Every family vacation holds promise for special moments. A day on the beach, whether it’s a local spot or an exotic Caribbean destination, offers endless opportunities for fun and laughter. With the sun shining, the sand warm beneath your feet, and the sound of the ocean waves as a soothing backdrop, it’s the perfect setting to create lasting memories.
To make your family beach day even more extraordinary, we’ve compiled a list of 33 exciting beach games perfect for some seaside fun.
Entertaining Family Beach Games
1. Water bucket relay
Get the fun started with a water bucket relay. Divide your family into teams, each having a bucket of water. Use spoons, shells, or any convenient tool to transfer water from the sea to your bucket. The first team to fill their bucket wins!
2. Beach Limbo
Limbo is always a blast, regardless of the location. You only need a pool noodle or even some driftwood to set up a limbo challenge. A portable speaker with festive music will enhance the game atmosphere. Everyone can participate, and you can gradually increase the difficulty.
3. Seashell Hunt
There’s an abundance of seashells on most beaches, making a seashell hunt an exciting activity. The goal is to see who can find the most or the largest shells within a certain timeframe.
Expert Tip: Engage young kids in the fun by letting them experience the magic of conch shells. Did you know you can hear the sound of the ocean inside a large conch shell? The kids will surely enjoy listening in!
4. Frisbee
A Frisbee game is simple to organize. Pack a Frisbee in your beach bag, split into teams once you’re on the beach, and enjoy some good family fun. Choose a lightweight and buoyant Frisbee so you can easily retrieve it if it lands in the water.
5. Beach Rounders/Cricket
For large families with older kids, a game of rounders or cricket can be loads of fun. However, be mindful of the time you choose to play, as it’s best to avoid peak sun hours. Also, select a less crowded beach to ensure others are not disturbed if your ball strays.
6. Kite Flying
Kite flying is a fun activity that requires some planning. Get a kite for everyone old enough to fly one, or even let your kids choose their own. Remember, windy days are best for kite flying.
7. Dig a Hole
Kids seem to naturally enjoy digging holes in the sand at the beach, so why not make a fun game out of it? Have everyone in the family participate in digging a big hole and take a group photo standing inside the hole when you’re done.
Expert Tip: Dig away from the tide to prevent your hole from filling up too quickly.
8. Volleyball
Beach volleyball is a classic beach game. You need at least two players to start a game, but the more the merrier. For large groups, you can even try a round of beach volleyball with adults versus kids!
9. Towel Tug of War
Kids love a good tug of war, and the beach is a great place for this game. You’ll need at least two players to start, but it’s more fun with four or more people. The best of 3 out of 5 rounds wins!
10. Sand Angels
If you’ve heard of snow angels, then you’ve likely also heard of sand angels. To make your angel, simply lay down in the sand and move your arms and legs like a starfish. Once you’re done, you can decorate your sand angels with pebbles and shells.
Good to Know: Making sand angels is a great way to warm up after a swim in the ocean.
11. Treasure Hunt
A treasure hunt on the beach is a great way to keep kids entertained. Unlike seashell hunting, for a treasure hunt, you can place items beforehand for the kids to find. Or, go the natural route and search with the kids to see what treasures you can find.
12. Beach Soccer
Grab a soccer ball for some sporty fun on the beach. This is a great way to involve the whole family. All you need in addition to the ball are a few markers for goals. Towels, buckets, sand mounds, or castles can serve as goal markers.
13. Musical Towels
Heard of musical chairs? Well, musical towels follow a similar concept. All you’ll need is a portable speaker, some good music, and beach towels. The same rules of musical chairs apply to musical towels.
14. Sand Mermaids
Making sand mermaids on the beach can be fun. This activity works best when one family member agrees to be the model. Cover them up to their chest or waist with sand and then shape a mermaid’s tail around their legs. Decorate the mermaid tails with seashells, seaweed, pebbles, and other beachside finds.
15. Paint Rocks
Planning a beach day with kids but not planning to swim? Consider activities such as rock painting. You’ll need to plan ahead for this activity as you’ll need supplies such as brushes and acrylic paints.
16. Hoop Toss/Ring Toss
Hoop toss or ring toss will definitely bring out the competitive side in your family. You can purchase packaged ring toss games or get creative and make your own. Prizes can add more excitement!
17. Float Race
Floats make a day at the beach extra exciting. Why not use them to set up water races from one end of the beach to the other? Ensure everyone stays close to the shore and that the water is calm enough for everyone to participate.
18. Draw What You See
Set up an artistic challenge for your family where everyone is required to draw what they see. All you’ll need is some paper, pencils/pens, and a fluid imagination.
19. Beach Ball Relay
A beach ball relay requires a minimum of four players. This game is suitable for kids of all ages, and adults will enjoy it too. The beach ball relay involves passing a beach ball between your knees and seeing which team can complete the task the fastest.
20. Big Beach Clean-Up
Teach your kids about caring for the environment by organizing a beach clean-up activity. Make it a game — whoever can fill their bag with the most trash gets a prize.
