Myrtle Beach’s Top Water Parks & Family Retreats

Looking for the best water park in Myrtle Beach?

Summer is the perfect season to enjoy everything the Grand Strand has to offer, from exciting water slides to relaxing lazy rivers and kid-friendly splash areas. If you are planning your vacation during the best time to visit Myrtle Beach, adding a water park day to your itinerary is a great way to stay cool and make lasting family memories.

At the top of the list is Myrtle Waves Water Park, South Carolina’s largest water park and a premier destination for all ages. When the sun sets and the day winds down, the Marina Inn at Grande Dunes offers a sophisticated sanctuary to return to. With our oversized suites, premier resort amenities, and tranquil waterfront setting, we provide the perfect “home base” that balances coastal adventure with refined relaxation.

Here’s a list of the top Myrtle Beach water parks featured in the article:

1. Dive into Fun at Myrtle Waves Water Park
2. Ripley’s Aquarium of Myrtle Beach
3. Shark Wake Park 843
4. Currents Waterparks
5. Broadway Grand Prix
6. Crown Reef Waterpark

Explore our complete 2026 guide to Myrtle Beach water parks, featuring top attractions, family-friendly highlights, and expert tips to help you plan your perfect stay.

1. Dive into Fun at Myrtle Waves Water Park

Location: 3000 Mr. Joe White Ave, Myrtle Beach, 29577
Phone Number: (843) 913-9250
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Nothing says summer in Myrtle Beach like a day at Myrtle Waves Water Park.

Spanning over 20 acres, Myrtle Waves is the largest water park in South Carolina and a staple of Grand Strand summer fun. Whether you are seeking high-intensity thrills or a peaceful afternoon under the sun, this park features over one million gallons of water attractions designed for every age and energy level. It’s a must-visit destination for families looking to cool off and maximize their vacation excitement.

Key Attractions:

• Ocean in Motion Wave Pool: Experience deep-sea swells in one of the park’s most iconic areas.
• Lazy River: A leisurely float perfect for soaking up the South Carolina sunshine.
• Turbo Twisters: High-speed, enclosed body slides for the ultimate thrill seekers.
• Super Chute: A near-vertical drop that offers a serious adrenaline rush.
• FlowRider®: Test your skills with a simulated surfing experience.
• Aqua Play Waterhouse: A multi-level interactive structure featuring valves, nozzles, and massive dumping buckets.
• Waterpark Playhouse: A dedicated, safe environment designed specifically for toddlers and younger children.

2. Ripley’s Aquarium of Myrtle Beach

Location: 1110 Celebrity Cir, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577
Phone Number: (843) 916-0888
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Ripley’s Water Park at Ripley’s Aquarium provides a more relaxed experience designed especially for younger kids. Located at Broadway at the Beach, it offers a refreshing and educational break for families. From walking through a 360-degree underwater tunnel to interacting with marine life in specialized touch pools, it’s a premier indoor destination for water-loving explorers of all ages.

Key Attractions:

• Dangerous Reef: Glide along a 340-foot moving path through an underwater tunnel filled with giant sharks, sea turtles, and stingrays.
• Ray Bay: Watch as divers feed graceful rays, or get a close-up view of these majestic creatures.
• Penguin Playhouse: Visit the adorable African Penguins in their world-class habitat.
• Discovery Center: A hands-on area where kids can touch horseshoe crabs and learn about marine conservation.
• Stingray Experience: For an extra adventure, you can even get in the water with the rays (reservations required).

3. Shark Wake Park 843

Location: 150 Citizens Cir, Little River, SC 29566
Phone Number: (843) 399-9253
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For a true adrenaline rush, head a short drive north of the Marina Inn to Shark Wake Park.

Located in the North Myrtle Beach Park & Sports Complex, this adventure destination features one of the largest floating obstacle courses on the East Coast. It’s an exhilarating way to cool off while testing your agility, and with activities for both beginners and pros, it’s a hit for active families and thrill-seekers alike.

Key Attractions:

• Inflatable Aqua Park: A massive floating playground featuring slides, climbing towers, balance beams, and trampolines.
• Cable Wake Park: Experience wakeboarding, kneeboarding, or water skiing without a boat using a state-of-the-art overhead cable system.
• Beginner-Friendly Lessons: Professional coaching and rental gear are available to help first-timers get up on the water with confidence.
• Freestyle Features: Advanced riders can hit ramps and rails to practice jumps and technical tricks.
• Foil Boarding: Try one of the newest trends in water sports, gliding silently above the water’s surface.
• Shark High 5 Tower: Take a break at the shaded observation deck with a snack and a drink while watching the action on the lake.

4. Currents Waterparks

Location: 9800 Queensway Blvd, Myrtle Beach, SC 29572
Phone Number: (800) 876-0010
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For a balanced day of excitement and leisure, Currents Waterparks at Kingston Resorts is a top-tier choice. This facility is specifically designed to cater to multiple age groups simultaneously. While older children and teens race down the larger slides, younger kids can safely explore an interactive playground designed just for them, all within a beautiful resort setting.

