Basking in the sun on the beach is always a good idea. But what do you do when the sun isn’t cooperating, and a storm moves in? Afternoon rain showers are the norm in Florida, so we know there are plenty of things to do on a rainy day at the beach.
Let’s look at the bright side. There are a few good things about a rainy beach day. First of all, it’s a great reason to chill out and relax with your family. And when it’s raining, you don’t have to worry about getting sunburned or overheating.
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Before we go on with lots of fun activities for a rainy beach day, read this warning.
These rainy day beach activities are not for when the weather is dangerous. Yes, that feeling of being in the eye of a storm is exciting but terrifying and dangerous at the same time. So be wise when severe weather is approaching. Keep calm, keep watch, and keep your phone close so you can check the radar and stay up to date with impending severe weather.
If there is lightning or severe weather in the area, seek shelter immediately.
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This article will give you 35 family-friendly activities for a wet and rainy day at the beach.
You Won’t Even Have to Leave the Shore for These First Twelve Rainy Beach Day Ideas.
Beach board games. This activity will require planning for the possibility of a rainy beach day. So, with a tent overhead for protection from the rain, bundle up and play a game or two of Sorry, Life, Monopoly, Candy Land, Chutes and Ladders, or Apples to Apples. And I bet you’ll find some friends who want to join the fun.
Or play UNO. Everyone can play UNO, and a deck of UNO cards is easy to pack in your beach bag.
Read a book. Reading is always a great way to pass the time when the weather doesn’t cooperate. So pick up one of those beach books you brought along and settle in for some “fun in the sun” reading. Or pop in your AirPods and listen to an audiobook.
Or sip champagne. I know, that’s my answer for everything, but it’s my favorite thing to do. Picture this…sitting under your tent, listening to the soft rain shower, and watching the crashing waves. Sounds like the perfect idea to me. Always pack a bottle of Champagne, or wine, just in case.
Take a walk in the rain. As long as it isn’t lightning and the rain isn’t that stinging sideways type, grab your raincoat and go for a stroll, and feel the cool raindrops on your face.
Watch for dolphins. Sometimes if the currents are just right, you can see dolphins swimming beyond the shoreline.
Beach volleyball. You don’t need sun for some friendly competition.
Build a sandcastle. Use those buckets of wet sand that have been sitting at your beach umbrella all day and build a massive sandcastle.
Host a dance party. Blast music on your waterproof speakers while dancing in the sand and rain. You will definitely make new friends.
Learn to surf or boogie board. Surfing or boogie boarding in the rain is always an adventure. Plus, it is a great way to burn off some energy while having fun in the waves.
Plan a beach-themed scavenger hunt. If you search on Google or Pinterest for a beach-themed scavenger hunt, you will find tons of printables for kids of all ages.
Play games on the beach like Spike Ball or Bocce Ball. Spike Ball and Bocce Ball may require a little more strategy than regular beach games, and both are a great way to get some exercise while you’re at the beach.
Get in Your Fitness, In the Rain.
Can’t stand the thought of being still for another rain minute? Then get you and your family moving. The fresh air and physical activity will surely make everyone feel better.
Go for a run on the beach in the rain. If you need a little solitude and peace, head out for a run on the beach in the rain. Feel the sand between your toes, breathe the salty air, feel the cool raindrops on your face, and relax.
Swim in the pool at the hotel or resort. Many hotels have indoor pools and hot tubs, but if not, swimming in the rain isn’t so bad. And I will bet you will have the pool to yourselves. Just make sure lightning isn’t close by.
Stroll the boardwalk. Many beaches and resorts have a boardwalk with shops and restaurants that are fun to visit in any weather.
Cornhole. If your resort has an outdoor area with picnic tables, there’s a good chance they have Cornhole, a giant Connect Four, or Chess Board set up for guests to use.
Clean up your trash! It’s sad that most people come to our beaches and don’t want to take their trash with them when they leave. If you’re on the beach and notice some garbage, why not clean it up? It’s an excellent way to volunteer your time while enjoying the beach. You can grab a bag and pick up litter for an hour or so – there are always plenty of items to be collected (plastic straws, cigarette butts, and more). You can even organize a beach clean-up with your family or friends. Not only will you make the beach better for everyone to enjoy, but you’ll also find out that there are a lot of other people who care about the environment just like you.
