There's something amazing about lounging on the beach with your favorite beach read or a pair of shades while you nap. But is that all beach days are good for? Think again! What if we told you that some of the best memories you can make with your family on the Outer Banks during your next vacation could be the result of a little friendly competition in the sand? From family-friendly volleyball matches to hilarious scavenger hunts and everything in between, OBX beachgoers are making waves this summer with these fun, adult-approved games! Keep reading for fun game ideas that are sure to turn any ordinary beach day into an unforgettable OBX memory. Games aren't just for kids anymore! This is where the real fun begins.
Traditional Beach Games with a Competitive Twist
Looking for something active that gets everyone moving without needing a pro skill set? These classic games are great to try on the sand, in the waves, or in the yard of your vacation rental if you have the space!
Games:
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Beach Volleyball
Why it works: High energy, team-based fun.
Tip: Bring your own portable net or simply draw a line in the sand that will serve as the perfect "net!" -
Beach Paddleball or Kadima
Why it works: Easy to learn, harder to master — great for quick games or longer tournaments.
Tip: Look into getting wooden paddles for the best experience. Pro Kadima sets can be found at Walmart or Amazon! -
Bocce Ball
Why it works: Relaxed pace, ideal for pairs or small groups.
Tip: Look for a flat stretch of sand during low tide for best results.
These games are beachside classics - and for good reason! You'll find people playing these games near the beach accesses in Kitty Hawk or Nags Head and one of the best things about them is that they require very little spending (or experience!) and they're perfect for playing all day out in the sunshine as you frolic in the surf! So pack your gear or look to rent locally from somewhere like Kitty Hawk Kites and get ready to challenge your vacation crew to a round or two!
Low-Tech & Classic Games (At Night!)
Looking for some timeless fun that doesn't require WiFi, fancy gear, or even the sun? Check out these games that are perfect day or night and add a little pizzaz to those classic activities that just SCREAM beach day. These low-tech, classic games are vacation gold—simple to set up, easy to play, and perfect for beachgoers of all ages.
Games:
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Frisbee or Ultimate Frisbee
Why it works: Frisbee is portable, simple, and scalable - meaning it works great for couples or larger groups.
Tip: Mark makeshift end zones with flip flops or beach bags to keep the game contained and a little more challenging. -
Horseshoes or Beach Ring Toss
Why it works: These tossing games bring out everyone’s competitive side without needing much space.
Tip: Pick up a soft rubber or plastic set for easy travel and lightweight gaming that's fun for everyone! -
Disc Golf (Beach-Style)
Why it works: Use creative targets like coolers or umbrellas or snag one of these pop-up disc golf sets!
Tip: You can even get sets that GLOW, meaning this is perfect for evenings in the sand after the sun's gone down. -
Glow-in-the-Dark Beach Ball or Capture the Flag
Why it works: Perfect for post-sunset fun.
Tip: Glowsticks and flashlights make these games even more fun while glow-in-the-dark gear can add a little whimsy to any game. -
Flashlight Tag
Why it works: This game is simple, nostalgic, and energizing, sure to help even the adults have a magical vacation!
Tip: Use small LED flashlights or phone lights on low brightness for challenging fun in the sand. And maybe even look for ghost crabs while you're at it!
These simple games are often the highlight of any Outer Banks vacation, promising fun and magical memories with a twist of competition and unforgettable laughs in the best possible way. Try one of these after dinner and get ready for a blanket of stars and a bright beach breeze to be your backdrop.
Games for the Competitive Spirit
If hang gliding with Kitty Hawk Kites or climbing a lighthouse wasn't enough adrenaline for you, how about some games to get that blood pumping? It's time to see who's got the best reflexes and who can bring the heat under pressure!
Games:
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Spikeball
Why it works: Fast-paced and perfect for athletic duos.
Tip: Set up near your beach access and invite other beachgoers for a round! -
Tug-of-War (Team OBX Style!)
Why it works: Ultimate throwback fun — especially great for family groups or renters meeting new friends.
Tip: Use a beach towel or rope and draw your line in the sand.
