Best Beach Games for Families

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Every year, for my entire life, we have done a week of beach camping in July with a large group of family and friends. Each year, we set up camp, and pretty much park ourselves in the sand for long beach days filled with the best beach games for families.

We’ve gone through the progression of activities with the kids–from simply digging holes and building sand castles, to boogie boarding and surfing. One thing doesn’t change though–they love a good competition. When they see the adults get the beach games out, they come out of the water, they stop digging their holes, and they are right there ready to get in on the action.

We have a large group of families, so each year it seems that someone has brought a new game to play. I have compiled some of the best beach games for families. They don’t have to just be for the beach, either. While we mostly enjoy these while beach camping at San Elijo State Beach, we’ve also played them at a variety of other places. Any campground that provides enough space to spread out a bit is a great place to play these games.

I’d love to hear what your favorite beach games are. If your family likes some friendly competition, these games make great gift ideas for any occasion. Tailgating games, outdoor bbq games, etc–these games make for easy entertainment no matter where you are. Also, be sure to check out my favorite camping games and my favorite campfire games for adults for even more ideas.

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Bocce Ball – One of the best beach games for families

When I was a kid, Bocce Ball was the only game I remember all the adults playing. They would have huge tournaments on empty campsites, and they would take it so seriously, using tape measures and all. Even with all the other game options to choose from now, Bocce Ball has a special place in my heart and gives me all those nostalgic feels.

Spike Ball – My kids’ vote for the best beach games for families

Spike Ball has been a family favorite of ours over the past five years or so. It’s kind of a mix between foursquare and volleyball, which is probably why both kids and adults love it so much.

Kan Jam

A brand new addition to our game line up is Kan Jam, a frisbee tossing partner game, where you’re trying to get the frisbee into the can. Your partner can help to slam it in, and the first to 21 points wins. There’s also a new Kan Jam Pickleball Edition that I haven’t tried yet, but I’m intrigued!

PaddleSmash

PaddleSmash is my family’s new favorite beach game— think paddleball meets volleyball! Players use foam paddles to volley a soft, low-bounce ball back and forth, trying to land it just out of reach. It’s fast, simple, and ultra-competitive. Compact to pack, easy to learn, and fun for all ages, PaddleSmash is a fresh twist to add to your list of favorite beach games.

Bottle Bash

Bottle Bash is a game where you and your partner try to knock off your opponent’s bottle with a disc or frisbee. It’s simple to play and provides hours of fun. We’ve also played it with a football for practicing throwing accuracy for all of our football-loving kids in the group.

Over The Line (OTL)

All you need are some wiffle balls and bats, a few cones and lots of sand to have some Over the Line competitions. Whenever it’s low tide and we have enough space on the sand, we start a fun OTL tournament. The kids love getting in on their own OTL tourney as well.