seen throughout the park.
Spend an afternoon at the North Myrtle Beach Park and Sports Complex. With miles of scenic trails, this complex is the perfect place for a family stroll or a bike ride. Pack a picnic lunch to enjoy at one of the seven picnic shelters. Then, let your kids climb and slide on one (or all) of the park’s three playgrounds. And if you brought your furry, four-legged friend on your beach trip, watch them play at the dog park.
Vereen Memorial Historical Gardens in Little River features three miles of trails. Often called the “hidden jewel” of the area, these trails are intertwined with wooden boardwalks that extend over the picturesque marshes and waterways, which are accessible enough for a variety of ability levels.
DISCOVER THE FUN IN ART AND HISTORY
Bask in the rich art and history of the area: one of the best-kept secrets in North Myrtle Beach is the treasure trove of free experiences at local museums, including the Franklin G. Burroughs-Simeon B. Chapin Art Museum, just a short drive down Highway 17. This visual arts museum has a section on their website dedicated to tips and tricks for keeping kids engaged—and entertained—during your family’s visit. And bring your family’s coolest masks! The Chapin Art Museum is highlighting their guests’ unique face coverings on social media. To ensure social distancing, the museum is currently limiting capacity to 20%.
The North Myrtle Beach Area Historical Museum is another great option. Featuring local art, artifacts, stories and displays, you’ll learn about the people and events that crafted our unique part of the Grand Strand. The museum is designed to take visitors on a journey through time as they learn about the people of North Myrtle Beach, from the area’s first inhabitants to modern leaders. The museum even has a mini version of the famous dance floors of North Myrtle Beach for your family to learn about our state dance, the Carolina Shag—and practice a few steps, too!
WAVE HELLO TO THE SURF
The main event in North Myrtle also happens to be free for all—the beach. Our beautiful and wide beaches are the perfect spot to spread out and spend some quality time with the whole family. Throw a Frisbee with the kids or play classic beach games like spike ball, volleyball, bocce ball and soccer. Enjoy the relaxing sound of the ocean waves as you take a stroll along the sandy beaches and maybe even collect a few seashells or sand dollars along the way.
When the tide brings you back, we’ll be ready to host you. Thanks to the Healthy Traveling measures being taken around town, everyone can do their part to help keep our community open for business and ready to welcome your family! Don’t forget to pack secure face coverings for everyone traveling with your group.
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