Image Credit: https://www.broadwayatthebeach.com
Make Winter Break an Adventure on the Carolina Coast
When the holidays roll in and the kids are bouncing off the walls, a quick escape to Myrtle Beach or Murrells Inlet is one of the easiest ways to give them a little adventure — and give parents a breather. Even in December and January, the Grand Strand stays packed with fun things for kids to do both indoors and outside.
From marsh wildlife to interactive exhibits to easy, family-friendly boat trips, here’s how to turn a quiet winter visit into a memory-maker.
1. Explore the MarshWalk — A Kid Favorite Any Time of Year)
The Murrells Inlet MarshWalk is peaceful in winter and perfect for kids who love birds, boats, and water views. You’ll usually see:
- Pelicans cruising by
- Egrets and herons hunting along the grass
- Marsh sunsets that light up the sky
Short walk, lots to see, zero effort for parents.
2. Brookgreen Gardens & the Lowcountry Zoo
Brookgreen’s Lowcountry Zoo is open year-round and great for younger kids. It’s walkable, stroller-friendly, and full of local wildlife like otters, alligators, and birds of prey.
If you’re visiting at the right time, the gardens sometimes host seasonal winter exhibits that feel magical in the cooler air.
3. Huntington Beach State Park — Nature at Its Best
Even in winter, this park feels alive. The jetty, causeway, and boardwalk give kids a chance to see:
- Dolphins
- Birds of all kinds
- Fish schooling in the shallow water
It’s a great spot for families who want easy trails and big views.
4. Take the Kids on a Winter Boat Trip — Calm, Quiet, Full of Smiles
You don’t need summer heat for a great day on the water.
Murrells Inlet stays calm year-round, and winter trips are peaceful, slow-paced, and perfect for families who want something different during the holiday break.
Kids love:
- Seeing dolphins and pelicans
- Learning how the marsh changes in winter
- Reeling in redfish on clear, sunny days
- Riding in a comfortable 26’ boat
And parents love how relaxing it all feels this time of year.
If you want to sneak in a little fishing, light-tackle redfish and trout can still be active on warm winter afternoons.
5. WonderWorks & Indoor Fun at Broadway at the Beach
When the temperatures dip or the weather turns, Broadway at the Beach gives families plenty of indoor options:
- WonderWorks
- Ripley’s Aquarium
- Mirror Maze & laser tag
- Kid-friendly restaurants and treats
It’s an easy half-day of fun for all ages.
6. Warm Treats & Cozy Stops Kids Love
Even in winter, kids always want snacks. Luckily, the inlet and surrounding areas have plenty of spots they’ll love:
- Frozen yogurt & ice cream
- Hot chocolate at local cafés
- Fresh seafood baskets (parents’ bonus!)
The slower season means no lines — a rare treat in Myrtle Beach.
7. Wildlife Scavenger Hunt (A Parent Hack!)
Turn your winter outdoor time into a simple game:
- Spot a dolphin
- Find a pelican
- Count the oysters on the marsh bank
- Look for a blue heron
- See a flounder flip at the surface
Kids love having something to “look for,” and the inlet delivers year-round.
Why Kids Love Winter in Murrells Inlet & Myrtle Beach
Even when it’s quiet, winter here feels alive:
- Fewer crowds
- Big open beaches
- Comfortable walking weather
- More space for families to explore
- Clear, beautiful sunsets over the marsh
For parents, it’s a slower pace.
For kids, it’s a brand-new world to explore.
Ready to Get the Kids Outside This Winter?
Whether you’re here for a holiday break or stretching out a long weekend, winter is the perfect time to introduce kids to the beauty of the Lowcountry.
If you want to add a little adventure, we’d love to take your family out on the water — even if it’s just for a calm ride through the inlet.
Call or text today to book your trip and let’s get the kids on the water.
