How to Keep Your Kids Entertained at the Beach– Fun Family Activities & Essentials

There’s something magical about a family beach day, isn’t there? The sound of the waves, the feel of sand between your toes, and the laughter of children playing by the sea.

But if you’ve ever taken kids to the beach, you’ll know it’s not always as relaxing as it sounds. Within minutes of setting up your umbrella, you’re met with the dreaded “Mum, I’m bored!”

That’s exactly what happened to us on a trip to Brighton Beach last summer. We had the beach chairs, the towels, and even a cooler full of snacks, but keeping the kids happy? That was a different story.

The youngest was digging holes in the sand, the oldest was complaining about the wind, and we were wondering how we’d make it through the day without a meltdown.

That’s when it hit me — a little preparation goes a long way. With the right beach toys, games, and accessories, you can turn a day by the sea into a fun-filled adventure that keeps everyone entertained.

Ready to make your next beach trip stress-free and memorable? Let’s dive into some brilliant ideas to keep your kids smiling all day long

Why Keeping Kids Entertained at the Beach Matters

I’ll never forget one family trip to Brighton Beach. We had the beach bag packed with towels, snacks, and a bucket and spade.

The kids were excited – for about 20 minutes. Then the boredom hit. The youngest started digging holes in the sand, while the oldest kept asking when we could leave.

That’s when I realised that fun beach activities aren’t just a way to pass time – they’re essential. Keeping kids entertained gives parents a chance to relax and creates moments that become lasting family memories.

Games like sandcastle building, beach ball games, or a scavenger hunt can turn a tiring day into one filled with laughter and bonding.

Because when the kids are happy and engaged, everyone gets to enjoy the beach day more – and that’s what really matters.

10 Fun Beach Activities to Keep Kids Engaged

When it comes to keeping kids entertained at the beach, I’ve learned that simple activities can make a huge difference.

Over the years, we’ve tried everything — from building sandcastles to playing beach games — and we’ve found a few activities that always keep the kids happy and engaged.

Now, I’m going to share my favourite 10 beach activities that we’ve tried and loved. These aren’t just fun ideas; they’re also a great way to create family memories and make your beach trip more enjoyable for everyone.

Let’s dive in.

1. Build the Ultimate Sandcastle

If there’s one beach activity that never gets old, it’s building sandcastles. No matter how many times we visit the beach, the kids always want to dive straight into the sand and start creating their own kingdoms.

And honestly, I love it too! There’s something magical about seeing them work together to build towers, moats, and walls.

One of the best ways we’ve found to keep it fun is to make it a competition. Who can build the tallest castle?

Who can make the most creative design? Add a bucket and spade kit, and you’ll have hours of entertainment sorted.

💡 Top Tip: Don’t forget to take a photo of their sandcastle masterpiece before the tide comes in. It’s a great way to capture those family memories!

2. Beach Scavenger Hunt

When the kids start getting restless, a beach scavenger hunt is my go-to activity. It’s the perfect way to keep them exploring, learning, and having fun all at the same time.

I usually make a list of items for them to find — seashells, smooth stones, feathers, or even crabs — and set them loose.

It’s a great way to encourage curiosity and give them a sense of adventure. Plus, they love showing off their treasures at the end.

We always bring a waterproof bum bag to store their finds — because let’s be honest, no one wants wet shells in their pockets!

💡 Fun Idea: Turn it into a friendly competition to see who can complete the list first.

3. Play Beach Ball Games

There’s something about a beach ball that just makes everything more fun. Whether it’s a quick game of catch, volleyball, or even dodgeball, it’s one of the easiest ways to keep the kids entertained and burn off some energy.

One of my favourite memories is playing beach volleyball with the whole family at Brighton Beach.

The kids were laughing, running around, and even making up their own rules. It wasn’t just a game — it was a chance for all of us to bond and make memories.

💡 Top Tip: Always pack a beach ball in your beach bag. It’s lightweight, easy to carry, and guaranteed to be a hit with the kids.

4. Create Sand Art or Messages

One of the simplest ways to keep kids engaged at the beach is by letting them create their own sand art.

Give them some sticks, shells, or stones, and watch their imaginations come to life. From drawing animals to writing fun messages, kids love the freedom to make their mark on the sand.

