I love the beach. There’s something about the sand between my toes, the breeze on my face, and the sound of waves crashing that instantly makes me feel like a kid again. But as much as I enjoy relaxing on a beach chair, there’s one thing I love even more—turning a lazy beach day into a full-blown competition. My family? They’re my willing (and sometimes unwilling) participants in what we’ve come to call "Dad’s Epic Beach Games Showdown." Let me tell you, it’s not just a friendly little contest. It’s a battle for ultimate bragging rights.
Setting the Stage
Every year, when we head to the coast, I start planning the showdown weeks in advance. My kids roll their eyes whenever I mention it. My spouse just laughs and shakes their head as if to say, "Here we go again." But deep down, I know they secretly look forward to it. (Okay, maybe not my teen—they’d rather scroll on their phone, but I’ve learned to work around that.)
The day starts early because I can’t waste a minute of prime beach time. I haul out half the stuff we brought—buckets, shovels, a volleyball, frisbees, even a set of rubber rings I picked up at a discount store. No fancy equipment, just a lot of imagination and a competitive spirit. Oh, and snacks. You can’t have a showdown without snacks.
The Teams
I like to mix it up every year. Sometimes it’s parents versus kids. Sometimes I team up with my youngest because they think I’m invincible. Other times, it’s every person for themselves. Regardless of the setup, alliances are shaky, and betrayals are frequent. It’s all part of the fun.
The Games Begin
Here’s a breakdown of some of the games that have become family favorites over the years. Each one is designed to spark creativity, laughter, and maybe a little friendly trash talk.
1. The Sandcastle Smackdown
This is always the opener. We divide into teams and have 20 minutes to build the most impressive sandcastle imaginable. There’s only one rule: bigger doesn’t necessarily mean better. Creativity wins extra points. One year, my youngest and I built a "sea monster" castle complete with a tail that stretched halfway to the water. Another year, my spouse and older kid constructed a replica of our dog, complete with seashell eyes. The judging? That’s always "impartial," of course (meaning I usually declare myself the winner).
2. Frisbee Golf
Frisbee golf is a classic. We set up "holes" using whatever we can find—an old towel, a driftwood log, a pile of seashells. The goal? Hit each target with as few throws as possible. My accuracy is questionable at best, and my kids never let me forget it. But every now and then, I’ll score a perfect shot, and you’d better believe I’ll celebrate like I’ve just won Olympic gold.
3. Tug-of-War
Nothing tests your strength—or your teamwork—like a tug-of-war match in the sand. We use a rope I bring specifically for this purpose (because yes, I’m that dad). The sand adds an extra layer of challenge, especially when it starts flying everywhere. Pro tip: Tug-of-war is also excellent for settling minor sibling disputes in a semi-productive way.
4. Relay Races with a Twist
Running on sand is a little harder than it looks, which makes relay races both hilarious and exhausting. To spice things up, I’ll add challenges like running while balancing a beach ball on your head or crab-walking to the finish line. The crab walk is always a crowd favorite—there’s nothing like seeing your teenager reluctantly scuttle across the sand like a giant crab.
5. The Great Water Balloon Toss
I introduced this one last year, and it was an instant hit. Each pair stands a few feet apart, tossing a water balloon back and forth. After each successful catch, they take a step back. The goal? Keep the balloon intact for as long as possible. Spoiler alert: It never lasts long with my youngest, who thinks the whole point is to intentionally pop the balloon on someone else.
Mid-Showdown Snack Break
Every epic showdown needs a halftime break. That’s when I pull out the cooler filled with sandwiches, fruit, and a stash of cookies I may or may not have hidden for myself. As we sit on the beach, rehashing the first half of the games, the trash talk starts up again. "Dad, remember when you tripped during the relay?" "Oh yeah? Remember when you missed five frisbee shots in a row?" It’s all in good fun, but I know they’re already strategizing for round two.
The Grand Finale
The final game is always a surprise. I like to keep my family guessing. Last year, it was a treasure hunt. I buried small prizes in the sand and handed out clues to each team. Watching my kids scramble to dig up their treasures was priceless, especially when they realized one of the "prizes" was just a rock I’d wrapped in foil. (Hey, I never said I played fair.)
Another year, we ended with a water bucket race. Each person had to fill their bucket using only their hands and run it back to the starting line. Let’s just say that game devolved into an all-out water fight, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
The Aftermath
By the end of the day, we’re all sandy, sunburned, and utterly exhausted. My youngest is usually asleep before we even leave the parking lot. My spouse rolls their eyes as I recount my "legendary" victories during the drive home. But even with the teasing and eye rolls, I know these are the moments that stick. Years from now, when my kids are grown, I hope they’ll look back at these beach days and remember the laughter, the competition, and, yes, their slightly over-the-top dad.
Why It Matters
For me, these showdowns are about more than just games. They’re about connection. In a world that constantly pulls us in a million different directions, these moments bring us back together. They remind me to be present, to laugh, and to not take myself too seriously. And, hopefully, they remind my kids that no matter how busy life gets, there’s always time for a little fun (and maybe a bit of winning, too).
So, to all the other dads out there—whether you’re a seasoned beach gamer or just looking for a way to spice up your family time—take this as your invitation. Plan your own epic showdown. Get creative. Be ridiculous. And most importantly, enjoy every second of it. Because trust me, these are the moments your family will treasure forever.
