No longer do your family beach holidays need to revolve around sitting for most of the day in the sun with the hopes of getting a lovely bronze glow. Instead, use the opportunity to enjoy all kinds of different beach activities together. They’ll even keep you all fit and healthy.
A unique landscape such as the seaside lends itself perfectly to a range of activities that are hard to do elsewhere. So, prepare to add some snorkelling sessions, team competitions and treasure hunts to the agenda. Ready yourselves to go on a proper family activity holiday together!
Sandcastle building
Sand architects unite! One of the most accessible and affordable activities to do on a beach holiday, sandcastle building needs only a large quantity of sand (that’s pretty much sorted), some sturdy tools like a plastic spade and bucket, and a fertile imagination.
Depending on the complexity of the structure you want to make, constructing a sandcastle with the kids can take anything from 5 minutes to 2 hours. If you’re really ambitious, take the time to fashion doors, windows, moats and even a pretty garden. Just remember to keep it well away from the sea, or all your hard work will be for nothing.
Snorkelling
If you’re lucky enough to be holidaying next to pristine beaches, explore the crystal-clear waters with the aid of a snorkelling kit. Open your eyes to a whole new world inhabited by colourful fish, beautiful corals, and some of the most enchanting marine life you’ve ever seen.
As with any activity in the sea, safety precautions must be observed at all times. Make sure you and your family stay in the designated areas and don’t drift too far away from the shore. If you’re worried about some members straying away, consider tying a rope around your waists so you stay together.
Beach games
Goodbye hard concrete and muddy football fields, hello warm sand and the welcoming waters when it’s time to cool off. In short, the beach is a great place to unleash your competitive side with games like volleyball, frisbee and badminton.
Because of the soft nature of sand, you can hurl yourself around to try and score a point for your team and generally enjoy all the benefits of competing on a harmless surface.
Picnics
A packed lunch always tastes better when you’ve earnt it after an hour-long snorkelling session in the sea or after a volleyball victory. Keep it simple with sandwiches, fruits and snacks and avoid getting any sand anywhere it shouldn’t be.
Remember to take all your trash with you too or dispose of it at the appropriate beach. You want to leave the beach exactly as you found it.
