Only a Few Days of Family Fun Left Before School Starts!

Summer break is winding down, and the back-to-school season is just around the corner. Discover the top 5 beach activities for every age group—from toddlers to seniors. Includes best local beaches, safety tips, a downloadable checklist, and family photos!

Before the school bells ring again, there’s still time to soak up the sun, feel the warm sand under your feet, and spend quality time with family at the beach. Whether you’re traveling with toddlers or teens, grandparents or young adults, the beach offers something fun for everyone.

From building castles and collecting seashells to paddleboarding and peaceful walks at sunset, we’ve rounded up the top 5 fun beach activities for every age group—plus essential safety tips, clean-up reminders, and how to capture those unforgettable summer memories. Let’s dive in!

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We Recommend These Must Haves For a Great Day

• Large Waterproof Insulated Cooler Backpack for Adults
• Cooler Backpacks for Kids – They can double for school backpacks when packing lunches.
• Coleman Rolling 60 Qt Wheels Insulated Hard Cooler w Handle
• Folding Adult Beach Chair Backpack with headrest, cup holder, and wood armrests
• Folding Kids Beach Chair Backpack – Fold & go, with cup holder, cloth armrests
• Waterproof Phone Cases – Has multiple sized cases
• Large Beach Umbrella or Beach Tent – To have some shade for times when need to get out of direct sun.
• Heavy Duty Wagon With Wheels For Sand – We like the 9″ round wheels better because they are easier to pull in the sand.
• Sunscreen for everyone – The higher the SPF the better protection from sunburn.
• Your favorite food and snacks that are easy to manage while carrying, traveling, and keeping cool, plus fresh.

Family Fun: Top Suggestions for Each Age Group

1. Toddlers & Preschoolers

These little ones are full of energy and curiosity. Keep it simple and sensory-rich. Bring plastic shovels, buckets, and molds for sandcastle building. With floaties or life jacket and adult supervision, of course, splash in the shallow water! Have a game of who finds the shiniest seashell or rock by using Sifters to Collect Beach Items. A fun, safe, and great exercise for toddlers is to chase a Beach Ball. Toddlers can use these to move the sand, to draw in the sand, or to decorate castles with these: Cat 3 Pc Construction Set or Sand Toys 19 Pc Set.

2. Elementary School Kids

These are ready for more adventure, creativity, and competition. They would like Boogie Boarding on small waves – big fun! Create a treasure hunt list of items to find: shell, feather, seaweed, etc. for a Beach Scavenger Hunt Mesh Bag Sifter. A Frisbee or Flying Disc Toss is easy to learn and loads of fun. To encourage imagination and teamwork, get the Slammo Game Set. For some fun times as well as helping your kids’ interest in exploring coral reefs and colorful fish, get them a Swimming Snorkeling Set and Flippers.

3. Junior High & Middle Schoolers

Tweens want to feel cool and independent—but still have fun. For competitive spirits, social mixing, and to release energy, we suggest Volleyball or Paddle Smash Ball or Beach Tidal Ball – Competitive, social, and energetic. Let them film their water tricks with this Underwater Video Fun Camera. A popular game is the Ring Toss Game, a 3 in 1 game with 31 piece set. Give them a real treasure hunt adventure with the Kids Metal Detector. Introduce water sports safety with this Body Board Surfing or Skimboarding.

4. High School Teens

This group is often looking for Instagram-worthy fun, group challenges, and chill time. Let their fun begin with their water tricks with this Underwater Video Camera. Or maybe they would like an Inflatable Kayak or Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board. Bring your own so you don’t have to rent them. They could relax while soaking in the sunshine on this Inflatable Lounge Floater. This Beach Blanket is sand-proof and water-proof, where they can enjoy music, snacks, and sunbathing.

5. College Students

These activities are a perfect mix of active and relaxed vibes. Here they can relax and enjoy sunbathing or socializing with friends: Beach Lounge Chair Portable + Side Table. When they want activity, suggest this high-energy game, Slammo Ball Game Set. If they are ready for some water fun, this would be great: 6 Ft Long Explorer Boat Inflatable. Or if they want to go further swimming, try this Life Vest Jacket. With this Underwater Video Camera, 131 ft, they could capture nature and underwater activities or their funniest shot for social. If they want more adventures, rent a jet ski!

6. Parents

Keeping little ones entertained and finding time for a breather from the sun’s rays, we like this Baby Beach Tent, with safe shade & simple joys. Enjoy morning or sunset walks with this Baby Carrier, with various positions for 3 months to toddlers. Parents also like paddleboarding or jet skiing. Join the kids with their games. Don’t be afraid to try boogie board, or join in more relaxing games with bocce ball, or cornhole. Definitely want a Lounge Floater (Inflatable) for napping & soaking up some sunshine rays. Or get under your Umbrella for a while to get relief from the hot afternoon rays of the sun.

Adults Snorkeling with the whole family is a fun activity and memorable – take your underwater camera. With older adults, go for comfort, ease, and connections with grandkids – create some wonderful memories for all. Adults also like to leisurely walk the beach collecting shells with the kids. Or if they enjoy it, have a Metal Detector (for Adults) with 10″ coil in black. If they can’t walk very far, they may enjoy a peaceful time sketching or painting.

