Family Summer Beach Fun: Surfing Through Parenthood
Summer’s here and it’s time to get family summer beach fun ideas and hit the beach with the kids! We’ve got loads of ideas to make your family beach days awesome.
From building sandcastles to flying kites in the ocean breeze, there’s something for everyone.
The beach is a big playground where kids can run, splash, explore and use their imagination to create memories to last a lifetime.
Beach days are all about making the most of sun, sand and surf.
We love making beach art with shells, sticks and other treasures. It’s a great way to get creative and leave your mark (until the tide washes it away!).
For the energetic little ones, beach volleyball or frisbee golf is perfect for burning off energy.
Don’t forget to pack snacks and plenty of water to keep everyone fueled up for fun activities.
And when it’s time to cool off, there’s nothing better than a dip in the waves or a moat around your sandcastle.
You and your other family first team members will have an awesome time in the sun and create memories to last a lifetime.
Takeaways
Beach days are full of family fun and bonding for the whole family
Packing the right gear and snacks means a comfortable and fun day
Mixing games with creative activities keeps everyone entertained all day
How to Set Up the Best Beach Day
Beach days are the best! We’ve got some great tips to make your entire family’s beach day awesome. From finding the perfect spot to packing everything you need, we’ll help you create memories.
Finding the Perfect Spot
Let’s start with location, location, location!
Scope out a spot that’s not too busy but close to amenities. Look for areas with natural shade from trees or cliffs – your skin will thank you later!
If you have little ones, try to set up near the lifeguard station. It’s always good to have an extra pair of eyes on the kiddos. Plus they usually have the 411 on tide times and beach conditions.
Don’t forget to check the beach rules before you go. Some beaches don’t allow beach tents so you may need to bring umbrellas instead.
Pre-Beach Prep and Packing Essentials
Okay mamas, let’s pack!
First things first: sunscreen, sunscreen, sunscreen. Apply before you leave the house and pack extra for reapplying.
Now for the fun stuff!
Pack beach games like frisbees, volleyball or sandcastle tools. They’re perfect for family beach games and keeping the kids entertained.
Don’t forget the snacks!
Pack a cooler with plenty of water and easy to eat treats. Fruit, sandwiches and trail mix are our go to beach snacks.
Here’s a quick list of other must-haves:
Towels
Wet wipes (you’ll need them)
First aid kit
Beach chairs or blankets
Extra clothes
Now you’re all set for a day of sun, sand and smiles!
Beach Safety Tips
Safety first, beach lovers! Here are some essential tips to ensure your family beach day is both fun and safe:
Swim Smart: Always choose a lifeguarded beach and follow their instructions. Lifeguards are there to keep us safe, so let’s make their job easier!
Weather Watch: Check the weather and surf conditions before diving in. A sunny day can quickly turn stormy, and we want to avoid any surprises.
Rip Current Ready: Be aware of rip currents and know how to escape them. Swim parallel to the shore until you’re out of the current, then head back to the beach.
Sun Protection: Apply sunscreen with at least SPF 30 before you leave the house and reapply every two hours. Don’t forget those easy-to-miss spots like ears and the back of the neck!
Cover Up: Wear protective clothing, such as hats and sunglasses, to prevent sunburn. A stylish sunhat and cool shades can make a big difference.
Hydrate: Drink plenty of water throughout the day. It’s easy to get dehydrated in the sun, so keep those water bottles handy.
Stay Alert: Keep an eye on your surroundings and your belongings. It’s easy to get distracted by all the fun, but a little vigilance goes a long way.
Follow the Rules: Respect beach rules and regulations. They’re there to ensure everyone has a safe and enjoyable experience.
Get Moving on the Beach
Beach days are the perfect opportunity to get our families active and have fun! We’ve got some great ideas to turn that sandy stretch into a playground for all ages.
One exciting game to try is the beach ball relay. This fun and active game is suitable for players of various ages. Teams pass a beach ball in specific ways—between their knees or overhead—while racing to complete the relay. It emphasizes teamwork and coordination, fostering a sense of unity among family members during a beach day.
Another simple and adaptable game is beach bowling. Using makeshift materials like plastic bottles and a tennis ball, you can set up a fun and interactive game right on the sand. Beach bowling’s simplicity allows participants to create their own variations, making it a seasonal family activity suitable for all ages.
For an engaging activity, try beach limbo. This game is perfect for family outings at the beach and requires minimal equipment like a pool noodle or driftwood. Beach limbo is great for kids as it improves flexibility while encouraging light physical activity. Setting the atmosphere with music can enhance the limbo experience, making it enjoyable for participants of all ages.