Spikeball is honestly one of the most popular games on the Outer Banks, trending among OBX beachgoers! Look for plenty of open space on the Cape Hatteras National Seashore or in Kitty Hawk for the ideal wide, flat space to begin. Grab your group and let the games begin - but don't forget to have fun! It's not about winning but making memories and soaking up that North Carolina sunshine!
Chill & Creative Group Games
Maybe you come on vacation to escape the toil and grind of traditional life - and you're looking for something a little more relaxing? Maybe even cooperative? Not every game needs a scoreboard! Check out these relaxing group activities instead.
Games:
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Sand Sculpting Contest
Why it works: Unleashes creativity and adds a relaxed but competitive element.
Tip: Theme it — like “OBX Landmarks” or “Fantasy Castles.” -
Beach Scavenger Hunt (Adult Edition)
Why it works: Combines exploration and creativity.
Tip: Include quirky tasks like “take a selfie with a ghost crab” or “find driftwood shaped like something.” -
Beach Charades
Why it works: Perfect for unwinding with cocktails as the sun sets.
Tip: Set a timer for charades or make all the options beach themed - like "Blackbeard," "lighthouse," or "seagull."
These low-stress games are ideal when you're looking to have some low-key fun with the people you love while spending lazy afternoons in the sunshine with a cool drink and the sand between your toes. These activities are also a hit with groups and multi-family vacations or large family reunions! Consider making a cool trophy for the winners made from objects you can find at the beach! Pass it around each year and start a new family vacation tradition.
Pack Like a Pro – Gear Checklist
Ever show up to the beach, only to realize you forgot the fun stuff? Sun tan lotion, check. Towels, check. Cooler, check. But what about games? Beach balls? Here's our Beach Game Checklist - so you don't have to worry about forgetting the fun essentials!
Game Essentials
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Beach Volleyball or Net Set
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Paddleball or Kadima Set
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Bocce Ball Set
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Spikeball Kit
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Tug-of-War Rope or Beach Towel
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Giant Bucket Pong (Buckets + Ball)
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Flip Cup Cups (Reusable, Beach-Friendly)
- Frisbee
Cool & Comfortable
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Cooler with Ice Packs
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Refillable Water Bottles
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Beach Blanket or Large Towels
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Shade Tent or Umbrella
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Sand Stakes or Anchors for Gear
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Folding Chairs or Beach Stools
Fun Extras
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Bluetooth Speaker (Water/Sand-Resistant)
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Stopwatch or Timer (for game rounds)
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Dry-Erase Board or Scorecard
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Props for Charades or Story Games
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Small Trophy (Shells, Driftwood, or DIY!)
Beach Day Essentials
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Sunscreen (Reapply often!)
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Sunglasses & Hat
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First Aid Kit
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Trash/Recycle Bags
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Wet Wipes or Hand Sanitizer
Guests who use checklists while preparing for their day at the beach spend less time planning and more time enjoying the surf, sand, and fun of the Outer Banks! Don't forget to grab our free printable OBX Beach Game Checklist to print out or save to your phone -- making your beach days hassle-free!
Book Now and Get Ready to Play!
Which beach game is going to be your new favorite?? Take it from us: the best souvenir from any vacation is the memory of having fun together with laughs, some sand, and an unbeatable good time on the Outer Banks! Tag us on Instagram and show us your beach day wins - day or night!
Book your stay today in one of our cozy vacation rentals and explore all the best and brightest that the Outer Banks has to offer. Give our wonderful Guest Services Team a call today at (866) 884-0267 or take a look at our available rentals to get started planning your next unforgettable adventure to the Outer Banks. There so much to do and see. With amazing food and drinks, exciting excursions, and plenty of sand for everyone to relax, there's something for everyone here on the Outer Banks.
And don't forget about our layaway plan, which makes booking your dream vacation easier than ever. So don't wait. We're booking Outer Banks vacation rentals year round and we're excited to help you create memories to last a lifetime. We're here to help make your OBX vacation fun, exciting, and hassle-free. Give us a call today! Be sure to provide accurate information and make any necessary payments.
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We’ll see you at the beach.
About the Author: Lauren is an Outer Banks local, mom, history professor, and travel enthusiast. When she isn’t writing for the Seaside Vacations Travel Blog, Lauren can usually be found with her nose in a book or cuddling with her cats.
