Myrtle Beach
Article by Tanasia Brigman
Summer is here! Although we are going through a global pandemic, places are beginning to open back up. Many of these place have plans in place to ensure the safety of there visitors. Regardless if you are visiting or live nearby, here are three family friendly and safe activities to do this summer in the Grand Strand.
Brookgreen Gardens
Address:1931 Brookgreen Garden Dr, Murrells Inlet, SC 29576
Hours: Sunday-Saturday 9:30 am-5pm
Southern Light Exhibit: Wednesday- Saturday 8pm-11pm
Cost: Children (3 and under)- FREE
Children (3-12)- $10
Adults (13-64)- $18
Seniors (65+)- $16
*Tickets may be purchased online or in person and are valid for 7 consecutive days after purchase.
Brookgreen Garden is one of American premier gardens and also a National Historic Landmark. Brookgreen offers tours and exhibits for all ages from beautiful botanical gardens to American sculptures to the low country zoo. It also feature the Bruce Munro exhibit, “Southern Light Show” The exhibit features seven works of art in light and mixed media in order for visitors to see the garden in a “new light”.
Children can enjoy the freedom of the outdoors in the beautiful gardens. They also have the Children’s Discovery Room, where they have interactive stations for children 4-12 to create projects they can take home and they also learn about the history of the garden. Also the Children’s Nature & Sensory Trail is where children can learn information about the garden through sensory stations “Creative Physical Activity,” and “Unstructured Play” stations that reflect the nature and history of Brookgreen Gardens. There is also the popular Enchanted Storybook Forest, where each playhouse is based on a children’s storybook.
Brookgreen gardens is an outside area where you can keep a safe distance from people. Face mask are mandatory, when you are inside buildings. Also remember to wash your hands and sanitize. It is recommended that you do not bother the wild life, you do not swim in any of the bodies of water, and that you wear closed toe shoes. Also, bring the necessary sunscreen and bug repellent with you.
Cavrn Virtual Reality
Address: 4628 Factory Stores Blvd Ste B200, Myrtle Beach, SC 29579
Hours: Wednesday- Sunday 12pm-7pm
Cost: $35/ per player for 60 minutes
1 player = 1 booth
*Reservations may be made on website, Facebook, or by phone.
CaVRn is a veteran owned and operated business. It is the Ultimate Virtual Reality Experience. They host parties, team building experiences, and corporate events. CaVRn also offers educational programs and 360 degree video production. 
CaVRn has over 50 kid friendly games from race car games to escape room to carnival games. Virtual reality games (VR) can be either single or multiplayer. One of their most popular single player games is Fruit Ninja. Fortnite is one of their most popular multiplayer VR games along with Creed and others. It is also kid friendly for kids 7 and up, children must be accompanied by an adult and have a signed waiver. This is to ensure the safety of your children while the family enjoys a night out.
During COVID-19 pandemic they are only accepting reservations that can be booked via website, Facebook, or phone call. They will also be cleaning and sanitizing every 30 minutes between reservations. Also temperatures will be checked at the door.
Ripley’s Aquarium of Myrtle Beach
Address: 1110 Celebrity Cir, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577
Hours: Sunday- Saturday 9am-8pm
Cost: Adult- $34.99
Child (6-11)-$24.99
Child (3-5)- $12.99
*Tickets may be purchased online or in person.
Ripley’s Aquarium is a big tourist attraction at Myrtle Beach. It has two levels of 
numerous sea creatures to explore and experience, from jelly fish to stingrays. There are also lots of fun activities for kids of all ages to enjoy. Ripley’s also has live shows that feature mermaids and dive tours through the exhibits.
Ripley’s is an indoor activity and has reduced capacity due to COVID-19. There are sanitation stations available throughout the building and PPE is worn by all employees. A mask must be worn at all times and if you do not have one, one will be provided for you. Also, some of the exhibits and activities are temporarily not available, like Glass Bottom Boat, Touch Tank and other interactives.
On the other hand the Penguin Playhouse is still open, which is one of the biggest attractions for kids. It is also the largest exhibit in Ripley’s, at 5,500 square feet. It includes 8 new tanks with new species of fish and also two new classrooms. This exhibit allows visitors to crawl through a tunnel and enjoy the penguin habitat. They can also stop by the penguin nursery and see baby penguins. This new attractions is fun for everyone!