As the weather heats up, more people are leaving their homes to spend time at the beach. If you’re heading there yourself with your family or friends, you might be wondering what you can do to pass the time besides enjoying the sun and heading out into the water. One of the most social things that you can do with a group of people is playing a beach game.
There are tons of options out there and if you haven’t had a chance to play them all, it might be a little overwhelming trying to decide which is the right option for you and the people you enjoy spending time with. We’re here to offer some insight into the top beach games for summer and what to expect from each. Then you can take your own preferences into account when choosing the one that works best for you.
We’ll go over what the best beach games are, where you can get them, and what playing them is like. We’ll also look at what to consider when choosing the right beach game for yourself. But first, let’s look at the top games and what you can expect of them.
Best Beach Games for Your Time at the Ocean
Spikeball 3 Ball Kit
The Spikeball 3 Ball Kit is the perfect option for having fun while visiting the beach or heading out for a weekend of camping. This game will be somewhat familiar for anyone who has played foursquare or volleyball in the past. The game is played by two teams or two people. Teams work to get three layups, touches, or spikes before returning the ball to the other side.
Instead of hitting the ball over a net, it’s spiked into a net that bounces it to the other team. The ball is small and can move anywhere so players can move freely. When playing with traditional rules, teams play to 21 points and have to be two points ahead to win.
Spikeball can be played in all sorts of places from college campuses to backyard barbecues and beaches. Nearly anywhere works as long as there is enough space and flat terrain for the trampoline net to be placed on the ground.
This set comes with everything you need to get started including a playing net, three balls, a rulebook, and a drawstring bag to keep everything together. This is a very active game that can be used for training hand-eye coordination, working on active recovery, and keeping loose during down time.
Pros:
- Original and unique outdoor game
- Simple setup and easy to learn
- Features high-quality and durable balls
- Offers foldable trampoline legs
Cons:
- Only appropriate for up to four players
- Net cannot be replaced if damaged
TidalBall Set
TidalBall is a beach game that four players can enjoy at once. It has many of the best aspects of horseshoes, bocce ball, and cornhole in one simple game. The game is portable and designed specifically for playing on a beach. The game is portable and lightweight. It can easily be carted to and from the breach with an included waterproof bag.
The game is fairly easy to play. Partners sit on opposite sides and take turns tossing after each round. Every team has three balls and ball throwing alternates from team to team until all six have been thrown. You get three points for landing in the hole and one for landing in the trench, but points cancel each other out. The team that wins gets to take the first roll for the next game.
This game comes with a plastic scoop, six balls in two colors, four beer koozies, and a mesh waterproof bag. The balls are well-designed and durable but lightweight enough to be easy to toss around.
Pros:
- Comes with everything you need to play
- Ideal for all ages from small children to senior adults
- Game is easy to learn and play
Cons:
- Requires the sand of a beach to play
- Some find the price is higher than desired
GoSports Portable PVC Framed Cornhole Toss Game Set
When it comes to awesome beach games, GoSports Cornhole Toss Game is a clear competitor. Cornhole is an extremely popular game that has been played for years and years. The set comes with two cornhole targets, eight bags, and a carrying case. It also includes an instruction manual for those who are new to the game.
Assembly and disassembly are simple and easy. There is a compact carrier you can use to store your set after folding it up. The PVC exterior makes it exceptionally portable and much more convenient than a heavy traditional cornhole set. Being made of a tear-proof material, this game is likely to last you a long time even with regular use.
The price on this product is also wonderful especially compared to other cornhole options. It has the same rules as a regular cornhole game where scoring relates to positioning of the bean bags after they have been thrown.
Pros:
- Portable and easy to move from location to location
- Comes at a very competitive price
- Requires no assembly
Cons:
- Some find they nylon is too bouncy during play
- May be difficult to fit PVC piping together
Kan Jam Ultimate Disc Game
If you are looking to have a blast with a beach game, the Kan Jam Ultimate Disc Game is a great choice to ramp up the excitement level. It is similar to frisbee through the use of a flying disc, but it takes things to a higher level. Rather than tossing a disc at a friend, instead you have to get the disc into or near a can. However, your partner hangs out by the can and can help direct it in the right direction.
This game is typically played with two teams of two players. Cans are set up about 50 feet from each other. One person throws the disc to their partner near the can then gameplay goes to the other team. If the disc goes into the can, the team gets three points. If it goes through the front slot, the game is over and the team wins.
This set comes with two goals, a flying disc, and the official instructions for how to play. The materials used are lightweight and durable so they will last through many games.
Pros:
- Simple and straightforward to play
- Components are designed to be long lasting
- Appropriate for kids or adults
Cons:
- Some find the price is a bit steep
- May be difficult to put together to play
Viva Sol Premium Horseshoes Outdoor Game Set
Everyone loves a game of horseshoes and now you can take that fun and excitement with you to the beach. This set is a portable option for two to four players. In order to work well in the great outdoors, the stakes that come with the set are rust-proof. The steel horseshoes also come with a blue and green coating that protects them.
The set will come in an all-wood case with sturdy hemp carrying handles, a molded foam lining, and a built-in bottle opener so you can pop open a soda or beer while hanging out on the beach. The game as a whole weighs about 21 pounds and measures 26 x 10 x 4 inches. It’s a well-made game with stakes that are easy to set up for a quick match.
