Family-Friendly Road Trip from Vaughan, Ontario to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

Day 1: Waterpark Fun

Niagara Falls, Ontario on July 28, 2025

10:00am

Departure from Vaughan

Start your road trip early to maximize time at Great Wolf Lodge, about 1.5 hours drive.
C0, 1h30m

12:00pm

Check-in at Great Wolf Lodge Niagara Falls

Enjoy the indoor waterpark, which is perfect for children with water slides, wave pools, and interactive games.
CAD350 approx per night, Rest of day

7:00pm

Dinner at Lodge's Loose Moose Cottage Restaurant

Family-friendly dining with a cozy atmosphere and a menu catering to kids and adults alike.
CAD25 per adult, CAD15 per child, 1h
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Day 2: Nature and Exploration

Erie, Pennsylvania on July 29, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast at Great Wolf Lodge

Buffet breakfast to fuel up, serving a variety of options including kid favorites.
Included in stay, 1h

10:30am

Drive from Niagara Falls to Erie, Pennsylvania

Approximately a 3.5-hour drive south crossing into the US, good to stop for breaks.
C0, 3h30m

2:00pm

Visit Presque Isle State Park

A large peninsula offering beaches, trails, and kid-friendly outdoor activities ideal for a picnic and stretch.
USD8 vehicle fee, 2h

5:00pm

Check-in at the Courtyard by Marriott Erie Bayfront

Comfortable hotel with waterfront views, family suites, and indoor pool.
USD150 approx per night, Rest evening

7:00pm

Dinner at Sara's Restaurant

Family owned diner with classic American fare suitable for kids and adults.
USD20 per adult, USD10 per child, 1h
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Day 3: City and Culture

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania on July 30, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Simple and hearty breakfast to start the day.
Included with stay, 1h

9:30am

Drive from Erie to Pittsburgh

3-hour drive west, good to start early for afternoon activities.
C0, 3h

1:00pm

Lunch at The Porch at Schenley

Casual outdoor dining with kid-friendly menus, perfect after travel.
USD25 per adult, USD12 per child, 1h

2:30pm

Visit Children's Museum of Pittsburgh

Interactive exhibits ideal for young children encouraging learning and creativity.
USD15 per person, 3h

6:00pm

Check-in at Embassy Suites by Hilton Pittsburgh Downtown

Spacious suites with a complimentary breakfast, indoor pool, and convenient location.
USD180 approx per night, Rest evening

7:30pm

Dinner at Primanti Bros.

Iconic Pittsburgh eatery known for sandwiches stuffed with fries, loved by kids.
USD20 per adult, USD10 per child, 1h
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Day 4: Historic and Educational

Charleston, West Virginia on July 31, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Start the day with breakfast included with your stay.
Included, 1h

8:30am

Drive from Pittsburgh to Charleston, WV

About 3.5-hour drive south towards West Virginia.
C0, 3h30m

12:30pm

Lunch at Bluegrass Kitchen

Farm-to-table restaurant with wholesome meals and child-friendly options.
USD25 per adult, USD12 per child, 1h

2:00pm

Visit West Virginia State Museum and Culture Center

Explore West Virginia's history with interactive exhibits suitable for kids.
Free, 2h

5:00pm

Check-in at Charleston Marriott Town Center

Comfortable hotel with indoor pool and spacious rooms.
USD160 approx per night, Rest evening

7:00pm

Dinner at Pies & Pints

Casual eatery with delicious pizza and kids menu selections.
USD20 per adult, USD10 per child, 1h
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Day 5: Science and Discovery

Charlotte, North Carolina on August 1, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy hotel breakfast before the drive to Charlotte.
Included, 1h

8:00am

Drive from Charleston to Charlotte

Approximately 3.5-hour drive, heading south towards North Carolina.
C0, 3h30m

12:00pm

Lunch at Midwood Smokehouse

Relaxed barbecue with options kids enjoy, good break after travel.
USD20 per adult, USD10 per child, 1h

1:30pm

Visit Discovery Place Science

Hands-on science museum with many interactive exhibits perfect for children.
USD21 adults, USD17 children, 3h

5:00pm

Check-in at Residence Inn by Marriott Charlotte City Center

Family-friendly suites with kitchenettes and indoor pool.
USD170 approx per night, Rest evening

7:00pm

Dinner at California Dreaming

Kid-friendly casual restaurant with diverse menu options.
USD18 per adult, USD9 per child, 1h
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Day 6: Beach Day

Myrtle Beach, South Carolina on August 2, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Start with a hearty breakfast before heading out.
Included, 1h

8:00am

Drive from Charlotte to Myrtle Beach

Approximate 2-hour drive to the coast.
C0, 2h

10:30am

Check-in at Dunes Village Resort

Resort with waterpark, pools, and direct beach access perfect for kids.
USD220 approx per night, Rest of day

11:00am

Enjoy Myrtle Beach Boardwalk and Beach

Spend the day on sandy beaches and visit attractions along the boardwalk including arcades and playgrounds.
Free, Rest of day

7:00pm

Dinner at Captain George's Seafood Restaurant

Popular family-friendly seafood restaurant with a range of options including child-friendly plates.
USD25 per adult, USD12 per child, 1h
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Day 7: Return Journey

Return to Vaughan, Ontario on August 3, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at resort

Enjoy your last breakfast by the sea before heading home.
Included, 1h

9:00am

Departure from Myrtle Beach

Begin the approximately 10-hour drive back to Vaughan; plan for stops to relax and eat.
C0, 10h with breaks (not a sightseeing day)
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