We once spent hours with the kids creating a giant "Welcome to Brighton Beach" message surrounded by shell hearts and sand patterns.

Everyone passing by stopped to admire it — and the kids were so proud.

💡 Top Tip: Don’t forget to take photos of their sand art creations. It’s a lovely way to keep those beach memories forever.

5. Organise a Beach Picnic

There’s something special about having a picnic by the sea, and it’s a great way to turn meal breaks into a fun family activity.

Let the kids help set up the blanket, choose snacks, and even serve the food. It keeps them busy and makes them feel involved.

We always take the ITSA Convertible Beach Towel Bag with us — it’s not just a towel, it’s a 2-in-1 solution with six hidden pockets! It’s perfect for carrying snacks, drinks, and beach essentials, and it keeps everything sand-free.

There’s nothing worse than opening your bag to find melted chocolate or warm water bottles, so this is always our top choice for staying organised and keeping things chilled.

You can check this beautiful convertable beach towel bag from here: convertable beach towel bag

💡 Fun Idea: Make it a "Beach Picnic Challenge" — who can make the most creative sandwich or guess the number of snacks in the cooler?

6. Shell Collecting and Sorting

There’s something magical about finding seashells at the beach. It’s like discovering little treasures hidden in the sand.

We always encourage the kids to collect shells and then sort them by size, colour, or shape.

Not only is it fun, but it can also be educational. We like to talk about the different types of shells they find and what kinds of marine life might have lived in them.

It sparks their curiosity and gives them a sense of discovery.

💡 Pro Tip: Bring a bucket or waterproof bum bag or bag to keep their shell collection safe. And remember, they’ll want to bring a few home, so make space in your beach bag.

7. Water Play with Buckets and Spades

There’s something about kids and water — they can’t resist it! Whether they’re splashing in the sea, filling buckets, or digging their own mini pools, water play is one of the easiest ways to keep them busy and happy at the beach.

We always pack a couple of buckets and spades in our waterproof bum beach bag, and they never fail to keep the kids entertained for hours.

The youngest loves running to the sea to fill the bucket, while the older one enjoys building muddy moats around their sandcastles. And the best part? They’re burning off energy while having fun.

If you want to get this waterproof bag you can get it from here: WaterProof Beach Bum Bag

💡 Pro Tip: Bring a waterproof bag to keep any wet toys separate from your towels and snacks.

8. Beach Relay Race

If you want to get the whole family involved, a beach relay race is a fantastic way to do it. It’s fun, energetic, and great for family bonding.

We once set up a race using towels, beach wraps, and even towel clips as props. The kids loved it — especially when the adults joined in!

Set up simple challenges like running to the shoreline, grabbing a beach toy, and racing back to the sun lounger.

You can even add in water buckets to make it more challenging. Trust me, it’ll be filled with laughter and excitement, and everyone will want a rematch before the day is over.

If you don’t have these particular beautiful products to keep you and your kids entertained you can get those from here:
Take Your Beach Towel

Take Your Beautiful Beach Wraps

Now Take Your Beach Towel Clips

💡 Fun Idea: Create a prize for the winner — even if it’s just an extra ice cream treat!

9. DIY Beach Obstacle Course

If you want to keep things exciting, a DIY beach obstacle course is a brilliant idea. It doesn’t take much to set up, and it keeps kids active and entertained.

Use items like beach chairs, towels, buckets, and even beach wraps to create fun challenges.

We’ve done this before with our kids, and they loved crawling under beach umbrellas, hopping over towels, and racing to collect shells.

It’s an easy way to spark their imagination and keep them engaged for hours. Plus, it’s a great way to get some exercise while having fun.

💡 Top Tip: Use Towel Clips to secure any loose items so they don’t blow away in the wind.

10. Storytime on the Beach

After a busy day filled with games and sandcastles, there’s nothing better than winding down with a story.

We always bring a favourite book or two, set up under the umbrella, and have a little storytime on the beach.

It’s a lovely way to calm things down before heading home. The kids snuggle up on their towel, and we use the gorgeous Towel Trapper Beach Pillow (It is not just a beach pillow it is also travel pillow and it has a trapper and I can use it as a bum bag) for extra comfort.

Sometimes, we make up our own beach stories, talking about pirates or sea creatures, making it even more magical.

