As summer inevitably draws near, we’re all about picking up the hottest new beach toys and games to make sand and shore-filled days even more fun.
Nowadays, there’s a boatload of options on the market for each age group — from babies and toddlers to older children and adults. Whether you’re on the lookout for some summertime-fun options for your next beach day (in that case, pick up one of the best beach chairs and beach wagons we rounded up) or looking for something a bit more versatile that you can also play poolside, we have you covered for every day spent in warm weather.
Top retailers include Amazon and Wayfair, though we rounded up unique, must-snag options from other brands. Truth be told, we already started purchasing some of these and adding them to our shopping carts, hopeful of the hotter temps ahead. (Related: Best outdoor toys)
So, take a look at the best beach toys and games of 2023 that are bound to please a crowd on a gorgeous summertime day. With your sunscreen in tow and your loved ones lounging on beach towels underneath umbrellas nearby, you’ll be glad you brought some fun to the sun.
Click to jump to a specific age group:
- Best Beach Toys & Games for Babies
- Best Beach Toys & Games for Toddlers
- Best Beach Toys & Games for Older Kids
- Best Beach Toys & Games for Adults
Best Beach Toys & Games for Babies
1. Melissa & Doug Seaside Sidekicks Sand-and-Water Sifting Funnel, $13, original price: $23
As a personal favorite that we purchased for our younger nieces, the Melissa & Doug Seaside Sidekicks Sand-and-Water Sifting Funnel is applauded by nearly 3,000 reviewers and elevates your typical sand toy. Namely, your little one will have much fun swinging the vertical attachments that also spin and tilt.
2. Baby Bucket Rake & Shovel Set, $16, original price: $23
When searching for a beach toy for your one-year-old, specifically, the search can become tough. Many beach toy sets come with pieces far too small for your baby, but the Baby Bucket Rake & Shovel Set on Amazon ensures safety while grabbing and molding the sand. Plus, it’s an Amazon’s Choice product with more than 2,000 reviews and is one of the best beginner play sets.
3. Baby Crawling Crab Toy, $20, original price: $36
OK, we’re practically obsessed with the Baby Crawling Crab that made its way to become an Amazon best-seller. It’s ideal for indoor and outdoor play — including your next beach trip — and plays music to entertain your baby while you’re cracking open a beach read (with still keeping one eye on your little one, of course).
4. SwimSchool Baby Splash Play Mat with Adjustable Canopy, $28
Allow your baby to sit in comfort on the sand with the SwimSchool Baby Splash Play Mat. It features an adjustable canopy and included water toy rings to keep them entertained and sitting nicely next to you. Not to mention, it’s well-received by more than 3,000 happy beach-goers and even offers up to UPF 50 sun protection.
5. Fun Little Toys 12-Piece Beach Sand Toys Set, $27
Keep things pretty in pastels with the Fun Little Toys 12-Piece Beach Sand Toys Set. For less than $30, you’ll love all of the assorted sand molds — from crabs and fish to turtles and starfish — along with the included flower sand to scoop sand into. With a watering can, shovels and a bucket, your baby will have the most fun in the sun.
6. Manhattan Toy Floating Fill ‘N Spill Crab, $26 to $36
As soon as we came across the Manhattan Toy Floating Fill ‘N Spill Crab, we immediately added it to our wishlists. It’s perfect for the ocean and bath-time alike, allowing your baby to grab each miniature floating toy, store it in the larger crab and play. How nautical and cute!
7. JOYIN Whale Automatic Bubble Guns (2-Pack), $18
When in doubt, one of the most entertaining activities for your baby is playing with bubbles. Fitting for the beach, this two-pack of JOYIN Whale Automatic Bubble Guns is sure to bring some excitement to the shore. With 2,500 positive reviews and four included bottles of bubble solution, you’ll have a field (or rather, beach) day.
