Rockpool Searching
Dig and scoop and discover
The Set Up
Create coral pasta with spirals and shells and tubes all painted in sea-bright colours. The trick? Ziplock bags, a good squeeze of poster paint (with that essential glug of white), and plenty of squishing until everything is coated. Spread the pasta out in the sun to dry properly. I learned the hard way that if you rush, little blobs of wet paint hide inside the shells!
Once it’s dry, tip it into a deep tub. A base of plain white rice makes the colours pop, and mirrors at the bottom turn it into a tidal pool that shimmers. Add in whatever feels ocean-y; shells, sea creatures, mermaid tails (I borrowed Olive’s Barbie tail dress-ups for this and they were perfect). Bowls, cups, and scoops nearby invite endless pouring and filling.
Why It Matters
Sensory play gives children of all ages a space to regulate and reset.
For younger ones, it builds social and emotional skills as they share, swap, and create little stories together. For older kids, it offers a quieter rhythm and a way to explore textures, focus, and play without rules.
Plus the ocean connection makes it even richer: a reminder that nature is full of hidden worlds waiting to be uncovered.
Variations
Freeze coloured water in seashell moulds and drop them into the tub for a melting surprise.
Swap coral pasta to blue-dyed rice to shift the whole mood.
Hide tiny treasures (shiny beads, painted stones, little creatures) to “discover” while playing.
Add scoops and tubes for “pouring currents” that run like waves.
Materials
Pasta in mixed shapes (spirals, shells, tubes = perfect for “coral”)
Poster paint + a glug of white for vibrancy
Ziplock bags for mixing and coating
White rice or other sensory base
Mirrors for the bottom of the tub
Ocean-themed loose parts: shells, creatures, mermaid tails, beads, stones
Bowls, cups, spoons, scoops, funnels
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Rockpool Searching
Dig and scoop and discover
Bookmark
Sensory Play
The Set Up
Create coral pasta with spirals and shells and tubes all painted in sea-bright colours. The trick? Ziplock bags, a good squeeze of poster paint (with that essential glug of white), and plenty of squishing until everything is coated. Spread the pasta out in the sun to dry properly. I learned the hard way that if you rush, little blobs of wet paint hide inside the shells!
Once it’s dry, tip it into a deep tub. A base of plain white rice makes the colours pop, and mirrors at the bottom turn it into a tidal pool that shimmers. Add in whatever feels ocean-y; shells, sea creatures, mermaid tails (I borrowed Olive’s Barbie tail dress-ups for this and they were perfect). Bowls, cups, and scoops nearby invite endless pouring and filling.
Why It Matters
Sensory play gives children of all ages a space to regulate and reset.
For younger ones, it builds social and emotional skills as they share, swap, and create little stories together. For older kids, it offers a quieter rhythm and a way to explore textures, focus, and play without rules.
Plus the ocean connection makes it even richer: a reminder that nature is full of hidden worlds waiting to be uncovered.
Variations
Freeze coloured water in seashell moulds and drop them into the tub for a melting surprise.
Swap coral pasta to blue-dyed rice to shift the whole mood.
Hide tiny treasures (shiny beads, painted stones, little creatures) to “discover” while playing.
Add scoops and tubes for “pouring currents” that run like waves.
Materials
Pasta in mixed shapes (spirals, shells, tubes = perfect for “coral”)
Poster paint + a glug of white for vibrancy
Ziplock bags for mixing and coating
White rice or other sensory base
Mirrors for the bottom of the tub
Ocean-themed loose parts: shells, creatures, mermaid tails, beads, stones
Bowls, cups, spoons, scoops, funnels
Back to Top
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Thoughts?
Would love to hear if youv'e tried this or have any ideas on how to make it even better!
