As a dad, there’s nothing quite like a day at the beach with my kids. It’s one of those classic family experiences that brings everyone together—sunshine, sand, and waves have a way of creating memories that last forever. Over the years, I’ve come to realize that a well-planned beach day isn’t just about lounging on a towel while the kids entertain themselves. It’s about diving in (sometimes literally) and making the most of every moment together. To help inspire your next beach adventure, here are five fun activities my kids and I love doing whenever we hit the shore. Trust me—it’s more than just building sandcastles.
1. The Ultimate Sandcastle Challenge
I’ll admit, building sandcastles sounds like an obvious one, but hear me out—this isn’t your average bucket-and-shovel operation. When my kids and I hit the beach, we make it a full-on competition. We set up goals, divide into “teams” (though more often than not, I end up helping both of them), and let our imaginations run wild.
Here’s how we make it exciting:
- Set a Theme: Instead of random piles of sand, we pick themes—pirate ships, underwater cities, or even “sand animals.” Last summer, my daughter wanted to build a dragon, and I swear it took us an hour of trial and error to get the wings just right.
- Add Natural Decor: We comb the shoreline for shells, seaweed, and small rocks to use as decorations. One time, we even made a “moat” around our sandcastle and used some of the shells as tiny boats.
- Time It: To keep things interesting, we sometimes set a timer and see how much we can accomplish in 30 minutes. It adds a bit of excitement and keeps everyone focused.
The best part? Even when the waves inevitably wash our masterpiece away, we all have a great time laughing about it and starting over.
2. DIY Beach Olympics
One day, out of sheer desperation to burn off my kids’ endless energy, I came up with the idea of hosting our very own “Beach Olympics.” It’s now become a family tradition we look forward to every summer. The best part? You don’t need any fancy equipment—just a little creativity and a willingness to get sandy.
Here’s our go-to event lineup:
- Long Jump: We draw a start line in the sand and see who can jump the farthest. My youngest usually cheats by taking a running start, but honestly, that just makes it more fun.
- Bucket Relay: Each person gets a small bucket, and we race to fill it with water from the ocean. The trick is not spilling too much water on the way back!
- Sand Sculpting Speed Round: This is like the sandcastle challenge, but on turbo mode. Who can sculpt the best “sea creature” in three minutes?
- Frisbee Toss: If we bring a frisbee (or even a beach ball), we compete to see who can toss it into a small circle drawn in the sand.
The Beach Olympics always leaves us laughing, out of breath, and ready for a popsicle break. Plus, it’s a sneaky way to keep the kids active without them realizing they’re getting a workout.
3. Hunting for Treasure
One of my favorite memories with my kids involves a simple scavenger hunt we made up on the spot. I casually mentioned the idea of “hunting for treasure,” and before I knew it, they were sprinting along the beach, searching for anything shiny or unusual.
To make it more structured (and even more fun), here’s how we do it now:
- Create a List: Before heading to the beach, I jot down a quick list of items to find—like shells, seaweed, driftwood, feathers, or oddly-shaped rocks. If I forget to bring a list, we just make one up on the spot.
- Bring a Bag: Each kid gets a small bag or bucket to collect their treasures. At the end of the game, we show off our finds and vote for “most colorful,” “most unique,” and so on.
- Add a Story: To make it extra magical, I sometimes spin a little story about pirates leaving behind buried jewels or a mermaid’s lost collection of treasures. It’s amazing how something so simple can spark their imaginations.
What I love about this activity is how it slows the pace of the day. We’re not rushing or trying to “win” anything—we’re just wandering, exploring, and appreciating the little things nature has to offer.
4. Wave Jumping and Body Surfing
If there’s one thing my kids can never get enough of, it’s the ocean itself. I’m not a big surfer, but wave jumping and body surfing have become our go-to water activities. It’s such a simple joy—just us, the waves, and a lot of laughter.
Here’s how we make the most of it:
- Wave Jumping: For younger kids, standing in shallow water and jumping over the waves as they roll in is surprisingly thrilling. I make it more fun by turning it into a game—who can jump the highest or avoid getting splashed the longest?
- Body Surfing: For older kids, we head out a bit deeper and try to ride the waves back to shore. It’s all about timing, and while I’m no expert, the trial-and-error process is half the fun.
- Safety First: I always make sure we’re at a beach with lifeguards and keep a close eye on the tides. It’s importantto stay within a safe distance and teach the kids about respecting the ocean.
There’s something about the salty spray of the waves and the sound of my kids giggling that makes this activity unforgettable every time.
5. Storytime Under the Beach Umbrella
After hours of running, jumping, and splashing, there’s nothing better than winding down with some quiet time. One of my favorite ways to do this is by gathering under our beach umbrella and diving into a good story together.
Here’s how we make this a special part of the day:
- Bring a Book or Two: I always pack a couple of books that we can read aloud together. Beach-themed stories are a bonus, but honestly, anything that sparks their interest works.
- Make Up Our Own Stories: Sometimes, instead of reading, we take turns making up our own stories about the things we’ve seen that day. My kids are surprisingly creative, and their tales often involve talking seagulls or dolphins with secret treasure maps.
- Snack Break: I use this time to pass out snacks—fruit, crackers, or whatever we’ve packed. It’s a great way to refuel and recharge for the rest of the day.
This quiet moment gives us a chance to slow down, connect, and just enjoy each other’s company before heading back into the action.
A beach day with my kids is never just about the sun and sand—it’s about creating memories that we’ll all cherish for years to come. Whether we’re competing in the Beach Olympics, hunting for treasure, or simply riding the waves, every activity brings us closer together. These five ideas are just a starting point—what really matters is having fun and being fully present in the moment.
Next time you head to the beach, give one (or all) of these activities a try. I guarantee you’ll leave with sandy toes, tired kids, and a heart full of memories. And isn’t that what being a dad is all about?
