Summertime is the perfect season to bask in the warm sun, feel the sand between your toes, and indulge in the beauty of the beach. Apart from swimming and sunbathing, there are plenty of creative and engaging activities you can partake in by the beach. Here, we will explore ten wonderful activities that will enhance your beach experience and make your summer truly memorable. These are my kids favourite activities and we do time and time again!
Have a go at Rock Pooling
Explore the fascinating world of rock pools and discover a hidden ecosystem teeming with marine life. With a little curiosity and a keen eye, you can spot colorful fish, tiny crabs, and interesting shells. Grab a bucket, a net, and a field guide to marine life, and embark on a captivating adventure along the shoreline. We love discovering sea through shrimps and watching sea anemone unfurl. Be sure to put anything you find, back at the end.
Have a go at Nature Art
Unleash your creativity and let nature be your muse. Use seashells, pebbles, driftwood, and seaweed to create stunning works of art right on the sandy canvas. Build intricate sand sculptures or arrange colorful pebbles to form patterns and images. Let your imagination run wild and share your masterpieces with friends and family. Nature Art is easy and fun! This is a really easy “in situ” activity that you can do any time any place. Be inspired by Andy Goldsworthy!
Make your own Sun Dial Creation
At the beach all day? See if you can make a working Sun Dial! Harness the power of the sun and create your very own sun dial. Find a suitable spot on the beach, preferably where the sun is visible for a significant part of the day. Use sticks or stones to mark the hours and minutes on the sand, and watch as the shadow of the stick moves along the dial throughout the day, indicating the time.
Everyone must give Kite Flying a go
Feel the exhilaration as you watch your kite dance with the wind against the backdrop of a sparkling blue sky. Flying a kite by the beach is a classic activity that is both relaxing and fun. Choose a breezy day, assemble your kite, and let it soar high above, performing graceful maneuvers in the air. It’s a delightful experience for all ages.
Why not try Beach Yoga
Combine the tranquility of yoga with the soothing sounds of the ocean by practicing beach yoga. The soft sand provides a natural cushion for your body as you flow through asanas and connect with the elements around you. The beach ambiance enhances relaxation and rejuvenation, making it an ideal location for mindfulness and inner peace.
Seashell Collecting
Beachcombing for seashells is a cherished pastime for many beachgoers. Wander along the shore and keep an eye out for unique and beautiful seashells that have been washed ashore. From delicate scallops to vibrant conch shells, each discovery holds its own story. Create a collection to use in your Nature Art and see what you can create. HOWEVER: please do not take your sea shells home. They are needed in nature! The best keepsake from the beach is sea glass! As this is man made and technically “rubbish”.
Have a game of Beach Volleyball
Gather a group of friends or join in on a game of beach volleyball. Feel the sand beneath your feet as you dive, jump, and spike the ball over the net. This energetic and competitive sport is a fantastic way to have fun while staying active in the sun. This is a great one for teenagers and young adults.
Picnic by the Shore & GeoCACHING
Pack a delicious picnic and savor a delightful meal with friends and family by the beach. Spread out a blanket, set up a beach umbrella for shade, and enjoy a feast of sandwiches, salads, and refreshing drinks. Listen to the soothing sound of the waves as you relish good food and great company. Then check out the local area for some geocaching. It is a great way to wander along the sea side and explore.
Sunset Watching
Witnessing a breathtaking sunset by the beach is an experience that should not be missed. As the day draws to a close, find a cozy spot on the beach and prepare to be mesmerized by nature’s most spectacular show. Watch as the vibrant colors of the sky blend together, creating a stunning canvas of oranges, pinks, and purples. The tranquil ambiance and the gentle lapping of the waves add to the enchantment of the moment. This is a great opportunity for some lovely photographs too, as the evening sun casts a warm glow on your subject!
Do some Litter Picking
Once you are done at the beach, why not have a go at this “unconventional” activity – litter picking. Teach your children, about the imporants of volunteering and looking after the environment. Show your love and care for the environment by participating in a beach clean-up. Take a stroll along the beach, armed with gloves and trash bags, and collect any litter that you come across. This activity not only helps protect marine life but also contributes to keeping the beach clean and beautiful for everyone to enjoy.
With these ten exciting activities, your beach experience this summer will be filled with adventure, creativity, and relaxation. Whether you’re exploring the wonders of the rock pools, contributing to the preservation of the beach by picking up litter, or immersing yourself in the artistry of nature, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Engage in the timeless pleasure of flying a kite, practice yoga on the sandy shores, or embark on the treasure hunt for seashells. And when you need a break, indulge in a beach volleyball game or relish a delightful picnic with loved ones. Lastly, make sure not to miss the breathtaking spectacle of a sunset by the beach.
Remember to respect and care for the beach and its surroundings.
Leave only footprints, take any litter with you, and be mindful of the delicate ecosystems that exist along the shoreline.
So, pack your beach essentials, grab your sunscreen, and embark on a summer adventure by the beach. Create beautiful memories, immerse yourself in nature’s wonders, and enjoy the blissful moments that only the beach can offer. Have a fantastic summer full of sunshine, sand, and endless joy!