Do you go to the beach a lot with the whole family, but often find yourself looking for something to do? Do you want to kick back and relax but need to make sure that the kids are entertained and having fun? These are common problems that affect many beach goers. However, that is why we are here today, to help you find some of the best beach games for families! These are all fun games that can be enjoyed by people of all ages on your next beach vacation adventure.
The Top 5 Beach Games Compared
10 Best Beach Games For Families Reviewed
1. BucketBall - Beach Edition
Review
When it comes to simple, fun, and convenient games for the beach, Bucketball is one of the best. Now, the only thing to beware of here is that players do need to be old enough to understand the game and how to throw the balls. Any child over 3 or 4 years of age should be able to play this game, but probably no younger than that.
For one, BucketBall is a very convenient beach game. The whole setup weighs under 7 pounds, making it fairly lightweight. No, it’s not the lightest thing in the world, but more than light enough to carry to and from the car with ease. At the same time, when not set up, BucketBall takes up less than a cubic foot of space, making it super compact and easy to fit anywhere in the car. The carrying bag that it includes is convenient for transportation’s sake. It comes with a drawstring for easy carrying.
With BucketBall, you get 12 buckets, 6 for each team, where the aim is to throw the balls into the opposing player’s buckets. More or less, this is pretty much just beer pong for families, on a bit of a larger scale and obviously without the beer. If you are with older folks, you could probably manage to pour some beer into the buckets.
The buckets and the balls are both quite durable, which is an obvious bonus when going to the beach. However, do keep in mind that the individual components here are fairly lightweight, so this is not a game that will work so well on very windy days.
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2. Funsparks Jazzminton Paddle Ball Game
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Another cool beach game for the whole family, the Funsparks Jazzminton Paddle Ball Game is very simple to play, it’s affordable, super portable, and it even allows you to change the difficulty level depending on who is playing. It’s not rocket science, but it will surely provide for a full day of fun when there is nothing else to do.
The Funsparks Jazzminton Paddle Ball Game is a really simple game to play and understand. It comes with 2 paddles, a ball, and 2 red and 2 yellow birdies. All you have to do is whack the birdies or the ball back and forth until one person cannot make the return. It does not get any easier than that.
The really neat part here is that there are technically 3 different difficulty levels. Using the ball is by far the hardest as it provides for some super-fast-paced action. The yellow birdie flies pretty fast, but not as fast as the ball. The red birdie is the easiest difficulty level as it flies slower than the yellow birdie.
Therefore, adults could play with the yellow birdie or ball, and kids could play with the red one. Keep in mind that kids under 5 or 6 years of age probably will not be able to play this as it does require a decent amount of hand-eye coordination, as well as a basic understating of the game itself. That said, it’s really not hard to get the hang of. The Funsparks Jazzminton Paddle Ball Game is convenient because it is super lightweight, portable, and can be packed up on the go.
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3. Armour Shell Skip Ball Toy
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Perhaps the simplest of all toys and games on this list today, the Armour Shell Skip Ball Toy is basic, simple, and tons of fun. Just soak the balls in water, skip them across the water’s surface, and maybe even aim for some family members too. What is cool here is that you can buy 1, 2, or 4 of them, depending on what your needs are.
We like the Armour Shell Skip Ball Toy because it is super simple. It’s more or less just a soft ball meant to absorb water. You soak it in the water, and then skip it across the water back and forth between people. It’s a relatively simple toy or game, one that really does not require much understanding. Yes, you do have to be in the water to use this toy, so if you have kids, they should be able to swim to use this toy.
In other words, very young children probably can’t use this ball toy to the fullest of its potential, but it still makes for a decent ball to pass around, even when not in the water. The Armour Shell Skip Ball Toy is made to be soft and easy to catch, which is a bonus, especially if it comes in a little fast. If it does hit somebody, at least it will not hurt. There is really not much else to say about the Armour Shell Skip Ball Toy, as it is about as basic as it gets. On a side, note, it’s not all that durable, so don’t expect it to last for too many years.
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4. Kan Jam Ultimate Disc Game
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Kan-Jam is an outdoor game for people of all ages. It is a lot like disc golf, as you throw a frisbee-like disc toward a goal. If you want a simple outdoor game that you can take camping or tailgating, the Kan-Jam is a wonderful choice.
