The Best Beach Activities For Kids To Keep Them Entertained

The Best Beach Activities For Kids To Keep Them Entertained

The Best Beach Activities For Kids To Keep Them Entertained

The beach is a great destination for families to visit for a day out or even just for an hour or two. Children of all ages enjoy spending time on the beach and so do many adults. Not only are beaches beautiful places to visit with stunning views of the nature around you and the crashing waves, but there are also so many different things that you can do on beaches. In this article we’ll explore some fun beach activities for kids to keep them entertained and happy. 

Sandcastle building beach activities for kids

Beach Activities Out of the Water

Let’s start by exploring some fun beach activities that you do on the actual beach, out of the water. These are all suitable to do in any season as you’re not reliant on the water being warm enough to go in.

Sandcastle Building

Let’s start this list with a beach classic – building sandcastles! Sandcastle building is fun for all ages. You don’t need much for this activity either. Grab a bucket and spade and you’re ready to go. A sandcastle can be as advanced as you want it to be so it is a good activity for all ages.

Stone Skimming

Stone skimming or stone skipping is great fun and an activity that can be enjoyed even if you’re just stopping on the beach for a few minutes. Find some flat stones and see who can skim the furthest or get the most jumps!

kite flying on the beach - fun beach activities for kids

Kite Flying

For windy days, kite flying is a fun activity for many ages too. If you’re crafty, you can even build your own kite before going to the beach. Little ones will love watching their kite high up in the sky and running along with it.

Collecting Treasures

One of my kids’ favourite things to do on the beach is to collect treasures. Walking along the beach shore, looking for pretty shells, special rocks, cool fossils or pieces of beautiful sea glass. On our trip to Devon last year, we filled up a full jam jar with sea glass which we brought home as a memento from our holiday.

beach balls

Beach Sports & Games

There are plenty of beach sports and beach games that can be played on the sand. Volleyball, badminton, football, catch, musical towels, frisbee, beach bowling, ring toss, and kubb to mention just a few fun options.

Rock Pooling

Some beaches are excellent for exploring marine life in rock pools. A great activity for all ages and most weather conditions. What can you find? Crabs, anemones, and whelks perhaps? Always wear appropriate footwear, be quiet and calm to not disturb wildlife, and be aware of the tide times to stay safe.

Picnic

Eating outdoors in the fresh air is always a pleasure. If you’re planning to stay on the beach for a while, taking a picnic with you is a great idea. A good cool box will keep food fresh and drinks nice and cold. Having food, snacks and drinks ready is an essential for all longer outings with children – keeping them fed and watered will help them stay in a good mood (hopefully!). Take a large picnic mat to sit on while you eat too.

beach clean rubbish plastic bottles

Beach Cleaning

Why not arrange a beach clean as part of your day at the beach? This is a great educational way to promote environmental awareness and children will love knowing that they’re doing something helpful. All you need is some trash bags, some gloves and some litter pickers. Talk to the kids about relevant safety aspects such as sharp objects before you start. You can even turn this into a game by choosing different types of rubbish for different people – one does plastic bottles, one cans, and so on. This will also help the recycling aspect at the end.

Beach Art

The beach is also a great place to get creative. Draw in the sand using sticks or your hands or create beautiful beach mandalas with things that you have gathered from the beach (rocks, sticks, shells, etc.).

Relaxing

One of the best things to do on the beach is simply to relax. Set up your picnic blanket or beach towels and sit or lay down. Read a book, talk to each other, play some calm games – all while enjoying the fresh sea air and the sound of the waves.

Beach Activities in the Water

Beach Activities in the Water

Next, let’s explore some fun beach activities in the water, for when it’s warm enough and/or you have the right gear.

Paddling

Playing in the shallow part of the water is a nice way to enjoy the refreshing water without fully getting in. It’s a good option to get young children used to the water or for anyone who gets cold easily. Or when you don’t have time (or the weather) to go for a proper swim.

Swimming

When the weather is warm and you’re somewhere where the water is inviting, it’s of course lovely to go for a swim when visiting a beach. Talk to the kids about water safety before going in and ensure that you stay close together. Things can change quickly in wild waters so constant supervision is important even for older children who can swim. Anyone who can’t swim should wear appropriate swimming aids and stay with a grown-up.

learning to surf

Water Sports

If you or your older kids are into sports, there are lots of water sports that you can try. Surfing and stand up paddle boarding (SUP) are both popular options here in the UK and abroad. Some beaches have facilities where you can rent the needed gear for the day and even have lessons with an instructor.

Playing Catch

When you’re in water where you can stand up, it’s fun to play catch with a ball that floats. You can get these online and they’re perfect for the beach.

fun beach activities for kids in and out of the water

Conclusion – The Best Beach Activities For Kids

There we have it – my list of the best beach activities for kids. There are many more options too but these ideas should give you plenty of things to do the next time you visit the seaside with the family. Enjoy!

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