North Myrtle Beach Park and Sports Complex
Rating
Family of 4
$0 for general park access.
Duration
1.5-3 hours for general park visit; full day for tournament or scheduled event attendance
Best Ages
All ages — toddlers enjoy the playground; older kids and teens benefit from sports fields and courts
About
Tucked in Little River just north of the Grand Strand tourist corridor, the North Myrtle Beach Park and Sports Complex is one of the most impressive publicly owned recreation facilities in coastal South Carolina. Spanning 163 acres, this destination is a world apart from the arcade-and-waterpark strip of central Myrtle Beach — and for families who crave outdoor space, active programming, and authentic community atmosphere, it may be the best free destination in the entire area.
The facility packs an extraordinary amount into its footprint: multiple soccer fields, baseball and softball diamonds, tennis and pickleball courts, a disc golf course, a dedicated dog park, picnic pavilions, nature and walking trails, a children's playground, and a full amphitheater used for concerts and community events. The variety means the facility genuinely has something for every member of a traveling family, from toddlers who want to climb and swing to teenagers who want to hit a soccer ball or try disc golf.
What sets this park apart is the programming. The North Myrtle Beach Parks, Recreation, and Sports Tourism department actively books youth sports tournaments year-round — baseball, softball, soccer, and flag football tournaments draw teams from across the Southeast and make for surprisingly engaging spectator experiences for visiting families.
The amphitheater adds another dimension. Spring and fall especially see a busy schedule of free and low-cost concerts, movies in the park, and seasonal community events. The Christmas at the Complex event draws thousands of visitors each December.
For families who have spent days bouncing between paid attractions, this park offers genuine relief: a sprawling, beautiful, free outdoor space where kids can run without a ticket in their hand. Pack a cooler, bring sports gear, and plan to stay for at least half a day. The facility is located about 20 minutes north of the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk, making it a natural stop when combining a trip to Barefoot Landing, Cherry Grove Beach, or the Little River waterfront.
Open daily from 6:30AM to 8PM with walk-in access to all public areas. Organized programs and leagues require registration.
Age Suitability
Parent Logistics
Stroller-Friendly
Nursing / Changing
Restroom facilities on-site; no dedicated nursing lounge
Kid Meals
No on-site restaurant; food trucks and concession stands operate during events. Pack a meal for non-event days.
Setting
Outdoor
Rainy Day
Not ideal
Plan Your Visit
Best Time to Visit
Weekday mornings for quiet use of trails and playground; check nmbpark.com for scheduled events and sports tournaments if you want to watch live competition
Wait Times
No wait for general access — walk-in welcome during park hours
Nearby Food
No on-site restaurant for general visits. Little River Waterfront is about 5 minutes away with several seafood restaurants. Barefoot Landing in North Myrtle Beach (10 min) has a wide variety of dining options.
Why Kids Love It
North Myrtle Beach Park and Sports Complex is a massive 163-acre outdoor playground that goes well beyond standard parks. Kids can watch live baseball and soccer tournaments, play on a dedicated playground, explore nature trails, and run free across open fields. The sheer variety — dog park, amphitheater, tennis courts, picnic pavilions — means there is always something for every kid on the spectrum from active athlete to relaxed nature explorer.
The facility is beloved by locals and visiting families who want to get away from the touristy strip and experience the authentic, community-centered side of the Myrtle Beach area.
Pro Tips from Parents
- Check nmbpark.com before your visit — the facility hosts youth baseball, soccer, softball, and disc golf tournaments throughout the year, which are exciting (and free) to watch.
- The amphitheater hosts concerts and community events, especially in spring and fall — check the events calendar for free shows.
- The dog park is fenced and a great way to let the whole family (including pets) burn energy.
- Disc golf is available on-site — bring your own discs or ask about rentals.
- The facility is about 20 minutes north of central Myrtle Beach in Little River — combine it with a visit to Barefoot Landing nearby.
What to Bring
- Sunscreen and bug spray for trail walks
- Sports equipment (soccer balls, frisbees, tennis rackets)
- Packed lunch and water — no on-site food service on non-event days
- Blanket or camp chairs for watching tournaments or amphitheater events
- Walking shoes for the nature trails
Cost Info
Estimated Cost (Family of 4)
$0 for general park access.
Organized youth programs and camps have registration fees; check nmbpark.
com for current rates.
Tips to Save
- General access to trails, playground, dog park, and open fields is free.
- Bring your own sports equipment (soccer balls, frisbees, etc.
- ) to use the open fields at no cost.
- Pack a meal to avoid buying food during events.
Hours & Contact
Hours
- Friday
- 6:30AM-8PM
- Monday
- 6:30AM-8PM
- Sunday
- 6:30AM-8PM
- Tuesday
- 6:30AM-8PM
- Saturday
- 6:30AM-8PM
- Thursday
- 6:30AM-8PM
- Wednesday
- 6:30AM-8PM
