If you and your crew are the active types, laying around on the beach for hours at a clip may be a little too mellow for your taste. But instead of skipping the beach altogether, you can still join your family and friends at the shore. After logging in some time in the sea and chilling out under your umbrella for awhile, why not bring your favorite sports to the sand? There are actually quite a few family-friendly sports that you can play right on the beach as long as you steer clear of the most crowded areas. Check them out below.
Read more ¿Qué más?: Try this no-fuss beach game for kids of all ages!
Always remember to stay hydrated and take plenty of breaks when playing sports under the hot sun, and that the coolest and safest time to do these things is early in the morning and later in the afternoon when the heat from the sun isn't as strong as midday.
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Beach Volleyball
I've been playing beach or pool volleyball for as long as I can remember, and you probably have too. That's because it's a great game to get the whole family involved in, as long as everyone promises not to get too competitive (for the safety of the littlest ones). Many beaches have nets already strung up, but you can also just play by volleying the ball back and forth over an imaginary line. If your crew is on the younger side, try playing with inflatable beach ball instead of an actual volleyball.
Kayaking
Kayaking may seem like an adults-only sport, but it's really no different than other type of boating. Even infants and toddlers can lay or sit down on a cushion between an adults legs, and there are actually kayaks made just for young kids. Rentals are usually plentiful and affordable in beach areas. You can kayak on a lake or in the ocean, but if you go for the latter, you might want to stick near the shore when you have kiddos in tow. And of course, don't forget appropriately sized life jackets for everyone.
Beach Soccer
Who doesn't love a good soccer match? Even two year olds can kick a soccer ball around and thanks to the added challenge of running in the sand, you'll get a good workout in and your kids are sure to be wiped out afterwards. Hopefully making for a good long nap or a nice peaceful evening.
Beach Hand Ball
Though handball is actually a "real" sport with professional teams throughout Europe, it's one that most of us are more familiar with on a casual level. Just as you can play volleyball and soccer on the beach, it's easy to get a handball game going as well. It's just a matter of using your hands to pass or bounce a ball into a guarded goal — something people of just about any age can do.
Beach Frisbee
Tossing a frisbee around on the beach couldn't be easier or more fun. This super easygoing game is best known for a lazy day park activity, but it's just as much fun in the sand as it is on the grass, and it's a sport even the non-athletic types in your group will likely enjoy. If you want to up the ante, try ultimate frisbee instead.
