It might feel like summer is over but we are still using sea shells in our play. As I mentioned in my holiday post the ladybird loved collecting beach “treasure”. I brought some of the shells home with us to use in our play. The first activity that came to mind where we could use them was play dough. I made a batch of homemade play dough earlier this year and it’s still great for playing with. I store it in a sealed sandwich bag in the garage. All it needs when we get it out is a few seconds of kneading and it’s good to go. One afternoon, whilst the ladybird was having her afternoon nap, I set up a very quick invitation to play for her. In the wooden tray, I put some shells, a plastic boat and a selection of play dough tools. I keep adding to our tool collection but my favourites are our patterned rolling pins.
She really enjoyed playing with the play dough. The ladybird seemed to really like the new plastic rotary cutters I’d added to the collection. She played happily for some time, rolling cutting and putting shells into the play dough. We’ve done this activity again a couple of times and its always a hit.
Soon we will be able to start collecting autumn treasures to combine with play dough. I’m thinking acorns, conkers, sticks, pine cones and leaves. Hopefully, I will be back to share that with you soon.
More beach-themed activities for kids
This mermaid playdough activity is super cute!
Find some super fun beach science activities for preschoolers here
Find Beach theme printables for kids (including play dough mats) here.
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This looks so much fun! #letkidsbekids
Your play dough has lasted so well. I am going to start storing mine in the garage now!
I think it must be the temperature in there. Ours is accessible from the kitchen so I store all our sensory play bits there.
Great idea. We always have a stash of shells in the house, though for some reason, my children didn’t collect any on our holiday this year. Adding shells and bits to play dough really inspires more creativity to play.
Thanks for linking #LetKidsBeKids
I love adding bits to play dough and I think the ladybird does too.
What a fun idea. Play doh is such fun for the kids, adding the extras makes it even better 🙂 Stopping by from #LetKidsBeKids
oooh I think this would be great for my daughter to one day play with. It looks like there’s loads more play dough accessories these days. #LetKidsBeKids
There certainly are plenty of great tools around.
ooooh I love a good playdough set up. This looks like your little one had lots of fun #ToddlerApprovedTuesday
What a great idea incorporating little treasures with the play dough! It’s great it’s lasted so long as well 🙂 #letkidsbekids
Oh that does look like fun! Have you tried using salt dough yet? I had a lot of fun with Kitty a couple of years back making imprints with shells into balls of salt dough, baking them and then painting them with glitter – they were a dressing up necklace staple for quite a while!
Yes we did salt dougn at christmas but glottery dressing up necklaces sound great.
I love the imprints you guys are making with this! I could spent hours laying with play dough! 🙂 #LetKidsBekids
It looks fun! We need to get some rotary cushions too, they look great to play with. 🙂 x
This is great I should really make some play dough, my son loves it! Great colours too, loads of fun.
#ToddlerApprovedTuesday
This is a lovely idea. Looks like Ladybird had a nice time too! Will give this a go with my girls. #KidsCorner
Lovely activity you have just reminded me I need to make some more playdoh for the girls soon! Thanks for linking up to #KidsCorner
I love play dough invitations, great idea for one! Thanks so much for linking up to #toddlerapprovedtuesday this week x
Those rolling pins are amazing!!!! I want some!! Thanks for sharing in #KidsCorner x