Whether you don’t know how to swim or just don’t like getting wet, take inspiration from these ideas for other fun activities to try at the beach. From getting creative to playing traditional beach games, here are 5 totally fun things to do at the beach even if you don’t swim.
Swimming may be the most common activity among beachgoers, but there are plenty of other things to do if you don’t want to splash around. From shell collecting to metal detecting and everything in between, choose from a wide variety of things to do at the beach, even if you don’t swim.
Build a Sandcastle
Unleash your inner architect by building impressive edifices out of sand. Bring along a few plastic buckets and shovels to help you realize your vision. Enlist your kids’ help in building the sandy structure of your dreams, whether it’s a castle with a moat or a city of tiny skyscrapers. And if you forget to bring tools, take a walk along the seashore to find shells and sticks to help you with your creation.
Play Iconic Beach Games
As you wander along the beach, why not get involved in a friendly game of beach volleyball? It’s a great opportunity to get your body moving and meet new people. Other popular games to play at the beach include:
- Frisbee or disc golf
- Bocce ball
- Cornhole
Some games require a little more setup than others. Bring your favorite yard games to the beach and have a blast playing in the sun.
Go Metal Detecting
You’ve probably seen those amateur treasure hunters at the beach with metal detectors in hand. Beaches are a great place for metal detecting because beachgoers often lose small articles, like rings and coins, in the sand.
Even if you mostly find bottle caps and other assorted trash on your treasure hunt, you can do your part in cleaning up the beach. Throw away any garbage you find and the ecosystem will thank you.
Collect Seashells
Pick up a bucket, kick off your shoes, and go for a leisurely walk along the shoreline in search of seashells. Spend some time sifting through wet sand and you may find some gorgeous shells to keep as souvenirs of your beach day.
Top Tip: Before you take any shells home with you, check them thoroughly to make sure they’re empty. Lots of marine critters call those seashells home!
Fly a Kite
Beaches have plenty of open space and are often quite windy, which makes them prime spots for kite-flying. Trek out to an area that’s not densely populated and let your kite take flight.
Flying kites is also a great activity to do with your kids. Help your kids choose—or build—the kite of their dreams and enlist their help in getting it to fly high at the beach.
Even if you don’t swim, there are plenty of things to do at the beach, whether alone or with companions. You don’t have to spend the whole day lying still in the sun; get active and fully enjoy the beach environment.
