The Best Beach Games

Buying Guide for Beach Games

Why buy beach games?

If you go to the beach, even if it’s only once or twice a year, buying a few beach games is a low-cost investment that can make a big difference. Many are aimed at kids, preteens, and teenagers to prevent them from getting bored during family beach days, which parents will appreciate; not every child likes to swim or jump around in the waves or build sandcastles. But there are also plenty of beach games that are fun for adults, should you ever grow tired of kicking back in a beach chair and reading. Even better, some beach games can be played and enjoyed by young and old.

What should you look for in beach games?

• Age Range: Are you buying a beach game to keep young children entertained? Teenagers? Just you and your significant other? A group of adult friends? Some beach games will be aimed at specific age groups. For instance, a beach volleyball set isn’t a great choice for toddlers since they don’t yet have the necessary hand-eye coordination; preteens and teenagers probably won’t be very enthralled by a toy for little kids meant to shift sand around. Consider who you’re buying the game(s) for and make an age-appropriate choice.
• Number of Players: Different beach games will be suited for different numbers of people, so be sure to account for the ages of whoever goes to the beach with you and how many people are going. Some games don’t have any such restrictions—an almost limitless number of people can play games like frisbee and volleyball at the same time. Others may be limited by how many gloves, cards, or other objects come into the game.
• Land vs. Water: Some beach games are meant to be played only on land, some only in the water, and some can be used in either spot. Land-based games will be a bit more common, but there are plenty of water-based games. If you and your group are big swimmers, you may prefer one of these games; if not, a land-based game may suit your needs better.

Are there any other important factors to consider in beach games?

You’ll want to make sure that its components are made out of durable and waterproof materials regardless of the game in question. At the beach, your belongings will be exposed to direct sunlight, sand, water, and possibly salt for hours and hours on end. You don’t want them to get ruined in those conditions. Also, consider how easy the game is to assemble and how portable it is. With so many things to pack, you’ll want a game that takes up minimal space in your bag or, at the very least, comes with its carrying bag for easier portability. (Inflatable toys like beach balls are extremely convenient in this regard.)

Our Picks for the Best Beach Games

Pros: This beach game is a bigger version of beer pong, played with water and buckets instead of beer and cups and placed right in the sand instead of on a table. (You also don’t have to fill or drink from the buckets.) And rather than a ping pong ball, this game comes with six balls in three different styles to suit different environments. The bouncy, heavier hybrid game balls (the yellow ones) give you a challenge, and the game balls (the white ones) give you a classic ping-pong ball feel but on a bigger scale. They’re all waterproof and float so that you can play right next to the water without fear. Or, if you’re playing a bit further from the shoreline or it’s a windy day at the beach, you can use the hacky sack-like tailgate game balls instead; there’s an option for every beach environment. It has two other important factors in beach games—a quick setup and portability. Two alternative sizes and versions are available for purchase too.

Cons: This is one of the pricier beach games out there. Additionally, it’s worth noting that the buckets themselves, while durable, do not come with any kind of rack or anchor to hold them in place. This can make it challenging to keep the buckets from moving around on the sand or in the water, especially if you are playing on a windy day or in rough waves. Some players may find this frustrating and may need to come up with their own solution for keeping the buckets stationary during gameplay.

Bottom Line: This is a fun twist on the classic party game. It’s sure to be a hit at the beach, park, or backyard parties you’re planning.

 

Pros: Spikeball is a highly addictive game that is great for both indoor and outdoor play. It combines elements of volleyball and Four Square to create a unique and exciting experience that can be enjoyed by people of all ages and skill levels. The Spikeball Standard Kit provides everything you need to get started, including the Spikeball set, three balls, the net, and a carrying bag for easy transport. The game is easy to learn, making it perfect for beginners, but it also offers enough depth and challenge for more experienced players to enjoy. It can be played anywhere, from your backyard to the beach or park, making it an excellent option for parties, gatherings, or just a fun day out with friends and family.

Cons: Some customers have reported that the plastic frame is flimsy and easily broken, especially with frequent use. Another common complaint is that the balls may not hold air well, which can affect the game’s performance and make it less enjoyable to play. Additionally, some customers have found the set difficult to assemble, with poor instructions and confusing parts. This can be especially frustrating for those who are new to the game and may not be familiar with its setup.

Bottom Line: Overall, Spikeball is a fun and easy-to-learn game that is great for playing with friends and family. It is lightweight and portable, making it easy to take anywhere, and it can provide a good workout depending on how seriously it is played.

 

Pros: These ring-like frisbees were explicitly made with the beach in mind. Unlike regular frisbees, these are waterproof and will float if they land in the water. And the nine bright colors are easy to spot in the water. They’re also much more lightweight than classic frisbees due to their thin material and open center. This means that kids of all ages can throw them around without issue, and the disks are much, much less likely to hurt your child’s hands when caught.

Cons: They do not fly as far as classic frisbees due to their weight and shape. This can make it difficult to play games that require long throws or precise aim. Additionally, because they are so lightweight, they can be much more affected by wind, making them much more likely to be thrown off course or blown around on windy days. This can make it difficult to play in outdoor environments where wind is a common factor.

Bottom Line: Frisbees are entertaining toys for the beach, but if they land in the water, you’ll be lucky to get them back. This pair of lightweight, ring-like frisbees bring all the fun of the toy to the beach without needing to worry about them sinking in the ocean or lake, never to be seen again.

 

Pros: This colorful game is an excellent alternative to the classic game of catch. It is a great choice for those looking for an enjoyable and easy-to-use activity that promotes hand-eye coordination and catching skills. It is well-made and durable, with a sturdy Velcro that can securely hold the ball. The product comes with a carrying case, making it convenient for transportation and storage. It is suitable for kids of all ages and can be played both indoors and outdoors. Additionally, it is a great way to spend quality time with family and friends.

Cons: This product has been criticized for its lack of durability, as it is prone to falling apart quickly. Many users have reported that the balls shred or come unglued, and the handles can come off easily. Additionally, the Velcro grip on the ball can pull apart the catching disc.

Bottom Line: This game is great for teaching kids hand-eye coordination and helping them to get comfortable with catching motions, making it a useful practice item for T-ball or other sports. The Velcro is sticky enough to hold the ball but not too difficult to remove, and the set comes with a carrying case for easy transport.

 

Pros: Unlike some other card games with in-depth rules and scoring systems, UNO is a game that can be enjoyed by pretty much all ages, even young children, so it’s fun for the whole family. And this deck of UNO cards was made specifically with the beach in mind; the cards are made of durable plastic rather than the usual paper or cardboard. This means that they’re waterproof, much sturdier overall, and easy to wipe clean of sand or debris. Even with all these benefits, this pack of UNO cards is still quite inexpensive, giving you and your loved ones hours of enjoyment at a minimal cost.

Cons: While these cards are waterproof, it should be noted that, like regular playing cards, they do tend to stick together when wet. They won’t rip or tear when exposed to water, but you’ll want to dry them off sooner rather than later when they get wet to make handling and shuffling them easier.

Bottom Line: Playing cards is an enjoyable pastime but one that isn’t usually a viable option at the beach; it’s too easy for the cards to get wet and tear, get dirty or scratched by sand, or be blown around by gusts of wind. These sturdy, waterproof UNO cards pretty much eliminate all of these problems, so you can enjoy the classic card game right on the beach.

Final Thoughts

Swimming and building sandcastles aren’t the only activities you or your family can partake in at the beach. Whether you make frequent trips to the ocean or nearby lakes or rivers, investing in a couple of fun, entertaining beach games will allow you to make the most out of your day in the sun.