Updated October 26, 2023
As a parent of a toddler, you know that finding things to do can be a challenge.
But what if you’re taking your toddler on vacation to the beach?
The options are endless! In this article, we will list 37 different toddler beach activities for you to enjoy.
From fun things to do at the beach, to rainy day activities, to special activities only toddlers can do, we have you covered!
So what are you waiting for? Let’s get started!
Activity #1: Building Sandcastles
One of the most classic beach activities is building sandcastles. And for good reason – it’s a lot of fun!
Toddlers are fascinated by the beach.
They love to feel the sand between their toes and the sun on their skin.
And of course, they love to build sandcastles.
It’s a great way to encourage your child’s imagination and help them to learn about cause and effect.
All you need is a bucket, a shovel, and some sand, and you’re all set!
Activity #2: Searching for Shells
Another classic beach activity is searching for shells.
Toddlers love to collect shells, and it’s one of the best beach activities for them.
Not only is it a fun way to spend time together, but it also helps them develop their fine motor skills.
As they search for shells, they learn how to use their eyes and hands to identify small objects.
Photo Credit: HHB Media LLC
And as they pick them up and hold them, they practice their grip strength.
So next time you’re at the beach with your toddler, take some time to enjoy this simple but special activity.
RELATED: 11 Brilliant Tips To Survive A Beach Vacation With A Toddler
Activity #3: Flying a Kite
Flying a kite is another great beach activity for toddlers.
It’s also a great way to get some exercise (for us parents too!)
When I was little my family would go to Hampton Beach in New Hampshire and stay with relatives who would rent a cottage every summer.
The cottage was right on the beach.
My most beloved memories are flying kites on the beach with my dad.
We would go out in the late afternoon or early evening when the wind would pick up and fly a kite for what seemed like forever.
I highly recommend kite flying with your toddler or preschooler as a memorable beach activity.
Activity #4: Playing in the Waves
It’s a lot of fun, and it’s also a great way to cool off on a hot day!
Playing in the waves is one of our toddler’s favorite activities.
The sound of the waves crashing against the shore is soothing, and the movement of the water is mesmerizing.
Toddlers can spend hours happily splashing in the shallows.
It’s a great way for them to explore their surroundings and use their imaginations.
All they need is a swimsuit, rash guard, and some sunscreen, and they are all set!
Just be sure to keep an eye on your toddler at all times while they’re playing in the waves.
Activity #5: Beach Scavenger Hunt
Beach scavenger hunts offer endless fun for an energetic toddler.
They’ll have a great time searching for beach items to complete their hunt.
All you need is a list of items to look for, and your toddler will be off on an adventure.
To get started, simply print out a list of common beach items such as shells, rocks, and seaweed.
You can also add in a few unique items like starfish or sand dollars.
Once you have your list, head to the beach with your toddler and start exploring.
Help them check off each item as they find it, and be sure to take plenty of pictures along the way.
Here is a FREE beach scavenger hunt printable for your toddler:
FREE Beach Scavenger Hunt Printable
Activity #6: Playing in the Sand
One of the best parts about going to the beach is playing in the sand!
Toddlers love to dig and play in the sand.
Bring some beach toys and sunscreen and your little one will be good to go.
It is a good idea to have your toddler wear a rash guard when they are playing on the beach.
A rash guard helps protect them from sunburn while playing in the sand and water.
Photo credit: HHB Media LLC
Activity #7: Collecting Rocks
Collecting rocks is another great beach activity for toddlers.
Similar to shell collecting and can be done at the same time.
We take our kids to the beach early in the morning to do this activity.
It is best to do it when the tide is out.
That is when we found the most stunning rocks, shells, and sea glass.
Activity #8: Digging in the Sand
Digging in the sand is another great beach activity for toddlers.
It’s a lot of fun, and it’s also a great way to get dirty!
Bring the Tonka trucks to the beach and let your little one get busy digging in the sand.
You can also bring buckets and shovels that will keep your 2-year-old or 3-year-old busy for hours.
Activity #9: Playing Tug-of-War with a Towel
Playing tug-of-war with a towel is another great beach activity for toddlers.
Toddlers are full of energy and always on the move.
When it comes to playing at the beach, there are endless possibilities for fun.
One popular activity is a game of tug-of-war with a towel.
Toddlers can use their imaginations to turn a simple towel into a vibrant cape or super-long rope.
The best part is that they can play by themselves or with friends.
Tug-of-war is also a great way to build strength and coordination.
So next time you’re at the beach with your toddler, don’t forget to pack a towel for some fun in the sun.
Activity #10: Water Balloon Toss
One Toddler beach activity that is sure to keep them entertained is water balloon toss.
