Beach Crafts for Kids By Age Group

Beach crafts for kids can make the magic of beach days linger long after they’ve shaken sand out of their towels! This is a definitive guide to beach crafts for all ages that will engage children and create memories to treasure.

Beach Crafts for Toddlers (Ages 1-3)

Toddlers enjoy sensory play and simple activities. These beach crafts do not need much adult supervision and materials.

1. Sand Handprints

Materials:

• Wet sand
• Small plastic container or bucket
• Plaster of Paris
• Seashells for decoration

Instructions:

1. Find a smooth area of damp sand.
2. Help your toddler press their hand firmly into the sand to create an impression.
3. Mix Plaster of Paris according to package directions.
4. Carefully pour the plaster into the handprint impression.
5. Press a few small shells around the edges while still wet.
6. Let dry for 1-2 hours until firm.
7. Gently lift the hardened plaster handprint.
8. Allow to fully cure for 24 hours at home.

2. Shell Sorting Game

Materials:

• Collection of different seashells
• Small buckets or containers
• Non-toxic tempera paint (optional)

Instructions:

1. Help your toddler collect various shells during your beach walk.
2. At your beach spot, set up a simple sorting activity.
3. Have your toddler sort shells by color, shape, or size.
4. For added fun, decorate a few shells with washable tempera paint for splashes of color.
5. Let the shells dry and take them home as keepsakes.

3. Sand Bottle Art

Materials:

• Clear plastic bottles with lids
• Sand from the beach (different colors if available)
• Small funnel
• Small shells or pebbles

Instructions:

1. Help your toddler collect different colored sand in separate containers.
2. Using the funnel, show them how to pour alternating layers of sand into the bottle.
3. Add small pebbles or shells for added interest between coats.
4. For added fun, decorate a few shells with washable tempera paint for splashes of color.
5. Secure the lid firmly, maybe adding a spot of glue for extra hold.
6. Let your toddler gently tip the bottle to create sand patterns.

Beach Crafts for Kids: Preschoolers (Ages 4-5)

Preschoolers have better fine motor skill and focus, so slightly more complex beach crafts are possible.

1. Shell Creatures

Materials:

• Various seashells of different sizes
• Child-safe craft glue
• Googly eyes
• Pipe cleaners
• Non-toxic markers
• Small pom-poms

Instructions:

1. Select a large shell as the body of each creature.
2. Glue smaller shells or pebbles to create features.
3. Add googly eyes with craft glue.
4. Use pipe cleaners for legs, antennae, or arms.
5. Decorate with markers to add details.
6. Attach pom-poms for extra character.
7. Let dry completely before handling.

2. Beach Memory Jars

Materials:

• Clear glass or plastic jars with lids
• Beach sand
• Small shells, pebbles, and beach treasures
• Ribbon or twine
• Tags and markers

Instructions:

1. Fill the jar about 1/3 full with beach sand.
2. Add collected shells, pebbles, and other beach treasures.
3. Help your child write the beach name and date on a small tag.
4. Tie the tag around the jar’s neck with ribbon or twine.
5. Secure the lid tightly, perhaps with a bit of glue.

3. Sandcastle Picture Frames

Materials:

• Wooden picture frames (unfinished)
• Craft glue
• Beach sand
• Small shells and pebbles
• Non-toxic sealer spray
• Photo from your beach day

Instructions:

1. Apply craft glue all over the front of the wooden frame.
2. Help your child sprinkle sand evenly over the glue to cover the entire area.
3. Fill small pebbles and shells into the corners and edges before the glue sets.
4. Once dry, shake off excess sand.
5. Have an adult spray with a sealer to prevent sand from falling off.
6. When completely dry, insert a favorite beach photo.

Beach Crafts for Kids: Early Elementary (Ages 6-8)

Kids this age can read more involved instructions and manage more complicated projects with a bit more independence.

