Top 6 Beach Games for Families, Friends & Fun in the Sun

There’s something about sand, sun, and the sound of the waves that makes everything feel just a little more fun—and that includes games. Whether you’re on a family vacation, a romantic escape, or a group beach trip, having a few classic beach games ready to go can turn a laid-back beach day into a full-on memory maker.

From laughter-filled competition to low-key fun for all ages, these are the best games to pack for your next beach adventure. And when you stay at one of our New Smyrna Beach condo rentals, the beach is just steps away—so you can start the fun anytime.

1. Bocce Ball (a.k.a. Bocci or “Beach Bowling”)

Bocce ball is a classic yard game that gets a whole new life on the beach. All you need is a bocce set (usually eight large balls and one smaller “pallino”), some open space, and a group ready for a little friendly competition. The goal is simple: toss your team’s bocce balls as close as possible to the pallino, knocking out your opponent’s if needed.

How to Play at the Beach:

1. Split into two teams. 
2. One team tosses the pallino to start the round. 
3. Teams alternate throws, aiming to get closest to the pallino. 
4. Only the team with the closest ball scores for that round. 
5. First team to reach 12–15 points wins. 

What makes beach bocce so fun is how the environment changes the game. You can play on firm sand for more accuracy, or in deep, loose sand to slow the roll and add some unpredictability. Set up a course that goes uphill, curves around beach chairs, or even crosses into the shallow water at low tide. Every match is different, and the more creative your terrain, the more entertaining the game becomes.

2. Cornhole (Bean Bag Toss)

Cornhole is one of the most versatile games for a beach day—simple enough for kids, competitive enough for adults, and just challenging enough when you’re throwing into a coastal breeze. The goal: toss bean bags onto a slanted board, aiming for the hole in the center.

Basic Rules:

1. Place two cornhole boards about 27 feet apart (adjust for age and space). 
2. Players or teams take turns throwing four bean bags each. 
3. Bags on the board = 1 point, bags in the hole = 3 points. 
4. First to 21 points wins. 

On the beach, sand can make board placement a little tricky—but that’s part of the fun. If you’re up for a challenge, try angling the boards on a slope, or playing during a light ocean breeze to test your tossing skills. Short on equipment? Improvise with towels for boards and buckets for holes and you’ve got a DIY version that’s just as fun.

3. Paddle Ball (Racquet Game for Two)

Paddle ball is the ultimate beachside rally game—simple to pick up, but surprisingly addictive once you get going. It involves two players using small wooden or plastic paddles to volley a rubber ball back and forth, trying to keep it airborne as long as possible.

How to Play:

1. Stand a few feet apart on firm sand. 
2. Use your paddles to bounce the ball between you, without letting it hit the ground. 
3. Count how many hits you can get in a row—then try to beat your high score. 

There’s no court, no scoring system (unless you make one), and no pressure. It’s just you, your partner, and the sound of the ball popping back and forth against the paddles. It’s especially fun for couples, kids, or early risers looking for a quiet, active start to the day.

As the game gets going, you’ll naturally start challenging each other to longer rallies, diving for near-misses, or slowly backing up to increase the difficulty. Try playing barefoot in the shallow water, or setting mini goals like “keep the ball going until the next wave hits.”

4. Beach Soccer

You can’t go wrong with a good old-fashioned game of beach soccer. All you need is a ball and some makeshift goals—coolers, sandals, beach towels, or even driftwood—and you’ve got a game that can keep kids and adults entertained for hours.

How to Play (Simplified Rules):

1. Divide into two teams (2-on-2 or larger depending on your group). 
2. Set up two goals about 15–25 feet apart. 
3. Play to a set score or time limit—whoever scores the most goals wins. 

The soft sand makes the game more physically demanding but less intense on your joints, which makes it a great option for all ages. There’s plenty of room for lighthearted play or more competitive rounds if your group is feeling it.

You can customize the game to fit your group—play kids vs. adults, create a penalty shootout tournament, or even set up a mini World Cup-style bracket for larger groups. Just expect to get sandy and tired in the best possible way.

5. Spikeball

If you haven’t played Spikeball yet, your beach days are about to get a lot more exciting. This fast-paced, four-player game combines elements of volleyball and handball, using a small trampoline-like net set up at ground level. It’s one of the most popular beach games in recent years—for good reason.

How to Play:

1. Divide into two teams of two. 
2. One team serves the ball by bouncing it off the net toward the opposing team. 
3. Each team has up to 3 alternating touches to return the ball back onto the net. 
4. If the other team can’t return it, you score. 
5. Play to 11, 15, or 21 points—whatever your group prefers. 

Spikeball is super competitive, super active, and super fun. Expect quick movements, diving saves, and lots of shouting and laughing. The beach version adds an extra twist—the sand makes movement slower and diving a lot softer, so you can really go for those full-body saves.

Want to mix things up? Try playing a casual version barefoot in shallow water, or rotate partners between rounds to keep things friendly and social.

6. Beach Frisbee Golf (or Ultimate Frisbee)

Frisbee games are a staple of any great beach trip, and Frisbee Golf is a simple, flexible option that works for any group size. Instead of a real golf course, you create one using towels, coolers, umbrellas, or landmarks as “holes” and take turns trying to reach them with the fewest throws.

How to Play Beach Frisbee Golf:

1. Choose 6–9 “targets” around your area. 
2. Take turns throwing toward each one. 
3. Keep score like traditional golf (fewest throws wins). 
4. Adjust the targets as needed for fun or difficulty. 

For a faster-paced version, gather a larger group and go all-in with Ultimate Frisbee. Split into teams, set up goals using whatever’s on hand, and play a fast-moving game where the only rule is: keep the disc moving, no running with it, and score by catching it in the end zone.

Frisbee games are great because they’re easy to learn, easy to carry, and great for wide open beach spaces. You can even combine them—start with a round of golf in the morning, and go full Ultimate as the beach fills up later in the day.

Let the Games Begin!

Whether you’re traveling with kids, planning a group getaway, or just want a reason to get off your beach towel and move a little, these games are guaranteed to bring laughter, bonding, and a bit of friendly competition to your beach vacation.

The best part? When you’re staying just steps from the sand in one of our New Smyrna Beach condo rentals, setting up for a game (or five) is as easy as grabbing your gear and walking out the door.

So pack your paddle ball set, your bocce balls, and maybe a frisbee or two—then head out to the beach, kick off your shoes, and start making those unforgettable vacation memories. 🏖️