What’s the only thing more fun than making a trip to a Myrtle Beach waterpark? Not having to make a trip at all. That’s one reason families love to stay and play at Ocean Reef Resort, which boasts its own on-site waterpark so you are only an elevator ride away from all the fun.
Shipwreck Waterpark at Ocean Reef offers a wide range of aquatic attractions for all ages. From a hair-raising ride down the Lagoon Launcher waterslide for older kids to splashing good times in the kiddie play area, Ocean Reef allows parents to park it in a lounge chair and watch their children have a blast without having to battle the traffic. Ocean Reef also offers and indoor and outdoor pool deck to add to the aquatic options. A lazy river, hot tubs, kiddie pools and more provide plenty of relief from the beach, which is only steps away from the patio deck. The oceanfront pool bar and Banana Boat Lounge offer food and beverages to stay cool.
Myrtle Beach’s Ocean Reef Resort has everything you need to spend a fun-filled week on the premises, but if the kids want to spend a day doing something different there are a number of unique waterparks on the Grand Strand. From oceanfront and beachside water attractions to multi-purpose complexes that also offer go-kart racing, putt-putt golf, movies nights and live concerts, you can find the perfect place for your family to experience waterpark thrills and chills. And with summer right around the corner, area waterparks are getting ready to flip the switch on the summertime fun:
* Myrtle Waves: Celebrating its 30th anniversary this year, Myrtle Waves opens its doors on May 16 and offers a full lineup of special celebrations and other events throughout the summer. Located near Broadway at the Beach, South Carolina's largest waterpark offers 20 acres of waterslides, tube rides, a wave pool, lazy river and more. Myrtle Waves has a nice mix of thrill rides for older kids, aquatic playgrounds for young children, and amenities for the parents, like a private cabana for relaxing. Myrtle Waves also offers special half-day rates after 4 p.m., and a “swim-in” movie night.
* Splashes: Family Kingdom Amusement Park's slippery sister attraction, Splashes is Myrtle Beach's only oceanfront waterpark. Featuring waterslides and flumes, a kiddie pool and playground area, a 425-foot lazy river with waterfalls and other aquatic attractions, Splashes provides visitors the chance to cool off from a day at Family Kingdom. Discounted combo passes allow kids to enjoy both attractions, so they can get wet and wild all day and experience the thrills of Family Kingdom's many rides at night. Splashes opens its doors on May 23.
* Trippo Waterslide: OK, so this attraction isn't a waterpark as much as a single, inflatable slide. But it's a big one, and it's the only place on the Grand Strand to zip down a waterslide directly on the beach. Located between First and Second Avenues in North Myrtle Beach, this 40 foot tall replica of a giant hippo has three waterslides – one speed slide and two twisters. The Trippo is scheduled to open Memorial Day weekend.
* Wild Water & Wheels: Combine waterpark chills with go-kart racing thrills at this Garden City Beach complex, which also boasts a miniature golf course, arcade, bumper boats and more. Featuring a dozen speed, tube and mat slides, Wild Water & Wheels also has a lazy river and wave pool, along with a large kiddie pool deck with lots of features. Wild Water also hosts a special Funday Friday with discounted tickets after 4 p.m. and live music on the outdoor stage.
(Posted: 2/27/15)
