Keeping the kids occupied and entertained is key to an enjoyable family getaway. And while that’s not too difficult to do when you pick a destination like Ramsgate, where there are countless nearby attractions, it’s still worthwhile having a list of fun games ready and waiting for when boredom starts to creep in.
With this in mind, we’re using today’s post to outline several toddler-appropriate beach games that’ll keep little ones busy for hours, and just because you never know what the weather will do, we’ve thrown in one idea for rainy days, too. The best part? These activities are incredibly simple to pull off, have educational value and are guaranteed to successfully delight the younger members of the family.
Five toddler-friendly games for beach holidays
1. Fill-the-bucket beach relay
A simple seaside relay is a great way to get little bodies moving and keep little minds occupied. Give your toddler a plastic cup and have them fill it to the brim with seawater. They then have to toddle over to a bucket without spilling the water and empty their cup into it. If a few kids are playing, you can add an extra element of competition by ruling that the first player to fill their bucket wins.
2. Musical towels
A slight twist on the popular musical chairs, this game is a great option for slightly older toddlers who just can’t sit still. Arrange a few beach towels – one fewer than the number of players – in a circle, and play music on your cell phone while the kids walk or dance around. When you pause the music, players have to quickly find a towel to lie on, and the toddler that’s left without one is eliminated from the game (just make sure you have a little prize ready to distract the “losing” child and make up for their elimination). Repeat this cycle until there is only one little one left in the game – the winner.
3. Build a sand creature
This option is ideal for developing fine motor skills and encouraging little ones to become more aware of all the interesting textures and shapes that line the water’s edge. Start by walking along the shoreline and collecting shells, pebbles, seaweed and bits of driftwood in a bucket. Once you’ve picked up enough “ornamentation”, have your toddler build their favourite animal/imaginary creature out of sand and water, and then get them to decorate it with the odds and ends they’ve collected.
4. Treasure hunt in a bucket
A bucket-based treasure hunt is a good option if you need your toddler to sit in one place so you can watch and spend time with your other kids, too. Fill a small bucket with water, sand and sea vegetation, and then hide a few little treasures – small toys, for example – at the bottom of the container. Toddlers have to search for these items and name them as they find them, if possible.
5. The slithery snake
There are a whole bunch of ways to keep the family entertained on wet, blustery days, and a number of different games can easily be moved from the beach to the lounge or patio. The slithery snake is one of them, and it works like this: two adults or children hold either end of a rope to the floor and jiggle it slowly while the younger kids try to jump over the cord without letting it touch them. It sounds really simple, but it’s an effective way to distract and entertain toddlers for quite some time.
Truth is, if you pick the right holiday spot, the whole family is bound to have a wonderful time, no matter the weather. Located right on the beach, Ramsgate Cottage allows for day upon day of seaside fun, and when it rains, there’s a covered patio and spacious lounge and dining area that you could easily convert into a protected playground for little ones. And for the adults? You can rest assured you’ll find everything you need in this self-catering 10-sleeper to enjoy a rejuvenating few days or weeks away from the daily grind.