Spending the day at the beach is time well spent, whether on your own or with others. However, if you have younger kids with you, it is a good idea to have a plan and carry along whatever items you need to keep them occupied and having fun. Here are some great ideas on what you can do to keep everyone entertained without breaking the budget.

Play Frisbee

With just a plastic disk, you can have tons of fun running around with your friends or kids. It gets even better if you have a dog. Everyone can take runs throwing the Frisbee, aiming to get as close to the target as possible. Stick to shorter distances between players if they are kids to reduce the frustration level.

Fly Kites

Kites are fun, not just to fly but also to make. If you lack time, you can likely find some ready made selections at a toy store. However, if you have time, you can easily make them at home with accessible materials. It is a creative and constructive process even older kids enjoy. Your kids will love running around trying to keep their kites flying high. The winds at the beach are great for helping kites soar.

Tug of War

A simple game that both adults and kids love. It is also easy to get even strangers around you to join in. You can carry some rope or even tie together some towels as a quick fix. Divide into as even strong teams as you can and have the game played on the shoreline. Sand makes for a soft fall, so whoever topples over will not be hurt. If the tide comes in, even better, it will just add more of a refreshing splash to your game. Remember to draw a line in the sand midway, so you know which team won.

Lounge Around

Not everyone wants to be running around when they come to the beach. You can opt to lounge about in a chair or lie on a towel sunbathing. Having a beach tent on hand will provide a little privacy when you need it or beach shelter to enjoy the outdoors less conspicuously. You can take a nap, read a book or even play cards with the kids inside the tent.

Surf

Swimming at the beach is the norm, but surfing takes a little more courage to get into the water. You can often find somewhere or someone to help with surf lessons, so you know how to balance on the board. It is something you can devote just an hour or two of your time before relaxing on the beach. Once you get the hang of it, you will likely become encouraged to try other thrilling water activities like kite surfing, water skiing, and paddle boarding.

Sand Castles

Be sure to bring along small buckets of different sizes, shovels, and other decorative trinkets that can go towards creating a majestic masterpiece in the sand. Building sandcastles is great fun and provides a wonderful creative outlet for kids and kids at heart.

Infographic Provided by Paddling Michigan, a provider of pictured rocks kayak tours