Beach Activities for Kids
The sun is shining, and the temperature's rising. What better way to cool off than a trip to the beach Riding the waves and splashing in the surf is always fun. But there's more to do at the shore than swim. Let your kids pick one of the following beach activities when everyone needs a break from the ocean.
Handball
Handball is a simple game to play on the beach and requires only one small rubber ball. Mark a handball court on the sand by measuring off a large rectangle. Make the size fit the age of the children playing. Divide the court in half. (You can divide the court into fourths for older children.) Use your hand as a paddle, hitting the ball across the line and volleying back and forth. Score as you would score for ping-pong. The object of the game is to have fun, so don't get too carried away with rules.
Frisbee Toss
It's always a good idea to bring a Frisbee to the beach. Kids love throwing the disc, whether to play catch or a keep-away game like Monkey in the Middle. The object of Monkey in the Middle is to toss the Frisbee over, around or under the kid (Monkey) in the middle. If the Monkey catches the Frisbee, then it's the next player's turn to be in the middle.
First Bounce
You'll want a wide, clear expanse of beach to set up play for First Bounce. Bring a stick (from a broom, for example) to use as a bat, and a small rubber ball. You'll need kids to play as catcher, pitcher and a few outfielders. Throw the ball so that it bounces once in front of the batter. If the batter swings and misses, and the catcher gets the ball, the batter is out. If the batter hits a pop-up and an outfielder catches the ball, the batter is out. But if the batter hits the ball and no one catches it, the batter scores a run. A batter gets three outs before the next person has a turn. The fun of First Bounce is that no one has to run the bases. But there's lots of chasing after the ball.
Kites
Kids and kites go together on the beach like sand and surf. The breeze from the ocean gives a good lift for a kite, and your kite can fly all day. So, make sure your string is wound around a sturdy rod that will stick in the sand when you're ready to go back in the ocean. Watch your kite sweep and soar in the wind while you swim.
Minnow Catch
Kids love trying to catch the small silver fish that dart through the water when the waves come into shore. Many folks like to "push" the minnows out of the surf. Cup your hand and quickly give a push, rushing the minnow-filled water towards the sand. Scoop up any minnows you find and place in a bucket. The minnows make great fish bait.
