You can have fun at the beach in many different ways. It could be as something as simple as reading a book or paddleboarding. If you want to add a bit of competition to the fun at the beach, or you want something to entertain your kids, then fun beach games are the way to go.
The best beach games come in all shapes and sizes, with some packing a lot of action that will keep you entertained until it’s time to head home. While there are various options on the market, here are the best beach games you and your family will love.
Best Beach Ball Game Overall: Crossnet
Crossnet is an exciting and unique beach game combining volleyball and four-square elements. It’s a great game to play with friends and family on a sunny beach day. The game is played on a four-way net, where opposing teams try to catch the ball and send it over to the other team’s side using only three touches.
One thing that makes Crossnet a great beach game is that it’s easy to set up and play. All you need is a soft sand surface, a Crossnet set, and some willing players. The game can be played by kids and adults alike, making it a fun activity for the whole family.
The game comes with a beach bag, making it easy to carry and store, along with other beach essentials, like a beach towel, sandals, and sunscreen. The beach bag is also big enough to store other beach games, like bocce ball or ladder ball, so that you can have all your favorite beach games in one place.
Crossnet is a great game on the beach because it’s challenging, fun, and gets you moving. It’s a classic beach game that combines strategy, teamwork, and athleticism, and it’s sure to be a favorite game among your beach buddies. Just don’t forget to lather on the best sunscreen before playing.
Best Beach Game for Families: Bottle Bash
Bottle bash is a great way to work on your hand-eye coordination while at the beach. This game requires throwing your flying disc toward your opponent’s pole and bottle. Your opponent must try to catch both the disc and bottle before touching the ground. If the bottle drops, you get 2 points; if the disc drops, you get 1 point. However, if both the bottle and disc drop, you get 3 points. The game is won by the first player to get to 21 points.
This Bottle Bash game set from Poleish Sports comes with 2 bottles, a flying disc, 2 metal poles and all the accessories you need to stabilize your bottles and poles. It also helps that this beach game is quite easy to set up, meaning you can get to the fun as quickly as possible.
Best Beach Card Game: Hoyle Waterproof Playing Cards
Playing cards have become a staple fun beach game. Unfortunately, you can mix standard playing cards and water together. This is where Hoyle Waterproof Playing Cards come in. These playing cards are waterproof, hand-washable, easy to shuffle, and flexible. They are about the same size as traditional playing cards and are printed on premium clear plastic cards.
You might believe these cards are heavy, but that would be false. They are extremely lightweight, weighing less than one ounce. It doesn’t matter if you are taking them to the beach, a picnic, or a camping trip; these cards are the best option for those looking to play all types of card games at the beach.
Best Beach Game for Little Kids: Activ Flyer
Finding fun beach games that the kids will love can be quite difficult. Fortunately, Activ Flyer has made it possible. This game has flying rings that weigh about an ounce, making them safe for children as young as 3 to play with. Since they are a lot lighter than frisbees, you don’t have to worry about your fingers getting hurt.
This also means that they can fly straight with little added effort on your part. They don’t make the best beach game unless they float on the water, and Active Flyer does just that.
You get 2 rings in the pack and can select from 8 color combinations. This fun beach game can be a great way to get your kids outdoors and active.
If you and the kids are going to be active in the sun, you better stay protected. Make sure your next purchase is the best sunscreen for kids.
Best Lawn Game: Cornhole
Cornhole is a fun beach game that tests your ability to aim and throw a bean bag. Two teams of two battle it out to see who can get more bags into the whole. Getting a bag in the hole gives a team 3 points, while bags that land on the board only get a point. Cornhole boards are typically constructed using wood, making them quite difficult to move.
Fortunately, Himal has created a portable and collapsible cornhole board that enables you to play on the beach, at home, or wherever you want without carrying heavy boards. This is one of the best beach games for kids and adults alike.
Best Beach Game for Increased Activity: Toss and Catch Ball
The Toss and Catch Ball game is a great way to get outside and have fun with friends and family. This game has two paddles and a soft, lightweight ball that’s easy to throw and catch. The paddles are made of durable plastic and have a comfortable grip that’s easy to hold onto.
One of the things I love about this game is how easy it is to set up and play. It is perfect for impromptu games in the backyard, at the beach, or even in a park. And because the ball is soft and lightweight, there’s no need to worry about injuries or damage to surrounding objects.
The Toss and Catch Ball game is also great for kids, as it helps improve hand-eye coordination and encourages outdoor play. Think of it as a fun way to get kids away from screens and technology and back to the basics of having fun outside.
Overall, this Toss and Catch Ball game is highly recommended for anyone looking for an exciting and easy way to get outside for fun. It’s a great game for all ages and will provide hours of entertainment for you and your friends or family.
Best Bocce Game: Bocce Ball
Nothing screams the best beach game like bocce ball. This game can trace its originals all the way to 5,000 BC. Bocce ball can be played by two people or by two teams of two. The ultimate aim of this game is to get your ball as close to the target ball—also called the pallino—as possible. You win the game if your ball is closer to the target ball than your opponent’s.
This Bocce ball set comes with 4 green balls, 4 red balls, a white pallino and a measuring device to ensure any distance-related discrepancies are ironed out. You can select balls between 90mm and 100mm. These balls fit seamlessly in the carry case. The great thing about bocce ball is that it is a fun beach game that can be played just about anywhere.
Best Team Game: TidalBall
This fun beach game originates from South Carolina and is a bocce ball and cornhole mashup. Thankfully, with this iteration, you don’t have to worry about logging around cornhole boards to play. The entire game kit weighs about 10 ounces.
