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Things for Kids to Do at a Beach

Images of a shining sun and peaceful sounds of the water fill many parents' minds when thinking of their upcoming beach vacation. When at the beach, however; the reality is that sunning and relaxing is boring for most kids. Fortunately, the beach holds several free or low-cost activities for children to keep occupied, allowing parents to enjoy the relaxing vacation they imagined.

Fly a Kite
- Flying a kite is an activity that children can do alone or with an adult.
  
  Not only do the vivid colors and graceful movements of kites brighten the sky, but they are fun. Kites fly best in wide open spaces, so a beach is the perfect environment for flying. In addition to the absence of trees and other tall things to get stuck on, the winds at the beach are usually smoother. Smoother winds make it easier for a kite to stay in the air. Since the more strings a kite has, the harder it is to fly, most kids find a single string kite the easiest to maneuver.
Hunt for Shells
- Sea shells are fun to collect or use for craft projects.
  
  Children can occupy themselves for hours searching and comparing the different shapes and colors of seashells. While it is common to find both full and portions of shells along the water, it is best to look for shells during the tide. When the tide goes out, many shells that were hidden by the water are revealed. Before going on your shell hunt, grab a bucket to hold all the treasures your children find. A sand sieve is also helpful, allowing children to sift through sand to find smaller shells. Shells can be taken home and painted or used for craft projects.
Play in the Sand
- Many children enjoy building a moat around a sand castle and filling it with water.
  
  While spending time at the beach is relaxing for adults, it has also proven to be theraputic for children as well. Playing in the sand allows children to work out their emotions and relax, and is frequently used in a form of therapy known as Sandplay. Playing in the sand is not only emotionally beneficial, it also helps improve children's fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination. Children can spend their time digging holes, creating shapes, or burying mom and dad in the sand. Building a sandcastle is another fun activity that can be enjoyed by the whole family.
Play Sports
- Volleyball is a great way to improve hand-eye coordination.
  
  Playing sports is a fun and entertaining way to pass time at the beach. Children can engage in a fun game of frisbee, football or volleyball with family and friends. The soft sand makes injuries less likely, so even the youngest children can run without worry. Sports are not only an excellent form of exercise, but also an excellent activity to improve hand-eye coordination.

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