Best Beach Games
Chris Riley Updated on November 10, 2022. In Reviews
byThere’s nothing quite as fun as a day at the beach. From the wave to the sand, the sun to the surf, there are plenty of ways to fill your time here.
However, if you have kids – or even a few high-energy adults! – finding ways to spend your time in the sun can be a bit of a challenge. Yes, there’s alway swimming and sandcastle building…but after a while, those things can get a bit stale. You can only kick back in the camping chair with a good book for just so long!
Instead, you might want to consider playing a few beach games. While the best tool you’ll have at the beach is your imagination, these games will bring a whole new level of excitement and enjoyment to your beach day.
Not sure what to look for? Don’t worry. In this guide, we’ll tell you all about the best beach games you can buy.
1. TidalBall
TidalBall is an excellent game for any day on the beach, be it the local lakefront or the vast Pacific Ocean. This game is made in the USA and is portable and resistant to the elements – including sand, water, and surf.
When you buy this beach game, you’ll get six colorful TidalBalls, with three for each team. You’ll also get a sand scoop and two Koozies – but not so fast! Those Koozies are only for the winners.
You can play this game anywhere there is sand. It’s like cornhole and bocce ball combined and is great for kids to adults. Toss the ball in the hole, and you’ll get three points. If you get it in the trench, you’ll get one point. It’s best played with four players divided into two teams. Teammates on opposite sides will alternate throws, just like they would with cornhole.
The rules are simple – throw the balls, and have fun. That’s all there is to it!
Pros
- Lightweight and portable
- Can be played both in and out of the water
- Everything comes enclosed in its own mesh bag
Cons
- Set is pricy for what you get
2. Himal Collapsible Corn Hole
Corn hole is the classic beach game, but if you’re sick of toting that heavy wooden cornhole board with you wherever you go, you’ve got to consider this collapsible corn hole set by Himal. It comes with eight cornhole bean bags and foldable, lightweight boards that can be assembled and disassembled in a snap.
It weighs two kilograms and measures 11” x 11” x 4”, making it the best option for traveling to the beach. The boards themselves are made with high elastic flat wire, which can be folded up to 1000 times or more for added durability. Plus, the fabric has a unique anti-skid treatment so you don’t have to worry about the bags getting stuck when you throw them.
The 30)D poly fabric is durable and tear-resistant, and also holds up well to the harsh rays of the sun. when you buy, you’ll get everything you need for a rousing game of cornhole, including the bean bags and carrying case. No extra dry bag needed!
Pros
- Comes with stakes, corn hole boards, bags, and carrying case
- Quick to assemble
- Has a lightweight, portable, aid innovative design
Cons
- Some users complain that the board causes too much bean bag bouncing
3. Bucket Ball
Another great beach game for adults and kids alike is Bucket Ball. This game isn’t just great for the beach,though – it’s also the ideal choice for the pool, campground, or tailgating party.
When you buy, you’ll receive a dozen buckets in light blue and orange. You’ll also get hybrid balls and a tote bag. Backed by a lifetime warranty, the game is portable and lightweight, making it convenient to take anywhere with you. The rules are simple – if you’ve ever played beer pong, you’ll already know how to play this game. You have to bounce the balls into the buckets!
Although the game comes with hybrid game balls, which are similar to racquetballs, you can also buy bucket pong game balls that are similar to ping pong balls but a bit larger, or tailgate game balls, which are similar to hacky sacks. The tailgate game balls are perfect for playing on flat surfaces or in the wind, and since they’re soft, you don’t have to worry about them damaging cars or other expensive items, either.
Pros
- Three ball options available
- Can be played in all weather, including the snow
- Portable and can be stacked in the carrying case for easy moving
Cons
- Buckets can be hard to separate
4. Hoyle Waterproof Clear Playing Cards
Playing cards at the beach? It might sound odd, but these playing cards by Hoyle will lead to some of the best beach games you’ll ever play.
You can play any card game you’d like, as this deck is the standard playing card size and comes with the standard faces and values. Each card is hand washable, easy to shuffle, and flexible. Although the cards are clear, you won’t have any trouble reading the measurements on the cards. They are printed on premium plastic card stock that hold up well to the elements, too.
With these cards, you can play your favorite game anywhere, without having to worry about all the mess. The fonts and suits are easy to read and depicted in large print. You’ll fall in love with these durable decks right away!
Pros
- Wash up well
- Easy to read
- Waterproof
Cons
- Print can scratch off over time
5. Kan Jam
Kan Jam is the quintessential party game – which is why it’s also one of the best beach games you can buy. It is a fun, competitive game that, at its most basic, involves tossing a Frisbee into a can.
When you buy this game, you’ll receive an official Kan Jam disc, two weatherproof goals, and instructions on how to play. You can buy the game in several styles, including a light-up version, a patriotic design, and more.
The game is durable and waterproof enough one used around pools and beach areas. You can play during the day or in the middle of the night. This game is great for both kids and adults alike.
Pros
- Rules are simple and easy to follow
- Light-up version is great for nighttime play
- Great team sport for both kids and adults
Cons
- Cans can tip over in the wind
6. Kubb Game Set
Kubb is a beach game that you have likely heard of – but trust us, it’s one you aren’t going to forget.