Here Is a List of Rainy Beach Day Activities If You Must Leave the Beach.
Go to the movies. An obvious first choice when thinking of things to do with family and friends during a dreary day, but there are so many other options available below.
Or stay in for a Netflix movie marathon. Well, if it’s raining and there’s not much else to do, why not? These are our top ten family favs, fun for both kids and adults if you need ideas.
- A Series of Unfortunate Events.
- Ultimate Beastmaster.
- Fuller House.
- You Vs. Wild.
- Ask the StoryBots.
- Nailed It!
- Fear Factor. (Better suited for older kids).
- Scooby-Doo! (OK, maybe this is my favorite).
- Bunk’d
- Man With a Plan.
- Alexa and Katie.
Or watch beach-themed movies. Maybe Jaws isn’t the best one to watch while on a beach vacation. Try these instead.
- Luca.
- Dolphin Tale.
- Moana.
- The Little Mermaid.
- Ponyo.
- Finding Nemo and Finding Dory.
- Point Break.
- Castaway.
- Soul Surfer.
- Teen Beach Movie.
Change your beach day to a spa day. This activity may not work for everyone in the traveling party, but there are plenty of other options here to occupy those who opt out of spa day. If you know ahead of time there’s a possibility of a rainout, then plan. Pack a few sheet masks to roll on for a quick facial. Add bubble bath, candles, and a soft, relaxing playlist. And finish your impromptu spa package with your favorite body butter.
Host a yoga retreat. Keep it simple and find your favorite yogi who does yoga videos. Mine is Yoga with Adriene. Her videos are for all levels. Or you can check out these family-friendly yoga poses for travel.
Try a family puzzle. If you know the weather may not be perfect for your beach vacation, pack a giant puzzle that everyone can help put together.
Write postcards to family and friends. Remember when we did this years ago? Let’s bring it back — a perfect rainy day activity.
Get crafty. Draw or write in the sand if you are hanging in the tent waiting for the storm to pass. Or head back to your lodging and make seashell ornaments, a necklace, or a seashell windchime. Even better, set out for the local craft store to purchase watercolor paints and paper for ocean and fish painting.
Bake a cake or make cookies or both. Choose your favorite recipe, or purchase a roll of those Nestle Tollhouse cookies and bake a treat everyone will love. Cookies and cakes are always a good idea.
Order room service and enjoy the view from your balcony. If you are staying at an ocean-front resort or hotel, head back to your room, order room service, and enjoy your meal (and a glass of wine) from the balcony watching and listening to the rain.
Chill out with your friends and family in your lodging. Sometimes we need an excuse just to slow down, relax, talk, laugh, and live in the moment.
Plan for tomorrow when the weather will be better. Organize your beach bag for a day of fun in the sun and hope the weather cooperates on another day. If it’s another rainy beach day, use these ideas to create your itinerary.
Or Hit the Town for Family Fun.
Go out to eat. Research where to eat before vacation, so you have a few options for a rainy day at the beach. Include the kids in your study. Even better, let them come up with a list of restaurants they want to try in case of a beach rainout. Hopefully, the rain will pass during lunch, and you can carry on with your perfect beach day.
People watch. Find a local cafe. Grab a cappuccino for the adults and chocolate milk for the kids. Stay dry, and people watch from the window.
A family bowling tournament. With prizes for all, but a special prize for the winner. If kids aren’t interested in bowling, many bowling alleys have arcades, escape rooms, laser tag, and other activities for kids.
Tour a local art gallery or museum. Research before your trip for a family-friendly gallery or museum the family can enjoy if your beach day is a rainout.
Go shopping. Contribute to the local economy by shopping at a local boutique or artisan for souvenirs.
Visit the local aquarium for a glimpse from under the sea.
Find a local gym for an indoor workout.
Or Go out for ice cream. It’s called balance.
Whatever you decide to spend your time doing, we hope these 35 ideas for spending a wet and rainy day at the beach will help keep boredom away so that everyone can have fun no matter what Mother Nature throws their way!
Got some more great rainy-day suggestions? Let us know!