Beach Games Galore: Beach Volleyball
Let’s get classic game started with some classic beach game and classics!
Get a volleyball and set up a net for a family tournament. We love how the sand cushions our falls when we dive for the ball.
No net? No worries!
A simple game of catch with a frisbee gets everyone running and laughing.
For soccer fans the beach is a great pitch. Mark out goals with sandcastles or beach bags and watch the kids zoom across the sand. The uneven surface makes it even more fun.
Don’t forget to pack a beach ball.
It’s lightweight, colorful and perfect for impromptu games. We can play a great game of circle ball or keep away in the shallows.
Sandcastle Showdown
Time to get dirty with a sandcastle building competition!
Split into two teams and see who can build the best structure. We like to bring along some cheap plastic molds, buckets and shovels to level up our game.
Why stop at castles?
Let’s challenge each other to sculpt sea creatures, cars or our favorite cartoon characters. The wackier the better!
For extra laughs we can bury dad in the sand and turn him into a mermaid or sea monster.
Just remember to keep his face uncovered and have plenty of water on hand to stay hydrated.
Don’t forget to take photos of our creations before the tide washes them away. That’s what beach days are all about!
Water Fun
Beach days are all about having fun in and around the water. We’ve got some great ideas to make your family’s beach adventures unforgettable!
Splish-Splash Activities
Let’s get in the water!
Boogie boarding is a must try. We love catching waves and riding them to shore – it’s like surfing’s easier cousin! Don’t forget to pack a few boards for everyone.
Snorkeling is another great way to explore the underwater world.
Grab some masks and flippers and you’ll be amazed at the fish and sea creatures you’ll see. It’s like having your own personal aquarium!
For the more adventurous families why not try some water sports?
Kayaking, paddle boarding or even jet skiing can add some excitement to your beach day. Many beaches have rentals so you don’t need to bring all that gear from home.
Tide Pools
Tide pools are nature’s little aquariums and are perfect for curious kids (and adults too!).
When the tide turns rolling or goes out these rocky pools become home to all sorts of sea creatures.
We love searching for starfish, hermit crabs and colorful anemones. It’s like a real life treasure hunt!
Just remember to look gently and don’t take anything home – these creatures need their home.
Bring a waterproof guide book to help you identify what you find.
It’s a great way to get some learning in without the kids even realizing. Plus you might learn some cool facts about marine life that you can impress your friends back home.
Don’t forget water shoes – those rocks in shallow water can be slippery! And always check the tide times. We don’t want any surprise dousing!
Beachside Fun and Relaxation
Let’s get creative and chill out. We’ve got some great ideas to make our beach day even more special!
Sand Art
Who says we can’t be artists at the beach?
Sand is our canvas and we’re ready to create!
Let’s start with sandcastles – the classic beach activity. We can build tall fortresses or cute little villages.
Want to level up? Try sand sculpting! We can make sea creatures, mermaids or whatever we like.
For a change let’s play sand Pictionary!
We’ll draw pictures in the sand and have the whole extended family get to guess what they are. It’s fun and gets everyone involved.
Don’t forget to paint rocks!
We can collect smooth pebbles, break out the paint and make some artwork. These make great mementos of our day at the beach that day.
Beachside Reads and Chill
There’s nothing better than lounging with a good book at the beach.
We’ll pack our favorite summer reads and soak up the sun while we get lost in a good story.
Pro tip: bring a mix of magazines and novels to switch things up.
For a fun change of pace we can start a mini beach book club.
Everyone brings a different book and we swap throughout the day. It’s a great way to find new books!
Want a cool science experiment? Let’s make a sundial!
We’ll stick a tall stick in the sand and mark the shadow’s position each hour. It’s a fun way to tell time and learn fun things about the sun’s movement.
Music and Dance
Let’s turn up the volume and get our groove on! Music and dance can add a whole new level of fun to your beach day.
Beach Playlist: Create a beach playlist with upbeat tunes to keep everyone energized. Think summer hits, reggae, and surf rock to set the perfect mood.
Dance Party: Have a dance party right on the sand! Bring a portable speaker or make music with beach instruments like drums or maracas. The beach is your dance floor!
Sing-Along: Organize a sing-along or karaoke competition. It’s a great way to get everyone involved and laughing.
Musical Chairs: Play a game of musical chairs using beach towels or inflatables. It’s a classic beach game that’s sure to get everyone moving and giggling.
Dance Props: Use beach towels or scarves as impromptu dance props. Twirl and swirl to the rhythm of the waves.
