Kick off your 2024 beach adventures with our ultimate guide to the best beach games. From family-friendly activities to competitive sports for friends, discover the essential games that promise laughter and memories by the shore.
We have compiled a list of handpicked games for all ages and preferences to ensure your day at the beach is filled with excitement and fun.
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Best Beach Games to Keep Your Vacation Thrilling and Active
Planning a beach day for a special occasion? These games will keep you and the kids entertained for the whole day or just a few hours.
1. Coastal paddle rally 🌊🏓👨👩👧👦
Gather your family and friends for a thrilling game of coastal paddle rally, the perfect addition to any beach day! Using the Bufeeaye Toss and Catch Ball Set, this game is designed for kids ages 4-8 but can easily become a competitive yet fun activity for all ages. Here’s how to play
Toss and Catch Ball Set – 4.7/5 Rating on Amazon
- Set Up: Divide players into teams of two or more. Each team gets a set of paddles and a ball from the toss and catch set, with 6 paddles and 3 balls, ensuring everyone can join in.
- Objective: Use the paddles to rally the ball back and forth between team members. Count how many consecutive catches your team can make without the ball touching the ground.
- Challenge: Increase the distance between players after every 10 successful catches. This makes the game more challenging and encourages movement and coordination.
- Winning: The team with the most consecutive catches before the ball hits the ground wins the rally!
Tip: To make the coastal paddle rally even more engaging for younger children, introduce fun challenges or handicaps for the adults and older kids, like catching with one hand or spinning around before each catch.
2. Beach spikeball blast 🏐👥🏖
Enjoy beach days more with the Spikeball Original Kit 1-Ball game, a mix of volleyball and foursquare suitable for all ages. Quick to set up with 1 ball, 1 net, and foldable legs for stability, it’s perfect for sand, grass, or indoors. Play 2 on 2, aiming to bounce the ball off the net in ways the opposing team can’t return. Win by reaching 21 points first, with rules adaptable for competitive or casual play.
Volleyball Kit – 4.7/5 Rating on Amazon
Spikeball is celebrated for its quality, easy setup, and portability, making it an active, fun game for family or friends. Adjust standing distances from the net for a fair challenge among mixed-age players.
It combines exercise with excitement, offering memorable outdoor entertainment.
3. Ultimate jazzminton 🏸🕺🎾
Players serve and rally the birdie back and forth, trying to keep it in play. The game includes various types of birdies and balls for different speeds and challenges, allowing for adaptable gameplay suitable for all skill levels.
Racquet Game Set – 4.5/5 Rating on Amazon
The goal is to maintain rallies and enjoy a mix of badminton, pickleball, and ping-pong dynamics in a fun, engaging way. With 4 paddles, 11 birdies, 4 balls, and a carry bag, this game set is designed to cater to all skill levels and ages, making it a versatile pick for family and friends.
Tip: Thanks to its soft construction, it can be played virtually anywhere, indoors and outdoors, without worrying about boundaries or the birdies causing damage.
4. Cornhole challenge 🌽🕳️🎯
It’s ideal for ages 6 and up and perfect for 2-4 players. Play Himal Collapsible Portable Corn Hole with 2 boards and 8 bean bags. Teams take turns tossing bean bags towards the hole on the opposite board, aiming to get the bags in the hole or on the board for points. The first team to reach a set score wins.
Corn Hole Boards – 4.4/5 Rating on Amazon
Tip: Use the bounce to your advantage; a softer throw can use the board’s give for a strategic landing.
5. Beach paddle ball 🏓🏖🤾♂️
The game can be played with two players hitting the ball to each other, aiming to keep the rally going as long as possible without letting the ball touch the ground. Using the W4W Kadima Beach Paddle Ball Racket Set, players hit a small rubber ball back and forth using paddles.
Racquetball Set – 4.6/5 Rating on Amazon
Players Age: Suitable for youth and up, offering fun for kids, teens, adults, and families.
Number of People: Ideal for 2 players, but can be adapted for more participants in a casual, round-robin style play.
Tip: Focus on control over power to keep the rally going longer. A lighter touch allows for more precise hits and extended play, especially in windy beach conditions.
6. Washer toss game 🎉
The Washer Toss Game is a classic outdoor game in which players or teams toss steel core washers into one of two 12″x 12″ folding targets. The goal is to get the washers into the hole of the target for maximum points or as close as possible.
