5 Fun & Simple Beach Crafts for Kids

Is there anything more magical than a pocketful of seashells after a long, happy day at the beach? Those little treasures are filled with memories, and with a little imagination, you can turn them into beautiful keepsakes!

Here are five simple, low-mess craft ideas to help you and your little one continue the seaside fun, long after you've shaken the sand from your shoes.

Painted Seashell Friends: Grab some paint and let your child's imagination run wild! A scallop shell can become a beautiful butterfly, a spiral shell can turn into a sleepy snail, and a smooth, flat stone can become a friendly ladybug. It's a wonderful way to practice fine motor skills.

Ocean in a Bottle: A classic sensory craft! Fill a clear plastic bottle with water, a drop of blue food coloring, some sand, and the tiniest seashells. Seal the lid tightly, and you have a magical, swirling ocean your child can watch for hours.

Sand Clay Handprints: Mix sand with some cornstarch and water to create a simple salt-free dough. Press your child's handprint into the dough and let it air dry. It becomes a beautiful, lasting memory of how small their hands once were.

Driftwood Sailboats: Find a small piece of flat driftwood, use a bit of clay to stand up a small twig for a mast, and attach a paper or leaf sail. These adorable little boats are perfect for imaginative play.

Nature Suncatcher: Use a paper plate with the middle cut out. Cover the hole with clear contact paper (sticky side up) and let your child arrange their beach treasures—tiny shells, small pebbles, and colorful sea glass—to create a beautiful suncatcher to hang in a window.

We hope these ideas spark a little extra joy and creativity in your home. And if you love the magic of the seaside, keep the adventure going with our "Summer Friends: At the Beach" coloring book, filled with even more happy memories waiting to be colored!