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Where else can you find alligators and medieval quests? Beaches and baby tigers? Boat rides and mirror mazes and NASCAR? Myrtle Beach is the place to be if you want to thrill the kids . . . and the rest of the family, too. Check out this list of famly-friendly adventures; it includes something for everyone, from the nature explorer to the magic fan to the athlete.

Alligator Adventure Hwy 17 at Barefoot Landing North Myrtle Beach, SC 29582 (843) 361-0789 http://www.alligatoradventure. com/

The whole family will enjoy the alligators, snakes, bears, exotic birds and other animals at Alligator Adventure. Experience live feeding shows, and even the chance to hold a baby alligator or a python. Friendly, expert staff members take the time to interact with children and teach them more about the animals. Check the web site for admission deals.

Barefoot Landing 4898 Hwy 17 South, North Myrtle Beach, SC 29582 (843) 272-8349 http://barefootlanding.com/

For shopping, dining, walking along the boardwalk, or sitting by the lake, spend some time exploring Barefoot Landing with your children. Babies can ride along in the stroller while you window shop, and children of all ages will delight in the wildlife at home here. Several of the key attractions for young children highlighted here are part of this collection of shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues.

Broadway at the Beach 1325 Celebrity Circle Myrtle Beach, SC 29577 843-444-3200

You'll find restaurants, an IMAX theater, even fish to feed and boats to ride at this collection of shops, restaurants, and more attractions than you can do in one visit. This is the place to be in Myrtle Beach; little ones will enjoy exploring more in the daytime when it's less crowded while parents can scope out which attractions will be the next to try.

Brookgreen Gardens 1931 Brookgreen Drive Murrells Inlet, SC 29576 843-235-6000 800-849-1931 http://www.brookgreen.org/

A gorgeous place to visit as a family, from the sculpture garden to the live oak garden to the Garden Room for Children. Check out Mother Nature's Caf and Meet the Animals, which are specifically for children, and stay for lunch with a picnic or in several child-friendly restaurants. Year round, this is sure to be a hit with toddlers and preschoolers who like to explore.

Captain Hook's Adventure Golf 2205 North King's Hwy.
Myrtle Beach, SC 843-913-7851

Tell your children the story of Peter Pan (again) before you go as the course features scenes from the story within two smaller courses: "The Lost Boys" and "Hook's Challenge Course." Perfect for preschoolers, yet not too gimmicky, the course includes a fun and varied experience of easier and more difficult holes, water features, and, of course, pirate scenery. Throughout the course, the grounds are beautifully maintained, and there are places for your little ones to stop and rest in the shade.

Carolina Opry Theater 8901-A Business 17 N. Myrtle Beach, SC 29572 843-913-4000 or 800-843-6779 http://www.thecarolinaopry.com /

Your elementary aged or preschooler will enjoy a dazzling show at the Carolina Opry Theater. Check out The Holiday Show of the South to experience this long-running family tradition. The web site details shows from rock and roll to variety shows.

Children's Museum of South Carolina 2501 North Kings Highway Myrtle Beach, SC 29577 http://www.cmsckids.org/

Babies to young elementary aged children will be enthralled by the wealth of learning and play activities at the museum. They can pretend to be a doctor or dentist, to use a bank, and to dig for dinosaur bones. They can learn more about nature or electricity in engaging activities, while younger children will be captivating by the learning toys and opportunities to interact with other children.

Dolly Parton's Dixie Stampede 8901-B Highway 17 North Myrtle Beach, SC 29577 800-433-4401 http://www.dixiestampede.com/m yrtlebeach.php

If you have children who would like to see horses, buffalo, and ostrich running around while they eat dinner, this is the place to be. A fantastic spectacle awaits your family here, and children of all ages will enjoy the animals, performers, and special effects. Buy tickets online on the web site.

Family Kingdom Amusement Park 300 South Ocean Blvd. 29Myrtle Beach, SC |29577 843-626-3447 http://www.family-kingdom.com/

This amusement park, situated next to the ocean and across the street from the water park, features roller coasters and a ferris wheel and other attractions for older children and adults, but preschoolers can enjoy quite a few kiddie rides. Even babies too young for the rides certainly enjoy the spectacle of the rides, lights, and sounds.

Family Kingdom Water Park 300 South Ocean Blvd. Myrtle Beach, SC 29577| Telephone: 843-626-3447 http://www.family-kingdom.com/

While the older kids are speeding down the water slides, younger children can splash in a kiddie pool, enjoy darting into the sprinklers and waterfall, and even slide down the many children's slides. Across the street from the amusement park, this is an ideal place for children of all ages on a hot summer day.

Horry County Museum 428 Main Street Conway, SC 29526 843-915-5320 http://www.horrycountymuseum.o rg/

Check out Pre-School Time at the Horry County Museum for children five and under every Tuesday at 10:30 am. Children will learn about a unique part of the museum's collection, and then participate in an activity. See the web site for the weekly schedule. Admission is free.

Huntington Beach State Park 16148 Ocean Hwy Murrells Inlet, SC 843-237-9255 843-237-4440 http://www.huntingtonbeachsc.o rg/

A gorgeous place to take children to love to run and explore nature, this state park features pristine beaches, observation decks to overlook natural areas, and lovely views of wildlife and marshy habitats.

Imax 3D Theatre 1195 Celebrity Circle Myrtle Beach, SC 29577 843-448-IMAX (4629) http://www.imax3dmyrtlebeach.c om/

A thrilling experience for preschoolers and older children and fun for adults as well. The intensity of the sound and visuals might be too much for toddlers and even for some older children. But children not intimidated by the giant screen and volume will be mesmerized by these 45 minute shows, which currently feature dinosaurs and sea creatures.

