Here are some water-free ways to keep the day magical, especially for little ones who were ready to splash:

Build a sand village

Not just a castle—go full neighborhood.
Make roads, bridges, tunnels, tiny shops, even a “sand zoo.” The bonus: the bigger the project, the more involved everyone becomes.

*Please don't dig deep holes in the sand - it is dangerous.

Create Beach Art

Use your feet or a stick to draw huge flowers, spirals, hearts, dinosaurs—whatever your imagination sparks. Kids love seeing their artwork stretch across the sand, and it makes for adorable photos.

Shell & Treasure Hunts

Turn the shoreline into a scavenger adventure:

• A smooth white shell
• Something shaped like a heart
• Sea glass
• Driftwood
• A “mystery object”
  Make it playful and let kids shout out their finds.

Beach Picnics & Blanket Games

Spread out a big blanket and play:

• I Spy
• Memory games
• Sand-free snacks and a stack of picture books
  It feels cozy and special—like your own little beach living room.

Fly a Kite

Red-flag days often mean stronger winds—perfect for kite magic. It’s one of those simple joys that instantly lifts everyone’s spirits.

The Bottom Line?

You don’t need to get wet to make the day wonderful.
Some of the sweetest memories are made with sandy hands, big drawings in the shoreline, and a toddler toddling confidently down the boardwalk—ready for fun, no matter what the flags say.

Red-flag days aren’t cancelled beach days…
They’re just different beach days. And sometimes, they’re even better.

Sometimes you wake up, slip into your swimsuit, head down the boardwalk with all the excitement in the world… and there it is: the red flag. No swimming today.

In the Outer Banks (or anywhere with strong surf), red-flag days happen—and honestly, they have turned into some of our favorite beach memories. It just takes a little shift in mindset and keeping a few fun ideas tucked in your pocket.