Some of the best beach days are the ones where you forget to pack the toys. Here are five games that need nothing but sand, water, and a willing toddler.
Draw a big circle in the sand and fill it with "treasures" - shells, interesting rocks, seaweed, sticks. Then send your toddler on a hunt to find more. They'll spend ages collecting, sorting, and showing you their finds.
What they're learning: Sorting, categorising, fine motor skills.
Stand at the water's edge and run away from the waves when they come in. Then chase them back out. Repeat approximately 847 times. Toddlers never get tired of this one.
What they're learning: Timing, anticipation, gross motor skills (and you're getting your steps in).
Just like snow angels, but sandier. Lie on your back in the sand and wave your arms and legs. Stand up carefully and admire your angel. Works best on firm, damp sand.
What they're learning: Body awareness, bilateral coordination.
Walk along the beach doing silly things - big steps, tiny steps, jumping, spinning, walking sideways like a crab. Your toddler copies you. Then swap and let them lead.
What they're learning: Imitation, balance, listening skills.
No bucket? Use your hands to make "plates" (flat circles of sand). Add "food" - a shell is a biscuit, a stick is a sausage, a pile of sand is rice. Your toddler will cook you a five-course meal.
What they're learning: Imaginative play, creativity, social skills.
The best toy at the beach is you. Your attention, your silliness, your willingness to get sandy. That's all they need.
(But a wet bag for the sandy clothes afterwards doesn't hurt.)
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