Cold and Rainy Activities to do in Myrtle Beach

Living in North Myrtle Beach this month has been a treat for us so far, just look at that Atlantic Ocean view!! 

Instead of feeling like a vacation, we have been quick to move in and get to know the area.  North Myrtle Beach is about 25minutes north from Myrtle Beach (although I mistakenly us the two interchangeably) and feels more quiet and family friendly.  It is further removed from most of the activities and attractions, summertime action, and more crowds that seem to gravitate to Myrtle Beach proper. Depending on what vacationers are looking for, they might pick one or the other.  Add to that, it's away from the airport here so no flight noise and not a cloud stream in the sky!  I’m glad we picked Crescent Beach area in North M.B., and we are quickly realizing that being here in a non-vacation period that any of the areas (Cherry Grove, Windy Hill, Ocean Drive, or Crescent Beach) are all great beach areas to stay for relaxing and quieter areas.  Our family doesn’t eat at restaurants a lot or go shopping either for that matter, but a few short blocks away is Rt17 which has more places then you could even imagine.  It’s like a super highway for all things food and fun!  Mini golf, pancake houses, all-you-can-eat buffets, $5.99-and-under beach shops, outdoor shopping malls, grocery stores - you name it and it’s here and the funny things is that if you miss the turn into one, never fear!  There will surly be another one within a block or two.  It’s puzzling how they all stay in business with so much competition.

Unusually cold for this time of year, we have been forced to enjoy indoor activities more then we typically do.  It’s been barely reaching 40*F on average each day and in the 20’s at nights so we’ve had to wait on scouting out our outdoor adventures to the area state parks and places to explore.  Luckily we have found some really neat places!

1. Keiki played her first game at 710 Bowling and won with the help of bumpers and a bowling ball ramp shaped to look like a purple plastic dinosaur.  She even got to wear her very own first pair of black&white two-toned bowling shoes!
   
2. At the BassPro Shops at the North Myrtle Beach Mall is incredibly huge and has an incredible fish aquarium that is at least 6-8feet high filled with enormous fish like yellow snapper, tarpons, eels, and a very friendly puffer fish.  There are also stuffed wild animals all over the store for our toddler to become amazed at like bears, turkeys, moose, and deer.  And we visited over in their “vehicle” section so she could try riding the ATV’s (all terrain vehicles) and fishing, pontoon, and motor boats.  Overall a very fun store for kids and adults alike and we have already been back on a repeat visit.
   
   
   

   

   
   
3. North Myrtle Beach Library has great adult and kid programs alike.  There was a string quartet concert to kick-off the Valentine’s/President’s Day holiday weekend.  There are kids story and craft times on Wednesday and Thursday’s depending their age which we are looking forward to.  When traveling on the road, it’s hard to keep a regular play-date or stable friend for toddlers, and I find that library gatherings like these are the perfect way for Keiki to meet some new friends and see them on a routine basis throughout a month stay.
   
4. North Myrtle Beach Park and Sports Complex was the first place we found with a legitimate dog park to socialize Doodles.  On the one day it reached warmer temps about 42*F, we checked out this place to get her out to run around.  Most of the Myrtle Beach area we have found to be pet-allowed but only on leash.  This might keep people safe, but is unrealistic for bigger dogs or in our case smaller energetic dogs that need some ability to run around and get energy out.  This sports complex was amazing:  two dog parks, one for small and one for large (over 25lbs.) dogs.  No other dogs were in the smaller gated area, so we took the chance and succeeded to bring Doodles into the large area so she could run like crazy to play ball and socialize with the other dogs.  It was great for her and highly recommend this sports complex for it’s dog park if vacationing with your pet!  And bonus prize was the elaborate playground available for Keiki too!
   

So we are having lots of fun so far despite the cold.  We have even braved walking down to the beach all bundled up in winter coats to see the ocean.  We even took our dog Doodles so she could explore and chase after birds. (note that dogs need to be on leash though, so we brought a retractable one so she should get some space.)