On Saturday afternoon, after we celebrated my mum’s 60th birthday (Happy birthday mum!) papa had some business to tend to so Georgie and I made our way to the beach. Not a good idea. It was so windy I could barely hear my own thoughts and I actually felt quite cold, literally regretting taking out all those cardigans I had in the car. So there I was expecting it to rain at any moment when my son came running towards me for the millionth time, telling me how much fun he was having. Kids+water+sand=Quiet time for you and me. But to make the most of this time, read through this list of easy beach activities and games, show, teach and demonstrate and then RELAX.
1. Bury coins: This one requires, I reckon, about ten minutes of your time. Once you’re done, put your feet up, order a refreshing drink and watch as the kids dig around for buried treasure.
2. Bury your friend/sibling: This is a classic. One, that even adults play. Well, we do anyway. Create a mermaid or a shark tail.
3. Build a sandcastle with a twist: Duh! Obviously this is a favourite and probably the one and only beach activity my son thoroughly enjoys. However! To make it ten times more interesting, to build something truly miraculous and teach kids about different shapes and sizes, take a number of pots, cups, popsicle moulds, buckets and anything else the kids can fill with sand. How about building a city?
4. Collect shells: Georgie, papa and I are always on the lookout for shells when we’re at the beach, like most of you, I guess. But how about looking for shells with holes in them so you can make a necklace or a bracelet or a windchime, which I really want to make with Georgie this summer! We also love collecting large flat pebbles, which we use to paint faces or just to colour and place around the house.
5. Make a tent/fort: This is perfect if you’re on one of those secluded or unpopular beaches where you can find sticks and leaves and stones. Gather tall strong sticks, place in a circle or square and throw a sheet over the top, castaway style!
6. Musical towels: Just make sure you are at a place where the music can be cranked up whether that is from the car or your phone.
7. Point toss: Dig a few holes and have the kids throw small pebbles, seashells, bean bags or balls. This one is an actual game with points counted for and all! Also keep in mind that the smaller the hole, the harder it is!
8. Draw in the sand: Younger kids, like Georgie who is learning how to read and write, will enjoy practicing writing letters in the sand. You can even do some simple math. For older kids, encourage their imagination to run wild and help them draw and create in a different environment with a different material: the sand.
9. Build a sandman: Bring the obsession with Frozen to the beach and make your very own snowman. Again use sticks and stones and don’t forget to name him Olaf!
10. Be safe! Whatever you do make sure your children are protected from the sun. Apply sunscreen like a maniac, make them wear protective clothing, purchase a quality pair of sunglasses with polarised lenses (as cute as those kiosk sunglasses are they do nothing to protect their eyes so they may as well go without) and make sure they drink water and lots of it.