Kan-Jam Is Easy to Pack and Set up
When you want a simple outdoor game, you may not want something that requires a lot of time to set up. The Kan-Jam is ready to play in seconds. You get two portable goals, a flying disc, and instructions.
The two portable goal cans are collapsible, making them easy to store in the back of the trunk or in a duffel bag. You simply set them up and start playing. The instructions are easy to follow and a fun option for the entire family.
It is a simple game to take with you and simple to play. The goals are set up away from each other, with at least one person near each goal. You take turns throwing the disc toward the goal, while the opposing team attempts to block the disc.
Portable Game That You Can Take Anywhere
You can easily take the Kan-Jam anywhere. The goals are made with durable, lightweight, weather-proof materials. As you do not need to stake anything into the ground, you can use this game in just about any setting, including the beach, camping, tailgating, or your backyard.
The manufacturers also sell a glow in the dark version of the game. With the glow in the dark version, the goals and the disc are illuminated with LED lights and controlled via remote control.
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5. Hey! Play! Bocce Ball Set - A Classic Family-Beach Game
Review (A Family Best Selection)
Bocce Ball is a popular backyard game that is fun for the entire family. Adults, teens, and kids can easily grasp the simple rules and start playing within minutes.
What Do You Get with the Bocce Ball Set?
The Bocce Ball Set comes with everything that you need to start playing. You get four green Bocce balls and four red Bocce balls, along with two scoring patterns, a pallino ball, and a carrying case.
When everything is stored in the bag, it measures about 7 x 7 x 7-inches. It is small enough that you can easily take it with you just about anywhere.
The provided Bocce balls are made from a poly-resin material. This material is designed to provide durability. However, some customers have noticed that the material can crack when the balls hit each other.
Top Reasons to Buy a Bocce Ball Set
Why should you think about getting this Bocce ball set? It is a complete Bocce ball set with a convenient carrying case. It even includes handles, so you can carry it out to the beach.
The balls are solid and heavy, which is what you want in a set of Bocce balls. They should feel heavy and have a good weight.
The provided balls also feature two different sets of markings for each color. This allows up to four people to play.
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6. GoSports Portable PVC Framed Cornhole Toss Game
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This portable cornhole toss game is designed to be easy to take on the road when you’re on vacation or to set up at your beach house for a day outside. It’s surprisingly lightweight, but not so light that there is any concern over the boards blowing away in a breeze. Thanks to the bright colors of this game, it’s incredibly easy to see it from far away.
The sacks are perfectly weighted, making them very easy to throw and to aim at the boards. Since the boards and the bags are red and blue, it’s very easy to score this game and to make sure that everyone has their pieces during a competition. In addition, the sacks all feature high-quality stitching around the edges to prevent them from coming open.
The PVC frame is designed to be light enough to carry without problems, but still sturdy enough to stand up to regular use. No amount of sun, saltwater, or blowing sand will damage the frame on this game, which means that it can last for years to come without any problems. Additionally, the vinyl for the boards is stretched tightly across the frame so that it won’t sag.
With incredibly fast setup and cleanup, this game is great to take to planned events and also to pull out for last minute get togethers. It’s the perfect size to put in the car for impromptu games, but the boards are still large enough that the game is easy to play. Each board is 2’ x 3’, providing plenty of space to aim and toss the sacks.
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7. Spikeball Game Set
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Spikeball is a competitive game and requires a high-quality set to be able to stand up to the hard hits and falls that can occur when being used. This set is designed to last through any fierce game without problems, making it a great option for competitive use. Not only is the game shockingly durable, but it’s easy to take with you, thanks to the included stuff sack.
The ability to adjust the net on this game sets it apart from other similar options. Beginners will love that they can set the net to add more bounce so that they have more time to get to the ball. Advanced users will want to adjust the net to make the game more difficult by preventing the ball from getting as much bounce.
Avid Spikeball players who struggle to find three other fans to set up a game will appreciate the free Spikeball app. This app makes finding other players close to you fast and easy so that you can always play when you want to. Since the rules are fairly simple, even absolute beginners will love playing this game.
Since this game can be set up in any location where there is a flat surface, it’s great for use at home, on vacation, and even indoors. The foldable legs make storing this game simple, as you don’t have to worry about the game being damaged when you try to fit it into smaller spaces.
