Family Kingdom still going strong

For more information visit Family Kingdom amusement park

Myrtle Beach, S.C. — Once upon a time in America, you could find seaside amusement parks in virtually every beachfront resort town from Maine to Florida. It was natural for families vacationing at the beach to spend at least one day enjoying the carnival atmosphere, thrilling roller coasters, high-flying Ferris wheels, sticky cotton candy, and mesmerizing merry-go-rounds. They weren’t just taking vacations; they were making memories.

But today there are fewer than twenty oceanside parks along the entire East Coast. Many closings came when competition from fantastical, inland "theme parks" lured families away. In other cases, amusement park owners sold their land to developers as rapidly escalating prices proved too great a temptation.

But one seaside amusement park in South Carolina is still going strong after more than 40 years. Family Kingdom Amusement Park is literally the amusement anchor for the Myrtle Beach, S.C. oceanfront. The town itself entertains more than 14 million visitors each year and Family Kingdom is at the core of “what to do” there.

But for many years, Family Kingdom held second place in the hearts of visitors who favored the fabled Myrtle Beach Pavilion. But when The Pavilion closed its doors in 2006, it heralded a new beginning for the family-run Family Kingdom. The park ascended to its new position and began to tell its story like never before.

Family Kingdom is a modern amusement park in every important sense. Yet, it successfully projects a welcoming atmosphere of days-gone-by and the nostalgic charm and character of historic seaside carnivals.

Its oceanfront location is unique; its wholesome atmosphere is appealing to families (the area’s core visitors); and its status as Trip Advisor's “#5 Amusement Park” in the country (outside Orlando) distinguishes it from all other coastal attractions between Virginia and Florida.

Family Kingdom delivers on atmosphere and excitement. It is home to the legendary Swamp Fox wooden roller coaster, as well as the largest Ferris wheel in the state of South Carolina. More than thirty other rides and attractions are available for all ages. It offers a complete amusement park experience with midway games, family entertainment and traditional park temptations such as funnel cakes, cotton candy and corndogs.

Unlike theme parks, there is no general admission to Family Kingdom. This budget-friendly policy enables families to stroll the midway affordably, buying tickets by the ride or saving even more by purchasing all-day wristbands that allow for unlimited rides. The bands are a true bargain, costing about a third of the price paid for just the admission to a theme park. In these days of high gas prices and tight family budgets, that’s great news.

Family Kingdom even sweetens the deal with its very own water park located just across Ocean Boulevard from the amusement park. With a Combo Pass for $32.35 per person, a family can have a day at the water park and spend the evening sampling the rides and games at the amusement park; all for about half the cost of admission to Disney World.

Family Kingdom Water Park features three serpentine water flumes each with a drop of greater than a 100 feet, two speed slides and two intermediate slides, all with a stunning view of the Atlantic Ocean. A Lazy River measuring more than 400 feet meanders around splash pools and beside a waterfall. Splash pools feature two rain trees, a multi-tiered waterfall and eight kiddie slides.

The thrill of a roller coaster ride on a balmy summer night. The smell of the salt air mixed with the aroma of popcorn and cotton candy. That’s Americana — the stuff that lasting memories are made of.