Looking for some fun beach activities for toddlers? Get ready to have a ball this summer with these 30 ideas!
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Summertime is here and just about everyone looks forward to one thing in particular – going to the beach! A trip to the beach can be a fun way for families with young children to bond, explore, and create lasting memories together.
But if you’re anything like me you may sometimes feel stuck trying to come up with ways to keep toddlers entertained while out at the water’s edge. Look no further – we’ve got 30 fun and entertaining beach activities perfect for toddlers (and kids of all ages) that will keep the whole family smiling all day long.
So load up those buckets and hit the sand, let’s get started on having some seaside fun!
Grab your FREE beach packing list from my freebie library when you sign up for my email list HERE.
Fun Beach Activities for Toddlers
1. Build a Sand Castle
Building a sand castle is a timeless beach activity and a required beach activity in our family. Imagine the excitement in your toddler’s eyes as they squish wet sand between their fingers to create towers and moats. This task not only hones their fine motor skills but also teaches them about gravity and the forces of nature. Don’t worry about complexity; even the humblest mound of sand will spark joy in your little one’s heart.
Pro Mom Tip: Bring along a small bucket, a shovel, and a mold for the classic turrets.
2. Paint Seashells
This is quite possibly the best beach activity for toddlers out there! Art and craft projects can be a hit even at the sea, especially with a theme that involves items found on the beach. Collect a variety of seashells, and then let your toddler’s imagination run wild as they decorate their natural treasures.
Pro Mom Tip: Carry a smock or old t-shirt to protect swimsuits from unexpected splashes of color.
3. Draw in the Sand
One of the simplest and purest forms of artistic expression can be to draw in the sand. Have your child draw shapes, letters, or simply squiggles, and as the water comes to claim them, explain to your child how the ocean creates an infinite canvas.
Pro Tip: Take a photo of your child’s sand drawings for a lasting memory.
Grab your Summer Activities Planner for Mom and Kids HERE!
4. Play in a Kiddie Pool
Sometimes, the waves are too big, and the water too cold for little ones. Bringing a kiddie pool to the beach is a game-changer. It provides a safe space for water play where you can control the depth and the temperature. With their favorite water-safe toys, your toddlers can splash and play to their heart’s content while you relax with the peace of mind that they’re secure.
Pro Tip: Consider a sunshade to give your child a break from the sun while they splash.
5. Playing with Sand Toys
At this age, sand, in many ways, is the ultimate toy. From buckets to shovels, rakes to molds, these toys come in handy as your little one explores the textures and potential of this dynamic material, refining their motor skills.
Pro Mom Tip: A mesh bag is a great way to clean and store sandy toys at the end of the day.
6. Go Fishing
A mini-fishing game could be the next best thing for your toddler, offering a fun way to foster their coordination. Bring along a kiddie fishing rod with magnetic or Velcro fish and watch as their concentration kicks in to capture the ‘big one.’ This activity also opens up the perfect opportunity to introduce them to the concept of patience and the excitement of achieving a goal.
Pro Mom Tip: Opt for a set with large, safe pieces that are perfect for small hands.
7. Collect Seashells
The simple act of collecting seashells can be magical for a toddler. Not only does it keep them occupied, but it also encourages them to explore their environment and find the beauty in nature. Utilize a bucket or a small mesh bag to store their finds and you can even make it a game—see who can find the most unique or the prettiest shell.
Pro Tip: Assist in identifying and categorizing the shells you collect with an illustrated guidebook.
Grab your FREE beach packing list from my freebie library when you sign up for my email list HERE.
8. Skim Board
Skimboarding for toddlers? Absolutely, but with a twist. A small, plastic board that won’t tip over in calm water can be the perfect, safe introduction to this beachside sport. With a parent’s assistance, your little one can play at the edge of the water, learning balance and coordination in a fun, invigorating way.
Pro Mom Tip: Start with a shallow run, and emphasize safety and stability until they get the hang of it.
9. Play Volleyball
Yes, volleyball can be a toddler-friendly game! With a soft, lightweight beach ball and a net that’s set low, your little one can work on hand-eye coordination and enjoy teamwork with a simplified version of this popular beach sport. Plus, there’s a lot of laughter to be had when the little ones try to spike the ball.
Pro Tip: A beaded or foam ball is ideal because they’re lightweight and less likely to cause injury.
10. Play I Spy
This classic game is a great way to get your toddler’s eyes roaming and their minds engaged. Take turns spotting objects on the shore and see if your tot can guess what you’ve spied. It’s a simple but effective way to develop their observational skills while keeping them entertained.
Pro Mom Tip: Have them take the lead and give you clues to guess the object to amp up the fun.
11. Have a Scavenger Hunt
Stimulate your toddler’s sense of adventure and discovery by organizing a scavenger hunt. Create a simple list of things to find—a feather, a piece of smooth glass, a shell with a hole in it—and send them on a mission to find each item. This not only turns a beach day into a game but also gets them moving and interacting with their surroundings more intentionally.
Pro Tip: Keep the list simple, and ensure that each item is safe for your toddler to handle.
12. Play Sandcastle Bowling
One of the beach’s greatest pastimes is turning sand into architectural wonders. Take those castle-building skills up a notch by setting up a line of shells, which your little one can try to knock over with a well-aimed sandball.
Pro Tip: For an extra challenge, create pins of different sizes or distances and assign point values to each, making the game suitable for a variety of ages.
13. Tug of War
This classic test of strength is safe and fun for toddlers with a twist of teamwork and excitement. Dig your feet into the sand and teach your little one all about pulling together as a family — invaluable life lessons in the instance of friendly competition.
Pro Tip: Make sure the teams are evenly matched to keep the game fun and competitive for everyone involved.
