Today we made an ocean in a bottle! As you know, I've been preparing some after-camp activities for my son to keep him busy while his brother naps. Since we had so much fun with watercolor pencil seashell art, we are continuing with the seashore theme. As you can see, books about the sea were an important addition!
Kiddo likes to read instructions (I'm sure he'll grow out of that as his testosterone kicks in) so I wrote some out. Granted, this was an activity that required my help at the onset, but the completed ocean provided much entertainment. As we were walking back from the library later that afternoon Kiddo said he "needed to get back to his ocean in a bottle." (Note: affiliate links below.)
Instructions:
- Put glitter* and shells in plastic bottle. If you haven't been to a beach lately, you can get tiny seashells here.
- Use funnel and fill bottle half-full with water.
- Add a few drops of blue and/or green coloring.
- Pour oil in bottle an inch or so. clear oil like this is best, otherwise your ocean will be a bit yellow.
- Screw cap on tight (secure with glue or tape, if desired)
- Swish bottle back and forth to watch the waves!
Watch the video!
*Note: I no longer suggest using glitter. Glitter is tiny pieces of plastic that eventually ends up in the tummies of birds and sea life.
More ocean themed fun:
- Seashell watercolor drawings
- Seashell activities for kids
- Ocean coloring page and fish puppets
- Beach coloring page
Brooklyn says
I love this idea! Thanks for giving me ideas this summer!
Erica MomandKiddo says
I'm glad you like it. Have fun!
pauline mahon says
my gransons teacher suggested your web site , for my 5 year old. BRILLIENT !!!!!!!
Erica says
Thank you!
Kelly says
Would baby oil work?
Erica says
If your baby oil is mineral oil, then yes.
Sam says
We have a snow day today. One of my son's assignments is to create a model of a habitat. We have all these supplies right here at home to make this. Thanks for posting!
Elsa says
I love this! How big are the fish and sea horse? Where did you get them? Thanks!
Erica says
They are very small. I got them in a Zoob tube of sea animals at a toy store but I believe you can also get them on Amazon.
Elsa says
If anyone is looking, I found them. 🙂
Safari 100225 Good Luck Minis Fun Packs Coral Reef Minature https://www.amazon.com/dp/B077DQH6YK/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_jTvIDbMV7NWFJ
Aoileann Farley says
You can buy biodegradeable plastic free glitter now. I haven't tried using it in water so I'm not sure it would work.