21. Buried Treasure
Plan a pirate-themed beach day and spend some time searching for buried treasure. Give the kids shovels and let them dig to find the treasure. To make the game feel more authentic, create a treasure map with clues.
22. Beach Family Photoshoot
Set up a pre-planned or spontaneous beach photoshoot. You can set your camera or phone timer and get the settings just right for the perfect beachside snaps, or you can let the kids be photographers for the day.
23. I Spy
I Spy can be a fun way to keep kids occupied on the beach. Younger kids, especially, will enjoy this game that involves guessing various beach sightings in the vicinity using simple clues. Use themes like colors, nature, or items we brought to the beach.
24. Build a Sand Fort
From the pillow fort at home to the sand fort on the beach, your kids will love having some super cozy times at the beach. The whole family can get involved in the fort-building efforts. Find ideas on Pinterest for various types of forts that you can make together.
25. Sharks and Minnows
Sharks and minnows is a swimming game that’s most suited for older kids. To play this game, you should select a ‘shark’ out of the group who will be tasked with ‘tagging’ the minnows when they attempt to get onto the shore.
26. Pictionary
Pictionary is familiar to most people, but on the beach, this game can be played a little differently. No pen and paper are necessary! Instead, you can just make shapes on the sand with things like seashells, pebbles, seaweed, or driftwood.
27. Dodgeball
Take some dodgeball action to the seashore! This option is most ideal if you’ll be spending some time on the beach with older kids and teenagers. Use a beach ball to reduce the likelihood of injuries. This game is ideal for big groups and teams.
28. TikTok Dance – Beach Style
Take a break from the beach action for some good ol’ TikTok. Most kids won’t say no to this activity, especially if they’re already fans of TikTok. You can get together and make a family-style TikTok dance. These types of videos are just as fun to make as they are to watch over and over when you all get home.
29. Noughts and Crosses
Also known as tic-tac-toe or Xs and Os, you can play noughts and crosses in the sand with your family during your beach day. Only two players are needed to play this game, so it is suitable for small beach groups as well.
30. Twenty Questions
A game of 20 questions will be embraced by older kids and teens who can easily wrap their minds around the rules. You’ll need a minimum of two players for this game, and once you’ve got enough people, you can quickly get things underway. Start by choosing an individual. You can choose someone you all know personally or even a celebrity!
31. Sand Hangman
When was the last time you played hangman? If it’s been a while, sand hangman might just be the perfect reintroduction. The rules of the game are the same with the exception that pen and paper are swapped for sand and a branch. Use simple words when playing with younger kids, and go harder with teenagers and adults.
32. Rockpool Search
If there are lots of rock pools on the beach you’ve selected, it’ll be perfect for a rock pool search game. Kids of all ages will love a chance to put their observational skills to the test scouring the rock pools for signs of life.
33. Sandcastles
You can’t go wrong with some sandcastle building on the beach with kids. There are many ways you can go about this classic activity, from simply going the freestyle route and building your sandcastle by hand, or getting various sandcastle molds to make your creation extra special.
Expert Tip: Sandcastle building is not only fun but it can be educational for kids as well. You can teach young kids how they can make solid sandcastles with just the right amount of water and sand.
And Don’t Forget Our Top Beach Tips:
1. Sunblock is Essential
Sunburn is a real nuisance, especially on a family vacation. Prevent this by applying lots of full-spectrum UVA/UVB sunscreen (with SPF 50 and above). Reapply often for yourself and the kids, especially as you all get in and out of the water.
2. Hats and Sunglasses are Recommended
Help kids stay cool with hats, preferably those that cover the sensitive areas of their face and their ears. Sunshades and other sun protectant gear will also come in handy on extra sunny days.
3. Windbreakers May be Needed
If you’re going to a windier beach, windbreakers will come in handy to protect you and your kids from the elements.
4. Avoid the Midday Sun, Where Possible
The best time to go to the beach is usually in the early morning before 10 am, or later in the afternoon from 3 pm onwards. The hours between 10 am and 2 pm tend to be peak sun times.
5. Be Observant
It goes without saying that you should be extra vigilant when going to the beach with kids. You’ll need to stay alert at all times.
6. Keep Your Devices Safe
Waterproof cases or pouches are a great way to keep your devices safe and dry if you decide to bring them on the beach.
7. Bring Lots of Water
Spending hours on the beach in the sunshine is a sure way to build up a thirst. Bring along plenty of water and juice for yourself and the kids.
Family Beach Games are Great for Bonding and Creating Memories!
There are so many things you can do on a beach with family, aside from just swimming and playing in the sand. Depending on which beach you go to, you can try water sports, play some beach games, make sandcastles, and just let loose and have a good time.
We hope we’ve helped you find fun things to do with your family on your next beach day. If this beach day happens to lead you to the Caribbean, it’s worth noting that this region has some incredible all-inclusive family resorts. Beaches Resorts has the best kids clubs, nurseries for babies and toddlers, a Beach Shack for teens, a waterpark, and lots of super fun activities for kids and parents on and off the beach!
Right now is the best time for your family to play together and laugh together. Make the most of your time on the beautiful seashore, and enjoy the lasting memories.
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