1.    Don’t just build a sandcastle, what about making a dam or diverting a stream. Digging out trenches can be fun.  You can also make guesses as to how quickly it will disappear as the tide comes in.

2.    Beachcombing can reveal all sorts of shells, which can be collected and examined.  They can be then made into works of art and sand mosaics and pictures on the beach.

3.    For pebble beaches have a competition to see how many stones or pebbles you can find with a hole in them.

4.    Build a pebble fortress or create a pebble pattern and picture

5.    French Cricket.  Less energetic than normal cricket.  The batsman has to standstill and hit the ball without the ball hitting his legs.  And the bowler bowls from wherever the ball is hit to.

6.    Build a sand boat or a crocodile in the sand and play chase with the boat or crocodile being home.

7.    Take a story book down to the beach for a few minutes quiet play or have a game of Dead Lions.  (The first person who moves or makes a noise is out).

8.    Always keep a close eye on the kids while they are on the beach.  Take it in turns to play with young children if you fancy a thirty minute nap. It is easy for children to get disorientated and wonder off – and that is the quickest way to ruining a pleasant afternoon on the beach.