When your family is ready to head to the beach this summer, you can look forward to warm afternoons under the sun.
After splashing in the waves and building sandcastles, don’t forget about these fun beach activities to try this summer.
The whole family will have more fun while you’re away from home and make great memories you’ll treasure forever.
1. Make a Sandy Snowman
Sandcastles are great, but you can only make so many before you get bored.
It’s much more fun to build a lifesized snowman out of the sand.
Challenge your family members to each make their own and decorate them with whatever they can find on the beach.
It’s a new twist on a classic beach activity that will make everyone giggle.
2. Look for Tide Pools
You could return to the beach your family has been to a million times before or you could explore new North American beaches that also have tide pools.
Kids love tide pools because they contain tiny ocean creatures you won’t find anywhere else.
Get up close with nature by taking strolls on the beach and taking pictures of everything you see.
3. Oceanside Scavenger Hunt
Scavenger hunts can happen anywhere — even on the beach. Make a list or two before leaving home that will challenge your kids to explore the sand and water.
Your family members can check things off after finding them if you bring the right supplies, such as:
- Markers
- A timer
- Copies of your list
The first person to find everything wins a prize. It could be an extra scoop of ice cream after dinner or a toy from a beachwear store.
Everyone will love the creative fun and do something brand new this summer.
4. Fly a Few Kites
Beaches always have strong winds rolling off the coast or the ocean. It’s the perfect place to fly kites, so bring a few during your next trip.
Older kids will be able to firmly grasp the handles so nothing gets lost to the wind.
You could even tie the kite strings to stakes to watch them flap in the breeze while you each lunch out of your cooler.
5. Check Out the Ghost Crabs
Everyone will be tired after dinner, but celebrate your vacation with dessert and they’ll find the energy to look for ghost crabs.
They’re tiny crabs that only come out of the sand at night to get food and slide back into the ocean.
They’ll run away as you approach, making them a bit of harmless nighttime fun.
Grab some flashlights and head outside to find them on East Coast beaches near your home.
Everyone will laugh and shriek with hilarity as they dance across the sand while sidestepping the nearly translucent crabs.
6. Play a Game of Cornhole
Many rental companies in beach towns offer special deals for cornhole rentals.
The boards and beanbags are a great way to have fun on a budget. You can set up the boards on the sand and keep track of each round to see who will reach 21 points first.
Just make sure you bring your supplies indoors each night so they don’t get swept away by the tide.
7. Try a Beachfront Yoga Session
There are endless free videos on the internet that walk people through yoga routines.
Why not download one before leaving your rental home or hotel room for the day? Everyone can use towels as yoga mats and stretch with you while the sun rises or sets.
You could even do a family yoga session on a pier if there’s one close to where you’re staying.
8. Watch for Sea Creatures
You’re used to closing your eyes before diving into waves or ducking under ocean water, but what if you kept your eyes open?
Don’t risk getting saltwater in your eyes. Wear goggles instead. Give everyone a pair of goggles and scout for sea creatures together.
You’ll find plenty of small fish and other animals crawling across the sand under the water.
9. Create a Limbo Competition
Whether you rent or buy a limbo bar, it would be a fun addition to your upcoming beach trip.
Family members of all ages can participate while music plays in the background. Set up rules before starting and establish a prize to make it more competitive.
You can’t help but laugh when everyone’s stretching and twisting in weird ways to beat each other on the beach.
10. Enjoy a Tug-of-War Game
Do you have a rope at home? Stop by a home improvement store and get one that’s at least six feet long.
Once you tie a knot in the middle, you’ll be ready to start a game of tug of war.
Challenge your kids to compete with each other if they’re close in age. If you have older kids, they can play against the adults.
Everyone will get a chance to test their strength in the slippery sand.
Try Fun Beach Activities This Summer
Get inspired by these fun beach activities to try this summer and start planning your next vacation.
No matter which ideas you decide to add to your trip, everyone will have a blast trying something new.