Carolina Shores is conveniently located near North Carolina’s southern border and the Intracoastal Waterway. Consequently, you and your family can enjoy this seaside paradise while also being in proximity to the lively recreation of Myrtle Beach. Tourist attractions are plentiful, but the serene beach culture is the area’s bread and butter. Look forward to these nine fantastic points of interest, which are situated within minutes of many vacation rentals in Carolina Shores.
1. Family Kingdom
Time flies when you’re plunging 100 feet, soaring on an airborne yo-yo swing, and twirling in revolving cars at Family Kingdom. Keep everyone entertained at this North Myrtle Beach theme park, where you enjoy fast thrills on roller coasters and water slides or take it easy on the lazy river and antique cars. Make time for a trip to the go-kart track and arcade, and grab a spot on the Kite Flyer, a medium-speed swing that holds riders in an inclined position to simulate flight. For an all-in-one ride and gaming experience, finish your day with Pistolero Roundup, shooting targets as you travel through a Wild West scene.
2. Outbreak: Dread the Undead
Don’t be afraid to shriek your way through Outbreak, the haunted zombie attraction at the Hollywood Wax Museum in Myrtle Beach. Animatronic zombies with hyper-realistic motions emerge from spooky spaces to infect you with Alpha Strain, a military experiment gone wrong. Fend off surprise attacks from terrifying actors and navigate through dark, foggy hallways to escape this biotech lab filled with tortured souls. The ghastly sight of unlucky test subjects and menacing zombies reaching for brains is sure to leave you and your older kids shaking all the way back to your vacation rental.
3. Beach Water Sports
The eastern coast lies about 15 minutes from Carolina Shores, offering a wide selection of beaches for relaxation or water sports. Rent a boat, kayak, or jet ski for a private sea excursion, or test your balance riding the waves on a surf board or paddleboard. Myrtle Beach is loaded with kid-friendly attractions on the waterfront for the ideal the day in the bustling city, while nearby Sunset Beach, Ocean Isle Beach, Bird Island, and Cherry Grove Beach are tranquil spots where you can avoid the big crowds.
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4. Ingram Planetarium and the Museum of Coastal Carolina
Playing with exhibits is encouraged at this hands-on planetarium, the perfect place for children to learn about stars and constellations. Catch a laser light show with entertaining commentary from science experts, and get your children in the spirit of investigation in the interactive playroom with exhibits featuring augmented reality and nanotechnology. After a turn in the hurricane simulator, head over to the Museum of Coastal Carolina to play with sea creatures in the touch tank and view lifelike dioramas of the area’s natural habitats.
5. Ripley’s Odditorium and Aquarium
Get immersed in oddities from around the globe at Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Amuse the little ones for hours by exploring displays of shrunken heads, miracle animals, and people who seem too strange to be real. Find your way through the Mirror Maze attraction, if you can spot the right path in a roomful of visual illusions, or watch animated movies in the interactive 5D theater with moving seats. Ripley’s Aquarium is just a few minutes away, letting you marvel at bizarre exhibits filled with exotic and mysterious sea creatures.
6. The Swamp Park
Journey into the Shallotte River swamplands for an unforgettable aerial or eco-tour through bountiful forests. The Swamp Park specializes in elevated activities, whether it’s flying over the treetops on a zipline or a thrilling trek across swinging bridges. Try not to lose your bearings in the aerial adventure park, where children as young as four can travel between exciting obstacles on a harness. Jump between wooden platforms, crawl through swinging tunnels, and inch your way along suspended ropes for the ultimate physical challenge. When you’re ready to relax and admire the swamp wildlife, recharge with a peaceful boat ride.
7. Alligator Adventure
If your children are fascinated with reptiles, give them a chance to see alligators and crocodiles wading, feeding, and soaking in the sun. Alligator Adventure houses an impressive family of reptiles, amphibians, primates, and birds, ranging from giant tortoises to the beautiful and deadly cassowary bird. Take turns petting baby alligators, and watch live shows where skilled trainers introduce you to some of the park’s permanent residents.
8. T.I.G.E.R.S.
The Institute of Greatly Endangered and Rare Species (T.I.G.E.R.S.) is a 50-acre wildlife safari nestled right in the middle of a thriving South Carolina city. Tucked safely within Myrtle Beach, enter this tropical garden filled with rare and majestic species to see one of the world’s few ligers, get a chance to feed elephants, and even meet some chimpanzees. Guides teach you about animal conservation as they lead interactive tours, and visitors have the option to take a photos with tiger cubs and apes for a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Before you head back to your vacation rental, stop by Preservation Station to spot rare big cats up close.
9. Planet Fun
For laid-back indoor entertainment, host a family bowling match at Planet Fun. Finding a spot to show off your signature roll is easy at this 32-lane venue, but you can also play laser tag or ride bumper cars between games. Save some change to play classic games and pool at the arcade, and let young children compete for the highest jump in the onsite bounce house.
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