How can you make an everyday sandbox feel like a day at the beach? Fill the sandbox with unique shells and colorful stones to inspire awesome sensory play with a beach theme. 

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 A day at the beach is not always a-day-at-the-beach. 

• You might have a busy preschooler and a newborn.
  
  
• You might be a lengthy car drive away from a sandy shore.
  
  
• You might cringe at the thought of a pile wet sandy clothing filling up your laundry basket.

A practical solution is to set up a beach scene with play sand at home. 

The sandbox is a wonderful invitation to play. Without any introduction or direction, toddlers and preschoolers are drawn to the play area, eager to dip their hands into the sand.

They'll be pleasantly surprised at how cool the sand feels when wiggling fingers through it.

Kids will be inspired to dig in right away, which equals bonus independent, child-led play.

Related: Beach Day Coloring Pages

How to set up a beach theme sandbox

Setup for this activity is easy, but takes a little preparation.

Prepare the sensory bin.

• Place the bin on a blue drop cloth on the floor, to simulate the ocean.
  
  
• Fill a plastic tub with play sand. You can buy this online or look for it at your local hardware store. (afiliate link) 
  
  
• Set out a kids beach hat and sun glasses. Provide a small beach bag with sand toys.

The props and toys you add to the sand bin will contribute to the fun and learning. Our beach theme sand and seashells activity uses some unique shells with a very cool shapes.

Add seashells and other props.

I discovered these Turitella or tower shells, in a craft store recently. These little shells are perfect for prompting a new experience in an ordinary sandbox. 

Find fun sea shells online to create your own beach day sensory bin. (affiliate link)

They offer a unique opportunity to create designs and patterns, and they support awesome pretend play that builds imaginations.

One preschooler came up with the idea to build a fort by inserting the shells upright.

• To extend the play, create a walkway leading to the fort with the smooth stones.

Add other loose parts such as plastic sea creatures, digging tools, and polished stones. I found these large flat pebbles online. (affiliate link) You can add actual stones from your back yard if possible. 

Note: Stones and small items should be used under adult supervision.

The jumbo spade is great for digging up gems buried in the sand. 

When you add an unfamiliar shape, or use a familiar object in a new way, hands-on play takes a new and creative direction. 

Teach the rules of sand play.

Before the play begins, clearly state basic rules for playing with sand: no throwing; no dumping on your arms and legs; no pouring out of the bin onto the floor.

Guide the play to ensure safe use of sand, but be prepared for some mess. 

Fun sandbox play ideas

Sand play is not limited by a theme or props. The activity can be adapted to any shells, digging tools and small toys you have on hand. 

The texture and coolness of the sand, and the interesting shells and small parts you add to the bin, all contribute to the sensory learning experience. 

A sensory bin filled with sand offers a sandbox experience that promotes experimentation and observation. It's a perfect way to provide a day at the beach, wherever you are!

Visit our Sensory Play board on Pinterest

More Sand Play!