Pack the floaties, forget the screen time, these resorts do all the entertaining for you.
Sure, you could book a basic hotel room, lug your kids to a public pool, and pretend that counts as vacation. Or… you could check into one of these five Myrtle Beach resorts where the water parks are steps from your bed, the snacks are plentiful, and the “I’m bored” complaints vanish into the ocean breeze.
These spots weren’t just made for family vacations—they basically invented the genre.
Kingston Resort
Kingston Resort isn’t your average hotel pool, it’s a water playground with two big-kid-approved slides, a splash pad perfect for the under-five crowd, and enough pools to keep the whole crew happy. Bonus: you’ll only get access if you book directly through Kingston Resorts. Translation? Fewer crowds, more “finally relaxing” moments.
Dining is covered with Coastal Grill and Café Amalfi on-site and across the street check out The Black Drum, serving up seafood, BBQ and kid-friendly bites. And for adults looking to sneak in some “me time,” there’s a fitness center, spa, and tennis courts. All tucked into a secure, gated community that feels like your own slice of vacation heaven.
Location: 9800 Queensway Blvd, Myrtle Beach, SC
Dunes Village Resort
If your ideal family vacation includes never hearing “I’m cold” or “there’s nothing to do,” Dunes Village Resort is the one for you. Home to Myrtle Beach’s largest indoor water park, this 30,000-square-foot paradise is open year-round. That means two indoor parks, adult-sized water slides, lazy rivers, a pirate ship playground, and more splash zones than you’ll know what to do with.
Between dips, grab a meal at the Admiral’s Room or Captain’s Café, or caffeinate at Perk’s Up Coffee Shop. Grown-ups can book a treatment at the spa, squeeze in a gym session, or enjoy a cocktail by the cabana tiki bar while the kids do crafts at the on-site club.
Crown Reef Beach Resort and Waterpark
At Crown Reef, the water park is the main character. The 302-foot body slide is practically a Myrtle Beach landmark, and the 278-foot tube slide delivers just the right amount of thrill. Smaller kids aren’t left out thanks to Salty’s Splash House, which features interactive water features and a giant dump bucket that gets bonus giggles every time.
Refueling options include the Loco Gecko Beach Shak (burgers and casual eats), a Grab n’ Go Grill, and the Swirl Ice Cream & Sweet Shop because vacation calories don’t count. Oh, and did we mention Crown Reef has the largest resort arcade in town? You’re not getting bored here.
Sea Crest Oceanfront Resort
Sea Crest brings that classic oceanfront magic plus a 50-foot water slide, rainmakers, and a shipwreck-themed water park that’s basically a toddler’s dream. Water buckets splash down at unpredictable intervals, adding surprise and delight (and a little bit of shrieking, in the good way).
When you need a breather, swing by the Malibu Beach Bar & Oceanfront Snack Bar or grab a latte from Beach Java Café, which conveniently serves Starbucks coffee. There’s also a mix of indoor and outdoor pools, a fitness center for anyone still pretending they’re going to work out, and direct access to the sand. It’s the beach, the water park, and your sanity all in one.
Location: 803 South Ocean Blvd, Myrtle Beach, SC
Coral Beach Resort & Suites
You don’t get named “Best Family Resort” by the Travel Channel for being boring. Coral Beach nails the family vacation formula with a massive oceanfront water park, a lazy river that’s practically a meditation retreat, and a freshly updated entertainment zone that includes bowling, arcade games, and more.
Need a bite between water slide laps? Choose from the Sea Level Restaurant, Oceans 6 Bar & Lounge, or the Splash Oceanfront Pool Bar. Parents can lounge in the hot tub while the kids battle it out for the arcade’s top score. Or maybe you’ll go head-to-head in bowling. Either way, everyone wins.
