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, so you can walk around, enjoy the sights, and only pay for rides and food. If you want to experience all the fun rides, Season Pass prices start at $149.
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. 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.
- 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 whole 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.
Family Kingdom Amusement Park Ticket Prices
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 want to enjoy the rides, your options are perfect for families, especially if your kids want to go on everything, and the Season Pass wristband is the best deal. If you want a quick visit with a few rides, credits are the way to go.
| Adults & Children: | All Day Unlimited Ride Wristband** ā $45.00* |
| EARLY BIRD SPECIAL: (Must be purchased at Park during the FIRST HOUR of operation! NO OTHER DISCOUNTS APPLY! | All Day Unlimited Ride Wristband** ā $30.00 |
| Military Discount and Local: (Must Purchase at Park 18 and older ID required for locals) | All Day Unlimited Ride Wristband** ā $25.00* |
| Season Pass: | Annual Season Pass / Unlimited Rides** ā $159.00* |
| Groups of 15 or More: | All Day Unlimited Ride Wristband** ā $30.00* (Must be purchased through Group Sales) |
| Individual Ride Credits: | Starts at available at $1.00 each (4 to 18 credits per ride) |
*Prices are subject to change at any time. *City, County, and SC Tax included.
** Slingshot and Go Karts Not Included. (Park may close early due to weather & park attendance)
Best Rides at Family Kingdom Amusement Park
With more than 37 rides and attractions, Family Kingdom has something for everyone in your group. The park is divided into thrill rides for older kids and adults, and family rides where everyone, even toddlers, can join in. That way, no one misses out on the fun.
Thrill Rides in Family Kingdom
If youāre the kind of person who loves a rush of adrenaline, the thrill rides are where youāll want to start. These attractions are designed to test your courage with steep drops, sudden turns, and plenty of excitement. We suggest trying out these rides:
- Swamp Fox Wooden Roller Coaster: Built in 1966, this is one of the few wooden roller coasters still running in the U.S. It reaches speeds of 50 mph, and the ocean views from the top are breathtaking. Older kids and adults love it for the mix of history and adrenaline.
- Log Flume: Great for summer afternoons, this ride gives you a splash at the bottom without soaking you thoroughly. Itās fun for both kids and adults, especially on hot days.
- Tilt-A-Whirl and Bumper Cars: These classic rides never go out of style. The Tilt-A-Whirl spins you in unpredictable ways, while the bumper cars are all about laughter and lighthearted competition.
Family Rides In Family Kingdom
When you want something everyone can enjoy together, the family rides are the perfect choice. These attractions move at a slower pace, but theyāre filled with color, imagination, and joy. Parents love them just as much as kids, and theyāre perfect for little ones who arenāt ready for the bigger rides.
- Giant Ferris Wheel: This slow-paced ride offers sweeping views of Myrtle Beach. At night, the Ferris wheel lights up, making it a highlight for families.
- Kiddie Coaster: Designed for kids who arenāt quite ready for the big rides. It gives them the thrill of a roller coaster but at a smaller scale.
- Tea Cups & Samba Balloons: Both rides let kids control the spin, which makes them feel in charge. Parents can ride too, making it a fun family choice.
- Wet Boats & Flight School: Wet Boats circle through a water-filled canal where kids can ring the captainās bell, while Flight School gives young pilots a chance to āflyā with a co-pilot.
- 1923 Carousel: This historic ride features hand-carved wooden horses and offers a charming break from the faster rides.
In between attractions, you can play carnival games like ring toss, basketball shoot, or balloon darts. Kids love trying to win a stuffed animal, while parents enjoy the nostalgic feel. The park also has roaming entertainers like balloon artists, jugglers, and clowns to entertain the whole family, more than just the 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.
- If your kids plan to ride a lot, wristbands offer the best value.
- Bring sunscreen and hats if visiting in the afternoon, as 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.