Washer Toss Set – 4.4/5 Rating on Amazon
The game set includes 6 washers (3 red and 3 blue) that also function as bottle openers, adding a unique twist to your game experience. Designed for 1-4 players, this game can be enjoyed individually or in teams.
What customers say: “Family fun had by all. The game is very portable and comes in a smaller box, which is easier to transport. The assembly is easy, and the washers are solid and quality. We don’t recommend testing it out on a harder surface as this did cause thinning in the fabric on the bottom. We purchased the game to take to the beach and camp. It is a fun game! Great buy for the price!” – Kari.
7. Bocce ball 🟢🟡🎳
Bocce Ball is a classic outdoor game in which players toss or roll colored balls to get them closest to a smaller target ball called the pallino. Each set includes 8 bocce balls in 4 colors (2 red, 2 blue, 2 green, 2 yellow) and a white pallino. Teams or individuals take turns throwing their balls to either land close to the pallino or knock their opponents’ balls away.
Bocce Ball Set – 4.8/5 Rating on Amazon
Points are awarded based on the proximity of the bocce balls to the pallino after all balls have been thrown. This game is perfect for players of all ages; it can be played with 2 to 8 players, allowing for flexibility in game size and ensuring everyone can join in the fun.
Tip: Focus on your throw’s angle and strength. A softer touch may place your ball closer to the pallino, but a stronger throw can knock opponents’ balls away from the target.
8. Octopus kite flying 🪁🐙💨
Flying an Octopus Kite is a breeze—literally! Attach the kite string to the kite, find a spot with good wind, and let it soar. The unique octopus design with a long, flowing tail ensures it catches the wind easily, making it perfect for all, from beginners to seasoned kite flyers.
Flying Octopus Kite – 4.5/5 Rating on Amazon
Each kite in the 3-pack set (available in vibrant color combinations) is ready to fly out of the bag, with no assembly required. These kites are a fantastic choice for all ages. Flying kites can be solitary or group fun. Whether alone, with a partner, or in a group, everyone can have their kite to fly, making it an engaging activity.
Tip: Experiment with running against the wind to launch the kite and then enjoy it as it stabilizes at higher altitudes with more consistent wind.
9. Portable cornhole 🌽🎯👜
Set up the boards opposite each other, form teams, and take turns tossing the 8 included bean bags (4 red and 4 blue) towards the holes. Points are scored by landing bean bags in the holes or on the board. The Portable Cornhole Game set includes two 3′ x 2′ boards with a unique 5-hole design and netting to catch scoring shots, making it a fun variation on traditional cornhole.
Cornhole Game Set – 4.4/5 Rating on Amazon
Number of People: The game is designed for 2 to 4 players but can accommodate more by taking turns or forming teams. It’s perfect for encouraging social interaction and friendly competition.
What you need to know: Experiment with different tossing techniques to find the best way to score. Some players may prefer a high arc, while others may succeed with a lower, more direct throw.
10. Ladder Toss game 🏈🎯
Ladder Toss, or ladder golf, is an engaging game where players or teams throw bolo balls, made of two balls connected by a string, at a ladder structure to hook them on one of the three rungs. Each rung scores different points, typically with the top rung worth three points, the middle one worth two points, and the bottom one point. The game proceeds until a player or team reaches a predetermined score, often 21 points.
Ladder Toss Game Set – 4.6/5 Rating on Amazon
Ladder Toss can be played one-on-one or in teams, making it suitable for 2 to 4 players. It’s a great way to involve everyone in a competitive but friendly outdoor activity.
To win: Adjust your strategy based on distance from the ladder and wind conditions to maximize your scoring potential.
11. Premium game – Bean bag toss 🌾🎒🎯
Wood Cornhole, also known as bean bag toss, is one of the classic beach games for adults and for kids, where players take turns throwing bags filled with corn or beans at a raised platform with a hole at the far end. A bag in the hole scores 3 points, while a bag on the platform scores 1.
Wood Cornhole Set – 4.3/5 Rating on Amazon
The game continues until a player or team reaches or exceeds a score of 21 points. Typically played in teams of two, cornhole can accommodate 2 to 4 players, making it perfect for both intimate and larger group settings. Some players prefer a high arc to drop the bag directly into the hole, while others may opt for a lower, sliding throw for better control.
