Ocean In A Bottle

Explore the ocean with a variety of neat visual textures in our simple to make ocean sensory bottles or jars. Explore three different ways to make an ocean in a bottle. Of course, you can add a variety of your favorite ocean animals or sea creatures. Make one for shark week if you dare! Use a variety of materials including water beads, water and sand, and glitter glue to make a unique ocean sensory jar. Our ocean activities are fun for kids!

EASY TO MAKE OCEAN IN A BOTTLE

SENSORY BOTTLES

Add some fun to an ocean theme lesson with these easy to make ocean sensory bottles or jars! Create your own ocean in a bottle with a few simple materials. Fun sea creatures are mixed with unique combinations of play materials. You’re going to love the water beads! Make sure to let the kiddos play with the water beads too as they make a great sensory bin filler as well.

Also check out: Ocean Waves In A Bottle

OCEAN IN A BOTTLE CRAFT

Let’s get started building this fun ocean in a bottle craft activity! Choose one ocean theme or make them all! Make sure to grab these exciting ocean activities below to add the fun.

Click here for your FREE Printable Ocean Activities.

YOU WILL NEED:

Water
Play sand or real beach sand
Food coloring
Glitter
Clear glue or blue glitter glue
Water beads
Small plastic sea creatures
Small shells
Jars or bottles ( we use both these types of plastic containers as well as the Voss brand water bottles)

HOW TO MAKE A OCEAN IN A BOTTLE

Ocean In A Bottle #1: Water Beads!

Water Beads
Sea creatures

Easy peasy! Follow the instructions on the water beads package until they are nice and plump. Let the kiddos feel this awesome texture before getting them help you add them to a jar. Make sure to leave room to add a few sea creatures.

Ocean In A Bottle #2: Colored Sand and Water!

Make an underwater theme!

Play sand
Water
Food coloring
Sea Creatures
Shells

STEP 1: Add a layer of sand to the bottom of the jar. You can also use beach sand like in this beach discovery bottle.

STEP 2: Fill with very light blue water.

STEP 3: Add fun sea creatures and shells.

Ocean In A Bottle #3: Glitter and Glue

Mesmerizing! This is a more traditional calm down jar and you can give it an ocean theme with fun stickers!

Water (1/4 cup)
Clear glue (6 ounces)
Food coloring
Blue glitter (a couple of TBSP)
Fish stickers
Sea creatures (optional)

STEP 1: Add the glue to the jar.

STEP 2: Add the water and mix to combine.

STEP 3: Add the food coloring for the desired color.

STEP 4: Add glitter. You can even find ocean theme confetti to try. Add fish stickers (mermaid or other themes) around the outside of the container.

SENSORY BOTTLE TIP: If the glitter or confetti does not move around easily, add more warm water. If the glitter or confetti moves to quickly, add additional glue to slow it down.

Changing the viscosity or consistency of the mixture will change the movement of the glitter or confetti. There’s a bit of science for you too!

You could also try making a glitter jar with vegetable oil instead of glue and water, and compare! Do remember though that a water-soluble food coloring will not mix into the oil.