Shade Break: Take a break from the sun and have a dance party in the shade. It’s a fun way to cool down while keeping the energy high.
Themed Playlist: Create a beach-themed playlist with songs that mention the beach or summer. It’s a fun way to keep the beach vibes going all day long.
Keeping the Little Beach Bums Entertained
Beach days with little kids, can be so much fun! We’ve got some great ideas to keep your little ones happy and occupied by the shore. Get ready for sun and sand!
Kid Friendly Beach Activities: Beach Scavenger Hunt
Let’s start with a beach scavenger hunt! Make a list of beach treasures like pretty shells, smooth rocks or funny shaped seaweed.
The kids will love finding their beach booty!
Next up, how about digging the biggest hole ever? It’s a classic beach activity that never gets old.
Who can dig the deepest or widest hole. Bonus points if you turn it into a mini pool!
Want to get really creative? Try making sand angels! It’s like snow angels but way warmer and sandier.
The kids will laugh as they flap their arms and legs in the wet sand below.
And for a magical twist why not play mermaids? Bury the kids in the sand and shape mermaid tails.
They’ll feel like they’re in a fairytale!
Beachside Learning
Beach days aren’t just fun – they’re also full of learning opportunities! Let’s start with a treasure hunt. Hide some “pirate gold” (plastic coins work great) in the sand and give the kids a map.
They’ll love finding buried treasure!
We can also turn beach time into science time. Look for different types of shells, rocks and sea creatures.
Talk about why some shells are smooth and others are rough. It’s a hands on way to learn about ocean life!
Don’t forget to check out the tide pools if you have them. These little water worlds are full of cool critters.
Just remember to look gently and put everything back where you found it.
Lastly, why not collect some beach souvenirs? Grab a few pretty shells or interesting rocks to take home.
The kids can take small toys and use them for crafts or start a beach collection!
Special Activities for Infants and Toddlers
Our littlest beach bums deserve some special attention! Here are some gentle and fun activities to keep infants and toddlers happy by the shore.
Baby Pool Fun: Bring a baby pool or inflatable for the little ones to splash around in. It’s a safe and contained way for them to enjoy the water.
Sensory Bin: Create a sensory bin filled with sand, water, and beach toys. It’s a great way for toddlers to explore different textures and have some hands-on fun.
Beach Ball Pit: Set up a beach ball pit or a designated area for toddlers to play with beach balls. They’ll love the colorful and bouncy fun.
Easy Transport: Bring a stroller or beach cart to help transport infants and toddlers around the beach. It makes moving around with all their gear a breeze.
Picnic Time: Have a picnic or snack time on the beach with baby-friendly foods. Think soft fruits, crackers, and plenty of water.
Play Area: Create a beach-themed play area with toys and props like beach balls, buckets, and shovels. It’s a mini beach paradise just for them.
Story Time: Have a story time or sing-along session on the beach. Bring their favorite books and songs to keep them entertained and engaged.
Beach Blanket: Bring a beach blanket or mat for infants and toddlers to play on. It’s a clean and comfortable spot for them to enjoy the beach.
Eat, Treat and Beat the Heat
Let’s talk about food and treats to make our beach days even more special! We’ve got some great ideas to keep everyone happy and cool in the sun.
Summer Snacks and Picnics
Beach picnics are the best! We like to pack food that won’t melt or spoil.
Fruit like watermelon and grapes are perfect for hot days. They’re juicy and refreshing!
Sandwiches are always a hit. Try wrapping them in colored paper for a fun twist.
Don’t forget crunchy veggies and dips – carrots and hummus are our faves.
For drinks we freeze water bottles the night before. They keep everything cool and give us ice cold water all day. Yum!
Pro tip: Bring wet wipes for sticky hands and faces. You’ll need them!
Icy Treats and Sweet Delights to Beat the Heat
Ice cream is a must for beach days! We like to bring a cooler with popsicles and ice cream sandwiches.
The kids love them!
Want a healthier option? Frozen fruit is amazing. Grapes, berries and mango chunks are like nature’s candy when frozen.
We like to make our own frozen treats before the beach trip.
Yogurt pops with fresh fruit are so easy and yummy.
Don’t forget to stay hydrated! We bring lots of water and make fruit infused drinks.
Lemon and mint water is so good on a hot day.
Beachy Keen and Eco Friendly
Let’s make our beach trips fun and eco friendly! We’ve got some great ideas to help our families enjoy the sun and sand while loving our planet.
Eco Friendly Beach Activities
Who says being green can’t be fun? We can create art using natural materials like sand, rocks and shells.
