Family Beach Games
in Gulf Shores & Orange Beach
Alabama’s Beaches are the ideal destination for family beach days thanks to our white sands, Gulf waters, and 32 miles of vast shorelines. While there’s nothing wrong with taking a beach nap or reading your favorite book, it’s fun to enjoy a little playtime in the sand. Add excitement and friendly competition to your vacation with these simple but fun beach games, perfect for all ages.
Best Beach Games for Families on Alabama’s Beaches
Sandcastle Competitions on Alabama’s Beaches
Sandcastle Competitions on Alabama’s Beaches
The sand that lines our shores is unlike the gritty and rough sand found at other beaches. It’s soft, squeaky, and great for building sandcastles. Guests can easily pick up buckets, shovels, and other tools at nearby grocery and souvenir stores. See who can build the best sandcastle or combine your talents and create the ultimate sculpture in the sand using shells as added decorations.
Seashell Scavenger Hunts Along the Shore
Seashell Scavenger Hunts Along the Shore
Speaking of seashells, our beaches are lined with these natural treasures flowing in and out of the surf. Public beach accesses like Alabama Point and Shell Beach are great for seashell hunting as the tides and currents wash up a variety of shells. Create a list of the shells found in Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, and Fort Morgan, or try to identify specific shapes and colors and see how many you can find. Before you start searching, pick up a free shelling bag from our Welcome Center!
Beach Volleyball
Beach Volleyball
Visitors to Gulf Place (Gulf Shores Main Public Beach) can’t pass up a game of beach volleyball while relaxing and soaking up the sun. This popular beach access has several public volleyball nets set up for beachgoers to set, bump, and spike by the shore. Invite your beach neighbors to a game! Local sports outfitters, chain grocery stores, and beach shops sell volleyballs.
Spikeball
Spikeball
Those who are up for fast-paced and competitive fun will love playing Spikeball. This popular and energetic beach game is great for groups and families and doesn’t require a lot of space. It can be played near the waterline or further up the shore, and the setup and take-down only take minutes. A Spikeball set can be picked up at chain stores like Target and Walmart.
Beach Bingo
Beach Bingo
You’re never too old (or young) for a round or two of bingo, and the beach is a fantastic place to play. Make it coastal themed by using shells and other beach finds to fill your cards instead of a marker. You can also create your own cards that spell out beach rather than bingo. The grownups can easily relax as they call out numbers for the kids or join in on the fun.
Frisbee Challenges
Frisbee Challenges
Throwing a frisbee on the beach is a vacation must-do that never gets old. Frisbees are easy to pack and can be played with practically anywhere along the shore. Take your game up a notch by playing in the surf or see who can toss it the furthest. Ensure you select a spacious area to play and take note of the wind direction.
Kan Jam
Kan Jam
Those who want to take their frisbee toss up a notch will love Kan Jam, the ultimate game for a beach day or tailgate in the sand. Players take turns throwing the disc into “kans” until someone reaches 21 points. Think of cornhole, but with frisbees and plastic cans instead of bean bags and boards. Like Spikeball, Kan Jam sets are available for purchase online or at major retailers such as Target and Walmart.
Beach Soccer
Beach Soccer
If your crew prefers to use their feet instead of their hands to play, bring a soccer ball to the shore for a game in the sand. Mark your makeshift “field” by drawing lines in the sand or using shoes or towels to set up goal lines. Public access points like Gulf Place and The Pavilion have wide, open beaches that are perfect for a friendly, Gulf-front game.
Sand Tic Tac Toe
Sand Tic Tac Toe
One of the easiest games to play on the beach is tic-tac-toe. Leave the paper and pens at home and use your fingers to draw X’s and O’s in the sand. Or you can use things collected along the shoreline, like shells and driftwood, to make your moves. Anyone can play this as it requires no gear or setup. All you need is sand!
Beach Paddleball
Beach Paddleball
Another ever-popular beach game is paddleball. All that’s needed to play is a paddle, a ball, and an open space. It’s like ping pong but without the table. Volley the ball back and forth with a partner or go solo and see how long you can keep the ball in the air. The best part about this game is that it can be played on the sand or in the surf.
Explore More Fun Things to Do at the Beach
A beach day in Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, and Fort Morgan is an unforgettable experience. For more excitement on our shores, explore all the fantastic watersports like parasailing, Jet Skiing, paddleboarding, kayaking, snorkeling, and diving. Or explore the gorgeous waterways with a boat rental or cruise. Local outfitters make it easy to rent equipment, and many will deliver to your accommodation or launch spot.
Alabama's Beaches
These blogs are written by the destination experts at Alabama's Beaches. From the best restaurants and hidden gems to tips and tricks for making the most of your stay, our knowledgable team has the lowdown on our area.
