One of the benefits of being around a beach, especially one with a lot of activity, is that there are so many things to do for every member of the family. Beach activities for youth run the gamut from playing in the sand and water, to exploring historic artifacts and even carnival-style attractions and rides. The choices largely depend on the type of beach chosen.
Activities on the beach itself, meaning the sand and the surf, are the main attraction. Building sand castles, chasing crabs and exploring the wildlife are just a few of the options. Playing in the surf involves crashing into the waves, getting a body board and riding the waves, or perhaps even taking a surfing lesson. The sand offers opportunities for castles, fortresses and even burying each other. Children should be closely supervised at the beach. For beach safety tips, see Resources.
Shopping, dining and even some carnival rides and games can all be found on some boardwalks, especially those geared specifically for families. Bumper cars, Ferris wheels and roller coasters can be found at some small seaside boardwalks and amusement parks. This offers another way to spend the day, or at least half of the day, for families with children.
One of the great things about many beaches, especially the most popular ones, is that they seldom forget their roots. Maritime museums are found at many locations. Though these museums may be small, they offer an invaluable look at life along the coast during the previous centuries. Those that include a tour of a lighthouse provide an extra incentive and a great view of the coastline from the top.
The presence of miniature golf courses along the family beaches is ubiquitous. For those who want a break from the sand and the water in the day, these attractions offer an hour or so of relaxing fun. They are also great fun at night, when there is little else for families to do but get ready for the next day. In most cases, miniature golf courses at the beach are very extravagant and open very late.
Fishing can be almost as inexpensive or expensive as you want it to be. For $15, a person can get a pole, reel, bait and tackle and head out to the water. While it is recommended to go with a sturdier setup, especially for fishing in the surf at the beach, even a low-level surfing rig can be set up for approximately $50 and offer hours of fun. Parents should take care to note if their children would like fishing. Some children may not have the patience for the activity.
