When you need games for kids at a picnic or outdoor gathering, you can use both competitive party games and classic kids' neighborhood games. Easy games with music and prizes are great for a family gathering. When you get together with friends, let the kids run their own backyard games. The Outdoor Games tour will remind you of the rules so you can get them started if they don't know how to play. Also, go straight to the wealth of outdoor game ideas on the Web. Print out a few for your weekend gathering.

• Top Picks - Easy Outdoor Party Games for Kids

• Browse Outdoor and Neighborhood Games for Kids

• Beach Games and Play

• Find Outdoor Games on the Web

As kids get older, they just don't stay entertained scooping sand in a bucket for hours. A reader requests ideas for games and activities for school-age kids on a beach vacation. I like activities that require minimal cost and preparation; beach time is no time for a parent to get stressed out with a complicated activity. But, beach vacations are magical and they deserve lots of very special activities to make memories with our kids.

These games, toy picks, arts & crafts, and learning activities for the beach combine ease with magic for the perfect kid-friendly activities for a beach vacation.

Check out these easy ideas for beach games and play for K-6 kids.