Going to the beach as a family is a great way to create lasting memories while enjoying the sun, sand, and sea. But sometimes, you want a little more than just lounging and building sandcastles. This is where beach games come to the rescue. Playing games together engages everyone involved and adds to the dun. There are many classic games you can try, from soccer to frisbee.
Beach Soccer
Beach soccer is fun and has a lot of benefits, from improving hand-eye coordination to increasing fitness. To make the most out of the game, you’ll want to choose a beach football ball specifically designed for playing on sand. Choosing the right one will enhance the fun and safety of beach soccer.
These are soft and lightweight so that everyone can be involved and show off their soccer skills. The lighter weight also helps the ball stay afloat on the sand and makes it easier to control during play. Beach soccer balls are often constructed from durable, water-resistant materials that can withstand sand and saltwater. These materials are softer than traditional soccer balls to provide comfort for barefoot play.
In terms of size, you want to pick a beach football ball that is appropriate for kids. In general, a size 4 ball is suitable for older kids, while younger children aged 5 to 8 may benefit from a size 3 ball that's smaller, making it easier for young players to control and kick.
Colour-wise, bright and cheerful designs are easier to spot in the sand while balls with a textured surface or a slightly grippy design can help with control and handling on the sand.
Also, to make the most out of the game you want to adapt the rules and size of the field to match the age and skill level of the kids. When it comes to the field size you want to keep it small and manageable. To define the playing area you can draw lines in the sand or place objects like bags or water bottles.
Frisbee
Frisbee is another classic game that’s fun to play. It's a great way to make new memories at the beach and keep the kids physically active. To make the experience enjoyable for everyone, first, you need to choose the right frisbee.
They come in many styles and designs and you should choose one depending on the age of the kids. When buying a frisbee for children it should be soft and lightweight so it's easier for kids to catch and less likely to cause injury.
Nowadays you can find many sophisticated options with interesting features on them. Some have solar power, some run on batteries and some even have Bluetooth speakers that can add music to your beach game.
Material-wise, plastic is the preferred choice for making frisbees. That's because it's sturdy, durable and easy to throw. Plus, plastic is easy to clean. However, sometimes plastic frisbees can be thick and hard for children so you can go with other softer materials such as silicone or opt for flying rings, which are often easier for kids to throw and catch compared to traditional plastic frisbees.
Next, frisbees should be durable since they take a lot of hits. They go into the sand and fall into the water. That's why you need something that can stand up to a lot of wear and tear.
Playing throw and catch is one of the simplest ways to enjoy this activity at the beach. Instead of just throwing the frisbee around with no purpose (which can still be fun), you can turn it into a competitive game. On that note, you can divide into 2 teams, create zones and encourage kids to pass the frisbee to teammates to score. This teaches kids fair play and teamwork.
Cricket
This is another activity that you as a family can enjoy. The soft sand and relaxed environment can be a fun, low-pressure way to enjoy cricket as a family. For this purpose, you'll need a lightweight plastic or foam bat that's ideal for kids and safer for beach play and a specialised beach cricket ball to ensure no one gets hurt. When it comes to beach cricket balls, you'll want something safe, durable, and easy to use on sand. Lightweight plastic balls and tennis balls are a great choice because they are soft and safe, and won’t cause harm if they hit someone, reducing the risk of injury.
Again, you want to keep the pitch short (around 10 to 15 meters), making sure that the wicket area is firm enough for bowling and batting. Also, don't forget to keep the game light-hearted. Simplify the rules to focus on fun and keep the mood positive, regardless of skill level. For instance, you can shorten the number of over and allow underarm bowling for younger kids.