2020 Guide on What to Do at the Beach
Looking to get back to the beach this summer? Here are some fun ideas to get the most out of your trip.
Keyword(s): what to do at the beach
Now that social distancing rules have calmed down and beaches are open, many predictions say that outer banks beaches will be one of the best and safest spots to enjoy the hot summer months.
There is no better way to celebrate the seasons of joy than to sit sea-side under an umbrella enjoying the fresh ocean breeze.
No matter the age or interest, beaches are always at the top of everyone’s summertime list. When you know what to do at the beach with the whole family, it’s a winning scenario for the entire family to relax, enjoy, and strengthen your bonds.
The only question is, if you are going with your entire family, what fun activities can you do that everyone can partake in?
Thankfully, we’ve got those answers. Keep on reading to find out what to do at the beach for everyone to enjoy together.
1. Enjoy a Picnic
There is nothing more enjoyable than having a family picnic together on the beach. Many beaches along the Outerbanks do have delicious food; however, nothing beats handpicking a fun spread to share under the comfort of your family cabana.
Some great picnic ideas are:
- Various cheeses and crackers
- Grapes
- Cut up vegetables, such as cucumber, carrots, celery
- Freshly baked bread
- Preserves
- Homemade sandwiches
- Fried chicken
- Cookies
- Charcuterie spread with various meats
- Soda pop
- Watermelon
- Potato chips
Not only will your spread be healthier than eating out at a restaurant, but it will also be much more affordable! Keep in mind that it is illegal to bring alcoholic beverages to the beach, so refrain from bringing any booze.
Pack your food in a cooler full of ice packs to keep everything properly chilled. If you are at the beach all day, keep the easily-spoiled foods inside the cooler when they are not being eaten to prevent food-illnesses.
If you do not feel like making your food, pre-order some pizza online by Nag’s Head Pizza in either Kitty Hawk or Nags Head.
2. Build a Sandcastle
Who says sandcastles are just for children anymore? Get the entire family together and team up on building an epic family sandcastle. This is a great way to bond with your family members as you coordinate who builds what part.
You can learn from the pros as you let the children take the lead in delegating what needs to be done. This is a great confidence builder as they get to be the boss for the time being.
3. Splash and Play in the Water
When the hot sun is beating down on you, there is nothing more satisfying than splashing in the cool ocean waves. Make a game out of it as you splash each other and try not to get soaked!
Make sure you pay attention to the lifeguard’s orders and swim only where the designated swimming areas are. This is also a great opportunity to strike up a conversation with a nearby family and possibly build new friendships!
4. Relax and Read
After you are done splashing around, you can park your soaking wet self down on the beach chairs and relax with an awesome view. Watch the waves roll in and listen to the hypnotic sound of the water kissing the shore while laughing with your family about the fun you just had.
Then grab your favorite book and dive in. The beach is a perfect location to get lost in a new novel or even read your favorite magazine. Make sure the children have something to read or play with as well so that you know they are near and not interrupting your reading!
5. Long Walks on the Beach
Long walks on the beach aren’t just for romantic couples. It is also the perfect activity for families to enjoy together! Grab the whole family and go for a walk, feeling the sand beneath your toes and the cool ocean sneaking in.
Because of the uneven sand, beach walking is a bit harder than it looks! Make sure you bring water to rehydrate and bring your flip-flops in case the sand gets too hot.
6. Play Some Games
There are numerous games you and your family can play on the beach that everyone will love. You do not have to be athletically gifted to keep up with everyone.
Certain games that are easy to play are:
- Bocce ball
- Soccer passing
- Frisbee
- Volleyball
- Badminton
- Passing the football
- Corn toss
- Ladderball
Get creative and make up a new game! Throw a football a different way or make up your own new rules and make it interesting.
7. Draw in the Sand
You can even play some games in the sand such as drawing hangman with a stick in the sand or challenging someone to a game of tic-tac-toe! Walk along the beach and draw your family’s last name with “2020” after it, and of course, add the cliche heart over the words!
8. Watch the Sunset
If you came to the beach later in the day, it would be nearly a crime to miss the Outerbanks’ famously beautiful sunsets. As the sun goes down, the scene changes and becomes more exciting with live music, people dressed up for the night, and sometimes even street performers!
9. Take Some Photos
Nothing helps you remember a perfect family moment better than a lovely photo to cherish. You don’t even need a nice camera for family photos anymore as most smartphones do a perfect job!
Set up some fun family photos, take some pictures with your freshly-built sandcastle, and of course, your family’s last name drawn in the sand.
Having an underwater camera is a big bonus for family beach days and is a way to keep the kids entertained for a long time as they snap photos of themselves playing in the water.
Learn More About What to Do at the Beach
There you have it! The ultimate guide on what to do at the beach as an entire family! Make sure you pack enough snacks and sunscreen so you have a safe and enjoyable experience.
To learn more about how you can make your family beach day the best experience and have cabana’s, umbrella’s, or even bicycles to rent, feel free to contact us at any time!