10 Things to Spot on your Beach Walks
Now that summer is in full swing and with the large range of beautiful beaches to choose from in the UK, it's the perfect time to get a trip to the coast planned. After splashing in the sea, building the ultimate sandcastle, playing beach games and enjoying a picnic, the beach is the perfect place to set up a scavenger hunt for your mini explorers.
We've put together a list of 10 things you can find at the beach which should keep children busy for an hour or two. Write these down as a list for your children or print off our free activity sheet here. When rock pooling, remember to leave everything as you found it - replace any rocks you turn over and ensure not to scrape anything off its rocky home.
1) Crab
If the beach you are visiting has rockpools, this is the perfect place to look for crabs! Did you know, there are over 4,500 species of crabs in the world.
2) Star fish
Like crabs, star fish can be found in rockpools. The common starfish has five arms, is usually orange in colour, and has many small pale spines. It is often found washed up on the shore after rough seas.
3) Seaweed
There are many different types of seaweed which you might spot washed up on the beach. They are usually red, green or brown in colour.
4) Common Limpet
These small cone-like shells are often found firmly attached to the side of rocks in rockpools. Did you know, a limpets tongue is the world’s strongest known biological structure?
5) Common Whelk
Whelks are a marine snail and can sometimes be found along our coastlines in the UK. They have a spiraled shell which varies in size and shape.
6) Seagull
Did you know there's no species actually called a seagull? Gulls are members of a large, widespread family of seabirds. Many are actually found away from the sea, however you are likely to spot them at the seaside, but watch out as they have a bad reputation for stealing chips!
Photo by Tarpit Grover on Unsplash
7) Drift wood
This can often be found washed up on beaches and is great for using for craft activities with children.
8) Shiny Pebble
If you're visiting a pebbly beach you'll be spoilt for choice - the challenge is to find the shiniest pebble you can!
9) Sandcastles
See if you can spot any sandcastles left behind by other beachgoers, and have a go at building your own. Don't forget to decorate yours using shells, driftwood and seaweed that you find on the beach.
10) Treasure chest
This will keep children busy for a while! Let their imaginations run wild as they hunt for pirates with a chest full of treasure or they could make their own with shells and other items they find on the beach.
