Family Kingdom Amusement Park Full of Thrills, Nostalgia & Ocean Breezes

If you’re looking for classic seaside amusement with a coastal Carolina twist, Family Kingdom Amusement Park in Myrtle Beach is a favorite for timeless family fun.
Opened in 1966, this open-air park has been part of Myrtle Beach vacations for generations, offering more than 35 rides and attractions just steps from the Atlantic Ocean.
It blends high-flying thrills, gentle rides for younger kids, and the charm of an old-school boardwalk fair. Other longtime favorites like the historic carousel and the Kiddie Coaster still capture the magic of classic amusement, giving families a chance to share the kind of simple joy that never goes out of style.
Whether you’re chasing childhood memories or savoring a quiet ride with your kids, Family Kingdom offers a nostalgic slice of Myrtle Beach fun that feels like stepping back in time.
The Experience: Signature Thrills & Classic Family Fun
Start your ride experience with the Swamp Fox, Family Kingdom’s most iconic attraction. This wooden roller coaster has thrilled visitors for over half a century with its classic design, oceanfront views, and rumbling, old-school charm that coaster fans absolutely love.
The Log Flume is another favorite, combining scenic views and splashy fun. Winding through the park and climbing high before sending riders down a water-soaked drop, it’s a refreshing break from the heat with just the right amount of adrenaline.
The Ferris Wheel, perched just steps from the ocean, offers unbeatable panoramic views and a calm moment to take it all in—especially at sunset.
Thrill seekers should head straight for rides like Vertigo, a towering swing ride that spins high above the park; The Galleon, a swinging pirate ship that builds to dramatic heights and heart-dropping swings; and The Slingshot, which launches riders into the sky at breakneck speed. Hurricane is a spinning ride that whips you around with high-speed force, while the Sling Shot Drop Tower delivers that weightless, stomach-lurching sensation as you plummet from above.
For families and younger riders, the Pistolero Roundup is a standout. This interactive laser-blaster ride drops you into a playful Wild West shootout and has become a crowd favorite. Kids also love the bumper cars, spinning teacups, tilt-a-whirl, and classic kiddie rides sprinkled throughout the park.
Family Kingdom rounds out the experience with all the charm of a vintage midway. The arcade buzzes with retro games, the ring toss and prize booths beckon with giant stuffed animals, and snack stands serve up funnel cakes, corndogs, pizza, snow cones, and cotton candy to keep everyone fueled for more fun.
Before you head out, pop into the gift shop to grab a beachy keepsake or souvenir T-shirt to remember your day by the sea.
If You Go: Tickets, Hours, and 2025 Details
Family Kingdom’s 2025 season kicks off with weekend hours until May 23. Starting on that date, the park will be open seven days a week through Labor Day Weekend. The last day of the 2025 season is September 7. Hours of operation are:
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Monday – Friday: 4 p.m. to close
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Saturdays & Sundays: 3 p.m. to close
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Memorial Day (5/26): 3 p.m. to close
Admission to the park itself is free. You can purchase individual ride tickets for $1 each—rides range from 4 to 18 tickets—or opt for an all-day unlimited ride wristband.
Unlimited ride wristbands are $45 per person, but you can save big by arriving early. Purchase an Early Bird Wristband within the first hour the park is open and pay just $30.
Active military, veterans, and local residents (18 and older with valid ID) can also purchase an All Day Unlimited Ride Wristband at the park for $25.
Groups of 15 or more can get the wristband for $30 per person when arranged through Group Sales.
Buying tickets online is convenient, but that early arrival discount is one of the best deals going—perfect for families looking to stretch their vacation dollars.
Parking is available on-site for $9 per vehicle.
Family Kingdom isn’t about the biggest thrills or flashiest rides. It’s about the simple joy of an amusement park by the sea. A few hours here feels like a summer memory in the making.