A Myrtle Beach family trip doesn't have to run $300 a day. The city is stacked with free parks, free beach access, and budget activities that deliver genuinely good experiences. Here's exactly how to build a great day for under $50 — and where to spend a little more when it's actually worth it.
Completely Free Activities
Start here. There's more than most families expect.
Myrtle Beach — The beach costs nothing to access. Sixty miles of Atlantic Ocean coastline, and your kids can spend a full day on it for $0 in admission. The cost creep is parking ($20–40) and food ($50–80 if you buy on the boardwalk). Solution: park 2–3 blocks from the oceanfront where street parking is free or cheap, and pack a full cooler. A beach day done right costs $0–20 total.
Savannah's Playground — Rated 4.9 stars from 2,597 reviews. That's an extraordinary rating for a free playground — most paid attractions don't score that high. The equipment is several levels above standard community playground fare. Bring water and sunscreen. Cost: $0. Visit: 1.5–2.5 hours.
Plyler Park — Oceanfront park at the entry to the famous Myrtle Beach Boardwalk. Wide paved paths, open lawn, and the energy of the boardwalk all around. Entry: $0. Budget $10–20 if kids spot ice cream nearby. This is your free morning activity — walk the boardwalk, then transition to the beach.
Pavilion Park — Steps from the boardwalk with a 4.5-star rating. Free. Combine with a boardwalk walk and beach time for a full free morning that costs you nothing but sunscreen.
McLean Park — North Myrtle Beach's flagship community park. 1,189 reviews at 4.6 stars. Tennis courts, athletic fields, playground, and picnic areas. Cost: $0. Bring your own sports equipment and a packed lunch. This is a legitimate full-morning destination.
McLean Park playground — The dedicated playground within McLean Park. 4.7 stars. Cost: $0.
All Children's Park — Inclusive playground in Surfside Beach designed for children of varying abilities. 173 reviews at 4.7 stars. Cost: $0. Worth the drive if you're staying in the south end.
North Myrtle Beach Park and Sports Complex — 163 acres. Trails, athletic fields, dog park, playground, and amphitheater. 4.7 stars. General access: $0. Bring sports equipment and a packed lunch — no on-site food service on non-event days.
Nature Center — Free coastal nature museum with a 4.7-star rating. Focused on the local SC ecosystem. Cost: $0. Good for 1–1.5 hours.
Elsie's Playground — Free playground near Broadway at the Beach. 4.5 stars. Cost: $0. Use it as a play break during a Broadway at the Beach day without spending anything.
Socastee Recreational Park — 469 reviews at 4.5 stars. A genuinely well-loved community park on the west side of Myrtle Beach. Cost: $0. Worth the drive if you're inland.
North Myrtle Beach Parks & Rec — Park access is free. Check nmb.us for free family programming and events during your stay.
Under $50 for a Family of Four
These are the budget picks that deliver real value without the big spend.
Backstage Mirror Maze at Broadway at the Beach — $40–60 for a family of four, takes 30–60 minutes. 4.2 stars. The laughs are real. Good as an add-on during a Broadway at the Beach day.
Boardwalk Arcade — $40–80 depending on how many tokens you load up. 4.5 stars. Set a per-child spending limit upfront and buy tokens in bulk packs. On the $40 end if you stick to the limit.
Fun Plaza — Same strip, same advice. Budget $40–80. 4.4 stars. Bulk token purchases give better per-game value.
Kids Climb Free — 5-star rating on N Kings Hwy. Budget $40–70 estimated. The name suggests possible free climbing for kids — check the Facebook page before visiting.
Action Park Pavilion at Broadway at the Beach — outdoor rides and amusements for the 3–12 crowd. Budget $50–90 for a family with two kids. 4.1 stars.
Interactive Experience Unleashed — Interactive tech experience at $50–90 for a family. 4.5 stars. Verify operating days before going.
The Under-$50 Family Day Blueprint
Here's a concrete plan to have a great Myrtle Beach day for under $50 total:
Morning (free): Savannah's Playground — 1.5 hours, $0.
Mid-morning (free): Plyler Park and boardwalk walk — 1 hour, $0.
Lunch (from home): Packed cooler on the beach — $15–20 in groceries.
Afternoon: Boardwalk Arcade with a $20 per-kid token limit — $40 total.
Total for the day: ~$55–60 — and that's with paid arcade time. Cut the arcade and you're under $20.
Worth the Small Upgrade
A few options just over the $50 mark that are genuinely worth it:
Star Academy North Myrtle Beach — $50–80 for a family session. 4.8 stars. If you're staying in North Myrtle Beach, this beats driving south for entertainment.
Fun Walls Kids Climbing & Arcade — $50–80. 4.3 stars. Climbing plus arcade in one stop. Call ahead: 843-361-0047.
EdVenture Myrtle Beach — $60–80 for a family of four. 4.2 stars. The hands-on children's museum is worth it on any day but especially on a rainy one. Plan 2–3 hours.
Lowcountry Zoo at Brookgreen Gardens — Zoo-only: $60–90. 4.6 stars. Worth it if your family is animal-focused. The native SC wildlife — river otters, alligators, birds of prey — is genuinely impressive.
Garden City Pavilion Arcade & GiGi's Grill — $60–100 including food. 4.4 stars. The on-site restaurant eliminates a separate meal stop, making the overall trip cost more manageable.
Free Fall Thrill Park — $60–100 depending on which rides kids choose. 4.5 stars. Pay per-ride rather than bundling if they only want specific attractions — keeps costs lower.
Soar + Explore — $60–100 for a family of four. 4.5 stars. Weekend-only hours.
The best Myrtle Beach family days are built around free beach time anchored by one or two paid activities. The families who overspend are the ones who treat paid attractions as the main event. Flip that ratio and you'll leave the beach with money left and kids who want to come back.