Fun Beach Games and Activities for Kids

Childhood memories are those which will be cherished for a lifetime. This is not always organic though; most times, a great birthday or a family vacation seems like there isn’t any planning involved, but we know it takes a lot of effort to make such events a success. This is especially true for days out at the beach. Children often do not like a quiet day at the beach, so they need activities to help them create memories that they will cherish later. These come in the form of fun beach games or beach activities.

Beach Games and Activities for Children

Planning games and activities at the beach for your kids can be a real challenge. The games have to be creative and fun. This could also be a great opportunity to incorporate skill development. Here are a few ideas for fun activities and games.

1. Beach Ball Hot Potato

This simple-to-play and fun game is a must for a day at the beach. This is one easy and very fun beach ball game for kids between the ages of 5-8.

What You Will Need

• Small beach ball
• Music player
• Stopwatch
• Whistle

How to Play

• Create two teams with an equal number of players on both.
• Find some fun music. You will be controlling the whistle, music and stopwatch.
• Toss the beach ball to one team member. Blow the whistle to start and play a track.
• Players toss the beach ball to their opponent while the music plays.
• Stop the music.
• The player holding the ball gets eliminated.
• The last one standing wins.

Skills Developed

• Team building skills
• Motor skills
• Hand-eye coordination
• Reflexes

2. Skip

This is a fun jump rope game that can be played on the beach with little to no tools. It is a great beach party game for kids of all ages and can be played in large groups.

What You Will Need

• Jump rope
• Stopwatch

How to Play

• Divide the kids into two teams of 3 each.
• Two team members should hold the jump rope at each end.
• One team member, who’ll be jumping, should stand in the middle.
• The other two members can begin by wiggling the jump rope at a low level.
• Every thirty seconds, the height of the rope should increase.
• Once they fail to jump, the members should switch roles.
• The last team standing wins.

Skills Developed

• Teamwork
• Body coordination
• Reflexes

3. Treasure Hunt

A classic game with clues and rewards, this game is a sure crowd-pleaser.

What You Will Need

• Pieces of paper to write clues on
• Treasure (Chocolate or coins)

How to Play 

• Hide the treasures in numerous locations.
• Use the pieces of paper to write clues, and hide them in different locations. Each location can have a treasure.
• Divide the kids into teams.
• Give both teams a starting clue.
• Supervise them as they play.

Skills Developed

• Leadership
• Teamwork
• Detective skills

4. Bounce Race

Another easy-to-play and fun game to play on the beach, this will keep your kids both engaged and active.

What You Will Need

• A big beach ball
• Whistle

How to Play

• Have each child sit on a beach ball.
• About a hundred meters forward, draw a line in the sand.
• Get them ready to bounce themselves across the finish line.
• Blow the whistle to get them started.

Skills Developed

• Body balance
• Physical fitness
• Good sportsmanship

5. Dodge Ball

Another fan-favourite that can be played on the beach, dodge ball is an awesome game that brings the whole group together.

What You Will Need

A beach ball

How to Play

• Divide the group into two teams.
• Flip a coin to see which team gets the ball first.
• The kids should aim to throw the ball at the other team’s members.
• If it hits them on the body or legs, they’re out.
• If the other team blocks or catches the ball, they control it.
• The last team standing wins.

Skills Developed

• Teamwork
• Good sportsmanship
• Strategic thinking
• Hand-eye coordination

6. Dig Deep

This is sure to be an absolute blast for your young ones and it’s sure to create some wonderful memories of their day of fun in the sand and sun.

What You Will Need

• Beach Shovels
• Beach Buckets
• A timer
• Whistle

How to Play

• Have the kids prepare their tools.
• Get the timer ready.
• Blow the whistle.
• After 5 minutes, blow the whistle again.
• The one who digs the deepest wins.

Skills Developed

• Motor skills
• Good sportsmanship

7. How Low Can You Go/ Limbo

This classic game is perfect for your kids to have fun with at the beach.

What You Will Need

• A long stick or pole
• A music player

How to Play

• Have two people hold either end of a pole.
• Play the music.
• The kids have to bend backwards while walking under the pole without touching it.
• Each time the entire group finishes, the stick should go lower.
• If one can’t do it while bending backwards, they are eliminated.
• The last one standing wins.

Skills Developed

• Flexibility
• Body coordination

8. Tug-of-War

This classic party game is perfect for the beach because you need a lot of space to have your kids play this game. It is sure to create long-lasting memories for everyone.

What You Will Need

• A rope
• A towel

How to Play

• Tie a towel to the centre of the rope.
• Draw a line in the sand.
• Divide the kids into two teams.
• Both teams should try pulling a member to the other side of the line.
• Once a member crosses the line, they join the other team.
• The last team standing wins.

Skills Developed

• Good sportsmanship
• Teamwork
• Physical motor skills

9. Dragon Chase

This beach game is a lot of fun and needs some strategizing!

What You Will Need

• A whistle

How to Play

• Divide the group into two teams.
• Each team decides on either rock, paper or scissors.
• Draw a line in the sand behind both groups and in the centre.
• Blow the whistle; each group must display their symbol.
• The losing group must run back to the line behind them.
• The winning group chases them.
• If a member of the losing group gets touched or caught by someone in the winning group, they switch to the winning group.
• The last group standing wins.

Skills Developed

• Teamwork
• Strategic thinking
• Physical motor skills

10. Sand Castle Contest

When at the beach, this is a must-play game.

What You Will Need

• Sand Shovels
• Sand Buckets

How to Play

• Give the kids a time limit.
• Within the time limit, they must build a sand castle.
• The one that builds the best castle is the winner.

Skills Developed

• Good sportsmanship
• Creativity

Beach games are incredibly fun and entertaining but can also be an important way to build essential skills. They can also create long-lasting memories and create lifelong bonds. Make sure you take everything you need to the beach including sunscreen and plenty of water.

Also Read:

Interesting Water Games and Activities for Kids
Best Summer Ideas and Activities for Children
Educational Games and Activities for Kids