The 13 Best Beach Games of 2023

Tidal Ball really took the world by storm in the last few years. On a busy beach you can almost guarantee someone has one with them these days. The set up takes a little longer than some games, but once you get into it, you can have a lot of fun.

The rules are fast and loose; you can alter them as you like or go by the book. You can play it on teams, kind of like corn hole, and point totals vary depending on whether you get your ball in the hole or the surrounding trench.

Super lightweight and easy to pack and carry around, you can get a game going quickly anywhere. One thing to be aware of is that almost everyone I’ve talked to was surprised when they saw the game in person about how small and lightweight it was. It does seem to be a little undersized for the money.

Corn hole is a classic game that everyone knows, and families have been playing the game for decades. Himal’s version of the game is designed for portability and simplicity, making it perfect for beach play. Gone is the clunky wooden platform in favor of a lightweight and easy-to-use polyester and foldable wire one.

The kit includes beanbags, two platforms, tie-down stakes, and a carrying case. You can set the game up in minutes and play in no time.

Bucket Ball took the world by storm in the last few years, and for good reason. It’s simple, it’s fun, and you can play it everywhere. The beach, the yard, tailgate parties, you name it. 

You play the game with Beer Pong rules. Bounce a ball into a bucket. Your kit comes with 6 orange buckets, 6 blue buckets, 2 hybrid balls, 2 bucket pong balls, 2 tailgate balls, a tote bag, easy-to-follow instructions, and a Lifetime Warranty. Each type of ball alters the game play a little or lets you play in different conditions.

This game is super addictive, and people will line up to join in if you bust it out in a crowd. Great value for the money and tons of fun. It’s easy to learn, and almost anyone can do it.

If there was a downside, it might be that the set up can get repetitive, especially if you’re prying buckets apart or adjusting their position. Also, you may get winded chasing errant balls.

There’s a reason millions of people play cards in the world – there are a million games to play! These waterproof cards from Hoyle are a perfect addition to any beach bag for those wanting to play anything from Blackjack to Gin Rummy to Go Fish!

Printed on plastic card stock, they offer good durability in wet and sandy conditions for normal play. They’re easy to read and won’t slip out of your grip even when wet.

Keep an eye out for a couple of potential drawbacks, including the fact these guys don’t float. Don’t take them too deep! Also, the print can scratch off a little easier than you might think.

If you and your friends are card players, you’ll find these an invaluable asset that never gets old at an unbeatable price.

Kan Jam has proven to be a big hit with gamers all over the world. It takes tired old Frisbee games to the next level with something that uses skill and luck and a lot of fun. It comes in numerous designs, including light-up versions for playing in the evening.

As a team outdoor game, it has similarities to corn hole but with a Frisbee twist. You and your partner work together to get your disc in the can. The first team to 21 wins, and there are different point totals for different hits and closeness, kind of like horseshoes.

As popular and fun as the game is, watch out for the cans as they’re rolled plastic you need to assemble yourself. If you don’t secure them right, they can pop apart, disappointing a few players.

Never heard of Kubb? Don’t worry, it’s still fairly new for most people, but it’s worth your time. It can be a little more difficult to wrap your head around than some games, so we’re recommending this one for adults more than kids.

Said to be based on a game created by the Vikings, Kubb blends elements of corn hole, bocce ball, and even horseshoes and chess. Players take turns tossing blocks at their opponent’s set up in an attempt to take out the King. Knocked over blocks become defenders of your own King. 

You’ll need skill and luck, and some quick thinking to excel, which makes every round unpredictable and fun. 

The game comes with all the durable wooden pieces and a carrying bag. It’s also totally eco-friendly!

Spikeball debuted on the show Shark Tank so it already had a great publicity boost. It plays like a twist on volleyball, where players bounce the orange-sized balls off of a net. You can play on teams and there are a few twists to gameplay for those interested. Gameplay can range from basic to intense, depending on your skill and interest.

As a team game, this is another one that brings people together. It also draws a crowd, and the fun factor will surprise you. You don’t get bored of this game easily; new people always want to play. 

The net setup can take a little time and it’s not always as durable as you may like, so watch out for that. But once things are up and running, you’re going to have a blast. As a premium game, the price can be foreboding, but if you love outdoor games this is a must have.

