Cool games to play at the beach

While we are technically out of the summer and in autumn, the sun usually starts to make an appearance as we approach back to school time. And as we try to enjoy as much family time as possible before the kids head back in September, why not pack a picnic and head to the beach to soak up the last of the sun’s rays.

 

Even if it’s too cold to jump into the water, there are plenty of games that they can play to keep them happy and entertained.

 

1. Mini golf

A little trickier to play on sand this is a great way to use up any energy before bedtime.

 

What you’ll need:

• Plastic golf club and ball
• Paper cup

Method:

1. Mark out a course on the ground using beach stones or shells.
2. Place the paper cups on their side so that the opening is facing the golfer.
3. Assign a number between one and ten to each paper cup so players know which cup to hit first.
4. The player who finishes it in the quickest time wins.

 

 

2. Sand castle competition

While technically not a game this is ideal for kids who want to unleash their creative side.

 

What you’ll need:

• Bucket and spades
• Beach moulds​

Method:

1. Give each participant an area of the sand in which to work in. Try to give them as much space as possible so that there is no fighting.
2. Let them use their imagination to create something pretty incredible.

 

 

3. Race to fill the bucket

This is a game of speed!

 

What you’ll need:

• 2 large buckets
• 2 small buckets

Method:

1. Divide the family into two equal teams.
2. Place the large bucket at the top of the beach and the smaller one right at the water.
3. Fill the smaller bucket with water and have each team stand beside them.
4. When the whistle blows each player needs to race up to the bigger bucket with the smaller bucket and fill it up with water. The first team to fill the large bucket wins.

 

 

 

4.  Shell and spoon race

An alternative to the egg and spoon race, this is just as fun!

 

What you’ll need:

• Tablespoons
• Shells from the beach

Method:

1. Give each player a spoon and a shell.
2. Line them up and blow the whistle.
3. The first person to reach the finish line wins.

 

 

5. Target practice

This is a great way to help your kids perfect their throwing.

 

What you’ll need:

• Beach stones

Method:

1. Draw three circles in the sand one inside each other.
2. Assign a score to each circle.
3. Have the players throw the stones at the circle – the player who gets the most points wins. 

 

 

images via Pinterest