6 Fun-Filled Winter Attractions in Myrtle Beach

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Myrtle Beach might be well-known for its hot fun in the summertime, but many are unaware that the Sun Fun Capital is also a great place to beat the wintertime blues.

The South Carolina coast experiences mostly mild winters (average highs in the 60s) that are perfect for enjoying all the fun outdoor activities – except with smaller crowds and lighter traffic. But the Grand Strand does have its chillier moments in January and February. (Hey, even Mother Nature needs a Myrtle Beach vacation in the off-season.)

Never fear. Guests at Paradise Resort on the Myrtle Beach oceanfront can experience swimsuit weather year-round at the heated indoor pools, lazy river, hot tubs and kiddie pools. Or they can explore the many indoor entertainment options the Grand Strand has to offer. Paradise Resort will even throw in free passes to a few select attractions as part of the Sun & Fun Rewards program. Here are some of the best winter attractions in Myrtle Beach:

* Hollywood Wax Museum: Check inside your Sun & Fun Rewards package and you will find one free adult admission to this Broadway at the Beach attraction. Just look for the giant replica of King Kong climbing the building that houses realistic wax figures of today's hottest celebrities from the worlds of movies, music, TV, sports and more. Pose for selfies with your favorite stars, and fool your followers on social media.

* Museums: Add some culture to your beach vacation with a trip to one the area's museums. The Burroughs-Chapin Art Museum is located on the south end of Ocean Boulevard and features touring exhibits as well as standing historic displays. The South Strand has a rich history dating back to the Colonial Era, and much of it is preserved at Hopsewee Plantation, Hobcaw Barony and the Kaminski House in Georgetown. (Freebie alert: The latter is part of the Sun & Fun bonus program.)

* Myrtle Beach SkyWheel: This iconic, modern-age Ferris wheel is a fixture of the downtown district, and you don't have to brave the cold to ride it. Featuring climate-controlled gondolas encased in a special glass that allows scenic views and photo ops of the Atlantic Ocean and Ocean Boulevard, the SkyWheel is a nice stop on a romantic date (Valentine's Day hint). Guests receive one free adult admission in their Sun & Fun Rewards package.

* Ripley's Aquarium: The fish don't mind that it's wintertime – they're always putting on a show at this Broadway at the Beach underwater world. Featuring sharks, stingrays and all kinds of creatures who live under the sea, Ripley's Aquarium gives patrons a closer view than you could ever get in the wild. (Savings Tip: Paradise guests can purchase adult admission for the discounted price of $19.95.)

* Rockin' Jump: Looking for a place to let the little ones blow off some steam and  energy? Head to Rockin' Jump indoor trampoline park for some high-flying fun in a safe, clean environment. The attraction features padded arenas and play stations where kids can bounce, slam dunk, play dodgeball, joust, rock-climb and race the clock on the Ninja Challenge Course. (Two-for-one tip: The Children's Museum of South Carolina is right next door.)

* WonderWorks: What do you get when you turn a science lab upside down? The answer: a lot of unique displays and interactive exhibits that highlight the laws of nature in creative ways. Perfect for a family outing, WonderWorks has attractions for all ages and makes them fun enough that the kids won't mind that they're also learning.

There is plenty more to do and see in Myrtle Beach during the wintertime, but just in case you are in a do-nothing mood, Paradise Resort will even throw in free and unlimited DVD rentals for a fun family movie night. It’s one more reason to spend your winter retreat at Paradise Resort in Myrtle Beach.