Playtime: Beach Scene

When the sun is out the beach beckons, and how can you resist? Sara Whatley looks at a few ideas to make beach days a happy and wonderful adventure 

Summer is here and it’s time to hit the beach! In my opinion there is nothing more relaxing than a day spent lolling by the sea – taking a dip, lounging on a towel, and cooling down with an ice cream. Bliss. 

But what else can you do by the seaside? Well, loads! To keep your family entertained all season long why not try out some of these fun beach ideas. 

Cycle Trail 

Grab your bikes and head out for an epic cycle along the coast. There are coastal trails all around the county, and we are lucky to have a brilliant one stretching between Worthing, and Brighton and Hove: South Coast Promenades, part of route 2 on the National Cycle Network. Start at Marine Parade, east of Worthing Pier, and end up past Brighton Marina. 

Beach Scavenger Hunt 

Devise a scavenger hunt to keep your little explorers busy on the beach. There are lots of printable version available online or make your own. Include birds and wildlife, rocks and shells, and plants on your list. You could even ‘plant’ a few objects for little ones to find; pirate gold anyone? 

Rock Art 

Any Andy Goldsworthy fans out there? Ignite your family’s artistic talents and create some beach art together. Start by collecting and sorting stones into coloured piles then see what fantastic shapes and patterns you can make from them. 

Sandcastle Competition 

A beach time classic! Bring buckets and spades, flags and bunting, collect shells and rocks to decorate and hey presto, your very own sandcastle extravaganza awaits. Now all you need is some sand... 

Kite Flying 

The breezy conditions of the beach make it the perfect place to practice your kite flying skills. Work as a team to get the kite into the air then take turns holding onto the string and feeling the exhilarating pull of the wind. 

Water Sports 

Along with jumping over the waves and swimming in the sea, there are many other water sports you could try at the beach this summer. Head to one of the hire centres dotted along the south coast and discover the joys of paddle boarding, windsurfing, and kayaking. 

Rockpooling 

Slowly paddling through the rockpools at low tide will provide hours of entertainment for the whole family. Lose yourself in the miniature rockpool worlds and discover the sea life that lives within. Can you find a hermit crab, a mermaid’s purse, or an anemone?