Key Attractions:

• Dual Water Slides: Two high-speed slides built for side-by-side racing and friendly family competition.
• Kids Splash Zone: An interactive play area featuring smaller slides and water features tailored for little ones.
• Giant Dump Bucket: A crowd favorite that periodically drenches the splash zone for big splashes and even bigger laughs.
• Lazy River: A winding, relaxing float that offers a slower pace for guests of all ages.
• Resort Lounge & Pool Deck: Expansive seating areas with premium lounge chairs, allowing parents to unwind while maintaining a clear view of the kids.

5. Broadway Grand Prix (Family Splash Zone)

Location: 1820 21st Ave N, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577
Phone Number: (843) 839-4080
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While famous for its go-kart tracks, Broadway Grand Prix is a fantastic “all-in-one” stop for families. Its Grand Prix Splash Pad and bumper boats offer a great way for younger children to cool off between races and arcade games. It’s located right across from Broadway at the Beach, making it a convenient afternoon stop.

• Bumper Boats: A classic water attraction where you can soak your friends and family while navigating the pool.
• Kids’ Splash Pad: Interactive water jets and sprayers designed for toddlers to play safely while older siblings hit the tracks.

6. Crown Reef Waterpark

Location: 2913 S Ocean Blvd, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577
Phone Number: (843) 310-3421
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If your family is looking for towering height, Crown Reef features a massive four-story tall water park. While it is part of a resort, it is a staple of the South End’s skyline and offers a high-intensity experience for those who can’t get enough of the big slides.

• Explosion Tube Slide: A 278-foot long two-person tube slide with tight turns and “explosive” splashes.
• Salty’s Splash House: An interactive treehouse-style play area with a giant dumping bucket and kiddie slides.
• Longest Oceanfront Lazy River: At 575 feet, it’s one of the longest in the area, offering beautiful views of the Atlantic while you float.

Quick Tips for Your 2026 Trip

• Check the Calendar: Most outdoor-only parks (like Myrtle Waves) open in mid-May and close for the season in mid-September.
• Arrive Early: To snag the best lounge chairs at Myrtle Waves or Shark Wake Park, try to arrive within 30 minutes of opening.
• Stay Hydrated: The South Carolina sun is no joke! Most parks allow you to bring in one factory-sealed water bottle per person.

Marina Inn’s Ideal Location Near Myrtle Waves

After a high-energy day at one of the premier water parks in Myrtle Beach, the Marina Inn at Grande Dunes offers the perfect sanctuary to recharge. Situated along the serene Intracoastal Waterway and just minutes from Myrtle Waves, our luxury resort strikes the ideal balance between coastal excitement and refined relaxation.

Families can spread out in our oversized suites or retreat to elegant guest rooms, all while enjoying premier amenities designed for ultimate comfort. Whether you’re drifting down our on-site lazy river or taking our private shuttle to the shore, we provide a sophisticated home base for your Grand Strand getaway.

Featured Resort Amenities

• Soothing Spa Services: Unwind with professional treatments designed to refresh the mind and body.
• Spacious Suites: Featuring full kitchens, expansive living areas, and private balconies.
• Elegant Guest Rooms: Perfect for a cozy, luxurious retreat after a day of sun.
• Private Beach Access: Escape the crowds with our secluded beach club and pristine sands.
• Waterscapes Restaurant: Enjoy upscale, on-site dining featuring locally sourced ingredients.

Additional Myrtle Beach Attractions for All Ages

Beyond the excitement of water parks, the area is filled with Myrtle Beach attractions that appeal to every age and interest 

• Sunseekers can relax on the city’s wide sandy beaches, while golfers will find championship courses just minutes away. 
• For those who love shopping and food, Myrtle Beach offers local boutiques, outlet malls, and dining spots that make it a year-round destination.
• Popular spots like Broadway at the Beach bring together entertainment, dining, and shopping in one lively hub. 
• Or take a ride on The iconic SkyWheel Myrtle Beach, which offers breathtaking views from high above the shoreline. There are also plenty of Myrtle Beach amusement parks to keep the fun going.

These attractions provide plenty of options for families who want to balance water parks and Myrtle Beach thrill rides with enjoying local sightseeing and delicious dining.

The best part is that Marina Inn at Grande Dunes is close to it all.

Thanks to the resort’s prime location, it’s easy to enjoy the best of both worlds. Spending the day at the water parks near Myrtle Beach and then branching out to discover all the fun the area has to offer.

Special Vacation Packages for Families

Maximize your fun and your budget with exclusive offers at Marina Inn at Grande Dunes. Whether you’re here for a weekend thrill or an extended escape, we add extra value to every moment of your Grand Strand getaway.

• Stay Longer, Save More: Take advantage of our extended-stay deals to balance water park thrills with local shopping, beach days, and family discovery.
• Myrtle Beach Family Adventure Package: Dive into the action with included tickets to Myrtle Waves Water Park and WonderWorks.
• Kids Eat Free: After a day of exploring, head to Waterscapes Restaurant, where kids under 12 dine for free!

Your Ultimate Myrtle Beach Adventure Awaits

Why wait to dive in?

From the heart-pounding slides at Myrtle Waves to the unique thrills of Shark Wake Park, Myrtle Beach is a premier destination for water lovers.

At Marina Inn at Grande Dunes, we bridge the gap between high-energy fun and high-end relaxation. Whether you’re exploring the Grand Strand’s best attractions or retreating to our spacious suites and soothing spa, we provide the ultimate home base for your family getaway.

Book Your Stay Today, where luxury meets the water’s edge.