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[Enjoy Summer to the Fullest] A Roundup of Games and Recreational Activities at the Sea and on the Beach

Many of you are probably planning to head to the beach for your summer trip! Will you swim to your heart’s content, or sunbathe while gazing at the ocean…

How would you spend your time at the beach? In this article, we introduce games and recreational activities you can enjoy by the sea and on the sandy shore.

We’ve compiled plenty of options that anyone can join, regardless of age, and that work well for both small and large groups, so be sure to check them out before you go.

We also share ways to create keepsakes, so make lots of memories—including the time you spend playing!

[Enjoy Summer to the Fullest] A Roundup of Games and Recreation to Enjoy at the Sea and on the Beach (21–30)

hopscotch

Hopscotch is somewhat similar to Japan’s “kenkenpa.” You draw a court on the ground with chalk and hop your way through it.

Remarkably, people have been playing it since the days of the Roman Empire.

The design of the court varies by country.

If you lose your balance or step outside a square while hopping through the boxes, you’re out.

Playing on sand is harder than on flat ground, so you’re more likely to make mistakes.

This game is played all over the world—why not revisit your childhood and give it a try?

Tug of war

Baywatch vs Teenagers Tug of War Delray beach Surf festival 2013
Tug of war

Let’s all get serious and try playing tug-of-war! For many of us, tug-of-war brings back memories of school sports days from childhood, doesn’t it? These days, the sport is gaining attention with detailed rules established for competition.

At the beach, there’s plenty of space, and on the sand it won’t hurt much if you fall, so go all out! Of course, both adults and children can enjoy it together.

[Enjoying Summer to the Fullest] A Compilation of Games and Recreational Activities at the Sea and on the Beach (31–40)

Beach handball

1st / Women’s Final Cherry Blossoms – Botany Bay | 2020 Beach Handball Australian Championships
Beach handball

It may not be very popular in Japan, but here’s a ball sport that’s gaining momentum, especially in Europe and South America.

It originated from handball in Italy in 1992, and in Japan the All-Japan Beach Handball Championship began in 1999.

At the 2018 Buenos Aires Youth Olympic Games, beach handball was adopted as an official sport, so you could say it’s a serious sport that goes beyond just casual play.

If you’ve never tried it, definitely give it a shot.

Musical chairs

[Big Family] Playtime with 7 Siblings! We played musical chairs on the beach!
Musical chairs

How about trying a game of musical chairs? Musical chairs is that game where, when the music stops, everyone scrambles for a seat and the person left standing is out.

I think many people have played it at least once.

But playing it on the beach gives it a whole new twist.

The biggest feature is that your feet get caught in the sand, making it harder to move.

Try experimenting with different ways of walking to move more easily.

And of course, enjoy the unique thrill that musical chairs brings.

Bodyboard

Bodyboarding for Beginners: The Takeoff Textbook – How to Catch and Ride Waves
Bodyboard

If you’re scared of standing up to take off when surfing, I recommend bodyboarding.

Like surfing, bodyboarding is a sport where you ride waves for fun, but instead of standing, you take off while lying on your stomach.

It feels like you’re gliding over the ocean, which is a lot of fun.

Since you’re unlikely to fall off the board, it seems suitable for kids too.

Wearing fins makes you go faster, so be sure to get them along with your board.

Beach rugby

Beach Rugby in just over 2 minutes
Beach rugby

When it comes to the sport that thrilled all of Japan in 2019, it has to be rugby! This is its beach version: beach rugby.

The rules are different from regular rugby—only five players are allowed on the court, and the ball used is slightly smaller than a standard rugby ball.

Unlike rugby on the field, there are no tackles, making it safe and enjoyable for women, children, and those who aren’t confident in sports.

If full-scale rugby feels daunting but you’d like to give it a try, why not take a shot at it on the beach this summer?

Beach football

Beach Football Game @ Shonan Hiratsuka Beach
Beach football

When it comes to sports you can fully enjoy at the beach, volleyball and futsal might be the most famous.

But have you heard of “beach football,” which combines touch rugby and American football? It’s a bona fide sport enjoyed in various places and is popular as a safe way to enjoy rugby.

There are dedicated balls and clearly defined rules, so why not look it up on the internet? Give this uniquely sandy, tactile sport a try!