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8. Djubi Classic
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Getting outside and running around with friends and family is a lot of fun when you have the right game, and Djubi Classic is designed for players to enjoy slinging balls at each other. Each net has a launching hook that is used to power a ball through the air up to 100 feet away. Other players then position themselves under the ball and, using their deep net, catch it.
The design of the handle and the launcher mean that even younger children can take part in this game without a lot of difficulty. By learning how to position themselves and their net in front of the ball, they practice spatial reasoning, as well as gross motor skills.
Even though this game only ships with two balls and two racquets, it’s easy to buy more sets to allow multiple people to play at once. Unlike other games that require an even number of players to work best, this game can be played by as many or as few people as you want.
The foam ball is designed to soar easily through the air without getting knocked off track by wind, and will float on the water if not caught. This makes it great for play at the beach or lake, as the ball can easily be retrieved without fear of it getting lost.
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9. TidalBall - America's Beach Game
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This set comes with everything that you need to enjoy a fun game of TidalBall at the beach, including six balls, a scoop for digging holes and trenches, a bag, and two koozies. Everyone gets to share the balls and the scoop, but the koozies are great rewards for the TidalBall winners to be able to enjoy. This incredibly portable game packs easily in the bag and is perfect for taking on the go.
Not only are the balls easy to see on the sand, but they are designed to be comfortable and easy to hold. Since they are made from wood, they can easily roll on even bumpy sand and won’t be easily blown off track by the wind. They are designed to be light enough so that they don’t form tracks in the sand, which helps to keep the game fair.
All of the components dry off quickly and easily in the included mesh bag, which makes the bag perfect for storage and transport. Since the scoop is designed to be the perfect size to scoop trenches and holes, even beginners can start playing right away without a lot of problems.
While there are rules to TidalBall, and they are included with this game, the makers of the game acknowledge that fun is the goal and that users can easily make up their own rules. This means that this game can be enjoyed by young and older players alike. Personally, we think it's a great activity for teams competing against each other. It can prove to be quite the challenge!
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10. BULZiBUCKET Special Edition (Red, White and Blue)
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Review
Unlike many beach, backyard, or pool games that only have one way to play, the beauty of this game is that you will enjoy three separate play modes. This is great, as it allows players of all skill levels to invest in this game and enjoy playing it. Players can enjoy a laid-back approach to playing, a semi-active version of the game, and even a high-energy game that is great for competitive types.
Since the game floats, it’s perfect to play on land, as well as in the pool, which is great for when the sun gets too hot and everyone needs a break from sweating. While it’s very similar to corn hole, BULZiBUCKET is designed to be much lighter and smaller, making it great for taking on the go.
Additionally, it’s easy to setup and to break down this game, making assembly a blast. It only takes a few seconds to spin and lock the game so that the tiers are in position and ready to capture the bags. This means that even younger players can handle setup on their own.
With an impressive two-year part warranty for the buckets and bags, it’s easy to see how this game has been designed to stand up to the harsh rays and damaging effects of being played outside. Since it’s designed to be easy to store, set up, and played, this game is perfect for use at home, as well as for taking on the go for family vacations and trips. Our kids love this game and it's more engaging then common beach activities such as building a sand castle.
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Final Thoughts
The best family beach games are ones the whole family can enjoy! These games are designed to be easy to learn, easy to transport, and easy to set up. If you're looking for games to play on your next beach trip, any of the products in this guide would be a great choice. If we had to choose one stand out game that the whole family will have hours of fun with, it would be the BucketBall - Beach Edition. The player has to try and land their ball in their opponent's bucket and the first team that lands all their balls in the bucket wins. This is truly a fun game that the whole family will enjoy and help make your day at the beach an awesome trip to remember.
If you’re looking for more things to do on your next beach vacation, check out the following Seaside Planet articles:
- Beach Picnic Guide: Food, Drinks, Activities & More
- What are Beach Cruiser Bikes & Should You Ride One?
- Top 10 Water Sports You Should Try
- What to Bring to the Beach with Your Dog
- Beach Camping Activities for Your Next Trip
- How to Play Beach Volleyball
- What’s the Best Time to Go to the Beach?
If this guide helped you get one step closer to planning your next beach trip with the family, we would love to hear about it. Share your epic plans, or past travels, with us in the comment section below!
Megan Jones leads the editorial staff of Seaside Planet. They are a multidisciplinary team of outdoor adventurers, water sports lovers, and passionate beach goers. You can learn more about Meg and the rest of the editorial team here.