illumination park at broadway at the beach
If you don’t know what I’m talking about then you either don’t live in Myrtle Beach or you aren’t on social media. It seems like everyone is taking a trip to see this big bubble (balloon?) light show thing. And I agree that you should!
It’s free and outdoors –– two primary things I look for in a kid friendly activity. Before you go, check out our tips for exploring Broadway’s Illumination Park.
where to park
I’d recommend parking by the Hangout restaurant, which is where the Illumination Park art installation is. It’s in the new Key West Village part of Broadway, by the Simpsons theatre and across the water from the Aquarium. You should see signs. That way you can enjoy the park in two different setting (daylight/dusk and when it’s darker).
That’s “good to know” tidbit #1 | It gets dark pretty late these days (mid-June) so it takes a while to get the full light experience at Illumination Park. We thought everything was still cool at dusk but it did not produce the major light show that I’ve seen in other people’s photos. It’s just hard to keep a 3 year old and 6 year old (and honestly, their parents) out that late so consider settling for a dark-ish viewing.
review of illumination park
Ok. If I hadn’t seen pictures or heard hype of it before then I think I would’ve given it a hearty A+. It would have been a pleasant surprise! But given the hype and other incredible photos the actual experience of it felt a little underwhelming. Don’t get me wrong, it’s still cool and worth seeing (FREE, remember!?) but I think some of the promotions make it seem bigger than it actually is.
And here is “good to know” tidbit #2 | What you’ll see… There are two large clusters of those bubbles/balloons that you can walk through and take photos in. There are a couple of statues (a sunflower and crab) and a few big sparkler type lights. The lawn has a few adirondack chairs nearby and 3 double swings. It’s on a large open lawn with plenty of room for kids to roam.
THe hangout and rest of key west village
After you’re done at Illumination Park then The Hangout restaurant is practically pulling you in. We did not eat there but we enjoyed checking out all it’s features.
“Good to know” tidbit #3 | The Hangout is huge and has a lot of cool features. The first thing you’ll notice is the blaring music. They have it going inside while a DJ/emcee mixes in interactive games and dance challenges with dining patrons. There is also a large outdoor concert stage and artificial lawn with plenty of seating.
The gift shop is cool with plenty to see. They have their fair share of overpriced items but some really cute things too (Osborne books, candles, travel cups, etc). There is a wishing wall, a rainbow arch that shoots out foam (not constantly, unsure about when that is activated), the big hangout hands for photo opps, and an indoor slide. All of this can be enjoyed without actually sitting down for a meal there.
As mentioned, we did not eat at The Hangout and it’s a safe bet to say we won’t. But if you’re looking for entertainment while you eat then it would be a good choice. From what we saw the music, emceeing, and dancing never stop. It’s a place where the energy is high and the volume is higher so take note if that isn’t your cup of tea.
Overall thoughts
The whole thing is very much worth a visit, especially since there is so much more to experience at Broadway during the summer. We paired this with a little play session at Elsie’s Playground, watching the speed boats, and a cup of Annie’s Pretzels. It was a great evening for less than $15. #parentwin