Toddlers can use their small hands to easily grip the water balloons.
They can also throw them short distances, making it a perfect activity for Toddlers.
Water balloon toss is also a great way for Toddlers to practice their hand-eye coordination.
Just be sure to pick up all your balloons off the beach so birds don’t get them!
Activity #11: Playing Catch with a Beach Ball
As any parent knows, keeping toddlers occupied can sometimes be a bit of a challenge.
But one fun activity that most young children will enjoy is playing catch with a beach ball.
Toddlers are drawn to bright colors and pleasant textures, and the soft, spongy surface of a beach ball makes it an ideal toy for this age group.
Activity #12: Go get ice cream from a local ice cream shop
Toddlers love nothing more than a trip to the beach.
And what better way to cool down after a long day in the sun than with some ice cream from a local shop?
Not only will your toddler love the delicious treat, but you’ll also be supporting a local beach business!
Activity #13: Shell Washing Station
This is a fun after beach activity!
I always bring a small dishpan and some dish soap on our beach vacations to make this entertaining activity for our young kids.
We use the shells we collect at the beach and set up a sensory play activity with the dishpan, water, soap, and brushes so the kids can wash the shells.
It is an easy activity to plan for.
I pick up some dollar store toothbrushes and sponges before we leave and the kids can easily be kept busy for an hour!
Activity #14: Playing Simon Says
Playing Simon says is another fun beach activity for toddlers.
Choose someone to be “Simon”.
Have Simon give funny and simple commands for your toddler to follow.
This is a game we love to play and it is so much fun when you play it in the sand.
Activity #15: Making Sand Angels
One of the best things about a trip to the beach is getting to relax in the sand.
But if you’ve got young kids in tow, they’re probably not going to be content to just sit around.
Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to keep them entertained.
One of the simplest is making sand angels.
Just lie down on your back and move your arms and legs up and down to make an imprint in the sand.
It’s a great way to get them moving, and they’ll love seeing their own angelic creations.
Best of all, it’s totally free!
Activity #16: Beach Count and Clip Activity
This is an educational beach activity for toddlers.
Teach your toddler to count from 1 to 10 with these FREE printable count and clip cards.
You can download a FREE set of beach count and clip cards below:
Activity #17: Playing with Toy Cars in the Sand
Toddlers love playing at the beach!
Whether it’s building sandcastles, chasing waves, or digging holes, there’s so much to explore.
Toddlers also enjoy playing with toy cars in the sand.
This can be a great way for them to develop their fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination.
If you have a toddler who loves playing with toy cars, here are a few tips to make the experience even better:
- Choose a spot where the sand is firm and level. This will make it easier for your toddler to push the car around.
- Bring along a small container or bucket to hold the cars. This will keep them from getting lost in the sand.
- Encourage your toddler to make different types of tracks in the sand – zigzags, circles, figure eights, etc. This will help them develop their spatial awareness.
- Have some fun yourself! Toddlers love seeing their parents play alongside them. So jump in and start pushing those toy cars around in the sand!
Activity #18: Ocean Sensory Bin
Here is a fun and easy rainy day at the beach toddler activity!
Make an ocean sensory bin.
It’s a lot of fun, and it’s also a great way to get some exercise!
The best part is that the sensory bin filler is made with sugar so it is taste-safe!
Activity #19: Drawing Pictures in the Sand
Drawing pictures in the sand is a great way for toddlers to express their creativity.
All you need is a stick and some sand and your toddler will be able to make all sorts of different shapes and designs.
This is also a great activity for toddlers to do with their siblings as they can share their ideas and help each other out.
Activity #20: Riding Waves
Riding waves is another great beach activity for toddlers.
Our young kids love their bodyboards!
Bodyboarding is so much for little kids (and their parents too!)
Activity #21: Making footprints in the sand
Making footprints in the sand is a fun activity for toddlers at the beach.
Your toddler can walk back and forth in the sand, making footprints with each step.
As the Toddler walks, the footprints will be left behind in the sand.
Your toddler can also make different patterns in the sand with their footprints, such as zigzags or circles.
This activity is a great way for toddlers to explore their environment and burn off energy at the same time.
Photo Credit: HHB Media LLC
Activity #22: Building towers out of Seashells
Stacking seashells is a simple and fun game you can play with your toddler at the beach.
This is an easy way to keep your toddler entertained while at the beach.
We bring our shell collection back to our beach house or hotel room with us so our kids can play with them again before bed or on a rainy day.
Activity #23: Throwing Seashells into the Ocean
What could be more adorable than a Toddler throwing seashells into the ocean?
It’s a Toddler’s beach activity that is not only cute but also beneficial to the environment.