Promising Review: “Beautiful design. Everything was included. I liked that the boards stuck together for easy transport with the handles. A little slippery but standard game size” – Stacey
Games with minimum equipment
Discover a collection of delightful beach games that promise maximum fun with minimal equipment. These activities are designed to enhance your beach day experience without the hassle of packing and transporting a lot of gear.
Beach relay races 🏃♂️🏁👟
Teams compete to complete a course by taking turns to perform tasks such as running a distance, carrying an object, or navigating through obstacles. Each player runs a segment of the race before passing on a baton (or any object serving as one) to the next team member. The first team to finish the course wins.
A minimum of 4 people (2 per team), but more participants allow for larger teams and a longer relay.
Equipment Needed:
- Baton or substitute object for passing between team members.
- Cones or markers designate the race’s start, end, and relay points.
Sandcastle-building competitions 🏰🏖
Participants are divided into teams or compete individually to build sandcastles or sand sculptures within a set time frame. Creativity, size, and detail can all be criteria for judging the winner, which can be decided by a panel or through a vote by all participants.
Number of People Required:
It can be played individually or in teams, with no minimum number. Larger groups can form multiple teams for a competitive event.
Equipment: Buckets and spades for shaping sand. Optional decorative items (shells, flags, etc.) to adorn the sandcastles.
Beach scavenger hunts 🔍📜🐚
Participants receive a list of items to find or tasks to complete within a certain beach area. The first person or team to collect all items or complete all tasks wins. Tasks can range from finding natural objects to taking creative photos. There must be at least two people, but more participants increase the fun and challenge. It can be played in teams or individually.
Equipment Needed:
- A list of items or tasks for participants.
- Bags for collecting items (if part of the hunt).
- Camera or smartphone (for photo tasks, if included).
Water balloon tosses 💦🎈👐
Pairs of participants toss a water balloon back and forth, taking a step backward after each successful catch. The distance between them increases with each toss. The game continues until the balloon breaks. The last pair with their balloon intact wins.
Number of People Required: At least four people must form pairs, but more participants allow for a larger competition.
Equipment: Water balloons filled with water.
Races with a cup of water 🏃♀️🥤🌊
Participants race from the shoreline to a finish line while carrying a cup filled with ocean water. The objective is to reach the finish line quickly without spilling the water. The person or team with the most water left in their cup wins. It can be played with two or more people. Larger groups can compete in teams or as individuals in multiple rounds.
Equipment: Plastic cups or any container for carrying water.
Tips for maximizing fun
Choosing the Right Game for Your Group: When selecting beach games, consider the group’s size, age range, and physical abilities. For more relaxed settings, consider exploring our best picnic games, perfect for mixing beach fun with a classic picnic atmosphere.
- Some games may suit smaller groups or those seeking less physically demanding activities.
- Select games that allow everyone to participate and feel included, enhancing the group’s overall experience.
Safety First: While beach games for adults are a source of immense fun, it’s crucial to prioritize safety. Stay hydrated, use water jugs, apply sunscreen regularly, and be mindful of the surrounding environment, including the ocean and wildlife.
As the day winds down and the sun sets on the horizon, there’s no better way to conclude a day filled with beach games than with a final round of your favorite game.
The laughter, the competition, and the shared joy of these activities make for a perfect beach day and lasting memories with friends and family.
If you are looking for the ideal location to host your beach day adventures, explore the best LA & Orange County beaches to arrange to your event.
FAQs
Are there any games that serve as team-building activities?
Beach relay races, sandcastle-building competitions, and beach scavenger hunts can foster teamwork and communication. These activities encourage collaboration and strategy, making them excellent for bonding among friends, family, or coworkers.
How can we incorporate water into our best beach games?
Water balloon tosses or races, in which players carry a cup of ocean water across a distance without spilling, are enjoyable ways to include water elements. Always supervise activities near the water and ensure participants know their swimming capabilities and safety measures.
What are creative ways to keep score for competitive games?
Use natural materials like shells or stones as markers for keeping score, or draw a scoreboard in the sand. This approach is not only practical but also adds an element of creativity and interaction with the beach environment.
So, pack some best beach games next time you head to the shore. They might be the highlight of your beach adventure.
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