It’s a great way to be creative without harming the environment. The kids will love making sand sculptures or arranging seashells into patterns.
Seaweed sculpting is another activity. It’s not just about sand castles anymore!
We can teach our little ones about different types of seaweed while making funky sea monster sculptures.
For the adventurous families, why not try plogging? It’s a Swedish trend that’s jogging and picking up litter.
We’ll get our exercise in while cleaning up the beach. Win-win!
Beach Clean-Up as a Game
Let’s turn beach clean-up into a family game! We can split older kids into teams and see who can collect the most trash in 15 minutes.
The winning team gets to choose the next best beach games, activity or ice cream flavor!
For our little ones we can make a scavenger hunt list of common beach litter.
They’ll love searching for bottle caps, straws or plastic bags. It’s a great way to teach them about the impact of litter on our oceans.
Remember we shouldn’t collect seashells or living creatures.
Instead we can take photos of cool finds and leave them for others to enjoy. This way we’re preserving the beach’s natural beauty for everyone.
Nature Exploration
The beach is a treasure trove of natural wonders waiting to be explored. Let’s dive into some nature activities that are both fun and educational.
Nature Walk: Go on a nature walk or hike along the beach or nearby trails. It’s a great way to explore the local flora and fauna.
Tide Pool Adventures: Explore tide pools and look for marine life like anemones, starfish, and crabs. It’s like having a mini aquarium right at your feet.
Treasure Hunt: Collect seashells, rocks, or other beach treasures. Each find is a little piece of the beach to take home.
Scavenger Hunt: Have a scavenger hunt for different types of beach flora and fauna. Make a list and see who can find the most items.
Nature Journal: Create a nature journal or sketchbook to record observations and drawings. It’s a wonderful way to document your discoveries.
Bird Watching: Bring binoculars to spot birds, dolphins, or other wildlife. The beach is full of amazing creatures to observe.
Beach Clean-Up: Have a beach clean-up activity to help protect the environment. It’s a great way to teach kids about conservation while making a positive impact.
Learn and Explore: Learn about the local ecosystem and conservation efforts. It’s a hands-on way to understand the importance of protecting our natural world.
Capturing Memories
Let’s make sure we capture all the wonderful moments of our beach trip. Here are some creative ways to document your beach day.
Photography and Journaling
Snap Away: Bring a camera or smartphone to capture memories of your beach trip. Candid shots of family and friends having fun are the best!
Family Photos: Take photos of your family and friends enjoying the beach. Group shots, action shots, and silly poses are all part of the fun.
Photo Album: Create a beach-themed photo album or scrapbook. It’s a great way to preserve your memories and look back on them later.
Journal Entry: Write a journal or diary entry about your beach trip. Record your thoughts, feelings, and observations about the day.
Instant Photos: Bring a polaroid camera to take instant photos. There’s something magical about holding a physical photo in your hand.
Time-Lapse Video: Create a time-lapse video of your beach day. Capture the changing tides, the movement of the sun, and all the fun activities.
Family Photographer: Have a family member or friend take photos of you and your loved ones. Sometimes the best photos are the ones taken by someone else.
Creative Keepsakes: Collect small beach treasures like shells and rocks to include in your photo album or scrapbook. They add a tactile element to your memories.
With these new sections, your family beach day will be packed with fun, safety, and unforgettable memories. Enjoy the sun, sand, and surf!
Beachy Keen Wrap Up
As the sun starts to set it’s time to wrap up our beach day. We’ve got some great ideas to end the day on a high note and make some memories.
Leave No Trace
Let’s show the beach some love before we go! We can make a game of cleaning up – who can collect the most trash in 5 minutes?
It’s a great way to teach the kids about looking after the environment.
Don’t forget to shake out those beach towels, and beach toys. Sand belongs at the beach, not in our cars!
We can use a brush to get the sand off our feet and legs.
Remember to pack up all our gear. A quick sweep of our spot to make sure we don’t leave anything behind.
We’re beach super heroes!
Day Wrap Up
Now’s the time for some family time! Let’s chat about our favorite moments as we pack up.
Maybe it was that epic sandcastle we built or the seashell hunting we did.
Why not make a fun memento? We can make a seashell wind chime with our beach treasures.
It’s a great way to remember our awesome day every time the wind blows at home.
For the little ones who love to dig we can take some pics of their beach “construction site” before we go.
It’s like a time capsule of their sandy creations!
Let’s end the day with a group selfie or a family vacation photo. Salty hair, sandy toes and big smiles – that’s what beach memories are made of!
