Prepare for the heat in Myrtle Beach. What to know about which waterparks are open

With summertime approaching Myrtle Beach and the temperature expected to be hotter than usual in South Carolina and across much of the United States, thousands of tourists will flock to the Grand Strand for their annual vacation.

Many will go to the beach, shop at centers like Broadway at the Beach, play a round of golf or enjoy the views of places like Brookgreen Gardens. However, many more will want to cool down and enjoy the amenities of the area’s many waterparks.

Here’s what’s new at some of Myrtle Beach’s waterparks, when they’ll open for the season and whether you need a reservation to attend.

Myrtle Waves Water Park

Location: 3000 Mr. Joe White Avenue, Myrtle Beach

Owned by Lazarus Entertainment Group, President Mark Lazarus said the park would open Mother’s Day weekend and continuously open from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day, Monday, Sept. 2, 2024.

With speed slides, mat slides and twister rides that people can get into the water at 50 feet per second, the park is also adding a new ride and amenities this year. Lazarus said the park likes to add new attractions every three to five years and is adding a new slide ride to the park that was previously at Surfside Beach’s Wild Water and Wheels, which Lazarus owned and recently closed.

He added that several rides were repainted, and new seating and picnic areas were added to accommodate bigger crowds. Lazarus said that Myrtle Waves attracts 250,000 people and hires locals for the park. Patrons can buy tickets online or at the park. His other attraction next door also recently received upgrades.

Lazarus added that the Broadway Grand Prix go-cart track at 1820 21st Ave North replaced nearly 200 cars and changed its indoor slick track into an electric one.

“You got to keep reinvesting back into your ventures. If you don’t, you start having maintenance problems, and (the park) gets stale,” He said. “We continually reinvest and upgrade our facilities to stay ahead of the game.”

Landmark Resort

Location: 1501 South Ocean Blvd, Myrtle Beach

The hotel’s waterpark opened Mar. 22, 2024, and will close Oct. 20, 2024, although the resort’s website added hours will vary with the season.

Landmark did not return a request for comment before publication.

The waterpark features three slides that are more than 230 feet long, a lazy river, an indoor and outdoor pool and other amenities. The minimum height to ride the slides is four feet. However, the waterpark is only available to main building guests, and interested vacationers can book their stay at the resort’s website.

Lakewood Camping Resort

Location: 5901 South Kings Highway, Myrtle Beach

Like Myrtle Waves Water Park, Lakewood Camping Resort is hiring, Business Operations Manager Courtney Mauldin said. She added that the entire waterpark, including the lazy river, kids’ splash pad and waterslides, is open on weekends.

While there are no new rides this year, Mauldin also said the park will open daily on May 1, 2024, with day passes costing $25 per person and $7 per vehicle. Once the park opens daily, the waterpark will be open Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday from 12-6 p.m., Mauldin said.

She added that you should bring sunscreen and floaties if your child cannot swim. Children must be at least 48 inches tall to ride the rides. Kids tall enough to ride the rides will also receive a special wristband, allowing them to ride every ride without rechecking.

Ocean Lakes Family Camp Ground

Location: 6001 South Kings Highway, Myrtle Beach

Located right next to the beach, the campground also has a splash zone, slides, pools and a cafe where you can grab a bite to eat. According to the site’s rules, children must be three feet tall to participate.

Ocean Lakes Family Camp Ground did not return a request for comment before publication.

The waterpark will open daily from Memorial Day through Labor Day, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., starting May 24, 2024, according to Ocean Lakes’ website. Interested visitors can book their vacation on the campground’s website.

Crown Reef Beach Resort and Waterpark

Location: 2913 South Ocean Blvd, Myrtle Beach

Right next to the beach, Crown Reef Beach Resort and Waterpark has two slides more than 270 feet long, with a minimum height requirement of three feet.

The site has several pools, an oceanside pool bar, a sundeck, and a lazy river. The waterpark is open year-round when booking a visit to the hotel, although hours vary, according to the resort’s website.

Crown Reef Beach Resort did not return a request for comment.