8. Tate + Jane Silicone Beach Toys, $30
Perfect for on-the-go use, the Tate + Jane Silicone Beach Toys come perfectly packaged in a bucket and netted cover. It’s designed from food-grade silicone that is void of BPA, phtalates and lead, so rest assured it’s a consciously crafted beach toy for your little one.
Oh, and its neutral color palette gives it an on-trend aesthetic that’s perfectly Instagrammable.
Best Beach Toys & Games for Toddlers
1. Melissa & Doug Sunny Patch Clicker Crab Toss & Grip Catching Game with 2 Balls, $10, original price: $17
We can’t get over how adorable the Melissa & Doug Sunny Patch Clicker Crab Toss & Grip Catching Game with 2 Balls is — and that it’s only $10! It’s readily available, brings some laughter and fun to the next beach trip with your toddler in tow and is praised by more than 1,000 users.
2. Click N’ Play Beach Toys, $11
With a whopping 12,000 reviews — and counting — the best-selling Click N’ Play Beach Toys is one of the best bundles for your money. Inside, you’ll find one bucket, a shovel, a rake, five sand castle molds, four sea creature molds, a watering pot and a mesh storage backpack to carry it altogether.
3. Melissa & Doug Sunny Patch Seaside Sidekicks Sand Cupcake Play Set, $13, original price: $25
If your toddler adores their toy kitchen or grill, then they’ll adore the Melissa & Doug Sunny Patch Seaside Sidekicks Sand Cupcake Play Set just as much. Not only is on a phenomenal sale right now but it switches up the otherwise mundane sand castle molds — inspiring them to be little chefs.
4. Melissa & Doug Sunny Patch Speck Seahorse Sand Ice Cream Play Set, $11, original price: $23
Speaking of play food, the Melissa & Doug Sunny Patch Speck Seahorse Sand Ice Cream Play Set is one we’ve recently grabbed for summertime fun with our nieces. We couldn’t resist the adorable seahorse design of the scoops and how simple yet entertaining it’ll be when brought to the beach.
5. The Big Dig Sandbox Digger Excavator Ride-On Crane & Pretend Construction Toy, $40
Yes, you can absolutely bring a miniature ride-on crane to the beach (which will likely have other parents asking, where did you get that?) The Big Dig Sandbox Digger Excavator Ride-On Crane & Pretend Construction Toy is less than $50 and is backed by more than 8,000 rave reviews. Plus, it can dig up to 15 inches deep in the sand!
6. Sun Squad Kids’ 15-Piece Sand Bucket Set, $15
Another beach toy we picked up ahead of the summertime months is the Sun Squad Kids’ 15-Piece Sand Bucket Set. We couldn’t believe it was just $15 as this is one of the more “jumbo” kits that fits everything inside — from sand castle models to shovels. Plus, the bucket doubles as a watering can for the ocean!
7. John Deere Sand Dump Truck & Tractor Set, $11, original price: $15
If your toddler loves all things trucks and moovin’ and zoomin’, then the John Deere Sand Dump Drunk & Tractor Set is one of your best bets. Not only is it fit for your backyard’s sand box but it has a design that makes beach-side playtime extra fun. Nearly 24,000 reviewers feel the same, too.
8. Hape Sand Grabber Toy, $18
If your toddler loves to dig and dig and dig, pick up the Hape Sand Grabber Toy. It’s an Amazon toy less than $25 and allows them to use their motor skills to pick up and move sand — likely to build their towering creation. It’s quite the tool to add to your beach-side toolbox.
Best Beach Toys & Games for Older Kids
1. Jalunth Ball Catch Set, $20
When we think of the beach, we’re always into a good velcro ball toss. Shop the Jalunth Ball Catch Set for just $20 (a solid Amazon buy less than $25) that boasts nearly 3,000 positive reviews. With a portable carry case, it’s a great game for older kids and adults alike.
2. COOP Hydro Lacrosse, $15
Seeking a unique beach toy that you likely don’t have in your garage or shed? Shop the COOP Hydro Lacrosse bundle for just $15. Ideal for playing in the ocean or pool, it has more than 1,000 positive ratings and it’s soft-foam handles are perfect for kids who aren’t quite ready for a full-sized lacrosse stick.
