Top Family Fun Things to Do at the Beach – Suggestions for Each Age Group

1. Toddlers & Preschoolers

These little ones are full of energy and curiosity. Keep it simple and sensory-rich.

1. Sandcastle Building – Bring plastic shovels, buckets, and molds.
2. Splash in the Shallow Water – With floaties or life jacket and adult supervision, of course!
3. Sifters to Collect Seashells & Pebbles – Turn it into a game: who finds the shiniest?
4. Chase Beach Ball – Fun, safe, and great exercise for toddlers.
5. Cat 3 Pc Construction Set or Sand Toys 19 Pc Set – Use these to move the sand, to draw in the sand, or decorate castles with shells.

2. Elementary School Kids

Ready for more adventure, creativity, and competition.

1. Boogie Boarding – Small waves, big fun!
2. Beach Scavenger Hunt Mesh Bag Sifter – Create a list of items to find: shell, feather, seaweed, etc.
3. Frisbee or Flying Disc Toss – Easy to learn, loads of fun.
4. Slammo Game Set – Encourages imagination and teamwork.
5. Swimming Snorkeling Set and Flippers – Fun times that helps kids’ interest in coral reefs and colorful fish.

3. Junior High & Middle Schoolers

Tweens want to feel cool and independent—but still have fun.

1. Volleyball or Paddle Smash Ball or Beach Tidal Ball– Competitive, social, and energetic.
2. Underwater Video Fun Camera – Let them film their water tricks!
3. Body Board Surfing or Skimboarding – Introduce new water sports safely.
4. Ring Toss Game – 3 in 1 Games. 31 pc set.
5. Kids Metal Detector – Feels like a real treasure hunt adventure.

4. High School Teens

Looking for Instagram-worthy fun, group challenges, and chill time.

1. Underwater Video Camera  – Let their fun begin with their water tricks!
2. Inflatable Kayak or Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board – Bring your own so you don’t have to rent it.
3. Inflatable Lounge Floater – Relax while soaking in sunshine!
4. Beach Blanket – Sand-proof and water-proof!
5. Floating Raft Lounge – Music, snacks, and sunbathing.

5. College Students

Perfect mix of active and relaxed vibes.

1. 1. Beach Lounge Chair Portable + Side Table – Relax and enjoy sunbathing or socializing with friends.
   2. Slammo Ball Game Set – High-energy game.
   3. Beach Blanket and Snacks – Catch up with friends.
   4. Underwater Video Camera – 131 ft – capture natural underwater sensations or funniest shot!
   5. 6 Ft Long Explorer Boat Inflatable – max weight is 210 lbs.

6. Young Parents

Keeping little ones entertained and finding time for a breather.

1. Baby Beach Tent – Safe shade + simple joys.
2. Footprint Keepsakes in Sand – Capture tiny feet before they’re big.
3. Sand Sensory Play – Add water and let them squish, dig, pour.
4. Take Turns for “Me Time” – One parent plays, one relaxes.
5. Morning or Sunset Walks with Baby Carrier – Various positions, 3 months to toddlers.

7. Middle-Age Parents

They’re managing the trip—but want fun too!

1. Paddleboarding or Jet Ski Rental – Try something new!
2. Read a Beach Book – Escape into a novel under an umbrella.
3. Beach Bocce Ball or Cornhole – Relaxing competition.
4. Join the Kids’ Games – Don’t be afraid to boogie board!
5. Lounge Floater Inflatable – Beach Nap & Soak up some sunshine rays.

8. Grandparents / Senior Citizens

Comfort, ease, and connection are key.

1. Seashell Collecting with Grandkids – Create memories and crafts.
2. Chairside Games – Cards, crossword puzzles, or people-watching.
3. Walk Along the Shoreline – Low-impact exercise.
4. Metal Detector for Adults – 10″ Coil Black
5. Sketching or Watercolor Painting – A peaceful, creative pastime.

9. Adults Without Children

A different kind of beach day—calming, romantic, or social.

1. Beachside Book Club or Journaling – Enjoy “me time” in nature.
2. Sunset Happy Hour Picnic – Wine, cheese, and a great view.
3. Swim or Snorkel Adventure – Explore marine life.
4. Massage or Meditation on the Sand – Bring a mat or towel.
5. Date Day: Tandem Bike Ride or Beach Bike Rental – Adds a fun twist.

10. 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.

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 Paw-Fect Dogs – Friendly Beaches

• 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.>/li?
• Juno Beach Park is between Loggerhead Park & Juno Pier and has off-leash area in designated section.

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 Often – Reapply every 2 hours or after swimming.
• Hydrate Regularly – Bring plenty of water, especially for kids and seniors.
• Know the Flags & Lifeguard Rules – Understand current ocean conditions.
• Use Shade & Coverings – Beach tents, umbrellas, or wide-brim hats.
• Watch for Heat Exhaustion – Rest in shade, wear breathable clothing.
• Designate a Water Watcher – Someone must always be watching children near 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 Phone Cases – Capture underwater fun safely.
• Share & Celebrate on Social Media – Tag family and use a fun hashtag like #BeachDayVibes2025

Final Thought: 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.