1. Shell Wind Chimes

Materials:

• Driftwood piece or sturdy stick (about 12 inches)
• Drilling tool (for adult use only)
• 10-15 larger shells with holes or drilled holes (adult help needed)
• Fishing line or thin jewelry wire
• Beads in ocean colors
• Scissors

Instructions:

1. Have an adult drill small holes in shells if needed.
2. Cut 5-7 pieces of fishing line in varying lengths (12-18 inches).
3. Thread shells and beads onto the fishing line in patterns.
4. Tie each strand securely to the driftwood piece, spaced evenly apart.
5. Add a hanging loop at the top center of the driftwood.
6. Hang in a breezy area to hear the soft sounds.

2. Seashell Mosaic Art

Materials:

• Canvas board or heavy cardstock
• Craft glue or mod podge
• Various small shells, pebbles, and beach glass
• Acrylic paints and brushes
• Clear sealer spray (for adult use)

Instructions:

1. Sketch a simple design on the canvas (fish, sun, wave, etc.).
2. Paint background colors if desired.
3. Apply glue to small areas at a time.
4. Press shells, pebbles, and beach glass onto the glue following your design.
5. Continue until the entire design is filled.
6. Let dry completely (overnight is best).
7. Have an adult apply clear sealer spray to protect the mosaic.

3. Ocean-in-a-Bottle

Materials:

• Clear plastic bottle with tight-fitting lid
• Baby oil or mineral oil
• Blue food coloring
• Water
• Glitter (blue, silver)
• Small shells or plastic sea creatures
• Super glue for sealing (adult only)

Instructions:

1. Fill the bottle with water about 1/3 full.
2. Add a few drops of blue food coloring to the water.
3. Add glitter and small shells or sea creatures.
4. Fill the remaining space with baby oil, leaving a small air gap at top.
5. Secure the lid tightly.
6. Have an adult seal the lid with super glue for safety.
7. Turn the bottle sideways and watch the “waves” form as you tilt it.

Beach Crafts for Kids: Tweens (Ages 9-12)

Tweens can handle complex techniques and enjoy crafts with a more sophisticated end result.

1. Sea Glass Jewelry

Materials:

• Collected sea glass or store-bought tumbled glass
• Jewelry wire (20-22 gauge)
• Wire cutters and round-nose pliers
• Necklace cords or chains
• Jump rings
• Clasps

Instructions:

1. Select a favorite piece of sea glass.
2. Cut a piece of wire about 18 inches long.
3. Wrap the wire around the sea glass, forming a secure cage pattern.
4. Use the round-nose pliers to form a small loop at the top.
5. Attach a jump ring through the loop.
6. Thread onto a necklace cord or attach to a chain.
7. Add clasps to complete the necklace.

2. Beach Terrarium

Materials:

• Clear glass container with lid (mason jar works well)
• Beach sand
• Small shells and pebbles
• Air plants or succulents
• Small figurines (optional)
• Tweezers for placement
• Spray bottle with water

Instructions:

1. Add a 1-inch layer of beach sand to the container.
2. Arrange shells and pebbles to create a miniature beach landscape.
3. Add air plants or small succulents (if using succulents, include a tiny bit of soil).
4. Use tweezers to place any small figurines or additional decorations.
5. Lightly mist with water if using live plants.
6. Close the lid to create a humid environment (leave slightly open for succulents).
7. Place in indirect light and mist occasionally as needed.

3. Driftwood Wall Hanging

Materials:

• Several pieces of driftwood in varying lengths
• Sandpaper (medium grit)
• Twine or fishing line
• Shells with natural holes or drilled holes
• Beach glass pieces (drilled by an adult)
• Beads in ocean colors
• Strong craft glue
• Small eye hooks or screws (adult help needed)

Instructions:

1. Arrange driftwood pieces in descending length order.
2. Sand any rough edges for safety.
3. Have an adult attach small eye hooks or tiny screws to the ends of each driftwood piece.
4. Cut lengths of twine to connect the driftwood pieces vertically.
5. Thread shells, beach glass, and beads onto the connecting twine pieces.
6. Secure all connections with strong knots and a dab of glue.
7. Add a hanging loop at the top.
8. Allow to dry completely before hanging.

Crafts for Teens (Ages 13+)

Teens appreciate more sophisticated projects with artistic elements and practical uses.

