education centers & museums
in myrtle beach
The Grand Strand actually has quite a few thing to offer in this category. We’ve rounded up the best kid-friendly education centers & museums in Myrtle Beach.
nature-based centers
THE NATURE CENTER AT MYRTLE BEACH STATE PARK and THE NATURE CENTER AT HUNTINGTON BEACH STATE PARK | These are two big favorites. They’re generally open from 9a–5p daily but double-check on holidays. They have plenty to explore on their own but there is often program offerings to enjoy too. If you don’t have a state park pass then you will have to pay park admission to visit the nature centers.
HOBCAW BARONY DISCOVERY CENTER | This is a smaller center so it won’t take too long to explore it. They have a larger back classroom area but it isn’t usually accessible unless you’re there for a program (we love their programs – a great one is happening in Feb and we plan on going to it).
Play-based museums
EdVenture Museum | This is the Grand Strand’s only play-based museum. It’s on the small side but still offers many things for imaginative play such as a grocery store setup, a space climber and mission control station, and a little theater stage. It’s open daily from 10a–5p (Mon–Sat) and 12p–5p (Sun).
history or specialty museums
Horry County Museum | This is a pretty large one. There are a few exhibits/rooms that are more kid-friendly and all kids love the central feature, the large circular water tank!
Georgetown County Museum | Located in Georgetown, SC. We haven’t explored it yet but plan to.
North Myrtle Beach Museum | This looks like it’ll be pretty small but still worth checking out if you’re looking for a place with local history. It’s closed until February 2023 for updates.
Myrtle Beach Colored School and Museum | This piece of history is only open to the public from 10a–12p on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. The museum is staffed with former students who take turns educating the public and offerings tours.
Maritime Museum | Coastal SC’s maritime history is deep, especially in Georgetown. This museum holds local and regional artifacts and replicas. The museum is free and has a scavenger hunt for kids to help them enjoy the museum even more!
Rice Museum | This museum tells the story of rice cultivation in the Georgetown area. Tours are guided and available Tuesday–Saturday from 11a–4p. This one isn’t the most kid-friendly but is worth popping in even with kids in tow. The front houses a beautiful gift shop
Art museums
Burroughs-Chapin Art Museum | We love visiting this FREE museum anytime they have new exhibits. It’s on the small side but they have a cute little room to stop for hot tea and sometimes they’ll even have scavenger hunt related to the exhibit. Open Tues–Sunday. Plus it’s just across from Warbird Park and all that Market Common offers so it’s easy to extend the outing with one of those!
a little farther away
Depending on where you live in the Grand Strand these may not be all that far. But they’re worth consideration nonetheless.
Cape Fear Museum | Located in Wilmington, this offers plenty of permanent exhibits such as a tribute to Michael Jordan (Wilmington native), an exploration of the ecosystems of the region, a space-themed learning center, and a replica of the giant ground sloth found in the area. There are also plenty of temporary exhibits to explore that’ll keep this museum a place worth re-visiting.
MUSEUM OF COASTAL CAROLINA and INGRAM PLANETARIUM | We had a friend write reviews about these two wonderful attractions. They’re just across the state line in Ocean Isle/Sunset Beach, NC.
charleston area
Charleston, of course, will have no shortage of museums, learning centers and art galleries. Here are a few we’ve been to or plan to check out.
Fire Truck Museum | Big thumbs up from us. It’s affordable, kid-friendly elements (simulator and indoor play area), and not too large to be overwhelming.
The Children’s Museum of the Low Country | This is a hands-on, play-based learning area that kids of all ages will enjoy.
The Hunley | Experience this combat submarine and the history surrounding submarines through artifacts, learning stations, and more.
South Carolina Aquarium | This will cover all kinds of water habitats across the state in a beautiful and enriching way. Kids can see up close, touch, and learn through play at many different exhibits.
The Charleston Museum | Telling the story of Charleston, this museum is packed full of history more suited for adults but it has thought about the kids with a few activities and scavenger hunts.
