Build a sandcastle with kids to learn, play, and have fun on the beach or in a sandbox.
Building sand castles with my brothers is one of my favorite childhood memories. There is something magical about building a sand castle that I can’t quite put my finger on. Like many other art forms, creating something from nothing is a magical experience no matter what medium you choose, especially when done outdoors. You might also enjoy this list of arts and crafts you can make with natural materials.
The best part about building a sand castle is that the reward doesn’t come from how extravagant the castle is. The experience of building it is always the same. It doesn’t matter what it looks like, how big, or how long it takes to make it. The only thing that matters is getting outside and connecting. Connecting with nature, family, and friends, and most importantly, connecting with God, The Universe, Spirit, or All That Is.
All you have to do is look at my daughter in the photo below to see something special taking place. This was her first sand castle, and I didn’t want to ruin it by telling her how to do it, that it needed to be bigger, or that she needed to do anything other than what she chose to create on her own.
The only thing I did was demonstrate how to use the few sand toys we had on hand. Not that you need any at all. My brothers and I created sand castles with our bare hands and used only the things we found on the beach to decorate them. And they always turned out just as magnificently.
After I silently built a few castles as she watched, she knocked them down just like any kid would. Once they were gone, she wanted more, so I told her it was her turn, and that’s when the magic began. You might also enjoy making nature mandalas on the beach with rocks, stones, shells, seaweed, and feathers.
Build a Sand Castle
Get outside to build a sandcastle this summer. You can create one at the beach, playground, or sandbox. If you go to a playground, bring water if there is no bathroom or water fountain to get water. Don’t forget a bucket for the water, other sand toys, and objects to decorate with if that interests you.
Allow your children to make one as simple or complex as they choose. Often, this depends on the age(s) of your child(ren) and how much experience they have with building sand castles. Making one for them doesn’t allow them to get creative. Please do your best to guide them towards their own creation.
Keep first experiences simple and open to free play. Sometimes, our little ones can get hurt or feel like they are not good enough if we are not careful about what we say or do. The goal is to show them how to do it and then let them build one in their own way. If they don’t make one, don’t force it. Just try again another day.
Older child(ren) may want to learn how to make a more complex castle. Below, I have provided a few links to a few tutorials sharing how to build a sandcastle if you want to make things more interesting.
Sandcastle Building Tutorials:
- Secrets of Super Sandcastles by Sarah W. Caron on SheKnows
- How to Build a Sandcastle by Teresa Coppens on Hubpages
Building sand castles is a beautiful activity for kids. It provides a valuable sensory experience and the opportunity to get creative. Build one today!
This post is a part of the Get Outside & Connect series. You might also enjoy these outdoor activities for kids.
Learn more about Rhythms of Play–> HERE.
We live near the beach and building sand castles is one of our go to activities. I love how the children instinctively start digging, scooping, patting down, collecting seashells, sticks and other wonderful beach and ocean treasures. And you know what? Mom and Dad love building sand castles just as much!
We love it too! My daughter is still so new at it that I have to allow her the space to find her own way or she will just spend the whole time watching me. I look forward to the day we can make wonderful sand castles together. 🙂