Where to Go with Kids in South Carolina

Great zoos, a planetarium, an aquarium, miles of beaches and a sky wheel — whatever your kids love, you’re sure to find it when your family travels in South Carolina.

One of the most popular summer destinations is the miles of pristine sands lining the coast of Myrtle Beach. Along the beaches and boardwalk are traditional seaside attractions: rides, games, performers, hot dogs, pizza and soft ice cream. The Carolina Opry produces musical shows, and Myrtle Beach SkyWheel takes visitors on 10-minute rides above the beach and boardwalk.

Broadway at the Beach is the state’s largest entertainment and shopping venue, with rides, mini golf, Ripley’s Aquarium, movies, specialty shops, dining and other attractions in a pedestrian-only area around Lake Broadway. Families love the slides, splash rides, and swimming pools at water parks and major hotels.

Riverbanks Zoo and Garden in Columbia is home to more than 2,000 animals, with more than 350 species. The 2-acre African Plains exhibit reproduces an Africa savanna, where you can see giraffes, ostriches and zebras along with African lions and baboons in their own separate natural habitats. The Ndoki Forest area is a sanctuary for gorillas, elephants and meerkats. Siberian tigers and a Komodo dragon represent Asia, while North American species include grizzly bear and California sea lions.

If you’re in upstate South Carolina (perhaps checking out Caesars Head State Park and its waterfall), swing by Greenville Zoo to meet exotic and North American animals, as well as elephants, monkeys, leopards and toucans. Special features offer family adventures and programs, and overnight stays.

In Aiken, explore the night sky during public shows at Dupont Planetarium. Along with astronomy, the planetarium’s shows may take your family into wild weather events or the molecules of a living cell. It’s a good idea to make reservations for shows, as seating is limited.