Looking for a beach-themed activity that’s easy to set up and keeps your kids happily engaged? You’re going to love this free seashell playdough invitation to play set!
Created with love (and tested by my boys), this activity includes a printable supply list and seashell-themed playdough mats. It’s a super affordable way to enjoy both sensory and nature-inspired fun.
Whether you’re prepping for a beach vacation, adding to your summer learning fun plans, or just need a creative brain break, this invitation to play offers relaxed, hands-on fun that builds fine motor skills, encourages creativity, and sparks curiosity.
Playdough + Seashells = Sensational Fun!
If you’d like a simple hands-on activity for your children to do this summer (or really anytime of year), I know you’re really going to like this seashell playdough invitation activity. With just a few supplies and these bonus free printables, you’ll be all set for a bunch of beach-themed fun.
When my boys were little (and even now when they need a creative brain break), I loved pulling out playdough activities that were easy to set up but packed with learning and fun. Over the years, I’ve collected a variety of materials to be used for our playdough fun. These types of supplies were usually gathered from around our home and repurposed.
In addition to our homemade playdough (and DIY cloud dough), I would buy some canisters of playdough at times. I’d assemble a tray (those plastic ones that are usually used for veggies and dip) with the materials and playdough. Sometimes, I’d give the boys a theme (like seashells) or just let them loose.
There was always something special about rolling, squishing, pressing, and creating while using the playdough and materials. With the seashells (collected on a trip to the shore or bought at a store), they’d make up creative stories or build unique creatures. Seashells have such amazing textures, colors, and sizes to work with. It would be one of those sweet, simple moments where learning happened naturally and I didn’t have to do a ton of prep. Win-win!
What You’ll Find In This Free Printable Playdough Invitation Set
Playdough mats (like these printables with seashell themes) can also be helpful when your student needs a bit of guidance with their hands-on activity or even just a place to start.
This printable set includes 6 pages (plus terms of use page). You’ll find:
- Seashell Playdough Tray Supplies List (with recommendations for materials that you can use)
- 4 pages of seashell playdough mats
- 1 blank page for your child to make and customize their own playdough seashell
Set of 4 Assorted Colors Black Duck Chip N Dip Hard Plastic 11.5-Inch Round 7-Section Serving Trays!Play-Doh Ultimate Color Collection 65-Pack of 1-oz Cans, Includes Sparkle, Confetti & Color Burst, Back to School Classroom Supplies, Preschool Toys, Ages 2+ (Amazon Exclusive)Play-Doh 9 Pack Favorite Color Set, Assorted Colors, 2 & 4 Ounce Modeling Compound Cans, Kids Arts & Crafts, Preschool Toys for 2 Year Old Girls & Boys & Up (Amazon Exclusive)WEOXPR Mixed Sea Shells, 100+ Pcs Beach Seashells Starfish, Various Sizes Ocean Seashells for Fish Tank Vase Fillers, Beach Theme Party Wedding Decor, Candle Making, DIY CraftsWeDoSoy Sea Shell Mixed Ocean Shells Set, 15 Kinds 1.2
Creative Ideas for Using This Seashell Playdough Activity
Here are some fun ways to use your seashells and playdough:
- Roll out your playdough and use seashells to form letters, numbers, shapes, and words.
- Create sea creatures with playdough and use shells to decorate.
- Make your own ocean (and waves) using playdough. Add shells along the shoreline and in the water.
- Have some STEM fun by building a playdough + seashell tower. Use a piece of playdough as a base and then alternate shell/playdough/shell/playdough, etc. Measure how high your tower can be!
- Get some hands-on practice with patterns. Alternate types of shells with different colors of playdough. So many possibilities!
- Make “seashell cookies” using playdough and decorating with shells.
If you don’t have access to real seashells, craft stores or dollar stores usually carry bags of them. Totally worth it for the sensory and imaginative play benefits!
Frequently Asked Questions About Playdough Activity Trays
Not necessarily! While real seashells add an extra sensory and tactile element, you can absolutely use plastic shells, foam shapes, or even cut-out paper shells if needed.
Any playdough will do. You can use store-bought or homemade. If you want a beachy vibe, try using blue, tan, or white colors. Adding a little glitter or sand to the dough is fun too!
More Ways to Have Seashell Fun with Your Kids
Naturally, you’ll want to keep the learning fun going with seashells. Once your kids get involved with these hands-on seashell activities, they’ll want to know more. In addition to observing and studying your real seashells, I encourage you to use books, games, and other accessories to extend your experiences.
SeashellsLearning About Seashells (Dover Little Activity Books: Sea Life)Seashells by the Seashore: A Counting Book for Kids Perfect for the Beach or Classroom (Includes Different Facts About Seashells)What A Shell Can TellSeashells, Crabs and Sea Stars: Take-Along Guide (Take Along Guides)Sumind Beach House Decor Wooden Tic Tac Toe Game with Resin Seashell and Starfish Multilayer Tic Tac Toe Board Fun for Family Travel Beach Game, 8.6 x 8.6 inches(Blue)Shell Shapes Game – Develops Memory and Matching Skills As Players Find Matches to Decorate The Turtle’s Shell by Goliath , BlueEducational Insights Sophie’s Seashell Scramble Game for Preschoolers & Toddlers, Patterns & Matching Game, Fine Motor Skills, Ages 3+
Get Your Free Seashell Playdough Invitation Set
High five! I can’t wait for you and your kids to have all this seashells + playdough fun!
This pack of printable seashell playdough invitation includes 6 pages. Please make as many copies of these activities as you’d like to use with your students at home, in the classroom, and at the library.
To get this set, simply subscribe (for free) to Rock Your Homeschool.
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