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Simple Beach Games for Kids to Keep Them Entertained

Simple beach games for kids

@dominiquelray

The sun is shining, the waves are rolling and your little ones are bursting with excitement.

You’ve got the perfect beach setup—snacks packed, sunscreen applied and towels laid out—but now comes the real challenge: how do you keep the kids entertained without resorting to screens or hearing “I’m bored” every five minutes?

The good news—you don’t need fancy gadgets or a giant bag of toys.

Some of the best beach games are often the simplest. The kind that get kids moving, spark creativity and encourage family fun.

So unfold your All-Terrain Cruiser with Beach Wheels (shameless plug), load it up with the essentials and get ready for a stress-free, game-filled beach day!

12 Games Sure to Entertain

Classic Beach Games with a Twist

If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. These activities are timeless fun, with a little extra creativity!

1. Sandcastle Challenge – The Kingdom Contest

Building sandcastles is a beach staple, but let’s level it up.

Instead of just making one castle, challenge the kids to build an entire sand kingdom complete with bridges, tunnels and moats.

Bonus points for creative add-ons like seaweed flags or driftwood gates!

Sand Castle game with your kids

@__ma.carena__

2. Treasure Hunt – The Ultimate Explorer Game

Before the kids arrive (or during a well-planned distraction), hide small, beach-safe toys or colorful shells in the sand and create a mini scavenger hunt.

Give clues like, “Look near the tallest sand dune,” or “Find something hidden under a rock.”

For younger kids, use a simple checklist (find a smooth shell, a round rock, etc.).

3. Beach Bowling – DIY Edition

Turn an everyday beach ball and empty water bottles into a bowling alley in the sand! Arrange the bottles in a triangle and take turns trying to knock the “pins” down.

Pro Tip:

Want to add a challenge? Anyone can make strikes and spares on a smooth surface—try playing in the softer sand where rolling is trickier!

Little siblings might just beat older brothers (or even mom and dad) when the playing field is tilted.

4. Tidal Pool Races – Let the Ocean Decide

Draw several small circles, or "pools", in the sand near the water’s edge. Each child picks a circle, and then waits for a wave.

The first pool to fill up with water wins! It’s a fun way to teach kids about tides while keeping them engaged.

Active and Energy-Burning Games

Perfect for little ones who love to run, jump and move!

5. Beach Limbo – How Low Can You Go?

Jack be nimble, Jack be quick—Jack goes under limbo stick!

Find a pool noodle, or even use a towel, held between two adults. Crank up some beach tunes and challenge the kids to limbo their way under the limbo stick.

Lower the bar each round until only one flexible limbo champion remains!

Keep kids entertained on the beach

@_cr0B

6. Obstacle Course – Beach Style

Create a DIY obstacle course using whatever’s available. Jump over a sand mound, crawl under a towel tent, spin in a circle three times and race to the finish.

A portion of the race where challengers need to hop on one leg, or carry a bucket filled with water…modify however you wish to encourage fun and make memories!

7. Frisbee Tic-Tac-Toe

Draw a large tic-tac-toe grid in the sand and use frisbees as markers. Each child takes turns throwing their frisbee into a square. Three in a row wins!

This game is great for improving aim and coordination while keeping things fun and competitive.

8. Bucket Relay Race – Water Challenge!

Fill small beach buckets with water and place a large empty bucket at the finish line. The goal? Race to the finish without spilling too much water and fill the big bucket first!

A perfect game for groups and siblings.

Beach bucket for kids

@thecanlascasa

Chill and Creative Games

For those quieter moments when kids (and perhaps parents) need a little break, but still want to play.

9. Shell Sorting Challenge

Give each child a bucket and ask them to collect shells based on a theme: biggest to smallest, by color, or by shape.

This simple activity not only keeps them busy but also teaches observation skills and appreciation for nature.

10. Nature Art – Beach Edition

Encourage kids to get creative by making sand art or sculptures using beach treasures—shells, driftwood, seaweed and rocks (maybe leave that jellyfish alone).

You can even make a giant family sand mural together!

Beach entertainment with kids
11. Beach Storytelling – Create an Ocean Adventure

Start a group storytelling game by saying, “Once upon a time, a crab found a magical shell…” Then, have each child add a sentence to the story.

“There once was a mermaid who lived in the sea…” The possibilities are endless. Let little imaginations run wild!

Wave watching with kids

@thismamaloveslife

12. Wave Watching Contest

Draw a line in the sand and guess which wave will reach it first.

This game is great for calming kids down after lots of high-energy activities, helping them focus while still enjoying the beach.

Level Up Your Beach Day with Veer Gear

While these games don’t require much, having the right beach setup makes all the difference. Here’s how Veer’s adventure-ready gear helps make beach days even better:

Snack time at the beach with Veer Wagon
All-Terrain Cruiser

The perfect way to haul all your beach gear (and tired kiddos!) across the sand. Bonus? It doubles as a comfy resting spot, especially when paired with Sunshade.

From canopies to infant car seat adaptors, no matter the makeup of your family, this stroller wagon has it all.

Next level accessories include a Beach Wheel Kit and Nap System, allowing you to fearlessly stray from the crowds and stay longer.

The cherry on top? Cruiser is completely hose washable-–even the sandiest of beach excursions will leave you with a quick, easy cleanup.

Basecamp Cabana

Your go-to pop-up shelter where the whole family can cool off, snack and recharge between games. Basecamp Cabana is your central hub for resting and hydrating in the shade between all the fun in the sun.

Dial up the comfort with Veer’s various summer items. Keep ice all day with Lunch Cooler, which hooks right onto the back of Beach Chair for easy access. Pull up the armrests and recline back to a lie flat position for a quick nap, or sprawl across Veer’s soft microfiber Beach Blanket or Beach Towel for comfort that’s sand-resistant. And don’t forget to pack plenty of little-finger-friendly Flex Fans to stay cool.

Beach cabana tent for shade and shelter

Explorations

Beach days don’t have to be complicated. Sometimes, the simplest games bring the biggest smiles.

From active relay races to creative shell sorting, these activities ensure your little ones stay entertained while making amazing memories!

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