by Elizabeth Kelly

Created on: February 16, 2009   Last Updated: April 18, 2011

If kids could magically design their own vacation destination, it would probably end up looking a lot like Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. With sixty miles of soft, sunny "sandboxes," a wide choice of amusement and water parks, kid-centered shows and restaurants, and a dazzling array of natural marine life, it's a veritable children's paradise. The list of activities and destinations in Myrtle Beach adds up to a vacation that, while decidedly kid-pleasing, will enchant the whole family.

Children's Museum of South Carolina
2501 N King's Hwy.
843-946-9469
www.cmsckids.org

While appropriate through age 11, the interactive exhibits here are also aimed at teaching children as young as 1. Hands-on exhibits include medical exam rooms, science labs, and even an ATM machine: all geared and sized for little ones. Call ahead for special events.

Myrtle Beach Waves Water Park
U.S. 17 Bypass at 10th Ave. N
843-448-1026
www.myrtlewaves.com

Kids can literally make waves at this water park, the state's largest, with 20 acres of water activities including a wave pool and water slides. The LayZee
River ride is a winding cruise around the water park that is slow enough for even the very youngest. Children two and under are free.

Ripley's Aquarium
1110 Celebrity Circle
1-800-734-8888
www.ripleysaquarium.com

One of the top-rated aquariums in the country, this $40 million complex allows families to view marine life from every angle, while they walk through a 750,000 gallon tank. Small ones will marvel at the thousands of tiny Pacific fish, while older ones will be awe-stricken by the ten-foot sharks.

Hard Rock Park
211 George Bishop Pkwy.
843-236- ROCK
www.hardrockpark.com

Kids don't have to be hard rockers to enjoy this park, which has surprisingly family-friendly attractions for even the littlest rock stars. The Punk Pit bounce house is fun for the toddler-aged, and the Shake, Rattle and Rollercoaster will please the school-aged. The website grades rides by age appropriateness from ages 1-10 and up.

Waccatee Zoological Farm
8500 Enterprise Rd.
843-650-8500
www.wacateezoo.com

On the 500-acre zoo grounds, you can get an up-close view of over 100 species of wildlife. It's not uncommon to see as many as 1000 heron in one spot when the weather is right. While the size may make walking a chore for little feet, there are plenty of snacks and picnic areas available for rest stops.

Myrtle Beach State Park
4402 S. King's Hwy.
843-238-5325
www.southcarolinaparks.com

This unspoiled stretch of forest would be beautiful enough

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