3. HearthSong Boardwalk Toss Game, $50
Bring some inflatable fun to the beach (yes, you can totally be those people) with the HearthSong Boardwalk Toss Game. Once it’s set up and locked and loaded on the sand, many people will flock to toss its frisbee-like discs inside each loop — guaranteed.
4. Elite Sportz Kids Ring Toss Game, $24, original price: $30
You can’t go wrong with the state-of-the-art ring toss, and the Elite Sportz Kids Ring Toss Game is one with more than 11,000 rave reviews. It’s one of the most versatile, too; take it to the beach, on your next camping trip, to your next backyard BBQ and more.
5. SandBiz Sandhole Beach Game, $30
It’s cornhole — but with a twist. What’s great about the SandBiz Sandhole Beach Game is that it has an open-designed slot to toss the included bean bags inside, aiming for the center of its towel-like counterpart. Not to mention, it’ll save you the schlep of a big board to the beach.
6. Scoop Ball Toss & Catch Game, $9
Older kids and adults alike will love the Scoop Ball Toss & Catch Game — an option that’s shy of just $10 on Amazon. If you’re not into the typical ball-toss game, this scoop option adds an extra twist and is one of the easiest for on-the-go vacation travel.
7. HearthSong 3-in-1 Game Set with Tennis, Badminton & Volleyball, $55
Keep your older kids happy and entertained for hours at the beach with the HearthSong 3-in-1 Game Set. The possibilities are endless, allowing your children to switch between tennis, badminton and volleyball. Even better, its oversized components are specially designed for younger children above the toddler stage.
8. Inflatable Surf Body Board with Handles, $21, original price: $27
This dual-colored body board is something you can’t pass up if your older child loves the ocean! It’s also designed for adults, too, and comes in plenty of hues to add to your online shopping cart. What’s more, its ergonomic handles are great for beginners who may be scared of the water.
Best Beach Toys & Games for Adults
1. Spikeball Standard 3-Ball Kit, $66 to $70
When in doubt, buy Spikeball. This crowd-pleaser is a summertime must-have that’s great for beach trips, barbecues, tailgates and park trips. With more than 15,000 rave reviews, this easy-to-learn game is fit for older kids and adults alike. Oh, and its drawstring travel sack is a bonus.
2. Himal Collapsible Portable Corn Hole Boards with Bean Bags, $37, original price: $59
We love corn hole, but we love portable corn hole even better. Shop the Himal Collapsible Portable Corn Hole Boards with Bean Bags that, impressively, has a handheld fit once all packaged up. This beach-side game has nearly 7,000 reviews, too, and is handy for wherever you’re headed.
3. Franklin Sports Portable Beach Volleyball Set, $47, original price: $80
We love traditional volleyball, but beach volleyball hits different — pun totally intended. This all-in-one kit comes with poles, the net and a volleyball (all neatly packaged in a carrying kit, BTW) that has more than 4,000 people satisfied with their purchase. Buy now, thank us later.
4. Kan Jam Original Disc Toss Game, $40
This guide would be incomplete without a mention of Kan Jam. This timeless game is applauded by more than 12,000 people who want to have a good time with a great group of people. It’s an Amazon best-seller, too, and perfect to always have in your car trunk — like we do.
5. Ellen Merchant Bocce Ball Game, $69
Yes, you can play bocce at the beach, and nothing is more apt for shore-based travel than the Ellen Merchant Bocce Ball Game. Its practical carry case is next-level and its quality pieces and accessories will elevate your sand-side experience.
6. Mark & Graham BattleChip Golf Game Set, $189
Perfect for those who love golf and corn hole, the Mark & Graham BattleChip Golf Game Set wins the award for “most unique beach toy — ever.” Not to mention, it makes a standout Father’s Day gift.
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