The best beach games are easy to pack, work on sand, and get everyone moving, like bocce, cornhole, frisbee, and paddle ball. Here are favorites for the whole group, for adults, and for kids.
Beach Games for the Whole Group
1. Beach Bocce
Draw a circle about 5 to 8 feet across in the sand, and mark it with sticks or shells since sand shifts. One player tosses the small ball, called the jack, outside the circle. Players take turns throwing their bocce balls from inside the circle, and the ball closest to the jack scores. Leads can change on the last throw.
2. Frisbee
Toss it back and forth, or turn it into a game. Set up two goals with towels and play ultimate frisbee, or draw a tic-tac-toe grid in the sand and try to land the frisbee in a square.
3. Beach Volleyball
Many public beaches have nets. If yours doesnβt, a portable net and a soft ball set up in a few minutes. Play two-on-two, or let everyone join in.
4. Paddle Ball
All you need is two paddles and a ball. See how long you can keep a rally going, and count each hit out loud.
5. Sandcastle Contest
Split into teams, set a timer for 30 minutes, and see who builds the best castle. Bring buckets, shovels, and a spray bottle to keep the sand wet so walls hold their shape.
6. Beach Scavenger Hunt
Make a list before you go: a smooth rock, a white shell, a feather, a crab track, and something blue. The first team to find everything wins. Leave live animals, and shells with animals in them, where you found them.
7. Tug-of-War
Draw a line in the sand, grab a rope, and pull. Soft sand makes falling part of the fun.
Beach Games for Adults
8. Cornhole
A portable cornhole set folds flat and fits in a car trunk or RV storage bay. Set the boards on firm, packed sand near the water so they donβt tip.
9. Roundnet
Players bounce a small ball off a round, trampoline-like net set at ankle height. Itβs fast, it travels well, and it works on soft sand, where diving for the ball doesnβt hurt.
10. Never Have I Ever
When you need a break from the sun, sit in a circle and take turns saying something youβve never done. Anyone who has done it puts a finger down, and the last person with fingers up wins.
Beach Games for Kids
11. Kite Flying
Steady ocean breezes make the beach one of the best places to fly a kite. Keep an adult close by to untangle lines, and fly away from crowds.
12. Ring Toss
A ring toss set is light and easy to set up in the sand. Move the line back as kids get better.
13. Water Gun Fight
A few water guns keep kids cool on a hot afternoon, and the ocean makes refills easy.
Tips for Playing Games at the Beach
- Check the beach rules. Some beaches limit ball games in crowded areas or during busy hours.
- Play near the water. Packed sand is firmer and easier to run on than soft sand.
- Pack a mesh bag. Sand falls right through, and you can rinse everything off at once.
- Bring shade and water. Take breaks in the shade and drink water often.
For more ideas, see our lists of camping activities for families and games to play while RVing.
Why an RV Is Perfect for a Beach Trip
An RV makes a beach day easier from start to finish.
- Room for all your gear. Store the cornhole boards, chairs, and umbrella in the outside storage bays, and leave them there for the next trip.
- Your own bathroom and shower. Rinse off the sand and change clothes without waiting for a public restroom.
- A cold fridge nearby. Keep drinks and snacks cold all day, and make lunch in your own kitchen.
- Shade on demand. Roll out the awning and take a break from the sun.
- Stay steps from the sand. Many beach campgrounds let you walk from your site to the water.
Browse RV rentals on RVshare for your next beach trip, and plan your route and campground stops with the RVshare trip planner.
