A visit to Myrtle Beach, SC must include Brookgreen Gardens! Being a busy coastal area, Myrtle Beach has a lot of natural places to explore, and Brookgreen Gardens is one of the area’s most beautiful places. The 9,000 acres of paradise tucked away in Murrells Inlet (about 45 minutes from Myrtle Beach) is a short drive from Myrtle Beach and is only a couple minutes from Huntington Beach State Park. Hare are some of our favorite things to do at this lovely garden and why you should consider it during your next trip to the coast.
Thank you to Visit Myrtle Beach and Brookgreen Gardens for inviting us to experience the gardens during our weeklong stay at Myrtle Beach.
Learn everything you need to know before your next family vacation in our Ultimate Travel Guide to Myrtle Beach, SC!
What’s There to do at Brookgreen Gardens: Myrtle Beach?
First, don’t let the name trick you into thinking you’ll only see a garden (though you will certainly stroll through plenty of beautiful gardens). This award-winning destination also includes a Lowcountry zoo, several children’s areas, a large sculpture collection, and more. Put on your walking shoes and sunscreen because you could easily spend the entire day exploring.
The Creek Excursion
We started our visit by heading to the Wall Lowcountry Center to purchase tickets for the Creek Excursion. This pontoon boat tour down the creek is not included in general admission, but it’s priced very fairly. I’m so glad that we choose to go on the boat excursion because the tour guide shared a lot of interesting historical information about the rice plantations that were originally in the area and various property owners.
We also saw several alligators and native birds. The pontoon boat is shaded to give you a little break from the sun. Be sure to have your kids use the restroom before the boat ride as it’s 45 minutes. Children old enough to enjoy the presentation or those that don’t mind sitting quietly will enjoy the ride best.
The Creek Excursions run from March through November each year. Tickets are $12 for adults and $8 for children.
Children’s Discovery Center
After we finished the boat ride, we headed back to the Wall Lowcountry Center where we discovered that the Children’s Discovery Center had opened for the day. This small room was stocked with fun activities for the kids including a dinosaur dig, a clay sculpture area, and an art station. It was also air-conditioned and had two rocking chairs. I imagine that in July this is the most popular spot in the gardens for kids needing to cool off for a couple minutes.
Walk to the Lowcountry Zoo
You can either ride the trolley up to the Lowcountry Zoo or walk, but if it’s spring you should definitely walk because you won’t want to miss the path framed by azalea bushes and the many lookout stations and trees that you will pass on the pathways.
There are complimentary strollers parked at the Wall Lowcountry Center if you have a little kid that tires quickly from walking. The strollers are quite large, and our seven year old managed to cram herself in one.
Storybook Forest
Right before you reach the zoo, you’ll find the Storybook Forest, which is a collection of playhouses and structures painted and themed around fairy tale characters. There isn’t a lot of shade (despite it being a “forest”), but the kids didn’t seem to mind at all.
Lowcountry Zoo
The Lowcountry Zoo is not large but it’s perhaps one of the most relaxing zoos I’ve ever visited. The pathways were beautifully landscaped with plenty of shade, and the animal exhibits mostly blended in very well with the native surroundings.
Inside the zoo, we walked close to herons, watched otters play, and saw an alligator. All of the animals in the zoo are native to the area, and the raptor area is all rehabilitated birds that can not live in the wild. The zoo does offer free tours and activities depending on what time and day you visit. We also saw a butterfly house, but it was not open during our visit.
Gardens
Of course, you cannot visit Brookgreen Gardens without seeing the famous gardens. They are quite large and varied. The azaleas were in bloom when we visited in early April and were absolutely beautiful. In the gardens, you’ll find not just flowers and fountains, but also 2,000 pieces of art, mostly sculptures.
Tips for Visiting Brookgreen Gardens
We learned a couple things during our visit that I’m sure you’ll want to know:
- The gardens are considered a National Historic Landmark and has won countless awards because of the delightful combination of art, history, and nature.
- There are plenty of bathrooms, but if you go on the Creek Excursion like we did, make sure your kid goes to the bathroom FIRST. It’s 45 minutes which is plenty of time for a kid to go from “I need to go to the bathroom” to “it’s an emergency”.
- Your ticket includes the entire gardens and zoo for seven consecutive days. It’s quite a large area, and there are several guided tours. Plan on eating while you’re there. There are several restaurants onsite, and there are lots of great spots to eat a picnic.
- There are complimentary strollers (including “adult strollers”) which is really nice because there is a lot of walking.
- Almost everything is outside so be sure to put on your sunscreen and bring a bottle of water.
- Many of the sculptures have a fig leaf or less of clothing. Be prepared for your child to point this out loudly at the most inappropriate moments.
Brookgreen Gardens with Kids: FAQs
Is Brookgreen Gardens good for kids?
Yes—Brookgreen Gardens is a fantastic place to visit with kids. While it may sound like a quiet garden, it’s actually full of engaging areas like the Lowcountry Zoo, Storybook Forest, and the Children’s Discovery Center.
What are the best things for kids to do at Brookgreen Gardens?
Some of the top kid-friendly activities include:
- Exploring the Lowcountry Zoo and seeing native animals
- Playing in the Storybook Forest with fairy tale-themed structures
- Visiting the Children’s Discovery Center for hands-on activities
- Riding the Creek Excursion boat tour (best for slightly older kids)
Is Brookgreen Gardens stroller-friendly?
Yes, Brookgreen Gardens is stroller-friendly, and strollers are recommended for younger children. The paths are mostly wide and easy to navigate.
Is there enough shade for kids on hot days?
Some areas—like the zoo and certain garden paths—have good shade, but many parts are exposed to the sun. Plan ahead with sunscreen, hats, and water, and take breaks in indoor or shaded spaces when possible.
What age is best for visiting Brookgreen Gardens?
All ages can enjoy Brookgreen Gardens, but it’s especially great for:
- Toddlers and preschoolers (play areas + zoo)
- Elementary-aged kids (interactive exhibits + boat tour)
Older kids will also enjoy the nature, wildlife, and history throughout the gardens.
How long should you plan to visit with kids?
Plan for at least 3–5 hours, but many families spend the entire day exploring. Younger kids may need breaks, so pacing your visit is key.
Is the Creek Excursion good for kids?
Yes, but it’s best for kids who can sit for about 45 minutes and listen to the guide. They’ll enjoy spotting alligators and birds, but very young or active kids may get restless.
Are there places for kids to take breaks?
Yes! The Children’s Discovery Center is a great indoor, air-conditioned spot where kids can rest and play. There are also benches and shaded areas throughout the gardens.
Can you bring snacks or food for kids?
Yes, bringing snacks is a great idea—especially for younger kids. There are also on-site dining options, but having your own snacks helps keep everyone happy between stops.
Is Brookgreen Gardens overwhelming for kids?
It can be if you try to do everything. The space is large, so it’s best to:
- Pick a few highlights
- Take breaks
- Use available transportation options when needed
What should families bring for a visit?
- For a smooth visit with kids, bring:
- A stroller for younger children
- Water bottles
- Snacks
- Sunscreen
- Comfortable walking shoes
About Brookgreen Gardens
1931 Brookgreen Drive
Murrells Inlet, SC 29576
Brookegreen Gardens Website
Hours: 9:30-5 every day (with extended hours during select periods of the year)
Admission: Tickets are $25 for adults, and children 4 – 12 years old are $14. Children 3 and under are free, and seniors get a $2 discount.
Have you ever been to Brookgreen Gardens? What did you think?
