Located 25 miles south of Myrtle Beach and 70 miles north of Charlestown, South Carolina, Pawleys Island is one of the oldest summer resorts on the East Coast. Pawleys Island vacation rentals allow you to stay in close proximity to beaches, sand dunes, wetlands, and the Brookgreen Gardens, which is home to a zoo, native plants, and sculptures. This town has a charming ambiance, making it a great destination to get away from the hustle and bustle of your daily life. Read on to learn about the best kid-friendly activities that Pawleys Island offers.
1. See the Animals at Lowcountry Zoo
Lowcountry Zoo is located in Brookgreen Gardens, which is a beautiful sculpture garden and wildlife preserve. It features many native Lowcountry animals, such as white-tailed deer, river otters, and red foxes. While you’re traveling through the preserve, you’ll see educational signs, so you can give your kids little tidbits of knowledge while they’re enjoying themselves. Visit the Campbell Center Program Patio for a free 45-minute interactive program, where you can view the animals up-close and learn even more about them.
2. Play Games at the Pavilion Arcade & GiGi’s Grill
The Pavilion Arcade is located in Garden City, which is a short drive from Pawleys Island. Find modern-style arcade games on the first floor, such as Guitar Hero. The top floor also contains pinball machines and classic games like Pac-Man. Many of the games give out tickets that your kids can redeem for prizes at what’s known as the World’s Largest Redemption Center. After everyone works up an appetite, head to the built-in restaurant, where you can grab a bite to eat without getting too far away from the fun.
3. Play a Few Rounds of Mini Golf
Putt-putt golf is generally a hit with kids, and Pawleys Island offers many different mini golf courses. Inlet Adventure Mini Golf has the Grand Strand’s largest 18-hole miniature golf course, adorned with rolling hills, stunning waterfalls, and shadowy caves. Adventure Falls Golf is open from March to October and provides special all-day rates until 5 p.m., so you and the family can golf for hours. For a desert island-themed course, visit Gilligan’s Island Funland. There, you’ll find people walking around the course who will take your picture for a few dollars.
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4. Huntington Beach State Park
Enjoy a fun-filled day outside at Huntington Beach State Park, where you can go fishing, boating, swimming, camping, and biking. Take in the park’s beauty by venturing along one of the walking nature trails, and don’t forget your camera so you can capture some pictures of the kids smiling. See a piece of history by visiting Atalaya Castle, which was the winter home of Archer M. Huntington. Enjoy a guided tour of the castle if you’re visiting during the summer.
5. Go on a Pirate Adventure
Hop aboard a pirate ship, and tap into your kids’ imagination as they go on a search for hidden treasure at Pirate Adventures of Myrtle Beach. Your children get a curly mustache, an anchor tattoo painted on them and a cute treasure hunting vests before the adventure begins. Your little ones also receive a treasure map, which they use to help them seek valuable treasure. The best part is that there’s a 100 percent success rate of finding treasure, so kids who participate always walk away happy.
6. Eat, Shop, and Play at the Hammock Shops Village
Head over to Hammock Shops Village, which is a lively outdoor shopping center. There are over 20 shops there where you can find toys, clothes, and souvenirs, and you can treat the kids to snacks or a meal from one of the eateries. There’s also a playground where the kids can run around and enjoy themselves while you sit back and admire the beauty of stunning greenery.
7. Learn About Lowcountry at the Hobcaw Barony Education Center
Education can be fun, as your kids will discover when they visit the Hobcaw Barony Education Center. This center features a large 1,200-gallon fish tank that kids thoroughly enjoy. Plus, the center offers a variety of children’s programs that teach your little ones about everything from cane pole fishing and casting a fishing net to coastal ecology and exploring nature. On Wednesdays, Foundation volunteers and staff take the kids from DeBordieu Colony to Hobcaw Beach via bus to explore. While there, the children can collect shells and other small trinkets as souvenirs.
8. Go Bike Riding or Visit the Beach
Work up a sweat while you’re exploring the area around your Pawleys Island vacation rental with an invigorating bike ride. If you didn’t bring your own bikes or gear, stop by Pawleys Island Beach Service to rent the items you need. You can also rent beach equipment, such as kayaks, canoes, paddleboards, chairs, and umbrellas, to prepare for a fun day in the water.
9. Catch a Movie or Go Bowling
If you’re looking to get out of the sun, make a stop at the Inlet Square Mall and visit the Frank Theatres CineBowl & Grille. Take the kids to see the latest movie, or test out your bowling skills at the boutique-style bowling lanes, which offer comfortable seating and flat-screen TVs. Arcade games are also available for the kids to enjoy. When you get hungry, stop by the bar and grille, which offers various finger foods, such as burgers, pizza, tacos, sliders, and sandwiches.
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