With Memorial Day taking place last weekend, the countdown to summer has just begun. Schools will soon let out all their hard working pupils, the weather is gradually getting warmer, and the beaches have just opened.

The beach has always been such a popular place for people of all ages because of the variety of activities that it holds. There are many fun and exciting things to do at the beach, and people are always coming up with new ideas for interesting games and recreational activities to keep themselves occupied during the summer months.

Some of the obvious pastimes that go hand in hand with the beach are swimming, sun bathing and fishing, but people have found additional interesting ways to entertain themselves. When we go to the beach, we can’t imagine not playing in the sand. No matter what you do, whether it’s building a sand castle, burying one of your friends, or looking for hidden treasures beneath the sandy surface, nature’s own tropical playground has something to keep everyone busy.

Playing sports on the beach is also popular. You can play according to your personal preference; whether you feel like soccer, football, playing catch, volleyball, or frisbee, it’s all the same playing field.

Exercise in general has become a very common practice for those who have easy access to a beach. Running in the sand increases endurance because it is much harder than running on concrete. Also Zumba classes are all the rage nowadays, and the sun and fresh beach air complement the sporty movements of the exercise to help keep you active, fit and healthy.

The possibilities are endless when it comes to beach activities. There’s so much open room and with the option of being in the water or on the sand, your choices are multiplied.

The Queens Gazette wants to know how you spend your time at the beach. Keeping in mind this is a family newspaper, send us a note about what you like to do at the beach. Our e-mail address is qgazette@aol.com. Whether it’s relaxing or playing, tell us about it!