DIY Beach Activity Kit in a Jar

It is no secret to anyone around me that I am obsessed with mason jars. They are so functional, inexpensive, and they just look adorable with anything you fill them with. I was putting together activity bags for the summer and thought they would be so fun and inviting in a mason jar. Not the most practical item for kids, I know, but all these are activities I will be joining the kids for. If using a glass jar is a concern for you, but you like the look of mason jars, you can find plastic ones as well, up-cycle peanut butter jars, or place them in a gallon zippered storage bag. Ours are sitting on the shelf in our homeschool room where we can grab one and take off outdoors to explore, and they are getting some learning in without even realizing it. I have multiple jars to share with you over the next several week. I hope you enjoy making them and spending some time doing the activities with your little ones (great for grandparents too!) These would also be great gifts to give!

Our first jar up is this beach exploration jar. If you have a visit to the beach coming up, this is a great way to include a little learning in your vacation! The idea for this actually came when I had an impending beach vacation and though we were on break from homeschooling I love that learning takes place even when playing.

DIY Beach Activity Kit in a Jar

You will need :

A wide mouth mason jar
6-8 sheets computer paper
Beach/ocean life stickers
Beach/ocean life books ( I will share some of my favorites with you later)
Colored pencils
Magnifying glass
Mesh bag- you can either up cycle a net fruit bag or purchase a small mesh lingerie bag ( laundry bag)

First cut your 8 1/2 x 11 inch computer paper in half vertically and horizontally. Stack papers together, and staple down the side to bind. If you are surprising your child with the activity jar go ahead and add some stickers to the front of your book. This is great for either writing about what they see and do or drawing the sea life, waves, or whatever catches their eye.

Then you will simply slip in the homemade book and your other items: a few colored pencils (make sure you include “Beach-y” colors), a mesh net for gathering and rinsing off shells, and if you can find one small enough, a magnifying glass for checking out tide pools and creatures. If your magnifier is too large, just tie a piece of rope around the neck of your jar and slip it through the rope.

My favorite ocean/beach themed books

Sea Creatures- Made by God

Why is the Sea Salty?

Goodnight Beach– Great for littler ones!

First Big Book of the Ocean- National Geographic

Ocean Life A-Z

Seashells, Crabs, and Sea Stars

Here is how our pre-made jars look. I tucked in some books to go along with each category to make it a true grab and go activity. I have 6 so far to get us started, but many more in the works I would love to share with you. Let me know what you think!