
Heading to the beach can be more than just a fun-filled day in the sun. It’s also a fantastic
opportunity to help children develop essential skills. Let’s dive into nine engaging activities
that not only entertain but also contribute to their overall development, as recommended by
our team of occupational therapists.

Wave Jumping
Jumping in the waves is a fun activity that helps children build visual tracking skills by
watching the waves. It also enhances motor planning through the timing of jumps and
develops feedback/feed-forward skills as they modify their approach based on the size and
speed of the waves.
Swimming
Swimming is excellent for building body awareness. As children push against the water, they
receive proprioceptive input, which helps them understand where their body is in space,
boosting their muscle and joint awareness.
Water Bucket Carry
Challenge your child to carry a water-filled bucket from one point to another without spilling.
This activity targets core strength and postural control/stability. You can add variety by
changing the bucket’s water level or making it a race with a sibling or beach buddy.
Sandcastles

Building sandcastles works on shoulder stability, bilateral coordination, and hand strength.
Digging up wet sand provides an upper body workout. For an added challenge, encourage kids to use their non-dominant hand for scooping and dumping sand.
Sand Tracing & Writing
Tracing and writing in the sand practices finger isolation, visual motor integration, and visual
perceptual skills. Even if your child isn’t into writing yet, pressing into the sand with a finger or stick helps build grasp strength and provides tactile input.
Buried Treasure
Create a fun treasure hunt by burying rocks, shells, or toys. This activity enhances grasp
strength, planning, memory, and problem-solving skills. Outline where the treasure is hidden
with a stick to make it easier for the little ones.
Packing & Unpacking
Packing and unpacking beach gear helps children build planning and bilateral skills. Activities
like folding/unfolding chairs, rolling towels, and placing items back in the bag are great for
coordination and executive function.

Rainbow Walk
Take a walk along the beach and work on visual scanning skills. Look for objects in each color
of the rainbow and call them out. Turn it into a game of eye spy for added fun.
Crab Walk
The crab walk is perfect for the beach. It targets motor planning, coordination, shoulder
stability, and core strength. For an extra challenge, try it with eyes closed or balance a sand
bucket on the belly.
Incorporating these occupational therapy activities into your beach day is simple and fun.
The beach is a wonderful place to practice and build essential skills.
For more tips and activities, follow us on Facebook and Instagram!

Comments