Whether you’re headed on a beach vacation this summer or lucky enough to live close to the shore, nothing says summer break like the blue skies, crashing waves, and warm sand of the beach.
The sand and water create the ultimate playground – and when you’re ready to take a break from splashing in the surf there are tons of activities that can create magical memories for kids of all ages. With so many things to do at the beach, it’s no wonder people keep coming back for more!
This summer, get yourself that much-needed dose of vitamin sea and try some of these fun beach activities together.
Waterproof Card Games
There are quite a few card games that have been made into waterproof versions, perfect for the beach. UNO Splash, Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza, and this standard deck of cards are some of our favorites.
Watercolor Paint Seashells
Mix water color pallets with ocean water and let the creativity flow! You can hunt for shells to paint at the beach or bring a bag of larges ones with you.
Fly a Kite
The beach offers plenty of space to run around with a kite or try the finger launcher style.
Scavenger Hunt
Complete a beach themed scavenger hunt either by checking off items on a list (a striped beach chair, umbrella, seagull, a red hat, etc.), or by collecting specific items (a purple shell, a piece of sea glass, seaweed, etc.) in a pile.
Ribbon Dancing
The breeze by the waters edge makes a perfect place to do some ribbon dancing.
Beach Themed Sensory Bottle
Use an empty water bottle to create a sensory bottle/souvenir from your trip. Fill the bottle part way with sand and then add in shells or other beach treasures.
Burry Someone in the Sand
Simple, classic, and makes for some fun memories and photos.
Sandcastle Competition
Bring lots of buckets and shovels and host a friendly competition to see who can build the tallest, most uniquely shaped, or most detailed castle.
Play I-Spy
I-Spy is always fun but playing it at the beach means there is a whole different variety of things to look at.
Throw a Frisbee
Another classic beach activity that never gets old.
Play Tic-Tac-Toe in the Sand
Smooth out a spot in the sand, grab a stick to make marks and you’re ready to play.
Rock Stacking
Collect rocks and see how tall of a tower you can stack before it tips over.
Have a Water Gun Fight
Bring some small water guns and host an epic water battle.
Make Sand Angels
Just like snow angels… but with sand. Also makes for some cute pictures.
Target Practice
After your water gun fight, re-use those squirt guns by doing some target practice. Set up beach toys and have kids try to blast them over with water.
