9 Winter Beach Activities for the Whole Family

The beach might not be the first place that comes to mind when you think of outdoor activities in the winter. But there are winter beach activities to enjoy, too!

When winter arrives, most people would rather hide indoors in front of the television or a roaring fire. There may be plenty of indoor activities, but fresh air can be good even if it’s cold! So instead of spending the colder months inside this year, try some beach activities in winter.

There’s more to the beach than hanging out in the sand during summertime! So here are some of our favorite family activities for the beach in winter. You can enjoy the waves without the crowds.

Winter Beach Activities on a Budget

The beach is one of the best places for outdoor recreation. Families with children will also enjoy watching the seasons change here as they are entirely different from the woods. Enjoy the following low-key activities to spend time at the beach without getting in the water unless, of course, you have a great wetsuit.

1. Have a Beachside Bonfire

Who says you need the summer sun to stay warm? Instead of heading for the water, meet up with some friends and bring warm blankets for sitting in the sand. You can enjoy hot beverages, a campfire, and seawater from a different vantage point. Just make sure you’re in a part of the beach that’s zoned for campfires!

2. Go for a Walk on the Beach

Is anything more relaxing than a good walk on the beach? If there is, we haven’t found it yet. There’s nothing quite like feeling the wind in your hair, listening to the sound of crashing waves, and feeling the sand under your toes. If you’re more a

3. Try a Treasure Hunt

Take your walk on the beach to the next level by combining it with a treasure hunt. Search for sea glass and seashells or bring along a metal detector. Maybe there are also some nearby Geocaches for you to discover. Whatever you and your family decide, you may find some pretty unique items!

Playing at the Beach in Winter

If you’re looking for recreation by the sea without getting wet, there are many winter beach activities for you. Whether it’s a game of catch or flying a kite, these fun things will have you winter beach-bound!

4. Go Fly a Kite

Kiting might seem like the kind of thing that’s more fun in the summertime. However, this can be a great way to enjoy the beach on a cool, windy day! Fortunately, the bright colors of a kite and getting it airborne may cheer the whole family up.

5. Ball Games on the Beach

There are many designated beach volleyball nets in the summertime. Fortunately, when it comes to the winter months, you don’t have to stay entirely in the lines to play ball! Whether you play football, volleyball, paddleball, or another sport, winter beach activities will keep the cold away.

6. Ride a Bike

Especially if you’re at a beach with a long boardwalk, biking is one of our favorite family beach activities. Be sure to bundle up in case it’s a windy day, get your beach cruiser, and ride along the coastline.

Winter Beach Activities to Do in the Ocean

If you’re brave enough to get in the water, you probably won’t want to swim. Fortunately, there are a few winter beach activities that will provide a different thrill.

6. Get Out the Fishing Rod

There are many places in the Virginia Beach area where you can throw a line and catch your dinner. In fact, the area has between 70 and 90 percent of the world’s rockfish! It may be cool outside, but teaching your kids to fish with the family can make for a memorable experience.

7. Surf in the Ocean

Put on your wetsuit and catch some waves! The winter months can be an excellent time for surfing since you don’t have to deal with extra crowds. And after an intense water workout, you definitely will have earned your hot cocoa. For a little more adventure, you may even want to give kite surfing a try.

8. SUP Paddleboarding

On a calm day, paddleboarding can be a really fun winter beach activity. Be sure to stay close to the shoreline and wear a wetsuit or drysuit to stay warm and dry during the cold winter months.

9. Whale Watching

If you hit it at the right time, you might be able to catch the migration of humpback whales. December to March is prime time for the humpback whale migration in Virginia Beach, as they head north after the southern migration. You can either see them in a chartered boat, or you might get lucky and see them from the shoreline.

After the bathing suit has been put away and the temperature drops, most people stay away from the beach. But there are many winter beach activities for your family that can keep you close to the water. Do you have a favorite beach-bound winter sport? Let us know in our comments. Whether you surf, fish, or fly a kite, there’s something to be said for the beach in winter!