A day at the beach—there’s nothing quite like it. Sand, sun, waves—it’s the perfect playground for kids. However, after living in Thailand for five years, I’ve learned that the beach can quickly lose its charm if there’s not enough to do. But believe me, with these 50 beach activities for kids, your beach day will be packed with fun for the whole family!
Beach Activities for Toddlers (Ages 1–4)
1. Sand Fun
Grab a bucket, a shovel, or just your hands—digging in the sand is a toddler’s dream. Build castles, bury toys, or dig a hole and watch them giggle as they toss sand around. My 3-year-old Ruby is usually entertained by that for 30 minutes.
2. Shell Hunt
Turn toddlers into little treasure hunters. Help them look for colorful shells, smooth rocks, or even a piece of driftwood. Add a challenge: find a shell of every color or a rock shaped like a heart.
3. Bubble Magic
Bring a bubble wand or machine, and let the wind work its magic. Toddlers will love chasing the bubbles and trying to catch them.
4. Mini Pool Fun
A small inflatable pool is a game changer for beach days with toddlers. Fill it with water from the ocean to create a safe, enclosed splash zone right next to your spot. Toddlers can enjoy the water without waves knocking them over, and you’ll have peace of mind knowing they’re safe. Plus, they can sit and play with their water toys without wandering too far.
5. Sand Angels
Move over, snow angels—sand angels are just as fun! Have toddlers lie down on the sand and wave their arms and legs to create their “angel” outline. That will have them giggling while giving you a chance to snap some precious photos.
6. Watercolor Painting
Who says painting has to be at home? Bring a set of watercolors and a small cup for sea water. Let toddlers dip their brushes into the salty water and create their masterpieces on paper.
7. “Ring Around the Rosie”
This classic game gets a beachy twist at the water’s edge. Stand in a circle with your toddler and gently hold hands while singing. When it’s time to “fall down,” everyone splashes into the shallow water.
8. “Don’t Knock Down the Castle”
Toddlers will love this simple but exciting game. Build a large sandcastle and take turns gently removing small scoops of sand without making it collapse.
9. Beach Maze Challenge
Draw a large maze in the sand using a stick. Let kids navigate the maze by walking through it or racing toy cars or balls along the paths. You can make it as simple or intricate as you like, depending on their age and interest.
Fun Beach Activities for Kids (Ages 5–8)
10. Creative Sand Art
Why stop at sandcastles? Kids can turn the beach into a canvas. Suggest sculpting turtles, whales, or even a life-sized mermaid complete with seaweed hair and shell jewelry.
11. Obstacle Course
Use sand mounds, towels, buckets, or sticks to create a mini adventure. Kids can crawl, jump, and zigzag through it.
12. Target Toss
Draw circles or targets in the sand and assign points. Toss shells or pebbles to score. The breeze adds an extra challenge.
13. Beach Bowling
Use plastic bottles as pins and a lightweight ball as the bowling ball. Or dig small holes as targets and try to roll the ball into them.
14. Wave Jumping
Head to the water’s edge and challenge them to jump over waves. The goal? Stay dry! It’s simple, silly, and always a hit.
15. Treasure Hunt
Bury small toys or treasures in the sand and create a simple map for them to follow. Alternatively, make it a scavenger hunt by asking them to find specific items, like a shiny shell or a feather.
16. Beach Tic-Tac-Toe
Take the timeless game to the sand! Draw a large grid in smooth sand and use seashells and pebbles as Xs and Os. Add a time limit to each turn for a fun challenge.
👉 You might also find these Southeast Asia articles interesting:
– Ultimate Beach Packing List: Family Essentials
– The Best Age to Travel with Kids – Tips From a Nomad Family
– The Best Time to Travel to Southeast Asia – Full Guide
– Thailand with a Baby – Family Travel Guide 2024
17. Sand Volcano
Level up your sandcastle-building by creating a sand volcano. Help kids build a large, cone-shaped mound with a hollow center. Pour water down the middle to mimic lava flows.
18. Musical Towels
Bring the fun of musical chairs to the beach with towels. Lay them in a circle, play music on your phone, and have kids walk around. When the music stops, they scramble to grab a towel. The one left without a towel is out.
19. I Spy with Binoculars
Give kids a pair of toy binoculars and turn beach sights into an engaging game of I Spy. They’ll love scanning for boats, birds, or other beachgoers while sharpening their observational skills. Add challenges like spotting something green or shaped like a circle to make it more interesting.
20. Dynamic Duo Ball Race
This team game will get everyone moving! Pair kids up and give each team a beach ball. The goal is to carry the ball to the finish line using only their bodies—no hands allowed! Whether they use their backs, tummies, or heads, the race is sure to end in laughter.
21. Play Beach-Themed Charades
Transform a classic game into a beach adventure! Kids act out clues like “crab,” “seagull,” or “surfing” while others guess. It’s entertaining and sparks creativity.
22. Hopscotch in the Sand
Draw a hopscotch grid directly into the sand using a stick or your hands. Kids can jump from square to square using a shell as a marker.
23. Feed the Shark
Draw a big shark with an open mouth in the sand and challenge kids to toss beanbags or shells into the shark’s mouth.
24. Play Limbo with a Towel
Twist a beach towel tightly and have two kids hold it up as the limbo pole. See how low everyone can go without touching the towel.
Beach Activities for Preteens (Ages 9–12)
25. Beach Volleyball
Use a stick or towel as a net and start a fun beach game. Preteens love strategizing and diving for saves.
26. Beach Soccer
Bring a lightweight ball and use flip-flops or sticks to mark goals. The uneven sand adds to the challenge.
27. DIY Rafts
Collect driftwood, sticks, and leaves to build mini rafts. Once finished, test them in the water to see which floats the farthest.
