Choosing a vacation rental at the beach is a wonderful way for the entire family to unwind. Listening to the ocean’s soft waves swish over rocks can help you relax at night, and playing outdoors during the day is a fantastic way to unleash energy and exercise with your kids. To make the most of your stay, here are a few creative activities the whole family will enjoy by the shore. 

How to Have Fun on the Beach With Your Family

1. Play Beach Volleyball

Many families strive to keep healthy and remain active for most of the year. However, it can be hard to keep up these habits when you’re on vacation. Playing a game of beach volleyball will keep your lungs strong and your leg muscles tight. Even if you don’t have a net, draw a few lines in the sand and bump and set the ball back and forth. If you have younger children, consider playing with a colorful beach ball rather than a traditional volleyball.

2. Treasure Hunt

The beach is filled with interesting seashells, ocean glass, and other natural objects, including shark’s teeth and sand dollars. Give each family member a bucket and see how many treasures you can find as you walk along the shore. Craft your found items into souvenirs to remember your trip.

3. Build a Sandcastle

This classic activity could keep every member of the family busy for hours. You can try duplicating things from your surroundings or let your imagination take control and see what you come up with. Post your pictures on social media so your friends back home can experience your adventures.

4. Swimming 

No beach stay would be complete without a dip in the water. Play a game of sharks and minnows with your kids, or grab a snorkel and pretend to be deep sea divers. Daytime is the safest for swimming in the ocean, as visibility is low in the early morning and at dusk. Additionally, check the surf forecast before you head out, and understand the hazards of rip currents and large waves. 

5. Storytelling

Before returning to your vacation rental, test your storytelling skills. This is the ideal activity to do around a fire, as the sun goes down. Get your kids to think outside the box by playing a game of telephone or create a story together. Have the first player share a few lines of a make-believe tale, with each player adding a few more details as you go around the campfire. 

If you’re ready to book your beach vacation, turn to Coastal Properties in Orange Beach, AL. For more than 19 years, this team has matched families with their ideal vacation rental so they can enjoy all the amenities the beach has to offer. Their staff will also recommend the best restaurants and shops in the area when you’re ready to explore the town. Browse their available vacation rentals online, or call (251) 981-4951 to book your stay today.