Like many Aussies we often find ourselves near a beach over summer and as awesome as the first few days are we still find our kids sometimes getting a bit over the sand and waves routine.
Here are a few ideas to keep it a bit interesting and different.
Set a Challenge
We often talk up a daily challenge even before we go down to the beach … something like:
- Build a pool that mum can fit in
- Build a castle (structure) that you can’t jump all the way over
- Find 100 interesting shells
- Collect items to spell out a word in huge letters
Just having a goal can make an hour of digging in the sand so much more fun!
Make a Slight Change
Rather than putting the towel down in exactly the same spot each day, change the beach or even the time of day that you go. Little things make it feel completely different and keep it interesting.
Take Some Props
A kite can be awesome or a Frisbee … I spent hours as a kid walking on the beach throwing a humble tennis ball with my siblings. These are treasured memories and its virtually free.
Start a Game
A great way to meet friends and get kids mixing is to start a game on the beach and encourage anyone who shows an interest to join in. Cricket is great choice but rounders, touch football or even force ‘em’ backs (google it) are excellent beach games.
I’ve tried hopscotch, long jump challenges and even good old ‘tiggy’. A great idea is to scratch out a square or circle on the ground and play a game inside that space only.
Be Sunsmart and Rash Smart
It should be obvious but nothing ruins the kids motivation than getting burnt on the first day. If you look after your skin then the motivation to turn up each day is a lot higher. The same goes for chaffing and those rashes from the body/surf boards. Healthy kids are a lot happier and keen to get to the beach.
So I hope a little planning and a few cheap ideas might break the pattern enough to make the most of that great (and often expensive) beach holiday this summer.
What tips or ideas keep your kids loving the beach? Add them in the comments below.
Have a great and safe break!
