[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!
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[Enjoying Summer] A Roundup of Games and Recreation at the Sea and Beach (41–50)
playing catch
Just changing the location can make a familiar game feel completely different, right? So how about enjoying a game of catch by the seaside? Feeling the sea breeze and the scent of the ocean in an open space can be a great refresh.
If you play around sunset, you might even feel like the hero of a sports manga.
The sunlight might be a bit dazzling, but as a change of pace, do try playing catch by the shore.
Surfing
If you want to really have fun in the ocean, why not try the classic water sport: surfing? You might think surfing is a bit tough for beginners, but once you get the hang of it, it’s totally enjoyable! First, imagine yourself riding a wave while still on land.
Once you can do that, use body surfing to get a feel for moving ahead of the wave.
After that, you’ll finally get on a board—start by kneeling.
When you can take off while kneeling, try standing up and give it a go!
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.
kite flying
When you think of kite flying, it’s usually known as a New Year’s pastime in Japan, but flying one at the beach in summer is also a lot of fun.
A kite floating in the blue sky looks so refreshing! If you fly it toward the sea, there are no power lines to get snagged on, so it might actually be safer than you’d expect.
Just keep in mind that without wind it’s hard to get a kite up, and running along a crowded shoreline to launch it can be dangerous.
It’s a good idea to use a plastic kite so it’s okay even if it accidentally falls into the water.
You can easily make one yourself with a plastic bag and some straws, so give it a try if you like!
Making a Sand Vessel
Here’s a game I’ve always wanted to try: making a sand bowl! You can’t actually use the bowl, but it looks like so much fun.
First, make a mound of sand and poke a hole at the top with your finger.
Then pour bottled water into the hole.
Be careful not to let the water spill over the edges, and don’t add too much! Once you’ve poured in the water, gently remove the surrounding sand.
You’ll end up with a sand bowl hardened by the water! Give it a try on a beach with fine, dry sand.
Beach sprint
If you want an easy game to enjoy at the beach, “Sandy Sprint” is a great pick! You don’t need any equipment—just decide on a start and finish line, and then run! It sounds simple, but running on sand is trickier than you’d expect.
Unlike firm ground, your push-off doesn’t spring back, and some people might lose balance as their feet sink into the sand.
But those little mishaps become fun memories too! Line up with a few people and compete for time or placement.
WaveRunner ball
For some reason, the ball bounces on water! That’s the kind of mysterious experience you can have with this Wave Runner Ball.
Even beach balls that you often play with at the pool or the ocean don’t bounce on water.
But if you throw this Wave Runner Ball hard at the water, it actually bounces.
The ball itself is made from a soft material, so kids can play with it safely.
Try making it bounce and fly to different places, or compete to see how high it can bounce—enjoy all sorts of games that are different from a regular beach ball!
Snorkeling
If you’re going to play at the beach in summer, snorkeling is a great choice.
Swimming out into the open sea with just a pair of goggles feels liberating and wonderful.
If you’re a strong swimmer, you can even dive down as you are.
Try different ways to enjoy yourself—look for sea creatures, or simply let yourself drift with the waves.
Water Balloon Battle
It’s a perfect water balloon battle for beach play! The best part is that it’s fun with both small and large groups.
The simple rule—split into teams and hit the opposing team’s “it” with water balloons, with the team that gets them the most soaked winning—is also a big draw.
You’ll need to prepare plenty of water balloons, so it takes a bit of effort, but it will definitely become an unforgettable summer memory! You can expand the ways to play depending on your ideas—like hanging paper targets around players’ necks or doing a relay where you pop balloons as you go—so give it a try!
clam digging
Although clam digging is often associated with spring, you can actually do it year-round.
The key is to aim for low tide when the water recedes.
You can take the clams you collect home, or cook and eat them on the spot—that’s fun too.
Give it a try!