Inexpensive Beach in a Bag Craft for Kids

Everyone loves to visit the beach. For those days when you just can't get away and make the long journey to the beach, bring a bit of the beach to you with this inexpensive kids craft.

The beach in a bag uses many items that you will probably find around your home. You will need one plastic zipper baggy in any size. The larger size bag will allow you to create a larger beach, of course. A gallon size bag is perfect for a larger project.

A few cups of play sand will create the sand on your beach. Although colored play sand will work, the natural colored sand is preferred for this project. You will need less sand for smaller baggies.

Shaving cream, blue food coloring, and small shells will add the water and texture to your beach scene. If you choose to toss in a couple of plastic fish, this will add some life to your beach.

Directions:

Open the zippered baggy and pour in the play sand. You will want enough sand to cover the bottom of the bag when holding it upright. This will create your shoreline. Place a few small shells in the sand for a fabulous effect.

Now, fill the baggy with shaving cream. Do not over fill. You will only want to fill the baggy about 2/3 of the way with the shaving cream. Place one or two drops of food coloring on top of the shaving cream. Toss in the plastic fish or crab at this time. Close the bag carefully. Be certain that the bag is securely closed or you will have a big mess on your hands. You may even want to use masking tape or duct tape to fold over the top edge of the baggy to ensure a tight seal.

Children will love swirling the food coloring into the shaving cream with their fingers through the waves. There is no mess because the child will lay the craft flat on the ground or table and draw with the finger on the outside of the side of the baggy. The shaving cream and food coloring mixture creates waves and surf that swirl onto the beach.

This craft makes a terrific souvenir from a trip to the beach. If your family will be making a trip to the beach this summer, bring home some sand from your trip. Small shells that you found during your vacation will be the perfect accent to the project. Your child will be able to keep a piece of the beach with them for years to come.