Children: Beach games

Games for the beach will vary according to where you are. Always check the local rules (usually displayed on a sign or noticeboard) as to what's allowed and what's not - for example ball games. This will avoid annoying your fellow sunbathers as well as the authorities. Package tours will often have beach club activities for kids which give mums and dads a welcome break and are well worth checking out.

Younger children

The simple joys of building a sandcastle can't be overrated so don't forget to bring a bucket and spade. Leave favourite toys at home in case they get lost or damaged. While you'll be content to lie quietly for hours with a book or simply soak up the sun, young active minds will need to be kept entertained. Try some of these:

Counting games - how many people are wearing red swimsuits, how many parasols, dogs, deckchairs etc. can you see?

How many things beginning with the letter - can you see?

Spelling games - write your name (or simple words related to the beach) in the sand

Bury mum or dad in the sand (with their permission)

Bury a prize (comic, tube of sweets) in the sand and let kids find it by asking: "Am I warm, cold, hot, very hot?" etc.

Simple ball games (or use small bean bags) like catch

Simon Says (put your hands on your head, lift your left leg, etc.)

Robinson Crusoe - follow a trail of footprints, putting your feet in each print, or make your own trail, including some hopping steps

Older children

Children often make new friends on the beach so they may be content to make their own entertainment. Encourage them to bring a book (if it's a Harry Potter you may want to read it yourself) or a personal stereo so you can all have some "quiet time". Games that can be fun include:

How many different sea shells can you collect?

I Spy

The memory game. One person starts: "I went to the beach and I took a towel." The next person repeats and adds an item and so on until you crack up

Spot-it. Give out a list of 10 things e.g. small dog, boy eating ice cream etc. and the first person to see and tick them all off wins. Winner writes the new list

Statues - everyone dances around until you call "freeze"

Charades or other mime games like "What animal am I?" (using no sounds)

Hopscotch - draw squares on damp sand with a stick and use a pebble or shell as a marker

Hula hoops - when you're bored with swinging it round your hips or skipping with it, join hands in a circle with the hoop hanging from one person's arm. Without releasing hands, pass the hoop on to the next person by stepping through it

Sand art - draw a design on coloured paper with a glue stick. Sprinkle on dry sand. When dry, shake off the excess to create a sand picture souvenir