Your toddler is playing an active role in helping to clean up the beach.
As your toddler throws the seashells into the ocean, they are helping to remove trash and debris from the shoreline.
In addition, your toddler is also providing a food source for marine life.
The Seashells that your toddler throws into the ocean will eventually be broken down by waves and currents, providing essential nutrients for fish and other organisms.
As a result, your toddler is not only enjoying a fun beach activity but also making a positive impact on the environment.
Activity #24: Making Sandcastles in Shells
Making sandcastles in shells is another great beach activity for toddlers.
It’s a lot of fun, and it’s also a great way to get dirty!
All you need is a swimsuit and some sunscreen, and you’re all set!
Just be sure to keep an eye on your toddler at all times while they’re making sandcastles in shells.
Activity #25: Building a Sandman or Sand Sculpture
At the beach, one of the most Toddler-friendly activities to do is to build a sandman or sand sculpture.
It’s Toddler safe because all you need is sand and water.
The Toddler can use their imagination to create whatever they want.
Once they are done, they can sit back and admire their work of art.
If you’re looking for a Toddler beach activity that is both creative and fun, building a sandman or sand sculpture is the perfect activity.
Photo Credit: HHB Media LLC
Activity #26: Playing Tug-of-War with a Rope
Toddlers love nothing more than a good game of tug-of-war.
And what better place to play than at the beach?
The sand provides the perfect surface for Toddlers to get a good grip on the rope, and the waves add an extra element of fun.
Plus, playing tug-of-war is a great way for Toddlers to build strength and coordination.
So next time you’re at the beach with your Toddler, be sure to bring a rope along for some fun in the sun!
Activity #27: Playing Catch with a Beach Ball
Playing catch with a beach ball is another great beach activity for toddlers.
It’s a lot of fun, and it’s also a great way to get some exercise!
All you need is a beach ball and two people, and you’re all set!
Just be sure to keep an eye on your toddler at all times while they’re playing catch with the beach ball.
Activity #28: Hitting a Beach Ball with a Bat
A fun toddler beach activity is hitting a beach ball with a bat.
This toddler beach activity helps promote gross motor skills and eye-hand coordination.
It is also a toddler beach activity that toddlers can do with supervision from an adult.
Toddlers who hit a beach ball with a bat at the beach will have a blast while improving their coordination skills.
Activity #29: Kicking a Beach Ball
One of the most popular toddler beach activities is kicking a beach ball.
This can help toddlers to develop their coordination and balance, as well as provide them with a healthy dose of exercise.
Kicking a beach ball is also a great way for toddlers to socialize with other kids, as they will often chase after the ball when it goes astray.
If you’re looking for a fun and active way to entertain your toddler at the beach, kicking a beach ball is the perfect activity.
Activity #30: Playing Soccer with a Beach Ball
Playing soccer with a beach ball is another great beach activity for toddlers.
It’s a lot of fun, and it’s also a great way to get some exercise!
All you need is a beach ball and two people, and you’re all set!
Just be sure to keep an eye on your toddler at all times while they’re playing soccer with the beach ball.
Rainy Day Beach Activities
Activity #31: Play with blue playdough, plastic seas animals, and shells.
Toddlers love the beach.
They love to feel the sand between their toes and the waves crashing against their bodies.
But what happens when it rains and the beach is off-limits?
Toddlers can still have a blast by playing with blue playdough and plastic seas animals.
Photo: HHB Media LLC
These activities help to stimulate their senses and provide them with a way to explore their imagination.
Plus, they’re a lot of fun! So next time it rains, don’t let your toddler miss out on the beach fun.
Head indoors and let them play with blue playdough and plastic seas animals and shells.
Photo: HHB Media LLC
Activity #32: Sand Playdough with shells
Are you looking for unique beach activities?
Toddlers love to explore, and the beach is a great place to encourage this sense of discovery.
One of the best beach activities for toddlers is sand play dough.
Also, an amazing idea to add to your list of beach day activities for school.
Toddlers can use their hands to mold the sand into different shapes, and they can also use shells and other objects to create interesting patterns.
This activity helps to promote creativity and fine motor skills.
Best of all, it’s a great way to keep toddlers entertained while they’re enjoying the outdoors.
This is one of my favorite go-to rainy day beach activities for kids.
Activity #33: Read beach and ocean books together.
One of our family’s favorite things to do on a rainy day at the beach is to snuggle together on the couch and read lots of books.
It’s a good plan to pack several new summer/beach themes books for a beach vacation with a toddler.
They are great for rainy days and for chilling out time after a day at the beach and before dinner/nighttime activities.
