Kids are great at busying themselves on the beach. But when you spend almost everyday for three months in summer on the Greek islands (as we do), it helps to have implements that inspire discovery.
So, what else can you pack aside from a bucket and spade? We’ve put together our essential list of ultra-portable fun for any beach vacation. Pro-tip: Decathlon has a presence in Greece, so you can get (almost) half of this list sent to your vacation rental in advance. Postage takes a bit (from 6 to 17 days), so place your order well ahead.
- Snorkel – Mediterranean seas don’t teem with colourful marine life like in the tropics, but you’ll still spot fishes swimming around your feet through its exceptionally clear waters. Head to rocky bits of shore where they tend to gather.
- Frisbee (Ages 3+) – flying rings are easier than discs for little hands to catch. These Activ Life rings are super light, have great lift, and are easy to use. Some are also made out of soft polymer so you’re less nervous about hitting your toddler in the face on a throw.
- Kite (Ages 3+) – thrilling and fulfilling, watch the kids light up as they get kites to dance in the summer breeze. Then advance onto next level parenting and talk about the physics at play.
- Inflatable ball – for beach volleyball, soccer, catch, a ball balance on ice cream cone race…
- Skip ball (Ages 3+) – throwing stones into the water was wildly entertaining for our 18-month old. Heighten the fun with a golf ball sized skipping “stone” for an added challenge as they grow.
- Discovery net – big D wanted to catch fish with her bucket last summer. Unsuccessful, we at least managed to scoop up some languorous jellyfish floating close to the water surface. This summer, we’ll have nets.
- Bubbles – whatever your age, is there anything more uplifting than a flurry of bubbles floating into the cloudless blue sky and over the shimmering sea? Fubbles no spill tumbler is design genius for independent play.
- Bucket and spade – Scrunch’s roll-able silicone buckets are super for travel.
- Mini construction site vehicles – the beach is one giant sensory play dream. Build away!
- Hard-backed sketch pad with pastels or a watercolour palette for nature drawings. Pen down a scavenger hunt list for extra fun.
- Posca pens for rock art – just searching and collecting the perfect pebbles for art activities was hours of fun for D. Paint rock animals and more with posca pens that draw perfectly on rocks. Water-based (and non-toxic) paints in a pen for easier control, they even have a glitter range.
- Beach tennis (Ages 7+) – a summer staple on Greek beaches, innovative designs have made it easier for younger kids to join the fun.
Finally, Yuval Zommer’s The Big Book of the Blue is the perfect accompaniment to a day of sea adventures after you return home for story time.