Pros:
- 100% wood and steel construction made to last
- Rustproof stakes are easy to install in the ground
- Transport is simple with a wooden carry case
Cons:
- Some may find the price is too high
- Horseshoes are a light color and hard to tell apart
Bucket Ball Beach Edition
Bucket Ball is a new sport that is sweeping beaches, pools, tailgating, and barbecues around the United States. This game comes with 12 durable buckets, half in orange and half in blue, two hybrid balls, two bucket pong balls, two tailgate balls, instructions, and a tote bag. This comes with a lifetime warranty as well, so you know it is going to last.
This is a portable and lightweight game that you can take on the go. It weighs less than seven pounds for easy transport from the car to the beach or another outside location. This is essentially a giant game of pong and has many of the same rules. When a shot is made, a bucket is removed, and the team can rerack the buckets.
It’s best to add some liquid or other weight to the buckets before playing to ensure the best stability. That said, the game can be a bit challenging so you should expect to need a bit of practice before you’re good at it.
Pros:
- Super portable through stacking buckets and carrying case
- Fun bright buckets are easy to see and exciting to use
- Takes beach gaming to a new level
Cons:
- Buckets may need weight for best playing
- Game might be harder than players expect
Bocce Ball Set
This Bocce Ball Set is a great summer game that can be played at the beach or nearly anywhere else. The game is simple and can be easily enjoyed by people of all ages. The set comes with a classic bag with durable handles for simple transport. The balls are made of a poly resin material to prevent staining or cracking and to offer a long-lasting set.
This set comes with eight balls, four red and four green, with two scoring patterns, a pallino ball, and a carrying case for easy transport. The pallino ball has a diameter of 1 ½ inches and the bocce balls are 3 ½ inches in diameter.
This is a game that requires no assembly to get started. All you need to do is pull everything out of the bag and you’re ready to go. The game is a lot of fun and can be played at the beach or nearly anywhere else you like. It works best on sand, dirt, or grass because that balls will roll on concrete.
Pros:
- Extremely durable game set
- Requires no assembly to play
- Convenient and easy to transport to the beach
Cons:
- Some users find balls chip easily
- Bag is lower quality than might be expected
Bulzibucket Beach
If you are headed out camping, to the beach, camping, or to a barbecue, this is a game that fits the environment. This is an easy game to both assemble and take apart when you are done. It’s also made portable, so it works well for outdoor activities.
This set comes with eight hacky sacks, two bucket targets, and a backpack bag to keep everything together. There is also a set of instructions that are easy to follow if you are new to the game. The product is made of a strong plastic to prevent cracking and be durable.
Those who enjoy cornhole will find that the Bulzibucket Beach is a great alternative that is easier to set up and enjoy. This is a game that parents and young children can both play and enjoy. It can also be played in the water since the buckets float and the balls are made of a material that will not sink.
Pros:
- Simple to assemble and disassemble
- Comes with an easy to follow set of instructions
- Small and easy to transport from place to place
Cons:
- Some users have experienced buckets or bags breaking
- Is more expensive than some beach game options
ECR4Kids Jumbo 4-to-Score Giant Game Set
If you are headed to the beach with a family, the 4-to-Score Giant Game Set is exactly what you need to keep the kids occupied. Even the adults can have fun playing. It works as an indoor or outdoor game and offers an educational product that is still a lot of fun.
The materials used to make this game are weather and fade resistant. The game meets CPSIA safe standards and has Greenguard Certification for creating low emissions during use. Children of three and older can use this game which helps develop critical thinking, hand-eye coordination, cognitive ability, motor skills, and counting.
This is an easy to assemble game. All you need to do is snap the two game boards into side rails without the need for tools. There is also a carrying bag sold separately for those who want even simpler transport.
Pros:
- Can be assembled in only a few minutes
- Able to be played indoors or outdoors
- Easily cleaned with mild soap and warm water
Cons:
- Price may be higher than some prefer to pay
- Some have experienced parts of the game breaking
Choosing the Perfect Beach Game
The choice of game for you is going to depend on a number of different factors. Some people are going to want a game that works well for adults, others are going to want to choose something kid-friendly, and someone else will want something that bridges the gap and works for people of all ages. You may also want to think about whether you want a very active game, a game that is easy to transport, or a game that is only for the beach. At the end of the day, it’s really a personal preference.
Games That Offer the Chance to Get Active
If you are interested in a game that keeps everyone active and involved, many of these games will work well for your needs. Any of the games that involve tossing a disc or hitting a ball also have active participation required. Some may require more movement and physicality than others, but all are going to keep you on your toes. This is something to consider if you and your friends are the type who enjoy getting super involved and active while on the beach.
Portable Games That Easily Move to the Beach
Those of you who are going to pretty much stick to a single beach will find all of these games are easy to transport for a day. The heaviest game on the list is less than 30 pounds and most are a third of that or less. However, if you want a seriously portable option, consider TidalBall or Spike Ball. Both of these are very lightweight and easy to take from beach to beach or beach to barbecue or wherever the day takes you.
The truth is that any of these games can make for a fun time. The most important thing is considering which appeals to you, has room for enough players that all your friends can play, and works well for the age group that will be present. The only game that doesn’t work in any environment is TidalBall since it requires digging holes in the sand. So take a moment to consider what matters the most to you and choose your favorite. You’ll have something exciting to spend your summer on.