Jungle Safari Mini-Golf 7101 N Kings Hwy Myrtle Beach, SC 29572 (843) 315-0311 http://www.playinthesands.com/ Jungle_Safari_Mini_Golf/

Any child who loves animals will be particularly enamored of this mini-golf course. You'll find yourself surrounded by giraffes and zebras. Don't be surprised to find a child or two more interested in climbing on the animal statues than playing golf.

Le Grande Cirque The Palace Theatre 1420 Celebrity Circle Myrtle Beach, SC 29577 843-448-9224 http://www.palacetheatremyrtle beach.com/cirque_01.htm

While toddler might have trouble sitting through the whole show, preschoolers and older children will be fascinated by the acrobatics on the high wire, the jugglers, and, of course, the clowns. Featuring amazing physical feats and audience involvement, the fast-paced action keeps kids enthralled. The best family entertainment delights adults as much as children, and this show does just that.

MagiQuest 1185 Celebrity Circle Broadway At The Beach Myrtle Beach, SC 29577 (843) 916-1800

Kids aged five and up as well as adults - will have a surprisingly good time here. Fans of Harry Potter type of adventures can complete their own magical quests complete with wands, riddles, and dragons. Staff, in costume, is available throughout the castle to help guide you through your adventure.

Medieval Times 2904 Fantasy Way Myrtle Beach, SC 29579 1-866-543-9637 http://www.medievaltimes.com/

H ave dinner while cheering on jousting knights in this spectacular dinner-theater experience. Preschoolers and elementary aged children will be particularly interested in the animals and sights and sounds of the action unfolding in front of them.

Mirror Maze 1185 Celebrity Circle Broadway At The Beach Myrtle Beach, SC 29577 843-663-2700 http://www.mirrormazeusa.com/

A ll ages will have fun walking through the mirrored hallways, participating in a scavenger hunt, and particularly the all-day admission. Explore Broadway at the Beach for a while and then come right back for more fun in the maze.

Myrtle Beach Pelicans BB&T Coastal Field 1251 21st Avenue North Myrtle Beach, SC 29577 http://www.myrtlebeachpelicans .com/

Come out starting in April for Pelicans games - fun for the whole family. Children can joing the Kids Club before the season for a free t-shirt, an invitation to a party kicking off the season, and more. Kids will love watching the Pelican mascot dancing around the field.

Myrtle Beach Speedway 455 Hospitality Lane Myrtle Beach, SC 29579 843-236-0500 http://www.myrtlebeachspeedway .com/

Weekly racing events on Saturday nights will thrill your young NASCAR fans. Racing legends Dale Earnhardt, Jr. and Jeff Gordon have trained here, along with three generations of Pettys and Earnhardts. Along with weekly races, check the web site for major events throughout the season.

Myrtle Waves Water Park Hwy 17 Bypass and Mr. Joe White Ave (10th Ave. N) Myrtle Beach, SC 29579 843-913-9260 http://www.myrtlewaves.com/

Whi le all ages will have fun on the impressive water slides and other attractions here, younger children can enjoy the shallow pools and fountains in the kids' area. With pools from six to 18 inches deep and several "water umbrellas" gently dousing kids from above, even little babies will delight in splashing around here. Plenty of shaded areas as well for children and families to rest.

NASCAR Speedpark 1820 21st Avenue North Extension Myrtle Beach, South Carolina 29577 (843) 918-8725 http://www.nascarspeedpark.com /

For older preschoolers and up, this park features NASCAR themed track rides, an arcade, and interactive games. It can get crowded during peak times, so your best bet is to get there early in the day. Babies and toddlers tend to get fed pretty quickly here not much for them to do.

Ripley's Aquarium 1110 Celebrity Circle Myrtle Beach, SC 29577 1-800-734-8888 http://www.ripleysaquarium.com /

The adults might be a bit more squeamish than the delighted children to touch the rays and horseshoe crabs at Ripley's Aquarium. The petting area and the enclosures allowing you to see the fish and sharks from underneath are highlights. It's not a huge aquarium, which may be a disappointment for older children, but just right for the toddlers and preschoolers. Be on the lookout for coupons around Myrtle Beach to save on admission.

T.I.G.E.R.S. Preservation Station 4898 South Highway 17 North Myrtle Beach, SC 29582-5353 (843)361-4552 http://www.myrtlebeachsafari.c om/preservationstation/

You won't find many places where you can have baby tigers crawl over your lap or get your picture taken with a chimpanzee. See tigers and apes for free at the Preservation Station, and then pay to have your picture taken with the animals.

Waccatee Zoo 8500 Enterprise Rd Myrtle Beach, SC 29588 843-650-8500 http://www.waccateezoo.com/

A less natural zoo than others, children can see animals up close in enclosures, including lions and tigers, a chimpanzee who can do tricks, and lots of exotic birds. There are lots of winding paths, so you can take a long, scenic walk while getting to feed many animals out of your hand. There's lots of shade to rest in as you explore.

Wild Water and Wheels 910 Highway 17 South, Surfside Beach, SC 29575 843-238-3787 http://www.wild-water.com/

Litt le visitors under 48 inches tall will have a blast at the large kids' activity pool. With a central fake tree consisting of two slides, a waterfall and a cave, younger kids will have a lot to climb on, splash through, and explore. Typically less crowded than Myrtle Waves, Wild Water and Wheels also has mini golf, bumper boats, and rides for older kids to enjoy.

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