Get this lovely beach from here: Towel Trapper Beach Pillow

💡 Memory Tip: Capture a photo of storytime by the sea — it’s a memory you’ll want to keep forever.

These activities aren’t just about keeping kids busy — they’re about creating special moments that will stay with your family for years.

After all, a beach day isn’t just about the sand and sea — it’s about the memories you make together.

Essential Beach Accessories to Make These Entertained Activities More Easier

A fun beach day with the kids is all about keeping things simple and organised. Trust me, I’ve learned that the hard way.

There’s nothing worse than juggling towels, toys, snacks, and valuables, only to have everything end up covered in sand or lost in the chaos. That’s why a few smart beach accessories can make all the difference.

Here are some of our must-haves that we always take on a family beach trip — they help us stay organised, relaxed, and ready for whatever the kids throw at us. 

If you wan to know more abou top beach accessories, you can find it from here: 10 Must Have Beach Accessories For Families in 2025

Convertible Beach Towel Bag – Your 2-in-1 Hero

One of the best things we ever brought to the beach was the ITSA Convertible Beach Towel Bag.

It’s not just a towel; it’s a bag too, with six hidden pockets that keep everything from sun cream to snacks safe and secure.

We love it because it means no more digging through bags to find the kids' sunglasses or spades — everything is right where we need it. And when the kids are ready to dry off, it unfolds into a full-sized towel. Less faff, more fun!

👉 Check out the Convertible Beach Towel Bag — it’s a must-have for any family day out.

Waterproof Bum Bag – Keep Your Valuables Safe and Sound

Let’s be honest — when you’re at the beach, your keys, wallet, and phone need just as much protection as your towel.

The last thing you want is to dig into your beach bag only to find sand everywhere or, worse, your phone soaked from a splash. That’s why we never hit the sand without the ITSA Waterproof Bum Bag.

It’s the perfect way to keep your valuables safe while you enjoy the beach hands-free. Whether you’re running after the kids, exploring rock pools, or just lounging by the sea, this waterproof bum bag gives you peace of mind.

It’s great for storing your phone, keys, and cash — all within easy reach and completely protected from sand and water.

Plus, the adjustable strap makes it comfortable to wear around your waist or across your body.

👉 Grab this WaterProof Bum Bag to keep your essentials dry and secure on every beach adventure.

Towel Clips – No More Flying Towels

If you’ve ever spent time chasing towels down the beach, you’ll know how useful Towel Clips can be! The ITSA Towel Clips are sturdy, easy to use, and perfect for those breezy beach days.

We use them to secure our towels to sun loungers or even to keep beach wraps in place when we’re having picnics.

It’s one of those small items that makes a big difference to your beach day experience.

👉 Check out the Towel Clips for a stress-free setup.

These essential beach accessories aren’t just practical — they make your family beach trips more enjoyable.

When everything is organised and secure, you can focus on what really matters: having fun and making memories with your loved ones. 

Towel Trapper Beach Pillow – Relax in Comfort at the Beach

Ever tried to relax at the beach, only to have your towel blow away the moment you lie down? We've all been there! That’s why the ITSA Towel Trapper Beach Pillow is a game-changer.

This 4-in-1 solution works as a travel pillow, a bum bag, a hidden security pocket, and a carry bag — perfect for keeping your towel secure and making your beach time more comfortable.

It’s lightweight, portable, and designed to stay in place, even on breezy beach days.

Whether you’re having storytime with the kids or sneaking in a quick nap by the sea, this beach pillow makes your day more relaxing.

💡 Bonus: It also has a hidden security pocket to keep your phone, keys, or sunglasses safe from sand and water.

👉 Grab this stuning towel trapper beach pillow to enjoy a stress-free, comfy beach day!

Conclusion – Make Your Next Beach Day Unforgettable

I’ve shared my favourite beach activities to keep your kids entertained, from building sandcastles to organising a scavenger hunt and even winding down with storytime by the sea. 

These simple ideas can turn a family beach trip into a day filled with fun, laughter, and lasting memories.

But let’s not forget — having the right beach accessories makes all the difference. I’ve also shared must-have items like the Convertible Beach Towel Bag, Waterproof Bum Bag, and Towel Clips to help you organise these activities with ease and keep your beach gear safe and secure.

So, make your beach day entertaining with your beautiful kids, pack smart, and enjoy your next adventure by the sea.