Also referred to as Viking Chess, this game, according to legend, used to be played by the Vikings – but with firewood! It Requires a unique mixture of strategy, luck, and throwing skill, and is often described as being a combination of cornhole, horseshoes, and bocce ball all in one.
It’s a great team game that can be played by players of all ages. Each time will alternate between throwing batons across the field at the other team’s blocks. When the blocks are knocked over, they are thrown to your side and can be used as defensive blocks for your side. The first team to knock over the “king” block wins.
When you buy, you’ll get everything you need to start playing. You will receive a strong, convenient carrying case with a reinforced handle and bottom. The bag also has a drawstring closure for easy transportation. The kit is made out of hand-sanded rubber wood with excellent durability. This wood is shock-absorbent and won’t splinter or chip, even after multiple uses.
If you worry about the environment, this game is a great pick for another reason. It’s made with eco-friendly materials and proceeds under the strictest standards for sustainability. The game does not contain any unnatural finishes or chemicals and is made with natural wood.
Pros
- Can be a game of luck or of strategy
- Made with eco-friendly materials
- Well-built kit
Cons
- Instructions can be tough to follow
7. GoSports Indoor/Outdoor Ladder Toss Game Set
Another beach game for you to consider is this ladder toss set by GoSports. It comes with two targets and six rubber bolos, along with a score tracker, carrying case, and set of rules.
The beauty of this game is that it’s designed for portability, which is a quick assembly that takes less than two minutes. Other sets can take ten minutes or more, so this is one of the best beach games in that regard.
Not only that, but you’ll love how the softer rubber bolos are safe for kids. They can also be used indoors without having to worry about breaking things. The thick strings on the kits are strong, too, helping to prevent unnecessary tangles.
With PVC tubes that are pre glued and made out of materials that are 50% thicker than the competitors’, this game will become a tailgate or beachside classic for you and your friends.
Pros
- Comes with built-in score trackers
- Has a backpack-style carrying case
- Thick rope reduces the likelihood of tangles
Cons
- Poles can melt under intense heat
8. Throw Throw Burrito
Bear with us on this one – we know the name sounds odd! However, this game is sure to become your favorite party game, no matter how old and serious you might be.
Hailed as a “dodgeball card game,” the objective of the game is to collect matching sets of cards faster than your opponents. At the same time, you need to dodge, duck, and throw airborne burritos. You’ll collect points with the cards, but when you get hit by flying burritos, you’ll lose them.
You can play this game indoors, but you’re best off playing it outdoors. The burritos are soft and made out of foam, so they’re not only pain-free when tossed right at your face, but they’re water-resistant, too.
Best for two to six players, the game comes with seven tokens, 120 cards, and two cute burritos.
Pros
- Fun for all ages
- Foam burritos are soft and hold up well in the water
- Rules are simple and easy to follow
Cons
- Some people report issues with the burritos tearing
How to Find the Perfect Beach Games: A Helpful Buying Guide
Age and Number of Players
When you’re trying to find the right beach game to play during your next day at the ocean, the first thing you will want to consider is the age of the players. If you’re looking for games to play with the kids, you of course are not going to want to pick games that involve alcohol, like beer pong!
That should go without saying – but it can sometimes be difficult to find games that meet the needs of kids in other regards. For example, it might be tough for you to tell whether a game is developmentally appropriate for a four year old versus a six year old. That’s why it’s important to read the reviews and ratings on a package.
You will also want to consider how many players are going to be at the beach with you. Some games can be played independently or with two or three people, but others require large groups in order to be enjoyed.
Materials
You are going to want to invest in a beach game that is made out of durable, high-quality materials. PVC is one excellent option, since it is not only waterproof, but it will be hard to damage it with sand and salt, too. If you’re investing in a game that includes balls, make sure they are made out of something like wood or rubber – these will float well if the balls end up in the water.
Assembly
How easy is your game to assemble? If it comes with a ton of parts and pieces and is hard to put together, you probably aren’t going to play it that often – meaning it will be a total waste of money. Make sure your game can be put together in a couple of minutes, if possible.
Portability and Overall Size
Most beach games can be played outdoors, so it’s important that you look for a game that will pack up easily and comes with carrying cases and other helpful storage features. You’ll want to pay attention to its overall size, too. You have a ton of gear that you need to bring with you to the beach, so you don’t want to add a cumbersome beach game to the list, too.
Outdoor Use
Most beach games are designed to be played outdoors, but every now and then, you’ll find one with pieces and parts that aren’t waterproof. If you’re going to be playing a game on the beach, you’ve got to make sure it is waterproof and resilient to hold up to the harsh elements of the great outdoors.
Which Beach Game is the Best?
Not sure how to find the best beach game? You made a smart decision by reading this post – hopefully, you will now have a few ideas of what to look for when you’re making your purchase.
Any of the games above are sure to give you, your friends, and your family a rollicking good time. Which one is the best? We like the TidalBall game the best, as it’s fun for both kids and adults. However, that’s not to say that it’s the best choice for you.
With a little bit of research and adherence to our tips on finding the best beach games above, you’re sure to find the game that will keep you entertained for hours on end.
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