7. Accessible Beach Activities for People with Disabilities

Everyone deserves to enjoy the beach, and many areas now offer improved access.

1. Use Beach Wheelchair Rentals – Wide wheels make rolling on sand easier.
2. Accessible Boardwalk Paths – Enjoy the ocean view comfortably.
3. Tactile Shell or Nature Exploration – Engage with sensory experiences.
4. Relax Under Umbrella with Family – Joy in just being present.
5. Assisted Swimming Programs – Some beaches offer adaptive water activities.
6. Set up near a lifeguard station, for safety.

Best Beaches in Palm Beach County for Family Activities

Whether you’re traveling with toddlers, teens, or grandparents, Palm Beach County offers a beach for every vibe and activity.

For Dog Friendly Beaches & Parks

• Jupiter Dog Beach (voted #1 in the nation for 2 years in a row) is a 2.5 mile long area from marker #26 (Ocean Cay Park to #57 (Carlin Park), open sunrise to sunset; has off-leash areas, offers wide beach, ample play area & swimming (low-tide is safer time).
• Bark Park Dog Beach in Boca Raton, located at Spanish River Park: 3001 N Ocean Blvd; permit is required, area for off-leash. Dogs allowed only specific hours of day and permits are required.
• Juno Beach Park is between Loggerhead Park & Juno Pier and has off-leash area in designated section.
• For more info about these, read: Best Dog Friendly Beaches and Parks

For Toddlers & Preschoolers

• Dubois Park (Jupiter): Shallow lagoon, lifeguards, playground, and plenty of shaded areas.
• Ocean Inlet Park (Boynton Beach): Calm waters, jetty to explore, and picnic tables.

For Elementary Age Kids

• Carlin Park (Jupiter): Grassy open spaces, picnic pavilions, and playgrounds.
• Phil Foster Park (Riviera Beach): Underwater snorkeling trail with clear, calm water.

For Middle Schoolers

• Lake Worth Beach: Volleyball nets, long boardwalk, and close to shops and snacks.
• Juno Beach Park: Great for learning skimboarding or boogie boarding.

For High School & College Students

• Delray Beach: Social scene, beach volleyball, nearby restaurants.
• Boynton Beach Oceanfront Park: Chill atmosphere, clean facilities, and good surf days.

For Parents and Grandparents

• Loggerhead Park (Juno Beach): Peaceful, great for walks, and next to Loggerhead Marine Life Cen-ter.
• Phipps Ocean Park (Palm Beach): Less crowded, great for reading, relaxing, and long walks.

For Accessibility

• South Inlet Park (Boca Raton): Offers beach wheelchair access, walkways, and accessible restrooms.
• Ocean Reef Park (Riviera Beach): ADA accessible features and wide boardwalks.

Beach Safety Tips & Precautions

Before hitting the sand, keep these safety pointers in mind for a stress-free beach day:

• Apply Sunscreen with 30-50 SPF Often – Reapply every 2 hours or after swimming. We use the higher SPF 50 because we easily get sunburned.
• Hydrate Regularly – Bring plenty of water, especially for kids and seniors. The pros that know recommend this Insulated Drinking Bottle.
• Know the Flags & Lifeguard Rules – Understand current ocean conditions.
• Use Shade & Coverings – Easy Setup Beach Tents, Beach Umbrella, or Wide-Brim Hats for Men, Women, Boys, Girls, and Toddlers.
• Watch for Heat Exhaustion – Rest in shade, wear breathable clothing.
• Designate a Water Watcher – Someone must always be watching children near the ocean water.

Clean Up the Beach & Leave No Trace

Teach kids and adults alike that a fun beach day includes responsibility:

• Bring Trash Bags – Pack out everything you brought in.
• Avoid Single-Use Plastics – Reusable water bottles and containers help.
• Collect Micro-trash – Tiny wrappers, straws, and bottle caps matter.
• Don’t Feed Wildlife – It’s harmful to animals and against many local rules.
• Volunteer for Beach Clean-Up Events – Many cities host these year-round.

Make Memories and Capture the Moments

It’s not just a beach day—it’s a memory in the making!

• Take Group Photos – Use a timer or tripod for everyone to be in the shot.
• Record Videos – Even candid moments can become treasured keepsakes.
• Create a Summer Scrapbook – Print beach pics and jot down funny quotes or memories.
• Use Waterproof Cameras or  Waterproof Phone Cases – Capture underwater fun safely.
• Share & Celebrate on Social Media – Tag family and use a fun hashtag like: #BeachDayVibes2025

Final Thoughts: Soak in the Sun & the Smiles

These last few days of summer can create some of the year’s most cherished memories. Whether you’re chasing toddlers, playing volleyball, or simply watching the waves roll in with loved ones, a day at the beach is always time well spent. So pack your towels, your sunscreen, and your sense of fun — and make the most of every golden moment before school starts again.