Those of you who live near a beach have probably grown used to the sights and sounds of the ocean, but people living inland like myself are counting down the days until they can leave work or school behind and head for the sand. Coastal citizens often forget, though, that a beach is a haven for entertainment–at little to no cost to you. So, next time you find yourself in a state of boredom, put the wallet away and venture to the beach for hours of free fun.
Here are some ideas to get you started.
1. Have a Picnic
The beach is a great place to take the family for lunch. It can also make dinner with the love of your life more romantic. You have to eat every day so why not enjoy the sunshine and scenery as you dine?
2. Fly a Kite
On a windy day, watching a kite float on the wind can be relaxing. Once you get the hang of it, you can start building your own elaborate kites.
3. Go for a Run or a Walk
The waterfront is the perfect place to take your daily run. The sand is kinder to your joints than hard surfaces, and you can always stop to cool off in the ocean.
4. Go Fishing
The ocean holds the widest variety of fish, making it the best location for leisure fishing. All you need is a pole, some bait, and perhaps a friend. Don’t forget that some areas require that you have a fishing license.
5. Dig for Sand Crabs
For a challenging and exciting time, take the kids to the beach to dig for sand crabs. They will be hard to catch at first, but once the first one is caught and the excitement builds, you won’t want to stop!
6. Read your Favorite Book or Magazine
Reading can be a relaxing hobby when done indoors, but reading on the beach supplies you with fresh air and scenery that is sure to keep your stress level low. If you don’t have anything worth reading at the house, the local library is sure to have something for you in its vast collection.
7. Play Frisbee
Whether it’s for exercise or entertainment, tossing a Frisbee is a great way to spend your time. The Frisbee isn’t reserved for humans either, and your dog will love getting out of the house for some quality time at the beach. Be sure to choose a dog friendly beach.
8. Collect Shells or Pebbles
You don’t have to be a professional Conchologist to enjoy collecting shells or pebbles. Marine biology supplies us with some of the most intricate exoskeletons. You can gather a collection to identify species of marine life or to make interesting art pieces. Just make sure to have fun.
9. Build Sand Castles
Building sand castles has been a pastime for beach-goers for years. Sand creations now range from simple bucket-made castles to intricate sand sculptures. After a few years, you may be good enough to take your talents to the American Sand Sculpting Championship.
10. Swim or Surf
What is a day at the beach without swimming or surfing? If you own a surfboard, get out on the water! Thousands of people wish that they had the opportunity to surf. For those of you without a surfboard, choose a safe beach to swim at and jump into the waves.
This is only a brief list of the entertainment that the beach has to offer. If you have any ideas that weren’t mentioned, feel free to comment and share your ideas with others. Then share the article so people that live near a beach will realize that they are a short trip away from some free fun!
Kites! I saw a kite in a shop recently and nearly bought it until I realized I have a kite in my garage that I haven’t flown. It’s a pirate flag and is perfect for the beach. How come I didn’t remember the kite when we went to Hilton Head over Memorial Day weekend? 🙁
Who won’t enjoy the beach, especially if it’s summer. We have all the reasons in the world to head there, enjoy the waves, and soak up the sun. There are a lot of activities to do and it doesn’t cost much.
Daisy, I love the water, waves, scenery, but I’m not much of a swimmer. I like walking along the beach, though. Your suggestions are so much better than – buy silly blow-up toys you’ll never use again, buy boogie boards you’ll never use again, and buy buy buy. I love free, and I think that the free activities allow you to feel less stress when you return home. Our vacations are much less expensive – no trinkets, sharks teeth, or other junk that will end up in a drawer or landfill. Great post!
Miss T!!! Great list! Walking and reading have given us thousands of hours of free/cheap thrills. Especially the walking. We walk everywhere and talk out heads off. Entertainment does not need to cost an arm and a leg!