These are a few of our beach favorites:
Activity #35: Summer Do-A-Dot pages
As any parent knows, toddlers are full of energy and can be hard to keep entertained.
However, there are many fun activities that Toddlers can do to stay busy.
One great activity for Toddlers is a summer do-a-dot activity.
This can be done after a day at the beach or on a rainy beach day when your toddler is driving you up the wall.
All you need is some bingo dabbers and do-a-dot sheets!
You can download 6 FREE printable Summer Do-A-Dot sheets by clicking the image below!
Activity #36: Construction Equipment Activity Pages
Toddlers are full of energy and always seem to be on the go.
But what do you do with a Toddler on a rainy day at the beach?
One option is to provide them with Construction Equipment Activity Pages.
These pages are fun, educational, and can help keep Toddlers occupied for hours.
The pages include pictures of construction equipment, such as excavators, bulldozers, and cranes.
Toddlers can color the pictures, or use stickers to create their own construction scenes.
Plus, the pages can be used again and again, so Toddlers can enjoy them even on days when the sun is shining.
So next time there’s a rainy day at the beach, make sure to pack some Construction Equipment Activity Pages for your Toddler.
Activity #37: Sea life coloring pages
Toddlers are notoriously active, and when they’re cooped up indoors, it can be a challenge for parents to keep them entertained.
However, there are plenty of indoor activities that can be just as fun as playing outdoors.
One such activity is coloring sea life coloring pages.
Not only does this activity help Toddlers to develop their fine motor skills, but it also sparks their creativity.
And best of all, it can be done on a rainy day at the beach. So next time your Toddler is stuck indoors, don’t despair.
There are plenty of fun activities that can help them to stay engaged and entertained.
Myrtle beach toddler activities
If you’re looking for some fun-filled activities to keep your toddlers entertained while in Myrtle Beach, look no further!
We’ve compiled a list of the best activities that will keep your little ones occupied and happy.
From playing in the sand to visiting the aquarium, there’s something for everyone on this list.
- A great activity for toddlers is playing in the sand at one of Myrtle Beach’s many beaches.
They can build sandcastles, dig holes, and just have fun exploring the beach.
Be sure to pack some toys and sunscreen for them so they can stay safe and protected while enjoying the sun and sand.
- Another great activity for toddlers is visiting the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk.
This boardwalk is full of shops, restaurants, and attractions that your toddlers will love.
They can ride the carousel, play in the arcade, or just take a walk along the boardwalk and enjoy the sights and sounds.
- If you’re looking for something a little more educational for your toddlers, consider a visit to the Ripley’s Aquarium.
This aquarium is full of sea life and is a great way to teach your toddlers about the ocean.
They can see fish, sharks, and other sea creatures up close and learn all about them.
- For a fun-filled activity that the whole family can enjoy, take your toddlers to Broadway at the Beach.
This is a huge entertainment complex with rides, shops, restaurants, and more.
Your toddlers will love riding the carousel and playing in the arcade while you enjoy some of the other great attractions that Broadway has to offer.
- Another great activity for toddlers is visiting one of Myrtle Beach’s many parks.
There are several parks to choose from, each with its own unique features.
Some parks have playgrounds, while others have hiking trails or picnic areas.
You can find a park that’s perfect for your family and let your toddlers run around and explore.
- If you’re looking for a unique activity, take your toddlers to the Myrtle Beach SkyWheel.
This Ferris wheel is 200 feet tall and offers stunning views of the city and the ocean.
Your toddler will love riding in one of the enclosed gondolas and seeing the sights from high above.
- For an activity that’s both fun and educational, take your toddlers to Ripley’s Believe It or Not.
This museum is full of odd and interesting facts and artifacts.
Your toddler will love learning about all the strange and unusual things on display.
- Another great educational activity for toddlers is a visit to the Children’s Museum of South Carolina.
This museum has interactive exhibits that teach kids about science, nature, and art.
Your toddler will love exploring all the different exhibits and learning new things.
- If you want to take your toddlers on a fun-filled adventure, consider a visit to one of Myrtle Beach’s many water parks.
There are several water parks to choose from, each with its own unique attractions.
Your toddler will love sliding down the waterslides and playing on the splash pads.
- Last but not least, one of the best activities for toddlers is simply playing at one of Myrtle Beach’s many playgrounds.
There are playgrounds scattered all around the city, so you’re sure to find one that’s perfect for your family.
Your toddler can swing, slide, and play to their heart’s content.
Summer is the perfect time to enjoy the beach, and with these 37 toddler beach activities, you can make sure that your little one has a blast too!
From sandcastles to swimming, there’s something here for everyone.
These make great beach activities for preschoolers too!
What are you waiting for? Get out there and have some fun!
