Tips for Keeping the Kids Entertained on a Beach Vacation

There are a lot of convincing reasons to pack up the family and take a trip to the beach. The boost in vitamin D will have a positive effect on your mood, you'll have the chance to unplug, and you'll definitely get in a little exercise. However, that doesn’t mean everything about the beach is all sunshine and rainbows.

The beach can be boring too. Especially for children. Sitting on the sand and watching the waves crash on the shore day after day will make your kids want to return home, and nothing can ruin a vacation faster than whining!

Just because you’re planning a beach vacation doesn’t mean you have to lay a towel in the sand all day, every day. There are plenty of other things you can do that will keep you and the kids entertained.

Get Up-Close-And-Personal with Wildlife

At first glance, the beach doesn’t look like an animal-friendly place, but nothing could be further from the truth. Look a little closer, dig a litter deeper, and let your kids experience beach wildlife up-close-and personal.

Don’t think you have to stay on the beach to see beach wildlife. The kids will certainly appreciate taking a break from the sand and visiting a local zoo or aquarium for a few hours!

For example, the Myrtle Beach aquarium features a million gallons of water that is filled with fish, sea mammals, and more. The kids can touch horseshoe crabs, gaze at sharks up-close, and see a live show, making it a good way to take a break from the sand on the beach.

Go Shopping for Beach Toys

Beach toys are a must if you’re spending time near the water, but those toys can end up being just as boring as the waves that crash on the sand. Instead of packing all of the toys your kids need for the trip, go shopping for them when you get to your destination!

There are a lot of great beach toys that you can find in local stores, and even the hotel where you’re staying. A few ideas include:

A seaside sand baking set is perfect for little ones who like to play in the sand.

Water guns are a great way to keep older kids active.

Yard games are the perfect way to engage every member of the family.

Buy and fly a kite if your trip to the beach is windy.

Grab a rain jacket or two so when it inevitably rains, you can still get out and explore!

Rent a Boat

The beach is about more than just building sandcastles and running into the waves. If the kids are getting tired of swimming and playing in the sand, consider renting a boat.

Boat rentals are a little easier on lakes, especially for those who are inexperienced, but there are plenty of other boats you can rent whether you’re on the lake or the ocean.

Kayaks and canoes are popular rentals, as are paddleboats. If you’re looking for something a little different, try a standup paddle board. Paddling, rowing, or driving a boat is a great way for the family to spend the day on the water!

Grab a Bite to Eat

It isn’t uncommon for families to pack picnic lunches for the beach. It’s a great way to ensure you can spend as much time in the water as possible, and it can help you save a little money, but it’s a good idea to do something different if the kids are bored.

Leave lunch at home and plan to grab a bite to eat instead. You can wander in town and do a little shopping, all while grabbing breakfast or an ice cream cone in the afternoon.

Visit Different Beaches

The world is full of beautiful beaches, but most coastal cities have more than just one beach to offer. Even many lakes have more than one swimming area for visitors!

Instead of spending all of your time on the same beach just outside your hotel room, consider trying a different beach. A rocky beach is a great way for the kids to practice skipping rocks, boardwalk beaches are a great way to go for a stroll, and hidden beaches are a great place to see wildlife in its natural habitat.

A beach vacation is fun and relaxing, but that doesn’t mean the kids will think so if that’s all you have planned for days on end. Instead, think outside the box and plan activities that go beyond sitting in the sand and swimming in the waves.