Hobbies And Interests
Beach Bingo
You'll need one small tin box; two or three index cards, trimmed to fit the box; crayons; and several small round magnets for each player. Before arriving at the beach, draw a tic-tac-toe square on each index card, dividing it into nine equal sections. Within each section, draw a picture of different items and creatures you hope to see at the beach, such as seagulls, bird prints, seashells, crabs, seaweed or red bathing suits. To play, place one index card on the lid of the tin box. Using the magnets, each player places one on a section if he sees the drawn object. Whoever obtains a vertical, horizontal, or diagonal row of three different objects wins.
Beach Spot-It
Each player needs a pencil and piece of paper. Before starting the game, each player lists different items she'd like to find, from seagulls to seaweed to flip-flops and sandcastles. The players stroll down the beach, checking off each item as it's found.
Sand-Cast Fish
You'll need about 4.4 lbs. plaster-of-Paris, beach bucket, stick, beach finds like seashells and stones and a spray bottle filled with saltwater. Using their hands, kids should draw and carefully dig out a fish shape, about 2 inches deep and as long and wide as you wish. Use the spray bottle to moisten the sand so it retains its shape. Kids should place their beach finds in the shape, gently pressing them into the sand to create designs. Mix the plaster-of-Paris in the bucket, according to the package's instructions. Pour into the fish shape. Let it dry for at least one hour, then gently remove it. Let it finish drying for at least 24 hours.
Splash Maker
The beach version of duck-duck-goose, you'll need at least three players and a bucket filled with water. Have players sit in a circle. One player begins by walking around the circle, carrying the bucket and tapping each player on the head, saying, "duck." When he comes to the person he wants to choose, he dumps water over the person's head. He then runs around the circle, chased by the chosen person. He must get back to the chosen person's place before the person tags him. If he's tagged, he's "it" again. If he makes it safely, the chosen person is now "it."
Musical Towels
For this beach version of musical chairs, you'll need a CD player or radio with your preferred music and as many towels as players. Place the towels in a circle, giving ample room to move. When the music begins, the players walk around the outside of the towel circle. When it stops, player must find a towel to stretch out on. Remove one towel each turn. Players left standing are out of the game. The last person with a towel wins.