Keep the kids busy on your beach vacation with plenty of fun games, toys, crafts, and learning activities. These ideas for beach games and play are easy for parents and fun for kids.
Beach Games
Plan a Pirate Treasure Hunt. Use a plastic or wooden toy treasure chest. They're in the discount stores right now with the Pirates of the Caribbean toys. Bury the treasure box in the sand for an authentic treasure dig. You can do the treasure hunt one of two ways. Make a map with landmarks and an X for the treasure box. Or, write clues on slips of paper that lead the children from one clue to the next until they reach the treasure chest. Put a surprise in the treasure box, such as a note for the finder to get a special treat.
Beach Sports. Most don't require a lot of expensive equipment. Pack heavy-duty water guns and a beach ball for Water Squirtball. Family Fun describes the backyard version, but this is a great game for the beach. Simply draw your zones with lines in the sand. Use the big water guns to squirt the ball into your zone and keep your opponent from squirting it into his. Rubber horeshoes on the beach can be played by all ages together. Find an inexpensive set for kids and adults to play during active beachtime. Another classic beach game is kite-flying. Find one that is sturdy enough to hold up to strong ocean winds.
Wave Racing. Kids usually invent this game themselves. But, if they don't think of it, have them line up at a safe spot with floats in the ocean; catch a wave; and race to be the first to hit the beach.
Beach Darts. Use a stick to draw a huge dartboard in the sand. Put points in each ray with the most points in the small center, just like a dartboard. Use bean bags to toss and play; keep score in the sand. Family Fun recommends this game using shells and other beach finds to throw at the board.
Top Picks - Beach Toys for K-6 Kids
GeoSafari SeaScope [Compare Prices]
A multi-use toy with a 4X telescope and attachment for viewing underwater.Pirate Treasure Chest [Compare Prices]
Have a treasure hunt on your beach. Put a surprise in the treasure box, such as a note for the finder to get a special treat, and hide or bury the treasure box in the sand. Let the kids pretend to be pirates and hunt for the buried treasure.Sand Castle Tool Set [Hearthsong]
Older kids can get serious about building cool sand castles with this set designed by a professional sand sculptor.Flashlight - Light-Up Flying Disk [Buy Direct]
Night Frisbee on the beach is just a little more exciting, so this is worth it.Flotsam [Compare Prices]
The 2007 Caldecott award-winning children's book is the perfect bedtime story for your family time at the beach.Backyard Stars Guide [Compare Prices]
This Klutz guide is an inexpensive, kid-friendly guide to starwatching, perfect for a night at the beach.Draw Ocean Animals [Compare Prices]
Don't forget your art supplies and this book for creative drawing at the beach.
Next > Beach Arts & Crafts and Beach Play & Learn Activities