Have you ever played Exploding Kittens? If you have, you’re already going to love Throw Throw Burrito. You’re in for a weird and wonderful treat if you haven’t. This game is bizarre, so don’t expect the traditional beach game that hasn’t changed in 50 years. 

Throw Throw Burrito mixes a quirky card game with dodgeball and, you know, burritos. Fake ones, anyway. It won’t be everyone’s cup of tea but if you want a real conversation starter that can be a ton of fun, give it a try.

This fun beach game is best for a crowd of like-minded friends or family. You need to collect matching cards faster than your opponents while dodging plush burritos that are coming your way. If the burrito hits you, you lose your cards.

Board games and beaches do not go hand in hand. Most games are designed to be played indoors, but this checkers set takes full advantage of the beach environment for something fun and different.  It’s not just a checkerboard, either. Flip it over and you also have a couple of Tic Tac Toe boards to use. 

The reversible rug can be machine washed. Lay it out on the beach like any blanket and use the oversized checkers to play any of the games. Everything is big and easy to see to help prevent losing pieces by accident. If the rug gets sandy or wet, no big deal! It’s no different than any beach towel.

Checkers and Tic Tac Toe may not be the most innovative games in the world, but when you just want to lay down under the umbrella with a cool drink, you barely need to move to have a game. That’s a big plus after spending an hour or two swimming, BBQing or playing more intense games. Plus, kids love Tic Tac Toe, and it’s easy for them to master.

Finding a good game for couples to play on the beach is not always easy. Are there games for two people? Plenty of them. Heck, frisbee or tossing a football is a game for two. But a couples game should have another dynamic and there’s where Frescobol comes in.

Unlike nearly every other game you can think of that takes two players, you’re not against your opponent here. Frescobol works best as a team effort. The two of you are working together, rallying back and forth, to keep the ball up for as long as you can. The better you work as a couple, the better your hand eye coordination, the longer you’ll keep the ball in play.

The set has a carrying bag, balls, and unique paddles made from multiple types of wood that make them not just functional but eye catching as well. The price is a little steep but they’re good quality and should last a long time.

Picking a beach game to keep teens interested is no easy task. You want something fun, but if it’s too structured, it can become off-putting for a lot of teens. Too simple or old fashioned and they might find it boring. So how do you know what to choose?

For all the games I tested, I had my neighbor’s kids give them a spin by their pool. An 18-year-old, a 16-year-old, and their 15-year-old cousin gave everything a try, and sometimes a few friends joined in if they were around. The biggest hit turned out to be Skip Ball and that’s why it ranks here.

The game is very simple and involves skipping a ball across the water. It’s playing catch with a rock-skipping twist. How can that be a hit with teens? Because they can chat with friends, grab a drink, joke around, and goof off without really missing a beat. It’s not overly taxing but can keep your interest and still be fun no matter what happens. Plus, you can play from in the water or outside, so no one has to be uncomfortable during gameplay.

The price is reasonable, there aren’t a ton of parts to lose or carry around, and it keeps kids interested.

Any parent knows that keeping kids busy is a full time job. If you don’t want them buried in a screen, it’s even harder. You need easy, fun ideas to keep a kid busy sometimes, and the Flying Ring can do just that. Will it keep them engaged for 3 hours? Maybe not, but it should definitely get them active and enjoying the beach for a while.

Essentially the same as a Frisbee, the Flying Ring is kid-friendly and easier to catch thanks to the ring versus disc design. With the simplicity of the design, kids stay engaged longer because they don’t feel like it’s too hard to catch. Add in some fun trick throws you can learn and splashing around in the water, you have a full day at the beach that’s super affordable, too.

Pickleball was invented in 1965, but its popularity has gone off the charts in the last few years. With the public at large just getting into the game, it’s no wonder someone has capitalized on the idea by introducing a portable beach version. 

Sandy Pickle removes the court and puts the game in the sand as the name suggests. The kit has everything you need to set up a court on the beach and start play for four players. You get paddles, balls, net, posts, boundary markers, the whole deal.

Like a mix of tennis, ping pong, and badminton, Sandy Pickle also throws hints of beach volleyball into the mix for a fast, fun game sure to draw attention. Is it just another flash-in-the-pan fad? Time will tell, but it’s definitely fast becoming one of the biggest new games to hit the beach in years.