1. Coastal Resin Art

Materials:

• Clear epoxy resin kit (adult supervision required)
• Silicone molds or wood serving board
• Tiny shells, beach glass, and sand
• Alcohol ink in blue shades
• Disposable mixing cups and stir sticks
• Protective gloves and work surface
• Heat gun or torch (adult use only)
• Sandpaper for finishing edges

Instructions:

1. Prepare your workspace with protection and ventilation.
2. Arrange shells, beach glass, and a sprinkle of sand in your mold or on your board.
3. Mix resin according to package directions (always with adult supervision).
4. Add a few drops of alcohol ink for a wave-like effect.
5. Pour carefully over your arranged items.
6. Use a heat gun or torch (adults only) to remove air bubbles.
7. Cover and allow to cure according to package directions (usually 24-48 hours).
8. Remove from mold or sand edges if needed.

2. Beach Photography Transfer Art

Materials:

• Canvas or wood panel
• Beach photos printed on regular paper (not photo paper)
• Mod Podge or gel medium
• Foam brush
• Spray bottle with water
• Soft cloth

Instructions:

1. Take beautiful photos during your beach visit.
2. Print them in reverse on regular printer paper.
3. Apply a generous layer of mod podge or gel medium to the canvas.
4. Place the photo face down onto the medium.
5. Press out all air bubbles with a credit card or soft cloth.
6. Let dry completely (overnight).
7. Spray the back of the paper with water and gently rub off the paper fibers.
8. The image remains transferred to the canvas with a beautiful artistic effect.
9. Seal with another coat of mod podge when dry.

3. Shell and Driftwood Mobile

Materials:

• Large piece of driftwood (about 18-24 inches)
• Fishing line or clear jewelry wire
• Collection of shells with natural holes or drilled holes
• Beach glass pieces (drilled)
• Small pieces of driftwood with holes drilled
• Metal washers for weight balance
• Eye hooks
• Strong craft glue
• Pliers and wire cutters

Instructions:

1. Sand the main driftwood piece and drill 5-7 holes evenly spaced along it.
2. Screw eye hooks into each hole.
3. Cut varying lengths of fishing line for each strand.
4. Design patterns of shells, beach glass, and small driftwood pieces for each strand.
5. Thread items onto the fishing line, securing with knots and dabs of glue.
6. Attach each completed strand to an eye hook.
7. Add metal washers at the bottom of strands as needed for proper balance.
8. Attach a hanging loop at the center top of the main driftwood piece.
9. Hang in a place where gentle breezes will create movement.

Beach Crafts for Kids: Safety Tips

1. Have constant close supervision of young children, especially around small items that could be a choking hazard.
2. Check shells for sharp edges before using in crafts.
3. Use non-toxic glues and paints, especially on work done by smaller children.
4. Have adults handle the drilling, cutting, and spray sealant use.
5. Remember to collect beach materials responsibly—never take living creatures or protected items.
6. Be mindful of allergies to materials like shellfish residue.
7. Clean and sanitize natural materials before using in crafts.

Tips for Successful Beach Crafts for Kids

1. Bring small collection containers to the beach for gathering materials.
2. Photograph your beach location to remember and use in crafts.
3. Rinse salt water from shells and allow to dry completely before making.
4. Bring a small “beach craft kit” of necessities like glue sticks and markers.
5. Create crafts that can be completed at the beach and at home.
6. Have children sketch out their ideas first.
7. Photograph before and after for documentation of the creative process.

These beach crafts for kids offer something for every age range, ranging from simple sensory projects for babies to intricate artwork projects for teenagers. The wonderful thing is that all the projects contain authentic beach finds, which make them precious keepsakes of your time together along the shoreline.

Looking for more inspiration for easy and fun crafts for kids? Explore these:

• Sea Animal Crafts for Kids: Ocean-Inspired Creative Projects
• Ocean Explorers: Easy Sea Animal Crafts for Kids 8 and Up
• 12 Summer Animal Crafts for Kids
• 15 Summer Animal Crafts for Kids: Learning Through Art
• Easy Bird Crafts for Kids: Fun DIY Projects for All Ages
• Pipe Cleaner Crafts for Kids: Creative Fun from Toddlers to Teens
• Egg Carton Crafts for Kids: 10 Creative Ways to Upcycle