14. Simon Says
Bring the beloved game to the beach and get those little minds and bodies moving. “Simon says hop like a crab!” “Simon says leap like a fish!” It’s an imaginative way to enhance their gross motor skills while having a blast.
Pro Tip: Tailor “Simon Says” commands to include beach-specific activities or learning opportunities, such as identifying coastal wildlife or practicing sustainable beach habits, to make the game both educational and entertaining.
Grab your Summer Activities Planner for Mom and Kids HERE!
15. Shell Washing Station
Toddlers and water go hand in hand. Create a little shell washing station at the shore where they can dip their hands in water and tend to the treasures they find on the beach. This is a beach activity for toddlers they will all love!
Pro Tip: Consider setting up a small magnifying glass station where everyone can take a closer look at the intricate patterns and details on their cleaned shells, making the exploration even more fascinating.
16. Fly a Kite
When the beach breeze picks up, it’s a perfect time to fly a kite – a task that toddlers can do with a little help from a parent. It’ll be an awe-filled moment for them as they see their new beach ‘pet’ soaring high in the sky.
Pro Tip: Choose colorful kites with unique designs to make the activity even more visually captivating. For those interested in making the experience more educational, discuss the history and science behind kite flying, including how different cultures have used kites for communication, celebration, and scientific experiments.
17. Sand Skee Ball
Who needs a carnival when you can bring the games to the beach? Use a sand-friendly Skee Ball set or a makeshift one using buckets and balls. Pro Tip: Assign different point values to different buckets to add an educational angle in counting and scorekeeping.
Pro Tip: This is a fantastic opportunity for players to learn simple math through play, tallying their scores as they go.
18. Play Games in the Sand
Draw a tic tac toe board, a hopscotch layout, or play an oversized game of hangman. This isn’t just fun; it’s also a great way to keep toddlers engaged in basic math, sequencing, and literacy skills.
Pro Tip: To make the game more interesting, challenge your opponent to a series of matches, keeping the score in the sand next to your playing grid. The loser has to take a dip in the water or help build the next sandcastle!
19. Musical Towels
It’s like musical chairs, but with an aquatic twist. Have the little ones hold beach towels and dance around to music. When the music stops, they find a spot — the last one standing out is soaked!
Pro Tip: For extra fun, switch up the music styles or incorporate dance moves while circling the towels. This adds a creative twist and ensures lots of laughs, making the game even more memorable.
20. Build a Seashell Tower
Collect shells and stack them as high as you can. This activity doesn’t require much, yet it’s incredibly engaging and helps with dexterity and hand-eye coordination.
Pro Tip: Look for the most unique seashells to make your tower stand out. This activity can also spark interesting conversations about marine life and the natural environment.
21. Water Balloon Toss
Not all beach activities for toddlers need to focus on sand. Pack a few water balloons and play toss with your toddler. It’s thrilling and a fantastic way to develop hand-eye coordination at an early age.
Pro Tip: Pre-fill water balloons before going to the beach and transport them in a cooler.
22. Read Books
A beach adventure with a side of education is the perfect blend. Bring along your favorite storybooks or explore ones about marine life. Pro Tip: Look for interactive books with textures or flaps for a multi-sensory experience.
Pro Tip: Choose books with maritime themes to complement your surroundings and immerse yourself further into the beach atmosphere.
23. Playing in the Waves
In the shallows, the waves can be your toddler’s first taste of an ocean rollercoaster ride. Encourage them to jump over the small waves and feel the exhilaration of the ocean’s push and pull.
Pro Tip: Always maintain a close distance for safety, and consider wearing water shoes to protect your feet.
Grab your FREE beach packing list from my freebie library when you sign up for my email list HERE.
24. Throw and Catch
One classic beach activity for toddlers is a fun game of throw and catch. Start with a beach frisbee or a softball and introduce the concept of throwing and catching. It’s a wonderful way to enhance both gross and fine motor skills.
Pro Tip: Start with short throws to build confidence before gradually increasing the distance.
25. Eat Popsicles
A day at the beach can be a scorcher, so stay hydrated with fun, colorful, and (dare I say?) nutritious popsicles. This will be a delicious introduction to soothing sunburned taste buds.
Pro Tip: Choose fruit-based popsicles for a healthier option and bring a cooler to keep them frozen.
26. Buried Treasure Hunt
Hide a few bright, shiny toys in the sand and help your toddler hunt for them. The excitement of discovery will be unforgettable.
Pro Tip: Ensure that the items are big enough not to pose a choking hazard and are easily washable.
27. Take a Swim
When the sun is high, nothing beats a refreshing dip. Splash around with your toddler and guide them through the thrill of the water. Use this opportunity to introduce basic water safety, like always having an adult present while swimming.
Pro Tip: Always prioritize safety by staying in shallow areas and using suitable swim aids.
Grab your Summer Activities Planner for Mom and Kids HERE!
28. Sing Songs
The sound of the waves makes for a perfect backdrop to a beach sing-along. Whether you’re belting out ‘Yellow Submarine’ or ‘Under the Sea’, music adds another layer of enjoyment to the seaside experience.
Pro Tip: Bring a portable speaker to play soft background music that won’t disturb others around you.
29. Blow Bubbles
The ocean air loves bubbles. It’s a simple activity that toddlers adore, and it’s wonderful for their speech development as they learn to form words while blowing.
Pro Tip: Use a variety of bubble wands to create bubbles of different sizes and shapes, adding an element of surprise and excitement.
30. Hula Hoop
Another great beach activity for toddlers is the hoola hoop! Hoola hoop games can be a great way to keep your little one engaged and active at the beach. You can use hoola hoops to create obstacle courses, play “ring toss” or just have your toddler practice their balance by holding onto the hoop as they move along the shore. This activity also helps with motor skills development and hand-eye coordination.
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