The 21st annual event changed things up a bit while keeping the best part—there's so much to do and it is totally free (for real).
The KidzTime Festival at Broadway at the Beach signifies the start of spring and the realization that the sleepy months of January and February in Myrtle Beach are officially over. This annual event is one of our favorites because it's 100% focused on kids and everything is (for real) free.
The exact location of this event has changed up over the years. We've seen it in one of Broadway's big parking lots as well as in a massive tent. This year, the booths were set up in the areas known as Center Court, The Avenue, and Heroes Harbor (basically the center of Broadway), which was perfect because it allowed families to spread out.
Activities include train rides, games, face painting, balloon animals, and crafts. Joe's Crab Shack's booth is always the best because they let the kids decorate their own treats. Grumpy Monk set up a sand art station, Broadway Grand Prix had rock decorating, the fire department was on hand to give tours of their firetruck, and a "mermaid" from Sparkles was even giving out free glitter wishes.
The festival also featured live music from Shelley Sasser (super talented), strolling entertainment from Mr. Nigel (he had some bops), and stilt walkers (who somehow can keep their balance while making the most amazing panda balloon animal).
The lines for certain stations do get long, especially for face painting and balloon animals, but that's because it's free and they do such an awesome job. Those are also the two spots where tips are appreciated—and deserved.
SOME TIPS
Bring a bag to carry all of the prizes and giveaways. (Joe's Crab Shack handed out drawstring bags, but we didn't get to that booth until later on.) In addition to snacks and water, bring sunscreen! That sounds simple but it's still March so sunscreen likely isn't in the "parent bag" rotation yet. Hooray for my first sunburn of 2022 as I stood baking in the sun waiting for the kids' to return from their third free train ride!
The Bottom Line
This annual event provides the perfect excuse for locals to unleash their inner tourist and spend the afternoon at Broadway at the Beach. Also, during the event, Help 4 Kids/Backpack Buddies accept both monetary and material donations for children in our community, which is another awesome reason to check it out.
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