Once you are at the beach, you can use the attached sand scoop to dig 2 holes—the holes should be ten paces away, and the trench should be behind each hole. You and your teammate will then compete against another team. Getting a ball in the hole gives you three points, while getting a ball in the trench is 1 point.
This fun beach game comes with 2 koozies and 6 balls for both teams (3 each). All of this is in an easily transportable mesh bag that can fit into your beach bag. Think of TidalBall as a no-hassle, lightweight beach game for the whole family.
Best Inventive Beach Game: Spikeball
Spikeball underwent a renaissance in 2018 and has become one of the most widely played fun beach games. This game which combines volleyball and four square, requires two teams made up of two to play. Each team gets 3 alternating touches to return the ball back to the other team. This can only be done by bouncing the ball off the net.
If one team cannot return the ball to the other team after 3 touches, then the other team scores a point. You can play Spikeball inside your home or at the beach, and your game doesn’t have to be interrupted thanks to 2 additional balls.
The net’s tightness can be tightened to your preference, and everything can be stored seamlessly thanks to the foldable legs. The Spikeball kit also comes with a drawstring carry bag, making transporting this fun beach game easy. This game doesn’t have a steep learning curve, making it a great beach game to add a bit of competitiveness to the day.
Best Paddle Beach Game: Jazzminton
Jazzminton is a fun and engaging game combining badminton, tennis, and paddleball elements. It’s a fast-paced game that requires quick reflexes and hand-eye coordination, making it a great way to stay active and have fun with friends and family.
The game has two paddles and a birdie and can be played indoors and outdoors. The paddles are lightweight and easy to handle, which makes it easy for players of all ages and skill levels to pick up and play.
One of the things that sets Jazzminton apart from other games is its versatility. It can be played in various settings, from the beach to the park to your backyard. Plus, the birdie is designed to be wind-resistant, which means you can play even on windy days without worrying about the birdie getting blown off course.
Jazzminton is a fun and entertaining game that is sure to provide hours of entertainment for players of all ages.
Best Beach and Yard Game: Hunnyball
The Hunnyball beach game is great for individuals who want friendly competition. This game is an innovative and exciting iteration of catch. This game requires two teams of 2 to play, ensuring at least four people can have fun at the beach. It comes with a ball and a portable board. The teams are split between offense and defense. The server from the team begins the game by bouncing the ball off the board for the defensive team to catch.
The defensive team can then pass the ball twice between each other before taking a shot at the board to continue the game. If a team misses the board, a catch, or the ball bounces out of bounds from the board, then the rally is over. The offensive team has the opportunity to score points by blocking passes.
This simple, fast-paced game requires little equipment, making it a great choice for a fun beach game.
Buyer’s Guide
Summer is the perfect time to hit the beach and enjoy some fun in the sun with family and friends. One way to make your beach day even more enjoyable is to bring along some beach games.
With so many options on the market, choosing the best beach games for your needs can be overwhelming. In this buyer’s guide, we’ll take a closer look at some key factors to consider when selecting the best beach games for your next outing.
Size and Weight
First and foremost, consider the size and weight of the beach games you’re considering. You’ll want to choose games that are easy to transport and won’t take up too much space in your beach bag. Look for lightweight and compact games, and consider options that come with carrying cases for added convenience.
Number of Players
Next, think about the number of players participating in the games. If you’re going with a large group, you may want to choose games that can accommodate multiple players, such as beach volleyball or KanJam. Games like frisbee or paddle ball may be more suitable for smaller groups.
Durability
Durability is another important factor to consider when selecting beach games. Look for options made from high-quality materials that can withstand sand, sun, and saltwater exposure. Games that are water-resistant or waterproof can also be a plus.
Skill Level
Finally, consider the level of skill required to play the games you’re considering. If you’re looking for games that are easy to learn and can be enjoyed by people of all ages and skill levels, options like frisbee, paddle ball, or beach volleyball may be the best choice. For more competitive players, games like cornhole or bocce ball can provide a fun challenge.
Considering these key factors, you can choose the best beach games for your next outing and enjoy a day of fun in the sun with family and friends.
Conclusion
When you think about it, there are many great beach games to choose from, each with its unique set of features and benefits. From classic games like beach volleyball and bocce ball to newer games like Crossnet and Bottle Bash, there’s a game out there for every beachgoer.
Whether relaxing on a beach towel or building sandcastles, beach games offer a fun and engaging way to enjoy your time on the sand. So don’t wait; head to the beach and discover the best beach games for your next beach vacation.
FAQs
What are some popular beach games?
There are many popular beach games to choose from, including beach volleyball, frisbee, cornhole, KanJam, spike ball, bocce ball, and horseshoes. Water games like water polo and Marco Polo can also be fun in the ocean or a pool.
Can I play beach games with just two people?
Yes, many beach games can be played with just two people. For example, frisbee, paddle ball, and bocce ball can all be played with two players. Cornhole and KanJam can also be played in pairs, but they are more fun with teams of two.
What are some beach games that are easy to learn?
Many beach games are easy to learn and can be enjoyed by people of all ages and skill levels. Frisbee, paddle ball, and beach volleyball are all relatively easy to pick up. Cornhole and KanJam are also fairly straightforward, although they may require a bit more practice to master.
Are there any beach games that don’t require any equipment?
Yes, there are a few beach games that don’t require any equipment at all. One classic game is “Simon Says,” where one person is designated as Simon and gives instructions to the other players. Another popular game is “Red Light, Green Light,” where one person is the stoplight, and the other players have to race to the finish line without moving when the stoplight says “red light.”