Ocean Activity in a Fun-Filled Play Dough Kit

Building the Perfect Ocean Activity Kit

We make a ton of play dough kits. It’s my go-to for birthday presents for kids aged 2-5 years old! We have made kits for dozens of themes, but whichever you choose (ocean activity, race cars, Disney-themed, you name it!) below are the basics for the general types of items I look for to fill up a box:

• Figurines – my go-to shop is Safari Ltd. Make sure to use code 7daysofplay to get 15% off! They have small sets that fit perfectly in the box, or you can select larger ones, like I did in this box and include just a few!
• Cookie Cutters
• Rolling Pin
• Loose Parts (like the shells and glass beads)
• Homemade Play Dough
• Individual Play Dough Containers
• Storage Container with Lid

• Rolling Pin
• Marine Creature Figurines
• Loose Parts (shells, glass stones, fake moss balls) – be sure to check your local Dollar Tree for better pricing!

• Storage Container with Lid
• Homemade Play Dough
• Individual Play Dough Containers
• Cookie Cutters
• Rolling Pin
• Marine Creature Figurines
• Loose Parts (shells, glass stones, fake moss balls) – be sure to check your local Dollar Tree for better pricing!

Step 3

Use the above as a guide for deciding what loose parts, figurines, and other items you want to include.

Step 4

Close it up and cover in gift wrap if giving as a present!

Step 1

Start by making homemade play dough. You can add glitter to it or used food coloring to make different colors based on your theme. In this ocean activity box, I included 3 colors, green (seaweed), blue (the water), and a sandy-color using a special sand play dough recipe (check it out! it has a great texture).

Step 2

Once the play dough is cooled down, add it to the storage containers.

Step 3

Use the above as a guide for deciding what loose parts, figurines, and other items you want to include.

Step 4

Close it up and cover in gift wrap if giving as a present!

The Educational Benefits of Ocean Activity Kit

One of the most significant benefits is that it is a great sensory activity that sparks imaginative play. Kids will be able to feel and use their senses to mold and shape the play dough while using their creativity to explore an entire world in their mind.  

Molding, pulling, shaping, twisting, and pushing play dough are also fantastic for fine motor skills and hand muscle strengthening!

The other great advantage of this activity is that you can expose your kiddo to a miniature world – in this case, under the sea with lots of marine creatures! Talk about what figurines you’ve included and provide them with facts about the ocean habitat! 

Best part for parents? This is a great way to always have something fun ready and waiting for the kids that takes minimal time and effort to set up.