We've passed by "the upside-down house" (as our kids call it) so many times, but we were not prepared for how much fun we found once we finally entered.
Post updated on July 3, 2024
We didn't do any research before we entered WonderWorks at Broadway at the Beach, which really added to the wonder of it all because we had no idea what was around each corner. It turns out there is actually an explanation for why the building is upside-down... and that their description of being "an amusement park for the mind with 41,000 square feet of edu-tainment" is extremely accurate.
Here are some of our top tips now that we've got our first visit under our belts.
tip #1 figure out which ticket is best for your family before you go
There are all different kinds of ticket packages available because WonderWorks tickets can also include the outdoor zipline and outdoor ropes course located right next to the giant upside-down building.
General admission ($33.99 for adults, $26.99 for kids 5-12 and seniors 60+) includes over 100 interactive exhibits, laser tag, the indoor ropes courses, and XD Theater. You can also purchase just the outdoor ropes course, just the zipline, or the Soar+Explore combo of both.
The most expensive package is the VIP COmbo which includes WonderWorks, outdoor ropes course and zipline, and 1 digital photo and video of your zipline ride ($49.99 for adults, $44.99 for kids 5-12 and seniors 60+).
Horry, Georgetown, and Brunswick county residents can text "wonder" to 73028 to get discounts. Locals get HALF OFF at WonderWorks!
tip #2 plan more time than you think you will need
The website says to allow at least 3-4 hours, and we more than second that. We spent nearly four hours there and could have easily stayed longer, especially because the kids wanted to redo their favorite things.
We were there on a Sunday evening in May before tourist season really hits, so if you're coming during the peak summer months you will also need to prepare to wait in line for several of the attractions.
There's so much to do, from the laser-tag arena, to the 6-D Extreme Motion Ride, to the glow-in-the-dark ropes course (which our kids stayed on for 45 minutes alone).
Your ticket is good for the whole day so you can also leave and return as you please.
tip #3 look around!
This may seem obvious but it's not when you are tempted to focus on the "big" attractions and could easily miss some of the smaller activities. A perfect example is a room where you can color on animals that "come alive" on a screen. You may not want to pause to sit down and color when there's the Wonder Coaster to ride right next door, but it's so cool once you see your creation on the screen.
WonderWorks is kind of like an amusement park crossed with a museum. There are so many educational elements to each attraction, but it's easy to fly right past some of the amazing factoids they share.
tip #4 prep the fam for who can do what
Kids who are 42" can ride the Wonder Coaster and do the ropes course with an adult (48" to ride alone).
For the Astronaut Training Gyro, riders must be between 54" and 74" and cannot weigh more than 225 pounds. And long hair must be tied back.
For Extreme Bikes 360 the height requirement is 52" and riders cannot weigh more than 250 pounds. Now that our kids are tall enough, the adults get a workout because their legs still don't fully sit on the pedals.
Riders on the 6D XD Theater must be at least 40".
Close-toed shoes are also required on the ropes course and Extreme Bikes 360, as well as no skirts or dresses! This is definitely a spot for comfortable clothing.
tip #5 prepare for the unexpected
WonderWorks has many exhibits with flashing lights and motion, so if you are prone to vertigo or have light/motion sensitivities, this may not be the attraction for you. I won't spoil it for you, but the very first time you walk through the door it's game on. Even looking at the artwork on the walls in the Wonder Art Gallery can be disorienting.
That being said, there is plenty of fun to be had for everyone in each of the six zones (extreme weather, physical challenge, light and sound, space discovery, Imagination Lab, and Wonder Art Gallery)... even if it's just watching a loved one do something crazy like lay on a bed of nails.
The Bottom Line
WonderWorks had so much more to explore than we anticipated, and we would definitely pay full price to come back. If you're coming with very little ones, older family members, or those who suffer from motion sickness - do your research in advance to know which attractions are best for you and which ones to sit out. Get ready to learn, play, and be amazed.
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