28. Sand Structures
Skip basic castles and go for intricate designs like dolphins, turtles, or landmarks. Tweens can compete or work as a team for the most detailed creation.
29. Float or Sink
Gather objects from around the beach and guess if they’ll float or sink. Test your predictions in the water.
30. Sand Physics
Experiment with wet and dry sand to see which builds stronger towers or tunnels. Add small weights to test their strength.
31. Rock Painting
Use beach-safe paints or chalk to decorate smooth stones. Kids can create patterns, faces, or scenes inspired by the beach. We have a whole box with painted rocks at home. Our girls love this activity.
32. Nature Journaling
Encourage them to write or sketch what they see, hear, and feel. From waves to seagulls, the beach offers endless inspiration.
33. Sand Sundial
Teach preteens about timekeeping with this old-fashioned method. Help them stick a long stick upright in the sand and use small stones to mark the shadow at different times.
34. Frisbee Golf
Set up a series of “holes” using beach chairs, towels, or sand mounds. Players take turns throwing a Frisbee to hit each target. The person with the fewest throws wins.
35. Play Sharks and Minnows
A thrilling game that never gets old! One person is the “shark” while others are the “minnows.” The shark tries to tag the minnows as they run across the sand. Whoever gets caught becomes the new shark.
36. Crab Race
Challenge your tweens to a crab race where they scuttle on their hands and feet with their belly facing up. It’s a hilarious and active game that’s perfect for burning off energy.
37. Flip-Flop Throw
Kids take turns throwing their flip-flops as far as they can. Mark the spot where each one lands and see who can throw theirs the farthest. Don’t aim toward the sea, as the shoes might float away. This happened to us more than once.
Family Beach Activities for Kids of All Ages
38. Picnic and Storytime
Pack snacks like fresh fruit, sandwiches, and plenty of water. Spread out a blanket and enjoy the ocean view. Afterward, share stories or let the kids draw what they see.
39. Creative Keepsakes
Turn beach treasures into necklaces, bracelets, or picture frames. It’s a fun project for everyone, and you’ll leave with a special souvenir.
40. Scavenger Hunt
Make your beach day an exciting treasure hunt! Create a list of items like seaweed, a shiny shell, or a unique rock for everyone to find. For younger kids, add simple clues, while older ones can get harder challenges. It’s a fantastic way to explore the beach and bond as a family.
41. Water Relay Race
Split into teams for this wet and wild race. Each team uses cups to transfer water from the ocean to a bucket onshore. The first team to fill their bucket wins.
42. Sunset Sketching
Bring sketchpads and pencils to capture the beauty of a beach sunset. Encourage everyone to draw what they see, from the glowing sun to the rolling waves – or Dad with his funny sunglasses.
43. DIY Sand Art
Pack glue and paper plates for this creative project. Kids can design patterns on the plates with glue, sprinkle sand over them, and decorate with shells or pebbles.
44. Bonfire and S’mores
If the beach permits, end the day with a cozy bonfire. Roast marshmallows, tell stories, and enjoy the warmth of the fire under the stars. This is how we celebrate Christmas in Thailand.
45. Crack the Egg
Sit in shallow water with your knees tucked to your chest. Waves will push you around, testing your balance. The last person holding their “egg” shape wins!
46. Make Seaweed Crowns and Necklaces
Get crafty with seaweed, shells, and other beach treasures. Create crowns, necklaces, or bracelets and have a mini beach fashion show.
47. Build a Tent with Towels and Chairs
Drape towels over beach chairs to create a shaded tent for the kids. It’s perfect for a break from the sun.
48. Music Dance Party
Bring a portable speaker, play your favorite tunes, and have a dance-off on the sand.
Educational Beach Activities for Kids
49. Mini Marine Biology
Explore tide pools or search for tiny crabs, fish, or starfish. Talk about the shells and how they protect sea creatures.
50. DIY Experiments
Show how water evaporates by pouring it into a small hole and covering it with clear plastic. Watch droplets form as the sun works its magic.
Final Thoughts on 50 Fun Beach Activities for Kids
I hope this list of the 50 best beach activities for kids will inspire you for your next beach day out.
What’s your favorite beach activity? Share it in the comments below—I’d love to hear from you! Yours, Lulu
FAQ About the Best Beach Activities for Kids
What should I pack for a family beach day?
Your beach bag essentials should include sunscreen, towels, a beach blanket, reusable water bottles, and a favorite book for downtime. For younger children, pack toys like a hula hoop or a tennis ball for easy and fun games. Don’t forget an inner tube for water safety and sand tools for building sand castles. Find my personal recommendations here.
How can I ensure safety for little kids at the beach?
Safety is key, especially for little kids:
- Keep activities close to your spot, like digging in wet sand or a small inflatable pool.
- Bring a shaded beach fort or beach blanket to keep them cool under the warm sun.
What amenities should I look for at family-friendly beaches?
The best family-friendly beaches often have:
- Splash pads for kids who prefer gentler water play.
- Parking lots for easy access.
- Shaded picnic areas for meals and breaks.
How can I make a beach day educational?
Turn your outing into a learning experience by:
- Using a metal detector to find hidden treasures and discuss how they ended up on the beach.
- Searching for hermit crabs or observing shells during low tide.
How do I make family beach days enjoyable with little time to plan?
Even with little time, you can have a great time by:
- Sticking to fun games like frisbee or ladder toss that don’t require much setup.
- Packing a simple beach bag with essentials like water bottles, snacks, and toys.
Just a heads up: some links on Nomadmum.com are affiliate links. This means if you click and buy, I might earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. These earnings help keep the site running smoothly and my matcha cups full. Thanks for your support and happy travels!
