NORTH MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. — The City of North Myrtle Beach Parks & Recreation Department has announced a new location for its popular Playground Playdates program in 2026, moving the free monthly gathering to McLean Park Picnic Shelter #1 at 93 Oak Drive. Sessions are held on the third Tuesday of each month at 3 PM, running through August, with the first date of the season set for May 19.
About the Program
Playground Playdates is a structured yet relaxed monthly program designed to bring young children together for supervised play and light learning. Each one-hour session begins promptly at 3 PM with a short themed activity presented by Parks & Recreation staff, followed by open play time on the McLean Park playground. The program is free and open to preschool and elementary-aged children accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Picnic Shelter #1 — the largest of McLean Park’s three covered shelters, with capacity for approximately 100 people — sits directly adjacent to the playground, making the transition between the structured activity and free play seamless for families with young children.
2026 Schedule
| Date | Time | Theme |
|---|---|---|
| May 19 | 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM | TBD |
| June 16 | 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM | TBD |
| July 21 | 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM | TBD |
| August 18 | 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM | TBD |
Monthly themes will be announced by the Parks & Recreation Department as each session approaches. Families are encouraged to check the City of North Myrtle Beach events calendar at nmb.us/651/Playground-Playdates for updated information.
About McLean Park
McLean Park is widely considered the centerpiece of North Myrtle Beach’s parks system. The 10-acre property in the heart of the Ocean Drive neighborhood features a two-acre lake, a half-mile paved walking path with a fitness trail, two lighted tennis courts, a youth baseball field, a meditation garden, a waterfront gazebo, and two distinct playgrounds — one designed for children ages 2 to 5 and a second, larger EVOS “exercise in disguise” playground for ages 5 to 12. The park is open daily from 6 AM to 9 PM and is located two blocks west of Ocean Boulevard between 1st and 3rd Avenues South.
Perimeter parking is available throughout the park, with additional spaces at the Oak Drive and 1st Avenue South intersection. Families visiting for Playground Playdates are advised to arrive a few minutes early during summer months, as McLean Park draws significant visitor traffic during peak season.
Event Details at a Glance
| Program | Playground Playdates |
| Organizer | City of North Myrtle Beach Parks & Recreation Department |
| Location | McLean Park — Picnic Shelter #1, 93 Oak Drive, North Myrtle Beach, SC 29582 |
| Schedule | 3rd Tuesday of each month, May through August |
| Time | 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM (program begins promptly at 3 PM) |
| Age range | Preschool and elementary-aged children accompanied by a parent or guardian |
| Cost | Free |
| More info | nmb.us/651/Playground-Playdates |
Frequently Asked Questions
Source: City of North Myrtle Beach Parks & Recreation Department. For the most current event information including monthly themes, visit nmb.us/651/Playground-Playdates or contact the Parks & Recreation Department at (843) 280-5570.
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