If you’re planning a family trip to the Grand Strand, Family Kingdom Amusement Park in Myrtle Beach is a must. Open since 1966, this oceanfront park has been entertaining locals and visitors for generations. It’s one of the last seaside amusement parks in the country, sitting right on Ocean Boulevard with rides that overlook the Atlantic. You don’t need to buy a ticket to get in; admission is free, so you can walk around, enjoy the sights, and only pay for rides and food.
For families, this means you can spend as much or as little time here as you’d like. You could come in the afternoon, leave for dinner, and return at night when the rides light up against the ocean backdrop.
Where is Family Kingdom located?
You’ll find the park at 300 South Ocean Boulevard, Myrtle Beach, SC. Its location is part of what makes it so special, you can hear the ocean while riding the Ferris wheel and grab an ice cream cone steps from the boardwalk. If you’re staying in a nearby vacation rental or oceanfront hotel, you can walk right over. Otherwise, there’s on-site parking available for a small fee.
Best Times to Visit Family Kingdom Amusement Park Hours
Family Kingdom Amusement Park in Myrtle Beach is open from early April through early October, with hours that change by season.
- Spring (AprilāMay): Weekend hours at first, then more frequent as it warms up. Cooler weather and lighter crowds make it easy for families with young kids.
- Summer (JuneāAugust): Open daily and at its busiest. Evenings are the most popular time, with neon lights, carnival food, and the full boardwalk atmosphere. Early-bird wristband specials often give families extra value.
- Fall (SeptemberāOctober): Mostly weekends, with fewer crowds and milder weather. A great time to enjoy the rides before the season ends.
In general, daytime visits are easier with young kids and shorter lines, while evenings give you the full carnival vibe with cooler breezes and glowing lights.
Family Kingdom Amusement Park Tickets and Pricing for Families
Family Kingdom makes it easy to budget your visit. You don’t pay to enter, which is great if some family members want to watch or take photos. If you to enjoy the rides, you have two main options:
- Unlimited ride wristbands: About $45 per person for all-day fun.
- Ride credits: $1 each, with most rides costing between 4 and 18 credits.
This setup works well for families. If your kids want to go on everything, a wristband is the best deal. If you want a quick visit with a few rides, credits are the way to go. Discounts are often available for early-bird visits, locals, or military families.
Best Rides at Family Kingdom Amusement Park
With more than 37 rides and attractions, there’s something for every age group. Families love the variety because kids of different ages can all find something fun to do.
- Swamp Fox Wooden Roller Coaster: A Myrtle Beach icon and one of the few remaining wooden coasters in the country. Older kids and parents love the thrill, and the views of the ocean make it unforgettable.
- Log Flume: Perfect for summer afternoons, this water ride delivers just the right amount of splash.
- Giant Ferris Wheel: A slow-paced ride that lets the whole family enjoy sweeping views of Myrtle Beach. It’s especially magical after dark.
- Tilt-A-Whirl and Bumper Cars: Fun, classic rides that never go out of style.
- Kiddie Rides: Little ones can ride tea cups, mini boats, helicopters, and even a small roller coaster built just for them.
In between rides, you can test your luck at classic carnival games. Kids love trying to win a stuffed animal, while parents enjoy the nostalgia of games like ring toss and basketball shoot. The park also features entertainers, balloon artists, jugglers, and clowns who stroll through, making kids laugh as you move from ride to ride.
Family-Friendly Food Choices
Food is part of the experience here. You’ll smell funnel cakes and cotton candy as soon as you walk in, but you can also find pizza, corn dogs, burgers, fries, and ice cream. Families often grab dinner in the park before heading to the boardwalk for an evening stroll. The food is simple, but it fits the classic amusement park vibe and keeps kids happy between rides.
Why Families Choose Family Kingdom
The park’s name says it all, it’s built for families. Kids can enjoy safe, age-appropriate rides, teens get their adrenaline fix on the Swamp Fox or Slingshot, and parents can decide whether to join in or watch. Unlike massive theme parks, Family Kingdom is easy to manage in a single visit, which makes it less stressful with children. And since admission is free, you don’t feel pressured to spend the entire day there, you can come and go as you please.
Tips for Families Visiting
- If your kids plan to ride a lot, wristbands offer the best value.
- Bring sunscreen and hats if visiting in the afternoon, most rides are outdoors.
- Wear comfortable shoes for walking the midway.
- Visit after sunset at least once, and the lights against the ocean create a magical scene.
- Plan to combine the park with a trip to the nearby Myrtle Beach Boardwalk, which offers more family-friendly shops and attractions.
Where to Stay Near Family Kingdom Amusement Park?
For families, staying close to the park makes everything easier. You can walk to the rides in the evening, skip the hassle of parking, and return to your rental for breaks when kids get tired. With Sea Mountain Vacation Rentals, you’ll find oceanfront homes and condos that put you steps away from both the beach and Family Kingdom. It’s the perfect setup for a Myrtle Beach vacation where fun and convenience go hand in hand.
Family Kingdom Amusement Park, Myrtle Beach, is more than rides, it’s part of the city’s history and a tradition that families have enjoyed for decades. From the wooden Swamp Fox roller coaster to cotton candy on the boardwalk, it offers a mix of thrills, food, and ocean views that captures the heart of a Myrtle Beach vacation. If you’re planning a family trip, this is one stop you won’t want to miss.
