Things To Do
Terry’s Top 10: Things to do During Easter Week

Easter week is the unofficial kickoff to the summer tourism season on the Grand Strand, as spring-breaking children and their in-need-of-a-break parents look to escape to Myrtle Beach for the holiday.

There aren't many better places to spend it. In addition to the beaches finally warming up for the Easter rush, there are many activities planned on the Grand Strand to get your summer started in Myrtle Beach style.

Here are my top 10 things to do during Easter week to make sure you get the most out of your Myrtle Beach getaway:

10) The 14th annual Singing in the Sun, a showcase of some of the top Southern gospel artists in the business, will be held Tuesday through Sunday at the Broadway at the Beach complex in Myrtle Beach. The outdoor concert series also features guest speakers and up-and-coming artists and groups, and shopping and dining at Broadway are always just steps away.

9) One of the best places to hunt for bargains and Easter eggs is Barefoot Landing in North Myrtle Beach, which holds its annual, free egg hunt for kids on Saturday. Children can take free carousel rides and get their pictures taken with the Easter Bunny before searching for oval treasure in the Lakewood Courtyard. The kids are split into age groups so the younger tots don't get goose eggs instead of Easter eggs.

8) Kids can have breakfast with the Easter Bunny himself on Saturday morning at the Children's Museum of South Carolina so the big fella can chow down before hopping around town. The event, which costs $10-$15 per person, includes continental breakfast, arts and crafts, Easter treat bags for every child, an Easter Egg Hunt and a free photo with his royal bunniness, along with the usual educational fun at the facility.

7) Surfside Beach's Huckabee Recreation Complex, on the southside of the Strand, also holds an “eggs”-cellent hunt for kids on Saturday, in addition to hosting a series of spring games so the kids can expend some energy and burn off some of the sugary sweets they're sure to excavate. A smaller lot for children under 5 will help even the egg-hunting odds against the bigger kids.

6) Instead of hunting for eggs, why not watch the pros find the little white ball? The Myrtle Beach Pelicans hold their second homestand of the season Monday through Wednesday at BB&T Coastal Field with several big promotions planned. Kid's Eat Free Monday gives every child a free hot dog, chips and drink, Tuesday is free poster night, and Wiener Wednesday offers dollar hot dogs to all. Just more reasons to take your crew to the ballgame.

5) North Myrtle Beach will host its 29th annual Easter Egg Hunt at McClean Park, an all-day event that features more than just searching for ova. The Easter Bunny will be on hand to give out treats to kids, games and other activities will be held throughout the day and refreshments will be served so families can make a full day of it.

4) Many churches are holding sunrise services on the beach on Easter Sunday, but the biggest and longest-running non-denominational service is held annually at the Boardwalk in downtown Myrtle Beach. Dating back to when the area was the Pavalion, hundreds flock to the renovated area to share in worship and song while the sun peeks over the horizon of the Atlantic Ocean.

3) You know it's almost summer when you can see the roller coasters and other rides fired up at Family Kingdom in downtown Myrtle Beach. The amusement park is open daily for the next two weeks, giving visitors a small sample of the summer fun to come. Be first in line to enjoy the rides and attractions before Family Kingdom gets slammed with the summer rush.

2) Many visitors can enjoy all the spring rituals of Easter without leaving their hotels. In addition to egg hunts and Sunday dinners, several hotels will go the extra mile to make the holiday fun, such as Breakers Resort's performing magician, the Hilton's egg toss and other games, and an egg coloring contest for kids at Seaside Resort. It's cool to play where you stay.

1) Organized events are great, but a big reason people love to escape to the beach for the holiday is to spend time as a family. With the beaches emptier than the summer season, wake the family and hold your own sunrise service on the beach, or bring your own eggs and hide them in the sand and the dunes for the little ones to find. It's your Easter vacation; spend it as you wish.