I love chilling in the waves and trying to ride them back to shore. Once I’m done with that I usually listen to music, throw a Frisbee or football with my friends, or take a nap on my beach towel. All of this costs nothing 🙂
We live in So Cal , 20 minutes from the beach! And yes we get busy and forget that we live so close! When we go we probably feel much like those who don’t live that close! It’s amazing! I like to close my eyes and just listen to the waves. Happy summer,,
Great tips! Living here in south florida we try to take as much advantage of the beach as we can. Never had the chance to fly a kite since I moved down but seems like something the kids would love. We also have a telescope and spend time looking at the stars and moon. We live about 5 mins from the beach so biking is a great option as well.
Those of you who live near a beach have probably grown used to the sights and sounds of the ocean, but people living inland like myself are counting down the days until they can leave work or school behind and head for the sand. Coastal citizens often forget, though, that a beach is a haven for entertainment–at little to no cost to you. So, next time you find yourself in a state of boredom, put the wallet away and venture to the beach for hours of free fun.
Beaches are for sandcastles, swimming and relaxing! Nothing better than the sound of the waves when you need to unwind.
I agree. I am amazed how calming the sound of water can be. Rain does the same thing.
This is why we always take our kids on cheap beach vacations. Once we pay for the cost of renting a condo, all of the entertainment is free! =)
It’s great isn’t it. I am hoping to do the same with my future kids.
Kites! I saw a kite in a shop recently and nearly bought it until I realized I have a kite in my garage that I haven’t flown. It’s a pirate flag and is perfect for the beach. How come I didn’t remember the kite when we went to Hilton Head over Memorial Day weekend? 🙁
Well now you have found it and can make a date to go and try it out. Summer is here.
Who won’t enjoy the beach, especially if it’s summer. We have all the reasons in the world to head there, enjoy the waves, and soak up the sun. There are a lot of activities to do and it doesn’t cost much.
It is one of my favourite places to go. Just laying on the sand and taking in nature feels amazing.
Daisy, I love the water, waves, scenery, but I’m not much of a swimmer. I like walking along the beach, though. Your suggestions are so much better than – buy silly blow-up toys you’ll never use again, buy boogie boards you’ll never use again, and buy buy buy. I love free, and I think that the free activities allow you to feel less stress when you return home. Our vacations are much less expensive – no trinkets, sharks teeth, or other junk that will end up in a drawer or landfill. Great post!
Walking along the beach is so mediative. You really can lose yourself in the sound of the waves. Glad you read some things to try. Have fun.
I love this time of the year. So much you can do outdoors for free.
I know. It is great. I make a point of getting time outside every day.
I’m 38 and one of my favorite things is still to dig in the sand. I usually end up using my kids sand toys more than they do.
lol. That is funny. It is a great way to express your creativity if you ask me. It is also very unwinding. Play away I say.
Picnic-ing on the beach can be a practiced art, as it is tricky to avoid getting sand in your food on windy days! Great points.
True. But sand never hurt anyone. I would still go if it was me.
Miss T!!! Great list! Walking and reading have given us thousands of hours of free/cheap thrills. Especially the walking. We walk everywhere and talk out heads off. Entertainment does not need to cost an arm and a leg!
It’s true. The simple things can make us the most content.
I love chilling in the waves and trying to ride them back to shore. Once I’m done with that I usually listen to music, throw a Frisbee or football with my friends, or take a nap on my beach towel. All of this costs nothing 🙂
I love body surfing on the water. My hubby and I do that on vacation every time we go. It is so relaxing.
We live in So Cal , 20 minutes from the beach! And yes we get busy and forget that we live so close! When we go we probably feel much like those who don’t live that close! It’s amazing! I like to close my eyes and just listen to the waves. Happy summer,,
Happy summer to you too. I hope you can set aside more time to enjoy the beach this summer. You are so close to one.
Great tips! Living here in south florida we try to take as much advantage of the beach as we can. Never had the chance to fly a kite since I moved down but seems like something the kids would love. We also have a telescope and spend time looking at the stars and moon. We live about 5 mins from the beach so biking is a great option as well.
I always wanted a telescope. Stars and planets are fascinating and look amazing over water.