Tips for a first time trip to Ocean Watch with preschoolers?

[PamMo]

I've never been to Myrtle Beach before, so when a unit opened up at Ocean Watch for the end of April, I jumped at the chance to explore the area with our 2 and 4-year-old grandchildren. I know OW has the beach, pools, playground, and kids' club. Does anyone have any tips for "don't miss" activities, hidden gems, or treats for preschoolers at the resort, or in the general area? Our city kids are *super* excited about the campfire and s'more activity! Thanks. Pam

 

[Pamplemousse]

We enjoyed the children's museum ( I think it's called CM of Soth Carolina) when my kids were little. Several years ago now, but it's still there and great for a rainy day or a break from the beach.

We also really love Brookgreen Gardens. I believe they have children's activities and it is a nice change of scenery. My kids loved all the statutes and the live oak allee. There's a small zoo and butterfly garden too. One of my families favorite places, whatever their age.

 

[PamMo]

Thank you, Pamplemousse. I looked up Brookgreen Gardens and it sounds like a very special place. I don't think I would have considered it before your recommendation, but we'll definitely check it out. It looks wonderful!

It looks like the kids' pool, playground, bocce court, and indoor pool are all in the back (garden) section of Ocean Watch. Is there any reason (other than view) for asking to be placed in one of the OF buildings? A lot of reviews mention the large balconies - is that standard for all units at the resort? Also, is it true the resort does not provide towels for the beach, we have to bring our own?

 

[Big Matt]

You should consider going to Broadway at the Beach and Barefoot Landing. I'm not a big fan of either place, but lots to things to see and do for children. Maybe a little too much for the young one, but the 4 yo will have fun

 

[jme]

Walking around Broadway at the Beach is really fun, mostly for kids and young adults (except for some nice restaurants for whole family--like Landry's, Hard Rock Cafe), but if you Google "things to do in Myrtle Beach", you'll be overwhelmed with info for everybody, and especially kids.

 

[lweverett]

The garden view units will be the ones your grandchildren will want to be in. Their pool and the play ground are right there and are a hike from the front buildings.

 

[PamMo]

Thank you, Big Matt and jme. I live a stone's throw from Branson, and it's a bit of sensory overload for ME (let alone the children) with all the shows, attractions, and shops crowded along the strip - not to mention the traffic! (My favorite "Branson" resort is Big Cedar Lodge, which is deep in the woods by the lake, 10 miles south of Branson.) I've heard that Myrtle Beach is similar, so we will probably wander through Broadway at the Beach to check it out, but otherwise try to keep activities low key. Our granddaughter is in the full blown Terrible Twos, and DH and I just hope to survive the road trip! And thank you for your advice, lweverett. I think Ocean Watch will be a perfect home base for us, and I will request a unit in the garden view buildings. We'll make walking to the beach an adventure!

 

[Bucky]

You shouldn't have any problem getting a room in the back. That is where they usually put the people on exchanges. The three front buildings are for those with either oceanfront or Oceanside views.

We've stayed in all the buildings over the years and except for corner top floor units never noticed a difference in size. The top floor corner units in the back buildings are huge. The only problem is that none of the top floors have covered balconies. We always request a high floor but not the top floor. The units in the back are considered oceanview above I believe the 8th floor.

The resort provides each room with pool towels. They are only changed out on cleaning day but that shouldn't be a problem with washers/dryers in ea room.

 

[PamMo]

Thank you, Bucky, I appreciate your input. We've been living part-time in D.C. this year, and I'm ready for some time at the beach with the kids!

 

[skyequeen]

We own at OceanWatch and love to watch families with young children. Probably nowhere you go will be as wonderful as what the children can do on the property. That being said, understand that it is not summertime in the Carolinas in late April or May. The ocean will not be warm for a month or two. Of course some pools are heated and the indoor pool is available in one of the back buildings where the children's play area and pool is. The staff have great activities for children, too. There is lots of miniature golf in the area, and they will probably give you some free games at reception. There is an aquarium in Broadway at the Beach geared to children with some touching exhibits. There are a ton of dinner theaters and shows geared to families. We took our children when they were young. There should be build-a-bear type places at Broadway at the Beach. They can feed pellets to the huge fish in the manmade lake there too. There is a place to paint ceramics and if you go early in your trip come back for your child's art. At Barefoot Landing there is a place where they can see tigers and other wild animals from a nearby sanctuary that are rotated in. The concierge staff will have lots of ideas. Have a good time.

 

[PamMo]

We're here with the kids now, and they're in heaven! We got a unit on one of the top floors of Starfish, which was a total surprise, but we're all enjoying the ocean view, and easy access to the beach - which is GORGEOUS!!!! We're fascinated by the cannonball jelly fish on the beach. The children's pool and playground are an easy walk from Starfish. Our 4-year-old loves the treehouse (it's a bit too scary for our 2-year-old). It seems like every corner we turn around at the resort, there is another delightful surprise. We're VERY impressed with Ocean Watch - it's a great resort. The staff and guests have been so wonderfully kind and helpful. (We arrived with a very carsick child.) We're looking forward to the rest of our week!

 

[Swice]

Enjoy! We just returned from a great week at Surf Watch in Hilton Head. While there, we actually wondered out loud about why other Marriott locations did not build a treehouse like Ocean Watch. Whoever came up with that treehouse idea was a genius. Our teenage boys only recently accepted the fact that they're too big for it. They had MANY fun times there.

 

[hangloose]

Enjoy! We just returned from a great week at Surf Watch in Hilton Head. While there, we actually wondered out loud about why other Marriott locations did not build a treehouse like Ocean Watch. Whoever came up with that treehouse idea was a genius. Our teenage boys only recently accepted the fact that they're too big for it. They had MANY fun times there.

Agree. The tree house at Ocean Watch is fantastic for younger kids. I also commend them for building and funding it. Wish other resorts had something similar. It really adds a great aspect to that 'woodsy' area.