The summer season is a time to let loose, enjoy the outdoors, and have a good time with friends and family. With social distancing still being enforced in many places around the world, our summertime might be looking a little different than usual. However, it’s still possible to enjoy some summertime fun safely with outdoor games. The following ideas are perfect for a day at the beach or an afternoon in your own backyard.
1. Limbo: How low can you go? Limbo is definitely a classic beach game but it can be played just as easily regardless of where you are. Just make sure you have a soft surface to catch you if you fall (grass works great).
Tip: Turn on some of your favorite beach tunes to set the mood.
2. Beach volleyball: Whether or not you’re at the beach, you can still partake in a rousing game of “beach” volleyball. We recommend playing with a beach ball to make things easier for younger children. It also helps add to the beachy summer vibe and will give your game some brightness and color.
Tip: If you don’t have a volleyball net, simply draw or mark a line in the sand or the grass and use that.
3. Water Relay: We discovered this fun idea onactiveforlife.com. For this game you’ll need a water bucket and carrying tool for each player. “Kids love relay races, and at the beach the old egg and spoon race can be replaced with a water bucket relay. Give each child a plastic cup, spoon, or large shell and have them run to the water, fill their carrying implement, and race to empty it in a bucket. Kids love the challenge of trying to keep the water from spilling before they get it into their bucket.”
Tip: If you’re playing this in your backyard, fill a baby pool or large container with water to serve as the water source.
4. Bag toss/Cornhole: This game is a classic and is ideal for the beach or your backyard. Cornhole sets can be purchased inexpensively online or at your local sports store. You can also make your own if you’re so inclined. This game can be tailored to the skill levels of the players by moving the boards closer together or farther apart.
Tip: If you want to make it more difficult, add an obstacle to the playing field.
5. A beach-themed treasure hunt: Whether on the beach or in the comfort of your backyard, the whole family will love searching for “treasure.” There are plenty of free printable treasure hunt templates available online, or you can create your own. If you’re not at the beach, you can still hide beach treasures for your family and friends to find.
Tip: Players may search a little faster if they know there’s a prize for the winner at the end!
6. Eye spy: This classic game is always a family pleaser and can be played from anywhere at any time. It makes the great game for when you’re eating lunch on the beach or having your beach-inspired picnic at home. It will keep kids occupied and entertained during the times they may not be able to run around.
Tip: You can make your eye spy game simpler for younger children by giving a hint at the start.
7. Don’t break the water balloon: Fill up water balloons for your players and have them throw the water balloon in the air and clap once before catching it. Then have them throw the water balloon in the air and clap twice before catching it. Continue to increase the amount of claps players must complete, which will mean they’ll have to throw the water balloon a little higher each time. See who can get the most claps before dropping the water balloon or having it break.
Tip: Best played in swimsuits!
Just because this summer is very different from past summers doesn’t mean we can’t still have fun. The above games are perfect when played in the sunshine with friends or family—whether at the beach or in your backyard. If you can’t make it to the beach and are missing your beach days, you can bring the beach with you wherever you go with our ocean-inspired jewelry. Our Palm Tree collection is sure to remind you of lazy days spent near the shore whenever you wear it.
