If you are searching for things to do Myrtle Beach with kids, build one vacation day around a dolphin cruise from Little River. A Sea Thunder or Sea Screamer trip can be the centerpiece of an easy family itinerary with a relaxed meal, waterfront time, and one nearby activity before heading back to your hotel or vacation rental.
8:00–9:30 a.m.: Start With an Easy Breakfast
Begin with breakfast near North Myrtle Beach or Little River. Keep the meal simple, especially if younger children are joining the cruise. Pancakes, eggs, fruit, toast, and water make it easier to start the day without feeling rushed.
Then allow extra time to drive to Little River, park, use the restroom, and check in. Arriving early gives everyone time to settle in instead of turning the morning into a race.
10:00 a.m.–Noon: Make the Dolphin Cruise the Main Event
Choose Sea Thunder or Sea Screamer for the day’s main adventure. Both depart from Little River, just north of North Myrtle Beach. Their narrated dolphin cruises typically last about 1.5 to 2 hours and travel along the Intracoastal Waterway before heading through the inlet toward the Atlantic in search of wild bottlenose dolphins.
Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, secure hats, and a light layer if the breeze is cool. A waterproof pouch for phones can also be useful. Because dolphins are wild animals, each trip can be different.
For families comparing things to do Myrtle Beach, the cruise adds something the beach alone cannot: a boat ride, coastal scenery, wildlife watching, and a chance to experience the area from the water.
12:30–2:00 p.m.: Slow Down With a Waterfront Lunch
After the cruise, stay in Little River for lunch instead of immediately driving south. The waterfront offers casual dining where families can find seafood, sandwiches, burgers, and other familiar choices while watching boats come and go.
A relaxed meal gives everyone time to talk about the ride, look through photos, and recharge. It also keeps the itinerary practical by limiting unnecessary driving.
2:00–4:00 p.m.: Add Beach or Waterfront Time
Keep the afternoon flexible. Walk around the Little River waterfront, browse local shops, or head toward Cherry Grove for beach time. Families with younger children may prefer a short sand-and-shell stop rather than another major attraction.
This is also a good time to return to your accommodations for a swim or rest if everyone needs a break.
4:30–7:00 p.m.: Finish With One More Vacation Activity
If the family still has energy, head toward North Myrtle Beach or Barefoot Landing for shopping, dessert, casual entertainment, or dinner. Choosing one evening destination keeps the day fun without making it exhausting.
When planning things to do Myrtle Beach, the best family days often combine one memorable centerpiece with room to relax. A Sea Thunder or Sea Screamer dolphin cruise makes that easy: enjoy the water, linger over lunch, add beach time, and finish the evening at your own pace.
Plan Your Dolphin Cruise
Build your next Myrtle Beach family day around the water. Book a Sea Thunder or Sea Screamer dolphin cruise, then add meals and nearby activities that fit your family’s pace.
Ready to build a family day around the water? Book a Sea Thunder or Sea Screamer Dolphin Cruise in Little River and make a dolphin adventure the highlight of your Myrtle Beach vacation.
Sea Thunder Dolphin Cruise
1522 Watson Ave
Little River, SC 29566
(843) 280-8400
https://www.myrtlebeachdolphincruises.com/
Sea Screamer
4499 Mineola Ave
Little River, SC 29566
(843) 280-8400
