A seaside setting, a classic John Allen/PTC coaster creation, a classic carousel, nice carousel, and lots of fun flats are pretty much a sure way that I will end up being drawn to a park. Family Kingdom is one of my favorite places to check out. In my opinion, this is the highlight attraction of Myrtle Beach. If you are staying within the center of the main area of Myrtle Beach, Family Kingdom is located within walking distance. Through most of the summer, the park is open in the evening hours through midnight, making this a natural stop during or after any long evening walk on the beach. With evening wristband options, and free admission/pay as you go options, the flexibility of visiting this park is perfect for unplanned and random adventures on beautiful summer evenings in the area. For a more detailed look at the history of each ride, check out this previous article of ours.
A view of the park from the beach and Wither's Swash, the point at which a local creek meets with the ocean, bringing in tidewater. There is something so magical about this park, especially as the sun goes down. Visible are some of the slides from Myrtle Splashes Waterpark, the park's 100 foot Chance Ferris Wheel, and the beautiful Swamp Fox, one of the finest John Allen and PTC creations that is out there.
We ended up spending the better part of a week in Myrtle Beach, and ended up spending time at the park on each of these days. Did I mention how much I love Swamp Fox? Everything about this figure-eight coaster is great. It has a zippy layout with airtime that ranges from light floater to extreme ejector. It is also meticulously maintained and one of my overall favorite wooden roller coasters. It is a shock to me how underrated this classic is.
Additionally, the lighting at the park, specifically the stunning LED package that the park has on its Chance Yo-Yo, really reflects nicely off of the white supports of the coaster, coupled with he classic chaser lights. The climb up the lift hill, and the slow turn at the top of the structure lead to a stunning view of the Atlantic Ocean.
Heading out for a front seat ride! I definitely enjoy the front seat the most on this coaster, though the backseat provides slightly stronger airtime.
A view from the top of the ferris wheel
The park's awesome Hopkins log flume.
A daytime view of the park. Since most of the visitors at Myrtle Beach are on the beach for the bulk of the daytime, the park opens in late afternoon on each day, though the waterpark opens earlier.
Just down the beach, the Myrtle Beach Skywheel stands at 187 feet and is adjacent to Plyler Park and the boardwalk area. The boardwalk is home to the classic Gay Dolphin Gift Shop, several excellent arcades, and the Myrtle Beach Thrill Park.
The view of the Grand Strand from the Ferris Wheel
Myrtle Beach Sky Wheel and the thrill park at night from the beach.
Back to Family Kingdom and its own fun arcade.
The park's classic PTC carousel. The mechanism was moved from Asbury Park, NJ, with new horses cast from its original lot.
I'm in the front seat!
Brit on the park's Chance YoYo
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