Looking for an easy and mess-free sensory activity that brings the ocean to life? This DIY ocean sensory bag is perfect for toddlers to explore textures, colors, and movement without the cleanup. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to introduce little ones to marine life!
Why Sensory Bags?
Sensory bags let toddlers squish, press, and explore different textures in a safe, no-mess way! 
They help develop fine motor skills, encourage curiosity, and provide a calming sensory experience. Think of it as a tiny ocean right in their hands! 
Materials You’ll Need For An Ocean Sensory Bag:
Vacuum pouch (extra durability = no leaks! 
)
Vegetable oil (creates a slow, wave-like movement )
Water 
Blue food coloring (for that deep-sea effect! 
)
Glitter (because the ocean sparkles! 
)
Red shell-shaped sequins 
Seahorse-shaped sequins 
Strong tape (for sealing up securely! 
)
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Fill your vacuum pouch with 1 part vegetable oil + 1 part water.
Add a few drops of blue food coloring and gently mix. 
Sprinkle in glitter for that magical shimmer effect.
Drop in the red shell & seahorse sequins to create an underwater scene. 
Use a vacuum sealer to press out any extra air and seal the pouch tightly. Aka I forgot to press down, while sealing and ended up with a mess. For extra protection use strong tape around the edges or use a second bigger pouch.
Hand it to your toddler and watch them squish, shake, and tilt the bag to see how the oil and water move like real ocean waves! 
Image Instructions:
Benefits of Ocean Sensory Bags
This fun-filled activity isn’t just entertaining—it’s educational too! 
- Fine Motor Skills – Pressing, squishing, and manipulating the bag strengthens little hands.
Calming Effect – Watching the glitter and sequins move helps toddlers self-soothe and relax.
- Visual Tracking – Helps develop eye coordination as they follow floating objects.
- Early Science Concepts – Introduces ideas like floating, sinking, and liquid movement.
Printable Coloring Page:
Where to Get Your Materials For Your Ocean Sensory Bag
Wondering where to grab these fun supplies? Here are some great options:
Glitter – Online eg. Amazon or in Craft Stores.
Food Color – Most supermarkets or online.
Vaccuum Sealer – You can get one with good rating here.
Enjoyed This Post? Here’s How You Can Help!
If you enjoyed this post, please take 60 seconds to tell a friend.
Whether it’s a quick mention in a mom’s group, sharing on social media, or chatting about it with friends, every share makes a big difference.
I spend many hours crafting posts like this.
Every little helps and I rely on people like yourself to help grow traffic! Pin now, read later!
Teach Your Toddler About the Ocean!
This sensory bag is the perfect hands-on way to introduce toddlers to marine life and ocean science! 
Here are some simple teaching moments:
Talk About Ocean Animals – “Look, that’s a seahorse! Seahorses use their tails to hold onto plants. Can you find it?”
Describe Water Movement – “The oil and water move differently, just like real ocean waves!”
Introduce Colors & Shapes – “The ocean is blue! Can you find a red shell?”
Make it extra fun by reading an ocean-themed book alongside the activity! 
Final Thoughts
This ocean sensory bag is an easy, low-cost, and super engaging way to entertain and educate toddlers! Whether they love squishing, swirling, or just watching the glitter drift, this activity is a total WIN!
Try it out & let us know how your little one enjoys it! Got other ocean-themed sensory play ideas? Share them in the comments!
For Algae Sensory Bags Make sure to check this post.
Latest Posts:
To make… 
11 Easy Educational Toddler Activities for 19-Month-Olds At Home
At 19 months, toddlers are super curious, always moving, and learning at lightning speed. And…
Montessori Summer Activities for Toddlers (That Won’t Make You Lose Your Mind)
Summer with a toddler is a mix of sweet moments -like my son’s strawberry addiction-…
Leave a Reply